It’s common for the body to undergo numerous changes during the healing process following childbirth. The existence of clots in the uterus is one issue that may come up. Although these blood-and-tissue clots can be unsettling, they frequently occur naturally as the body heals. They might, nevertheless, occasionally require medical attention.
It’s critical to comprehend the potential implications of clots or discomfort for your recuperation. While there are things you can do at home to aid in your body’s healing, there are other indicators that you shouldn’t disregard. The secret to maintaining your health and wellbeing during this postpartum phase is knowing when to consult a doctor.
This article will walk you through the possible causes of uterine clots after childbirth, what to do about them, and when to see a doctor. Maintaining your knowledge will make you feel more assured as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
| Situation | What to do |
| Clots in the uterus after childbirth | Consult a doctor immediately for an evaluation to rule out complications. |
| Heavy bleeding with clots | Go to the emergency room if bleeding is severe or if you feel dizzy or weak. |
| Small clots with mild symptoms | Rest and monitor the situation, but notify your healthcare provider. |
| Severe pain with clots | Seek medical attention to determine if further treatment is necessary. |
| Home care | Drink plenty of water, avoid heavy lifting, and follow your doctor"s advice. |
Regeneration and involution of the uterus
During pregnancy, the uterus that held the growing baby experienced a growth increase of over 500 times, resulting in the ligaments becoming thinner and more stretched. The reproductive organ gradually reverses development (involution) as soon as the baby is born. The uterus is still big enough to fit in the tiny pelvis on the first day even though it does not emerge from the abdominal cavity.
The uterus will only resemble its pre-pregnancy size after one and a half to two months; it will weigh between 60 and 70 grams and have a maximum volume of 5 milliliters.
After childbirth, the myometrium gets rid of excess muscle fibers. And this happens in a very interesting way – the fibers that have now become unnecessary simply have their access to the blood supply blocked – the vessels close, as a result the excess fiber, having fulfilled its natural purpose, dies and is excreted in the form of the most common blood clots. The placental wound (the place where the placenta was attached) also bleeds, and already on the second day after birth, natural coagulation processes will lead to the formation of a certain number of blood clots, which will also come out through the genital tract. Sometimes, under the influence of a variety of situations, clots do not come out or do not come out completely, and then those remaining inside the reproductive organ cause severe processes in the woman"s body.
The characteristic symptoms of clots can lead to suspicion, which an ultrasound can either confirm or disprove.
It’s critical to take immediate action if clots form in the uterus after childbirth in order to promote appropriate healing and avoid complications. Large or persistent clots may indicate a problem, but they can also be normal as the body gets rid of leftover tissue. It is best to speak with a healthcare professional who can evaluate the condition, suggest treatments such as medication or minor surgery, and offer advice on how to manage recovery. Timely medical attention can help avoid infections and other major health issues.
Symptoms and causes
The release of clots is completely normal in the first two to three days following childbirth. The uterus eliminates lochia, a postpartum fluid discharge that includes blood from the placental wound’s damaged vessels, dying uterine fibers, and cervical mucus.
Then, a small number of clots without any other concerning symptoms may also be normal in the first one to two weeks following childbirth, but only in cases where the woman has heavy menstruation and a high number of clots.
Intense abdominal pain, decreased lochia drainage from a clot lodged in the cervix (discharge is too scanty, then suddenly heavy, and then absent again), and elevated body temperature are signs that foreign objects—especially blood clots—remain in the uterus. The lower abdomen is painful and tense to the touch. There might be an unpleasant smell to the discharge itself.
- carried a large fetus (muscles are overstretched);
- suffered from polyhydramnios;
- suffer from an infectious lesion of the uterine membranes (infection could occur both during childbirth and after them as an independent complication).
If the obstetrician who performed the "revision" incorrectly or carelessly did not feel the uterine cavity after the placenta was born, did not gather all the fragments of the placenta into a single whole on the obstetric table, or did not ensure that the "baby’s place" had completely left the uterus, then the clots that are still present in the uterus could be placental particles. Fetal membrane fragments might also stay inside the uterus.
Clots, which, as we have discovered, emerge for entirely natural causes, can accumulate in the reproductive organ cavity if the body’s ability to contract is compromised. Examples of such conditions include an oxytocin deficiency, multiple births, or a woman who is unable to nurse her child. Oxytocin is produced in response to stimulation of the nipples during breastfeeding, which increases the expulsion of uterine contents externally.
Thirty years ago, when ultrasound was not widely used for diagnostic purposes and obstetricians could only speculate as to whether or not there was something in the organ cavity, uterine clots following childbirth were not as common as they are now.
What to do?
If you do experience this, you should be aware that your only option is to remove blood clots from the reproductive organ’s cavity as soon as possible. These clots contribute to the subinvolution, inflammation, and worsening of the condition. Sepsis or severe uterine bleeding may occur, both of which have the potential to be fatal if treatment is not given.
Clots can be removed in two ways. Typically, they begin with the first option, which is medication, and only turn to "cleaning" methods like curettage or vacuum aspiration when the drugs are unable to produce the desired outcome, such as removing the clots.
In cases where the cervix is unobstructed and the cause is weak contractility, hormonal drugs that promote contraction, such as oxytocin, are administered. It increases contractility. It is possible to prescribe antibiotics concurrently. Lavage of the uterus using antiseptic solutions is done occasionally. In addition, hormones, antibacterial medications, and anti-inflammatory medications are part of the treatment plan.
If cleaning is necessary, there’s no need to be concerned about it either because it won’t hurt and will only happen after the woman receives an intravenous anesthetic that sends her into a deep sleep. Cleaning only takes five to seven minutes. The woman is then taken straight to the ward, where she will awaken in another fifteen to thirty minutes.
When a woman receives assistance, rather than being released from the maternity hospital on the third or fourth day, blood clots found in her uterus are removed. Usually, women are released from the gynecological department after 1.5 to 2 weeks, at which point they can return home if symptoms recur.
After giving birth, uterine clots can be concerning, but you should maintain your composure and consult a healthcare professional for advice. This can frequently be considered a normal aspect of the body’s healing process as the uterus expels any leftover blood and tissue. However, in order to rule out complications like infection or bleeding, large clots or ongoing problems might need to be seen by a physician.
It’s wise to keep a careful eye on your symptoms at all times. Don’t wait to call your doctor if you have severe pain, fever, or heavy bleeding. Prompt action can guarantee that any problems are handled securely and promptly.
It’s crucial to look after your body after giving birth. Drink lots of water, get as much rest as you can, and adhere to any postpartum care recommendations your doctor may make. Most women who receive the right care and attention recover from postpartum changes without any problems.
