In the first few days after birth, it’s normal to have some period-like bleeding. This happens as your uterus contracts back to the size it was before pregnancy. Bleeding immediately after birth can be fairly heavy. It can also be bright red for the first couple of days, but gradually becomes a brownish colour before it stops after about 2 months. Bleeding might be heavier in the morning when you get up, after breastfeeding or after exercise. Uncontrolled heavy bleeding after birth, called a postpartum haemorrhage, can be a serious concern. If you've given birth more than 24 hours ago, contact your doctor or midwife immediately if you notice: blood that soaks more than one pad every 1 to 2 hours a sudden increase in blood or large clots blood which suddenly turns bright red in colour sweating, dizziness, weakness or trouble breathing anything else that seems unusual about your post-birth bleeding