All women lose some blood as the placenta separates from the
uterus and immediately afterward. And women who have c-sections
generally lose more than those who give birth vaginally. But
because the amount of blood in your body increases by almost 50
percent during your pregnancy, your body is well prepared to
deal with this expected blood loss. Normal bleeding just after
childbirth is primarily from open blood vessels in the uterus,
where the placenta was attached. (If you had an episiotomy or
tear during birth, you may also bleed from that site until it's
stitched up.) As the placenta begins to separate, these vessels
bleed into the uterus. After the placenta is delivered, the
uterus usually continues to contract, closing off these blood
vessels. Your healthcare practitioner may massage your uterus
and give you a synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin (Pitocin)
to help the uterus contract. Breastfeeding, which prompts your
body to release oxytocin naturally, can also aid in the process.
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