Is it normal to have vaginal bleeding for more than two months after c-section?

Q: I am a 25 years old married woman having a baby girl delivered through c-section about two and a half months back. During operation I had excessive bleeding and the doctor called this as PPH. But from that day, almost everyday I have been having spotting, sometimes excessive bleeding and sometimes it is normal. Is it normal or do I need to take some medicine?

A:Vaginal bleeding following childbirth (either by caesarean section or normal delivery) usually settles down with each passing day and should eventually stop. This may take up to 4 weeks. All the changes, which take place in your body during pregnancy, return to non-pregnant levels 6 weeks following childbirth. One of the causes for persisting bleeding is retained placental tissue in the uterus. This however, is rare after a caesarean section. The other common cause is infection of the lining of the uterus (womb). This usually settles down with a course of antibiotic. If it still persists, I would suggest you get yourself examined by your gynaecologist to look for cervical or vaginal causes for bleeding. If examination is normal, an ultrasound scan (preferably transvaginal) may be helpful in identifying uterine causes such as polyps or fibroids. In the event that even the scan is normal, it is more likely to be hormone related in which case cyclical hormonal treatment may help you get rid of your symptoms.