Usually about 4–6 weeks, tapering from heavy and bright red to light and brownish. The first few days can be intense—think horror movie—but it does get lighter.
It’s called lochia, and it’s your body’s way of clearing out all the stuff your uterus was holding. Glamorous, right?
If you’re soaking through a pad in under an hour or passing big clots, call your doctor. Otherwise? Giant pads and mesh undies are your new normal for a bit.