If you’re pregnant over 35, conversations about childbirth can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially when topics like heavy bleeding come up. At MomAt4ty, our goal isn’t to scare you, but to help you feel informed, prepared, and supported.
Over bleeding after childbirth, also known as postpartum haemorrhage, can happen to any woman. However, for older mothers, understanding the risks and knowing how to prepare can make a real difference to both safety and peace of mind.
What Is Over Bleeding After Childbirth?
Over bleeding, medically called postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), means losing more blood than normal after giving birth. It can happen shortly after delivery or within the first day, and in some cases even later.
When recognised early and managed well, most women recover fully. This is why awareness and good care matter so much.
Why Older Mothers May Need Extra Care
As we get older, our bodies change, and pregnancy can place different demands on us than it might have earlier in life. Some reasons older mothers may have a higher risk of heavy bleeding include:
- The uterus may not contract as strongly after delivery
- Fibroids, which are more common with age, can affect how the uterus behaves
- Labour may be longer or require assistance
- There is a higher chance of a caesarean birth
- Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or placenta-related issues
Having these risk factors does not mean you will experience complications—it simply means your care should be thoughtful and well planned.
Signs to Take Seriously After Birth
After delivery, seek medical help straight away if you notice:
- Very heavy bleeding or soaking pads quickly
- Passing large blood clots
- Feeling dizzy, faint, or unusually weak
- A fast heartbeat or confusion
Listening to your body and speaking up can be lifesaving.
How to Reduce the Risk Before Delivery
1. Attend Your Antenatal Appointments
Regular check-ups help your healthcare provider spot potential issues early—such as low iron levels, blood pressure concerns, or placenta placement.
2. Look After Your Iron Levels
Anaemia can make blood loss more dangerous. Simple blood tests, the right supplements, and iron-rich foods can help strengthen your body ahead of delivery.
3. Talk Openly About Your Birth Plan
Share your full history with your care provider, including:
- Previous births or surgeries
- Fibroids or other known conditions
- Any worries you have about delivery
Choosing a well-equipped facility and skilled birth attendants is especially important for older mothers.
4. Nourish and Hydrate Your Body
Good nutrition and hydration support healing and blood health. This is particularly important during dry seasons like harmattan, when dehydration can happen easily.
What Helps During Delivery
During childbirth, certain practices can reduce the risk of heavy bleeding, including:
- Having skilled professionals present
- Close monitoring immediately after birth
- Medications that help the uterus contract properly
These are standard safety measures, and it’s okay to ask your provider about them ahead of time.
During Childbirth: Standby Blood
One important but often overlooked part of birth preparation in Nigeria is having blood readily available during delivery. Many maternal deaths happen not because complications couldn’t be managed, but because blood was not available quickly enough when heavy bleeding occurred. For older mothers, planning ahead, knowing your blood group, ensuring compatible blood is on standby, and delivering in a facility that can respond immediately can be lifesaving. This isn’t about expecting the worst, but about protecting your life with foresight and care, so that if help is needed, it’s there without delay.
After Birth: Gentle Recovery Matters
Older mothers may benefit from closer observation after delivery. Rest, nourishing meals, hydration, and follow-up care all play a role in recovery. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and ask for help.
A Final Word
Motherhood after 35 comes with wisdom, strength, and intention, but it also deserves the right information and care. Understanding over bleeding and how to reduce the risks is one way to protect yourself and your baby.
At MomAt4ty, we’re here to support you through every stage: planning, pregnancy, birth, and beyond with clear, compassionate guidance made for older mothers.
👉 Visit our website often for more resources to help you feel confident and supported on your motherhood journey.
