Postpartum Pads: Sizes, How Often to Change, and Warning Signs

November 01, 2026

After giving birth, whether vaginally or by caesarean section, the body releases postpartum bleeding (lochia) for about 4 to 6 weeks. In the first days the flow is much heavier than a normal period, so you will need longer, more absorbent pads. This article helps you prepare.

How postpartum bleeding changes

Postpartum bleeding is usually bright red and heavy in the first week. It then gradually turns pink or brownish, and finally yellowish or whitish. For a full explanation, see Understanding Lochia: Bleeding After Birth.

Which pads to prepare

Period	Flow	Pad
First week	Very heavy	Maxi Protection Ultimate 42 cm, day and night
Weeks 2 to 3	Moderate to heavy	Ultra Slim Heavy 29 cm during the day, Overnight 35 cm at night
Week 4 onwards	Light	Ultra Slim Regular 24 cm, then Daily Liners 18 cm

Stock up before your due date, as you may need many pads a day in the first week.

How often should you change your pad?

Change your pad every 4 hours even if it does not feel full, or sooner if it feels full or damp. At night, put on a fresh pad right before bed and change it as soon as you wake up. In the first week, very heavy flow may mean you need to change more often, including during the night.

Hygiene during postpartum recovery

Wash your hands before and after changing your pad.
Rinse the intimate area with clean water from front to back each time you use the toilet and change your pad.
If you have stitches in the perineum, pat the area dry gently with a clean towel or tissue.
Do not use tampons or a menstrual cup during postpartum recovery until your doctor says it is safe, usually after your postpartum check-up.

Warning signs to get checked right away

Contact your doctor or midwife, or go to a health facility, right away if:

You soak through one pad in an hour or less, for two hours in a row.
You pass large blood clots.
The bleeding becomes heavy and bright red again after it had slowed down.
The bleeding smells foul.
You have a fever, chills, or severe abdominal pain.
You feel very weak, dizzy, or have a racing heart.

About Maxi Protection Pads

UMA Maxi Protection Pads are designed for very heavy flow and postpartum use, and are 42 cm long. Like all UMA pads, the top layer is made from 100% organic cotton certified to the Organic Content Standard (OCS) and is made without fragrance.