Does low-lying placenta = longer bleeding?

[AmyKT]

I had a low lying placenta at 20 weeks, and though it moved up, I suspect it was lower than average at birth. I had an uncomplicated natural vaginal birth, but at 6.5 weeks I still get red flow if I do anything even moderately active. Could it be from a low placental attachment scar?

This didn't happen with DD1. Though I bled a long time, the red blood didn't keep coming back like this.

[Beccadoula]

I would post that with the birth professionals. See what some of the midwives have to say.

[HeatherB]

The upper segment of the uterus is thicker and clamps down faster than the lower segment. So, yes, I could see the lower attachment leading to longer bleeding. It certainly puts you at some risk at the time of birth for more excessive bleeding because it just simply doesn't clamp down as fast or as effectively. A MW I heard speak at a conference advised massaging the lower segment by grasping with an open hand (that is, thumb on one side and fingers on the other) just above the pubic bone. Rub firmly but not so much as to hurt there and, according to her, it will stimulate contraction of the area without being nearly so painful as upper segment massage (which is fairly commonly recommended). Perhaps that would work for you even now?

[happyblessedmama]

I'm not a birth professional but my one birth with a low lying placenta didn't have any more bleeding than my other births. I would guess that maybe it has to do that you are chasing after 2 little ones vs. just one new baby to hold?