Light to Heavy Vaginal Bleeding

Topic Overview

When reviewing the following guidelines, take into account how heavy your normal menstrual flow is. Abnormal vaginal bleeding varies depending on what is normal for a particular woman.

• Severe vaginal bleeding means that you are soaking 1 or 2 pads or tampons in 1 or 2 hours, unless that is normal for you. For most women, passing clots of blood from the vagina and soaking through their usual pads or tampons every hour for 2 or more hours is not normal and is considered severe. If you are pregnant: You may have a gush of blood or pass a clot, but if the bleeding stops, it is not considered severe.
• Moderate bleeding means that you are soaking more than 1 pad or tampon in 3 hours.
• Mild bleeding means that you are soaking less than 1 pad or tampon in more than 3 hours.
• Minimal vaginal bleeding means "spotting" or a few drops of blood.