Bruising on Legs

[Sooz]

Is it common to get unexplained bruising on your legs post-natally? LO is 6 weeks old but I have a lot of bruises on my ankles, knee's and calves and I am sure I've not been banging in to things. They are all various sizes and colours....do you think it's likely to be anemia related (I'm already on iron)?

 

[AmeliePoulain]

I have been told this is a common 'side affect' of breastfeeding and can be due to anemia but also having low levels of certain vitamins - if you are not already it might be worth taking a good multivit. I bruise easily anyway but since bfing my thighs are always covered in them - I am a bit of a hypercondriac when it comes to bruising because of a history of leukemia in my family so I freak out if I can't explain what caused the bruise

The other reason people link bruising easily with bf'ing is that you have really low levels of the hormones that look after your skin, hair and blood vessels, so it can make you bruise more easily.

If you are already on iron though it might be worth asking for a quick blood test just to rule out anything more serious. TBH it seems pretty common amongst girls I know that bf.

 

[cowboys angel]

I don't breastfeed and my legs are always bruised. I blame it on the carseat

 

[Sooz]

Thanks AP. I'm going to have to go to the GP to sort out contraception so I'll mention it to him then. I remember being tested for leukemia in the past when it was actually anemia.