Patient's question:
How long does postpartum lochia last until it's completely clean? I've been postpartum for almost two months, but it hasn't stopped yet. Moreover, it varies in amount, and the blood is dark red?Doctor's answer:
Hello: Postpartum lochia managementAfter childbirth, the shedding of the endometrium becomes vaginal discharge known as lochia. Observing lochia can be divided into three stages:
Red lochia, in the first week postpartum, bright red, blood-colored, without a smell or slightly fishy;
Serous lochia, 1–2 weeks postpartum, pinkish-brown serous fluid, without a smell;
White lochia, after 2 weeks postpartum, creamy-yellow, possibly slightly brownish, without a smell or a stale body odor.
Note: Change the perineal pad frequently to prevent infection and maintain perineal hygiene.
Seek medical attention if the following occur:
- On the fourth day postpartum, there is still a large amount of fresh blood;
- A foul odor may indicate bacterial infection;
- Lower abdominal pain or fever, blood clots or tissue fragments in lochia, or fresh red bleeding after the onset of white lochia.
How should postpartum women self-observe lochia?
Postpartum discharge from the vagina containing blood, necrotic decidua tissue, and mucus is called lochia. It can be divided into three types:
(1) Bloody lochia, also known as red lochia, with a large volume, bright red, containing many small blood clots and necrotic decidua tissue, and showing an alkaline reaction.
(2) Serous lochia, lighter in color, with less blood but more cervical and vaginal discharge, and potentially containing bacteria.
(3) White lochia, paler in color, containing a large number of white blood cells, decidua cells, epidermal cells, and bacteria, and showing an alkaline reaction.
Normal lochia has a fishy smell but is not foul. Bloody lochia typically lasts for 3–7 days, gradually transforming into serous lochia, and then turning into white lochia after about two weeks.