Postpartum is sometimes referred to as the fourth trimester.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Lochia Bleeding Stages
There are threelochia bleeding stages.
Each stage has its unique characteristics regarding the color, consistency, and volume of discharge.
Verywell / Theresa Chiechi
Typically, a person will progress through the stages until there is no discharge.
Lochia can look like a typical menstrual period with only blood or also be bloody and containsmall clots.
The small blood clots may be pieces of the placenta, uterus lining, or mucus.
The amount of lochia during these first few days can vary.
Some people may experience heavy discharge with many clots.
Does Lochia Smell?
Any of these smells are considered normal.
Weeks Later
After about a week, lochia discharge will turn pink.
At about 10 days, lochia becomes white and then clear.
As the color diminishes, the consistency will become thinner and almost watery.
The amount ofdischargewill also lessen over time.
These changes are all reflective of theuterus’shealing and returning to its prepregnancy state.
Months Later
Lochia generally continues for six weeks.
Some people may experience a slightly longer or shorter duration.
Typically, lochia is only red for the first few days after delivery.
This bloody discharge can contain clots as well as a bloody flow.
The timing of the first period postpartum will vary by individual.
The first period may be different from prepregnancy periods.
If you choose tobreastfeedor chestfeed, you may also experience cramping while feeding.
This is known as afterpains.
This helps to expel the lochia and return the uterus to its prepregnancy size.
Lochia Complications
One of the largest complications after delivery is postpartum hemorrhage.
It occurs in 3% to 5% of deliveries.
Postpartum hemorrhage is excessive vaginal bleeding after delivery.
Postpartum hemorrhage is treated after identifying the cause.
It can be hard to tell if it’s lochia or postpartum hemorrhage.
Why Do Some People Have Lochia Longer?
Each person will experience the postpartum period differently.
Some people will have lochia discharge for six weeks or even two months.
Others will have a shorter duration.
Your uterus may not contract as strongly as other people’s.
When the uterus does not contract as tightly, more bleeding can occur.
Summary
Lochia is the normal vaginal discharge after childbirth.
It occurs in people who have had either a vaginal birth or C-section.
Lochia starts as bright red blood with blood clots.
Contact a healthcare provider if you have questions about the amount, consistency, or duration of lochia.
National Health Service.Your body after the birth.
University of Michigan Health.Postpartum bleeding.
Mount Sinai.Vaginal delivery - discharge.
University Hospital of Southampton.Blood loss - what to expect after the birth of your baby.
UT Southwestern Medical Center.Will my period change after pregnancy?
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Dalton E, Castillo E.Postpartum infections: a review for the non-OBGYN.Obstet Med.
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