Are you familiar with the term ‘Lochia’? All the mothers would have heard it during their post-pregnancy. What is Lochia? It’s a discharge of blood and mucus from the vagina, uterus, and cervix after childbirth. Its natural bleeding that happens to every new mum.
The types of Lochia mean different stages of Lochia that a mother undergoes after delivery. The postpartum bleeding begins right after the delivery and continues up to 4 to 6 weeks.
What is the meaning of lochia after delivery?
Lochia is usually a combination of tissue, blood, and amniotic fluid. Vagina passes this fluid after delivery. Lochia resembles the menstrual blood but is heavier and lasts a bit longer than usual periods. It contains more elements than period blood. The postpartum bleeding may look brown, pink, yellow, or watery.
The small clots of blood are usual in Lochia. But, if it’s large or you pass several times, then it’s better to consult the best gynecology hospital. Don’t hesitate to meet your gynecologist.
Explaining the types of Lochia
The three different types of lochia,
- Lochia Rubra
- Lochia Alba
- Lochia Serosa
These are the three stages following childbirth. The lochia duration after delivery may vary according to each woman. It may be longer or shorter than others.
Even if you had a c-section, you go through the lochia types. Although, you might have less bleeding than with a vaginal delivery
Lochia Rubra
This type of lochia occurs on the second day to the fifth-day post-delivery. In this stage, you feel heavy bleeding. The discharge goes in red blood color and you might see some clots. Lochia Rubra is heavy and you might feel a big rush while standing up after minutes of sitting or lying.
Lochia Serosa
It’s the next stage or second type of Lochia. This type of lochia usually begins on the fourth day after delivery and lasts up to two weeks. During this postpartum bleeding stage, the discharge is a mix of blood and it turns into a light watery pink color. The discharge looks lighter than in the previous stage. However, blood will be released until the complete healing of the placenta wound.
Lochia Alba
Lochia Alba or the final stage lasts for six weeks starting from week two. In this stage, the color changes from light pink to yellowish or white color with occasional blood spots. The discharge mainly has WBC leaving the body after healing the uterus following birth.
The types of lochia and duration in a summary
| Lochia types
|
Description | Duration |
| Lochia Rubra
|
Contains mucus, blood, endometrial tissues, and deciduas fragments | 1 – 4 days |
| Lochia Serosa
|
Contains mucous, lucocytes and RBCs | 5 – 9 days |
| Lochia Alba
|
Contains WBCs, epithelial cells, and mucus. | 10 – 28 days |
Is Lochia dangerous? When should you consult a gynecologist?
It’s important to keep up good hygiene post-delivery. So, it’s essential to change your pad frequently and allow your body to recover.
If you find any following discomforts, you should consult the best gynecology hospital,
-
Large blood clots
24 hours post-delivery, if you pass large blood clots. Even after one week, if you pass blood clots, then immediately contact your gynecologist.
-
Increase in blood flow
Lochia is usually heavy in the initial stage and decreases after a few days. If the flow increases or continues to remain heavy throughout the week, contact your doctor immediately. As per the studies, mothers experiencing heavy blood flow should keep a sanitary towel to investigate the problem.
-
Strange smell
If the blood flow has a strange or bad smell, there’s a possibility of infection in the womb. There might be an infection from the tears sustained while giving birth. If you feel the same smell even after changing the pad, it’s a warning to meet your doctor.
-
Pelvic pain
Constipation or urinary infection may cause pelvic pain post-delivery. Make changes in your diet and drink plenty of water. It’s common after giving birth. If it’s severe, consult your gynecologist.
How to treat Lochia infection?
The lochia infection often occurs in 1 to 10 days. The infection is caused due to bacterial infections in the female reproductive system. Mums may suffer fever and chills, abdominal pain, and bad-smelling lochia. Usually, antibiotics make you feel better in a few days.
Conclusion
These are the types of lochia and how it affects your body. Generally, lochia is harmless and resolves in two to six weeks. Are you exhibiting signs of lochia infection after childbirth? Then call your gynecologist immediately.
