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Lochia Postnatal Discharge

The document describes normal and abnormal lochia, the discharge from the uterus after childbirth. Normal lochia changes color and amount over time, with heavier bleeding initially and gradually becoming lighter. Abnormal lochia includes heavy bleeding that soaks a pad within an hour, continued blood clots or pain, an offensive odor, or bleeding that continues after a few days.

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261 views1 page

Lochia Postnatal Discharge

The document describes normal and abnormal lochia, the discharge from the uterus after childbirth. Normal lochia changes color and amount over time, with heavier bleeding initially and gradually becoming lighter. Abnormal lochia includes heavy bleeding that soaks a pad within an hour, continued blood clots or pain, an offensive odor, or bleeding that continues after a few days.

Uploaded by

Della
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Lochia (Postnatal Discharge)


Lochia  is  the  term  used  to  describe  the  discharges  from  the  uterus  in  the  postnatal  
period.  In  this  handout  you’ll  find  an  explanation  of  what  would  be  considered  normal  
and  abnormal  lochia.  

Normal Lochia
• The  first  1-­‐3  days  after  birth  the  lochia  are  red  in  color,  the  amount  can  be  more  
than  a  normal  period.  The  lochia  will  gradually  become  less  and  the  color  changes  
to  pink  and  brownish  (day  4-­‐10)  and  then  becomes  paler  and  creamy-­‐brown  in  
color.  This  pale,  creamy  color  lochia  (which  might  have  some  evidence  of  blood)  
may  continue  for  2-­‐6  weeks.    
• The  lochia  of  a  multip  (a  mom  who  has  had  a  baby  before)  tend  to  be  heavier  
than  that  of  a  primip  (first  time  mother)  
• Lochia  after  a  cesarean  section  are  often  less  than  after  a  normal  delivery    
• An  increase  in  the  amount  of  lochia  lost  may  be  seen  when  the  mother  becomes  
more  active  
• Blood  clots:  there  might  be  small  blood  clots  in  the  lochia  during  the  first  24  
hours;  this  is  no  reason  for  concern,  unless  it  continues  or  is  accompanied  by  pain.  
Blood  clots  as  large  as  a  fist  are  quite  common;  these  should  be  reported  and  if  
possible  shown  to  the  doctor  or  midwife  (they  might  check  to  see  if  it  contains  
any  parts  of  the  placenta  or  membranes)  
• Odor:  The  odor  of  the  lochia  is  like  a  normal  period,  it  can  be  heavy,  but  it  
shouldn’t  be  offensive  

Abnormal Lochia
• Heavy  lochia:  your  maternity  pad  is  soaked  within  half  an  hour  to  an  hour  
• You  continue  to  have  blood  clots  in  the  lochia  or  it  is  accompanied  by  pain  
• The  lochia  has  an  offensive  odor  
• Red  lochia  continues  after  3-­‐4  days  and/or  there  is  a  recurrence  of  fresh  bleeding  
(some  increase  of  lochia  after  becoming  more  mobile  is  normal;  heavy  fresh  
bleeding  is  not)    

 
In  order  to  prevent  infection,  it  is  important  to  maintain  good  hygiene:  change  your  pad  
every  2-­‐3  hours  and  wash  the  vulval  area  daily!  
 

Please  be  aware  that  the  information  provided  is  intended  solely  for  general  educational  and  informational  purposes  only.  It  is  
neither  intended  nor  implied  to  be  a  substitute  for  professional  medical  advice.  Always  seek  the  advice  of  your  physician  for  
any  questions  you  may  have  regarding  your  medical  condition.  Never  disregard  professional  medical  advice  or  delay  in  seeking  
it  because  of  something  you  have  received  in  this  program.  
Handout provided for you by www.yunfuxuexiao.net. © Petra de Ruiter – ter Welle

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