Vaginal bleeding after delivery is normal. In fact, it is part of the normal recovery process at the beginning of motherhood. This blood flow (or Lochia) is a sign that your body, especially your uterus, is returning to its pre-pregnancy state.
Are you wondering why you’re still having blood flow even after delivery? Do you want to know the cause, duration, and treatment options?
Read on to find out.
Lochia is a normal discharge of blood and mucus from the uterus after childbirth. It is also known as postpartum bleeding. The discharge begins right after childbirth and can continue for about 4 to 6 weeks after delivery.
In most cases, the heaviest flow is usually observed in the first two weeks after birth. Although the duration varies from woman to woman, it often ranges from two to six days.
Lochia looks a lot like menstrual blood, however, it lasts longer and is heavier than normal period bleeding. Furthermore, lochia comes in various colors; it may look pink, brown, or yellow.
During pregnancy, your uterus houses your baby, the placenta, excess uterine tissue, and of course, blood.
After childbirth, your uterus sheds out all these excess materials and fluids through postpartum contractions. These postpartum contractions are normal, they help to return your already enlarged uterus to its normal size.
However, if these contractions don’t occur properly, something called uterine atony can occur. This causes heavy bleeding even after childbirth
The chances of experiencing heavy lochia are increased if you have any of the following:
Most times, lochia contains:
As the uterus clears out the excess blood and tissue, the appearance of lochia changes over time.
It may follow this pattern:
In the early days, lochia rubra may appear dark red and very heavy. Then, after about four to ten days, the lochia will lighten up and look brownish or pinkish in appearance.
At this point, lochia may look thin, brownish, or pink in color. It usually appears after ten to fourteen days and is quite similar to spotting. Most times, it contains blood cells, cervical mucus, and some microorganisms.
For the remaining days or weeks, the lochia will look like watery mucus and appear white or yellow in color.
In this stage, Lochia Alba is no longer tainted with blood. Furthermore, the flow of lochia may become very irregular.
Lochia is normal and should happen, just like your monthly menstrual flow.
It is a normal part of your body’s postpartum healing process.
When your uterus has returned to its normal size, you won’t be passing lochia again. But you should watch the flow of blood to be sure it is within normal range.
Although you can’t make lochia go away any sooner, you can try the following tips to stay comfy during this phase:
It is normal to pass fluid after delivery. However, excessive bleeding (or postpartum hemorrhage) is not. This should be reported immediately to the doctor.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience:
These signs may be indications of an infection or hemorrhage, which is potentially dangerous. You should seek medical attention immediately.
Call your doctor if lochia remains heavy for more than two weeks after delivery, or you are still having it for more than eight weeks postpartum. You should also see your doctor if you have signs of excessive bleeding especially if your pad soaks every hour or two.
You are not alone.
Cho, Seung-Hee, and Kim, Song-Baek (2013). A Study on the Duration and Character of Lochia in Women Hospitalized at Korean Medical Postpartum Care Center. The Journal of Oriental Obstetrics and Gynecology. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290467002_A_Study_on_the_Duration_and_Character_of_Lochia_in_Women_Hospitalized_at_Korean_Medical_Postpartum_Care_Center
Susan Fletcher, Chad A Grotegut and Andra H James (2012). Lochia Patterns Among Normal Women: A Systematic Review. Journal of Women’s Health. Accessed on 7th July, 2021 from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/232717497_Lochia_Patterns_Among_Normal_Women_A_Systematic_Review
Claudia Chi, Mira Bapir, Christine A. Lee and Rezan A. Kadir (2010). Puerperal loss (lochia) in women with or without inherited bleeding disorders. Research Obstetrics. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajog.2010.02.042
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