The natural end of pregnancy is childbirth.

Regardless of which way they passed - natural or through a cesarean section - bloody discharge appears from the woman’s vagina almost immediately after the end of childbirth.

Based on their consistency, smell, color, and intensity, doctors determine whether the recovery process of a young mother after childbirth is normal.

Discharge after childbirth: is this normal? Cause and physiology of the process

The discharge of bloody fluid from the vagina (lochia) after childbirth is a completely normal physiological process. The reason for this is the sloughing of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) after the separation of the membranes and the delivery of the fetus with the placenta. In other words, the inside of the uterus during this period is almost completely represented by a wound surface that bleeds. Naturally, this blood must come out, and this happens through the woman’s genitals. It should be noted that lochia consists of only 80% blood, and the remaining 20% ​​is the secretion of the uterine glands. The latter are intensifying their work due to the need to restore the mucous membranes of the vagina and the uterus itself.

The process of lochia secretion is most intense in the first hours after the end of labor, because during this period the walls of the uterus contract especially actively, thereby “pushing” blood out. The physiology of this stage of recovery of a woman’s body is controlled by hormones, namely oxytocin and prolactin. These substances are produced by the hypothalamus, they stimulate the contraction of the smooth muscles of the walls of the uterus, as well as the production of milk by the woman’s mammary glands. A strong release of these compounds into the blood occurs during the baby's breastfeeding, so experts strongly recommend feeding the baby immediately after birth.

Normal discharge after childbirth: basic criteria

In the first days after the end of pregnancy, the amount of discharge can be quite high (as on the first or second day of menstruation). Their volume per day can be up to 400 ml (or 500 g). At this time, the woman will have to change about 5 special postpartum pads or regular pads with a high ability to absorb liquid per day.

As for the consistency of lochia, it can vary. Both watery discharge and those mixed with clots or mucus are considered normal. Another criterion for assessing normal discharge is its color. Normally, it should be bright red, scarlet in the first days, and gradually “darken” after one or two weeks (this is a mandatory sign that everything is fine with the woman’s body). After some time, the lochia lighten and become mucous. And finally, about the smell: discharge after childbirth normally has a sweetish or musty smell, without putrefactive or any other unpleasant impurities.

Discharge after childbirth: normal duration of “uterine cleansing”

Normally, the release of lochia in a woman after the birth of her baby continues for up to two months, or more precisely, about 8 weeks. It is by the end of this period that they should become mucous, and the uterus should be completely cleared of the endometrium that functioned during pregnancy. Isolation of lochia for more than 8 weeks is a reason to contact a gynecologist, undergo an ultrasound examination of the uterus and other necessary diagnostic methods.

After the specified period, women who, for one reason or another, did not breastfeed, may begin a new menstrual cycle. In the case of prolonged lactation, menstruation (or rather the maturation of the egg) is suppressed by the hormone prolactin, although this is not necessary. Even with active lactation, menstruation can begin after a month or several months. If menstruation is absent for a long time due to breastfeeding, we are talking about lactational (physiological) amenorrhea.

Pathological discharge after childbirth: how to recognize them

For a number of reasons, postpartum recovery does not always go smoothly and safely. During this period, complications may develop, which may be indicated by a change in the nature (color, smell, etc.) of lochia. If the discharge has become somehow “different”, the woman definitely needs to see a gynecologist in order to recognize a possible pathology as early as possible. A young mother should be alerted to lochia of a scarlet or yellow-green color, with a distinct unpleasant odor, or a sudden cessation of discharge, especially a couple of days or a week after she became a mother. Read more about the causes of pathological discharge below.

No discharge after childbirth (lochiometer)

As has already become clear, discharge after childbirth is the norm, and it should be present in any case. Therefore, a signal for concern may be a sharp cessation of postpartum menstruation (lochiometer) before the end of the recovery period (the endometrium is not able to return to normal faster than in 40 days!). Most often, this pathology is diagnosed 7-9 days after birth. The cause of this condition is most often a spasm of the cervix, due to which the cervical canal becomes “impassable”, which causes the retention of secretions in the uterine cavity. This can trigger the onset of the inflammatory process and the addition of infection. Another reason for the absence of lochia can be too large endometrial clots “stuck” in the cervical canal (mechanical blockage), as well as the lack of normal contractile activity of the uterine muscles.

In any case, if discharge stops prematurely after childbirth, a woman should normally seek medical help in order to avoid the development of complications.

Postpartum hemorrhage

A complication in the form of bleeding from the uterus (not to be confused with normal discharge after childbirth) can develop either immediately after the birth of the baby or several days or even weeks later. This pathology is evidenced by vaginal discharge in the form of bright scarlet blood, quite intense. If the discharge has already turned brown or yellow, and again changes its color to scarlet, it means that the woman is experiencing bleeding. To avoid such complications, you must adhere to several rules:

It is necessary to empty the bladder and intestines on time, since these organs in an overcrowded state do not allow the uterus to contract normally;

For the first 7-10 days you need to be on your feet less, lie down more, and generally give up any physical activity;

Apply a heating pad with ice to the lower abdomen.

Change in odor and color of postpartum discharge

The normal odor and color of lochia are described above. What does changing these “parameters” mean?

The appearance of poisonous yellow or yellow-green discharge most likely indicates a bacterial infection in the woman’s genital tract. Most often, staphylococci and streptococci are associated, causing pathologies such as endometritis (inflammation of the uterus), parametritis (inflammation of the surrounding tissues), etc. It is not uncommon for a change in the nature of the discharge in this case to be accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, as well as an increase in body temperature, up to 41 degrees. In addition, suckers in this case acquire an unpleasant odor (rotten fish, rot or pus);

White discharge, cheesy consistency. Such lochia indicates a fungal infection, namely thrush. The pathology is also accompanied by an unpleasant sour odor from the discharge, itching and redness of the external genital organs. Thrush often takes women by surprise after childbirth, since during this period the body is weakened and the immune system does not work at full capacity;

A change in the smell of discharge or a change in color should also alert a woman.

A break in discharge after childbirth: normal or pathological?

It happens that postpartum menstruation ends, and the woman exhales with relief, and after a couple of days the lochia appears again. Is this normal? The answer to this question is yes and there are two possible reasons:

1. Quick restoration of the menstrual cycle. In this case, the menstrual blood will be red or scarlet in color. And, of course, this can happen no earlier than six weeks after birth.

2. If lochia stops and then resumes again, this may indicate stagnation of clots in the uterus. If, apart from this, the woman is not bothered by anything (the body temperature is not elevated, there is no pain), then the body’s recovery process is proceeding normally.

Hygiene after childbirth

1. It is necessary to carry out water procedures using baby soap at least twice a day or when changing a sanitary pad, as well as after bowel movements. In this case, a woman is not recommended to take a bath; hygienic water procedures are carried out in the shower or with the help of a bed;

2. Hygiene products are selected according to the abundance of lochia. In the maternity hospital, you can use special postpartum pads, and when you return home, you can use regular “menstrual” pads with the greatest absorbency (“night pads” are suitable). These hygiene products need to be changed as they are filled, but at least once every 6 hours;

4. If necessary (as prescribed by a doctor), treat external seams with antiseptic solutions (potassium permanganate, furatsilin, etc.).

After giving birth, new mothers notice discharge from the genitals for several weeks. They are usually bloody, brownish, or watery. The appearance of blood on underwear can be frightening and raise fears about the presence of uterine bleeding after childbirth. Should a mother who notices unusual vaginal discharge after the birth of her baby be concerned? Let's consider under what circumstances this phenomenon is recognized by doctors as the norm, and how long the discharge lasts after childbirth.

Causes of discharge in women after childbirth

Bleeding after childbirth is called “lochia.” Discharge after the birth of a baby occurs not only in women who gave birth naturally, but also in those who had a cesarean section.

Why does postpartum discharge appear? To answer this question, you need to understand what happens to the uterus after the baby is born.

Despite the fact that the child is already in the hands of the midwife, the process, which is called postpartum, continues for the woman. The afterbirth comes out of the uterus.

The placenta consists of several layers, the first is formed from the endometrium of the uterus and is called the basal decidua. It is permeated with blood vessels and includes depressions filled with maternal blood. Due to the fact that the arteries and capillaries of the mother and fetus enter the placenta, diffusion occurs between the two bloodstreams, and the baby receives the nutrients it needs.

When the placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus and comes out, the surface of the organ resembles an open wound. Blood flows from gaping vessels, especially intensely in the first minutes after birth.

After some time, the organ begins to shrink, decreasing and reaching its original size. This phenomenon is called involution. By contracting, the muscles compress the blood vessels, helping to stop postpartum bleeding, heal wounds and stop lochia. Individual factors influence how quickly the uterus shrinks to its original size.

Color and other characteristics of normal discharge

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What should normal discharge be like immediately after childbirth? The shade should gradually change from blood red to whitish and transparent:

1. Immediately after birth, the discharge is bloody (see also:). This is due to the fact that the blood vessels damaged during the separation of the placenta did not have time to heal, and almost pure blood is released from the woman’s vagina after childbirth, so if there is bleeding, this is a normal phenomenon. You need to stock up in advance on pads intended for heavy periods or for urological patients. Doctors prohibit the use of tampons and menstrual cups.
2. Within a week after the baby is born, the postpartum scarlet lochia turns brown or brown. Lumps of blood may be mixed with the discharge even after 5-6 days after pregnancy.
3. At the end of the week, the postpartum discharge becomes yellowish in color. The liquid resembles ichor oozing from small wounds during healing. This color of lochia is due to the content of lymphocytes and leukocytes in them, which contribute to the restoration of torn vessels inside the uterus.
4. Gradually, the discharge acquires a mucous consistency or becomes transparent. This is a sign that the regeneration of the inner lining of the uterus was successful, and lochia after childbirth was replaced by vaginal discharge.

Initially, postpartum bleeding smells like blood. Over time, the smell of metal gives way to dampness or delicacy - this is what clotted or stagnant blood smells like, there is nothing wrong with that.

How long can the discharge last normally?

Doctors divide the postpartum period into the following stages:

• early - the first 2-3 hours after birth;
• late - lasts up to 8 weeks.

At the beginning of the postpartum period, the mother who gave birth is still in the delivery room. During this period, the most active bleeding is observed. How much blood does a woman lose? Approximately 400 ml. The midwife closely monitors the woman in labor in order to promptly notice after childbirth pathological bleeding, which is a symptom of hypotension, injuries, and ruptures.

How long does lochia last after childbirth? The duration depends on the reduction in the size of the uterus, which, by contracting, helps heal the wounds. The uterus decreases by approximately 1 cm per day. On the day the baby is born, the bottom of the organ can be felt at the level of the middle of the abdomen; after 3-4 days it is located in the middle between the navel and vagina. By day 9-10, the uterus is at a height of 1-2 cm from the vagina. If in the last days of pregnancy the organ weighs about 1 kg, then by the end of the postpartum period it returns to its original weight of 70 g.

How long does it take to bleed? Lochia is most intensely secreted in the first 3 days. Their volume is approximately 300 ml, and the woman has to change the pad frequently.

On the 9-10th day, when the uterus has almost returned to its original state, the discharge becomes scanty and does not cause much discomfort. After childbirth, lochia may completely stop within a month.

How long does lochia last after childbirth as a result of surgery? After a cesarean section, lochia, as a rule, lasts longer than during a natural birth (more details in the article:). Any surgical intervention is stressful for the human body, and rehabilitation after it is more difficult. How long does it take after giving birth for all this to stop? About 8 weeks. In the first month after birth, lochia is usually more abundant.

Does the duration of discharge depend on the type of feeding?

How long does this symptom last after the birth of the newborn if the mother is breastfeeding? When breastfeeding, discharge passes faster than if a woman who has given birth feeds her baby with formula.

Milk appears in a woman’s mammary glands under the influence of oxytocin. It is produced due to the sucking movements of the baby - the brain receives a signal, and the pituitary gland begins to produce a hormone that causes contraction of myoepithelial cells and pushes milk to the nipple.

Oxytocin has a similar effect on the uterus. Under the influence of this hormone, the uterine muscles contract more strongly, which means involution, and with it healing, occurs faster. If a mother wants to quickly undergo rehabilitation after childbirth, she should feed her newborn with milk. How long should lochia last while breastfeeding, and how quickly does it end? This is an individual process, but some women notice a cessation after the end of the month.

Pathological discharge and accompanying symptoms

What should I do if, a month after giving birth, bleeding starts again, or the lochia does not stop even after 3 months? This indicates the presence of abnormalities in uterine involution. How to determine that rehabilitation after childbirth is not going well? First of all, you need to pay attention to the nature of the discharge, its color and smell.

How to determine the presence of the disease by the color of lochia is shown in the table:

Color	Other symptoms	Possible diseases
Red, bloody or brown 1-2 months after baby is born	Pulling, aching sensations in the lower abdomen.	Endometriosis is the growth of the endometrium outside the uterus. Myoma is a benign tumor of the myometrium. Polyps are pedunculated growths that can penetrate the vagina through the cervical canal and sometimes degenerate into cancerous tumors. However, the reason may be the onset of menstruation; in women who refuse breastfeeding, the menstrual cycle may begin immediately after childbirth.
Light red or pink	Sharp pain in the lower abdomen.	Injuries during childbirth, suture dehiscence, cervical ectopia, polyps.
Bright yellow	Itching, bad odor, increased body temperature.	Endometritis is an inflammatory process in the uterine endometrium.
Green	Itching, burning, unpleasant odor, foamy discharge.	Infection of the uterus, vagina, or fallopian tubes. Bacterial vaginosis - due to hormonal fluctuations, a change in the pH of the vagina occurs, which causes inhibition of beneficial bacteria and the proliferation of pathogenic microflora. Gonorrhea and chlamydia are sexually transmitted diseases.
White	Itching, burning, sour smell, flaky consistency.	Thrush is an infection caused by Candida fungi. They are constantly present in the vagina and begin to multiply when hormones fluctuate or immunity is reduced.

Regardless of the stage at which they appeared, purulent discharge is a reason to immediately make an appointment with a gynecologist. Most often they are accompanied by lethargy, headache, fatigue, and increased body temperature. Pus may be a symptom of salpingoophoritis. This is an inflammation of the appendages, which develops due to the entry of staphylococci, streptococci, and gonococci into the fallopian tubes and ovaries. You can see what pathological discharge looks like in the photo.

Mucous discharge is normal, especially at 3-4 weeks. They indicate pathology if they come on too profusely or appear at a time when there should still be bleeding.

What to do if lochia suddenly ends prematurely? This indicates the presence of a lochiometer. With this disease, lochia cannot leave the uterus for the following reasons:

• blockage of the cervical canal;
• inflection of the uterus;
• weak contraction of the organ.

Any deviation from normal indicators in color, smell, consistency is a reason to consult a doctor. Do not neglect warning signs; they can be symptoms of dangerous diseases.

Features of hygiene in the postpartum period

The doctor who managed the pregnancy and delivered the baby while the woman in labor is still in the hospital will tell you about hygiene rules during the rehabilitation period after childbirth. A few recommendations on how to properly keep the vulva and perineum clean to avoid infection:

1. During lochia it is necessary to use pads. Tampons and menstrual cups contribute to the proliferation of pathogenic microflora and stagnation of discharge. You can buy postpartum pads in pharmacies, but if the discharge is heavy, you can use diapers with an absorbent layer. For scanty lochia, regular menstrual products will do.
2. You need to wash yourself at least twice a day. You don't need to use soap too often. You need to wash in the shower, not in the bath. You cannot lie in hot water for a long time; this can negatively affect the restoration of the integrity of blood vessels and cause heavy bleeding. When washing, you need to make movements from front to back, from the vagina to the anus. If you do the opposite, intestinal microflora may enter the vagina, which will cause inflammation.
3. If a woman has had stitches, they need to be treated regularly. Antiseptic preparations are suitable for this - a solution of potassium permanganate or Furacilin.

If you adhere to the rules of hygiene and monitor the nature of the discharge, the risk of infection can be minimized. Any disease is easier to treat in the initial stages than in an advanced state.

Postpartum recovery is a special state of a woman, when organs and systems return to their normal, “non-pregnant” state. Normally, it should take place without medical assistance, but under the scrupulous supervision of the woman. The main indicator of health is postpartum discharge, which varies depending on the condition of the uterus. It is important to know what their duration, appearance, color, intensity, smell should be at each moment of time.

Discharge after childbirth (lochia) is caused by healing and cleansing of the uterus. The process goes through several stages and is natural. It is popularly believed that a woman “cleanses” for 40 days. Official medicine tends to agree, and calls the average period 42 days. More “blurred” boundaries from 5 to 9 weeks. Anything that lasts less or longer than the specified periods is pathology.

The woman’s task is to carefully monitor the lochia. Any deviation from the norm is a signal of trouble and is a reason for an immediate visit to the gynecologist.

You should sound the alarm if discharge after childbirth:

• Finished in less than a month
• Lasts longer than 2 months
• Let's go green
• Became cheesy white
• Have purulent inclusions
• Acquired an unpleasant odor (putrid, sour)
• Sharply increased in volume
• Blood appeared again

An indicator of a woman’s health in the postpartum period is normal (up to 37) body temperature. If it is elevated or you think that there is “something wrong” with your discharge, go to the gynecologist. It’s better to worry unnecessarily than to miss the problem.

Uterine healing process

The healing process of the wound cavity of the uterus is conventionally divided into 3 stages:

1. from 1 to 7 days after birth - red discharge
2. 2-3 weeks after birth – brown discharge
3. Final stage – white lochia

The established dates are approximate, since they depend on the body, the complexity of childbirth, the method of delivery, and breastfeeding. Only your gynecologist can give an individual consultation when studying your medical history.

The first lochia

Cleansing the uterus begins immediately after the birth of the child - this is the expulsion of the placenta on the birth table. The obstetrician carefully examines its integrity. If breaks are found, then suspicion arises of incomplete separation of the placenta. The uterine cavity is cleaned to remove the remaining placenta.

For the first two hours after giving birth, the woman is monitored in the delivery room. Its purpose is to prevent bleeding. To do this, uterine contractions are stimulated by injection, and ice is placed on the abdomen. The discharge is copious, mostly blood.

How long does bleeding last after childbirth? Intense lochia of a bright red color ends in 3-4 days. At this time, the blood still does not clot well, and the wound surface remains extensive. By day 4, the lochia darken, acquiring a brownish color.

Clots in the first week (especially after sleep) are considered normal, as is the pungent smell of blood. Large clots larger in volume than a chicken egg should cause caution. Lochia comes after childbirth so abundantly that the pad is changed once an hour.

Second stage

The second stage of uterine cleansing lasts up to 3 weeks. The discharge consists of ichor, mucus, remains of dead cells with a small admixture of blood. The volume is comparable to normal menstruation or less. Color – brown. The smell is similar to musty, but not putrid or sour.

End of the recovery period

After the third week, before stopping, the lochia lightens to a white-transparent or yellowish color. Consist of mucus. In terms of quantity they are characterized as spotting. During this period, a woman can switch to panty liners.

Lochia after cesarean

Recovery after a cesarean section goes through the same stages, but more slowly. With this type of delivery, a scar is added to the wound in the uterine cavity on its wall, which delays healing. Discharge lasts longer after childbirth.

Pathological conditions

Discharge after childbirth ended early

Discharge after childbirth stops earlier if the woman was cleansed in the maternity hospital. With this intervention, the uterine cavity is artificially cleansed of the remains of the placenta, dead endometrium, and waste products of the child. This may speed up healing somewhat.

In other cases, the disappearance of lochia before the 35th day does not indicate a strong, quickly recovered body, but an early closure of the cervical canal. With this pathology, the discharge is deprived of its natural outlet and accumulates in the uterine cavity.

It should be understood that lochia consists of dead tissue. If gynecological cleansing is not carried out, the contents of the uterus will begin to decompose. This leads to infection or even sepsis.

Inflammatory diseases and fungus

The inflammatory process in a woman who has given birth can develop for various reasons: chronic infections, colds, insufficient hygiene, decreased immunity. The discharge acquires a characteristic “fishy” smell, greenish color, and changes consistency. After a while, high fever and pain in the lower abdomen are added. Without proper treatment, inflammatory processes in the uterus can lead to infertility.

The appearance of thrush is indicated by itching, a sour smell from the discharge, and a change in the consistency of the lochia to a curd-white consistency.

Bleeding

The appearance of blood in the lochia after the first week always indicates pathology. If you are in a maternity hospital, inform the doctors about this. If you notice blood at home, call an ambulance immediately.

Prevention of complications

Preventive measures in the postpartum period are reduced to:

• Compliance with medical orders
• Following hygiene requirements
• Sufficient physical activity
• Abstinence from sexual intercourse

A natural “reducer” is breastfeeding. With frequent latching of a baby, a woman's uterus receives powerful oxytocin stimulation.

And remember! A woman’s attentive and responsible attitude to her health is the key to a happy life for her children.

A woman needs to monitor the nature of the discharge after childbirth in order to suspect a pathological process in time and avoid consequences.

Discharge after childbirth is called lochia. At first they present as heavy menstruation. Lochia stops after about one to two months (4 to 8 weeks). Everything is purely individual. During the postpartum period, lochia repeatedly changes color and consistency. Very often, mucus appears in them a week after birth.

Mucous, snot-like discharge in women within normal limits after childbirth indicates:

1. That the uterus has shrunk and fully recovered. The wound surfaces have healed;
2. About the phase of the cycle. At the moment of ovulation, mucus is discharged.

It is best to take care in advance about choosing the most suitable contraception, after consulting with a gynecologist. You should not assume that the absence of menstruation is a guaranteed method of birth control. Doctors do not consider breastfeeding a method of contraception at all.

Physiological etiology

The so-called “white” lochia begins 7-10 days after birth. They are transparent or white, stretchy. Also, many women compare them to snot. There shouldn’t be any unpleasant odor and especially high temperature!

The main cause of mucous discharge is fluid that passes through the blood vessels and lymph nodes:

• Uterine cells are capable of secreting transudate;
• During ovulation, mucus leaves the cervical canal;
• The cervix has the ability to secrete.

It is noted that the cells are especially active in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, at the time of ovulation and a few days before it. This happens under the influence of hormones. This ensures better lubrication and the environment in the vagina becomes less aggressive for sperm. The mucus that clogged the cervical canal and cervix in the first half of the cycle begins to move away and is released. All these are necessary conditions provided by nature for fertilization.

It is possible that the mucus that appears in the discharge may either remain there or disappear when the postpartum period ends. The processes occurring in the body of each woman are individual.

It was also revealed that the nature of the discharge depends on whether the woman is breastfeeding her newborn baby. Breastfeeding (without complementary foods) inhibits the processes in the brain responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is difficult to predict whether mucous discharge will stop or whether menstruation will begin.

Pathological causes

Gynecologists say that during inflammatory changes, the cervix is ​​capable of producing mucus. Then the mucous discharge is compared to the white of a raw egg; it contains whitish streaks.

They can also be white in color. This character indicates erosion of the cervix or inflammation of its canal.

How to determine: ovulation or an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity? Still, some women note an elevated body temperature in the range of 37-37.5 degrees. This may indicate ovulation. In this case, there may also be pain in the lower abdomen at the time the egg is released. In this case, menstrual bleeding should begin within a couple of weeks.

No matter how much you would like to do without seeking help from a doctor, this cannot be avoided. It is dangerous to wait until your period starts when your body temperature is elevated.

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When should you see a doctor?

Usually, mucous discharge (it is quite thick and stretchy, transparent or slightly milky in color) is considered to be a variant of the norm, because in a woman it can take on a different character depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

If you ignore this symptom and do not seek advice from a specialist in time, you may miss the onset of the development of any pathology:

• Cervical erosions;
• Sexually transmitted infections;
• Cervical oncology;
• Inflammation of the appendages (fallopian tubes, ovaries);
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving.

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All complications can be avoided if you seek help in time. A visit to the gynecologist should not be postponed. If cervical erosion develops or genital infections appear, then it is necessary to be examined as early as possible. Only if the disease is detected in a timely manner is effective treatment possible.

In the postpartum period, it is very important to observe the rules of personal hygiene. The open wound surface of the uterus, and in some cases the sutures on the cervix or perineum, is an excellent breeding ground for the life of various microorganisms; it is humid and warm there. Inflammatory processes in the uterus or vagina develop very quickly. This is why it is so important for women to keep their external genitalia clean.

After the birth of a child, women are faced with various physiological problems that worry them and bring discomfort. However, they must know all the nuances in order to distinguish the natural state from pathology.

Question of the day: how long does the discharge last after childbirth, and what does it look like during normal postpartum recovery? Every new mom goes through this, which is why it's so important to know what to expect.

Girls will have lochia no matter how the child was born - naturally or with surgery. The reason for their occurrence lies in the restoration of the uterus and its cleansing of membranes. After the baby is born, a wound from the placenta remains on the surface of the organ. Until it heals and the mucous membrane returns to normal, you can observe wound contents coming out of the vagina. Visually, it may resemble menstruation, but it contains remnants of membranes, ichor, and mucus. After some time, their abundance and color will change.

If the process of cleansing and reduction takes place without complications, then the duration of lochia is 5-8 weeks.

Moreover, the abundant ones end within up to 3 weeks, after which they are not so strong. Of course, this happens individually, taking into account factors such as:

• breastfeeding;
• age and physical activity;
• blood clotting;
• child's weight;
• complications during pregnancy.

It is important to be able to diagnose what is normal and what is a sign of pathology, so always pay attention to these characteristics:

1. Composition (1-4 days - blood, clots; 2 weeks - clots and mucus; a month later - smears (possibly blood).
2. Color (1-4 - bright scarlet, 2-3 weeks - brownish, after a month - white or transparent).
3. Smell (in the first week - bloody, musty, beware of the rotten and pungent smell!).

Average duration

How many days does discharge last after childbirth? On average, about 42. At the same time, it is the period when they change their color and volume that is important, because you need to make sure that the body is cleansed correctly and on time.

How long does lochia erythematosus last? Another important question. Immediately after the baby is born, the placenta separates very actively, and there is a lot of bloody secretion from the vagina.

This is not very convenient, but it is important so that the gynecologist can determine whether everything is fine. At this time, about 400-500 ml of liquid pours out of the girl.

Up to 3-4 days they appear scarlet in color, clots can be seen in them, but this is not a sign of pathology. During this period, a woman has to change a special pad every hour on average. In addition, the girl may smell a sweetish or musty odor - there is no need to be afraid, but if the odor is putrid, consult a doctor immediately.

How long does serous lochia last? They should last from 4 to 10 days. Their volume decreases, their color changes - now they are brown-pink or brown. The number of leukocytes increases, so there should be no more blood clots during this period. You can already use regular gaskets

After 10 days, white, spotting lochia appears. They are odorless and do not cause discomfort, and last about 20 days. This is the final stage of wound healing. After finishing.

Risk of uterine bleeding

In the first hours after the birth of the baby, there is a high risk of uterine bleeding if the uterus contracts poorly after relaxing during pregnancy. To prevent this, put ice on their stomach. During contractions of this organ, the blood vessels are compressed, this prevents excessive blood loss and its consequences: anemia, dizziness, weakness.

It is important on the first day not to be ashamed of your secretions, show them to the doctor and constantly inform him about your condition. This will also affect how long you will have to spend in the hospital after giving birth.

Pathological conditions

We have already discussed the situation with natural healing, but there are various deviations, if you notice them in time you can maintain your health. Some of them indicate pathologies that require medical intervention.

Secretion occurs after 5 weeks or a little longer. If they last less or suddenly stop, visit your gynecologist. The reason for this may be insufficient contractility of the uterus, then the blood and placenta do not come out and form stagnation. It must be eliminated immediately. To avoid stagnation, girls are advised to get out of bed and walk more often.

If lochia comes out after childbirth for more than 2 months, you should be examined by a doctor immediately.

After all, after such a time, you must leave them in the past. The cause of blood can be menstruation if there are no clots, pus, or unpleasant odor in it. Rupture of seams can also affect its appearance. In any case, pay attention to the color, smell and consistency of what comes out of the vagina, and report to doctors.

Yellow or greenish secretions with a pungent aroma will tell you about endometritis, a dangerous inflammation. If your temperature also rises and your stomach hurts, call an ambulance. It doesn’t matter how long the lochia comes out after the birth of a child, it can either be their stagnation or an infectious infection - neither one nor the other bodes well. Treatment of this disease takes place only in a hospital, with the help of antibiotics and a disinfectant solution, and

Lochia after caesarean section

Many girls are interested in how long the discharge should be after surgery. In this case, they take longer because contractility is hampered due to the suture and swelling of the tissue. However, even under such circumstances, it is considered normal if the end is after 9 weeks. They can be red for up to 10 days, but not longer, then, as with the natural appearance of a baby, they change shade to brown, then to white.

Menstruation occurs after artificial ones, as with normal childbirth, if the woman has not had complications in the form of inflammation, infections, or bleeding. After all, the body of a girl who has undergone surgery is more unstable and weakened.

How long mothers will discharge after childbirth, regardless of the method of birth, is influenced by breastfeeding.

Lactation stimulates uterine contractions and fluid comes out better. So take note.

How long lochia lasts after childbirth depends on the new mother herself and her compliance with certain rules. Below you will find some important tips that are highly recommended.

• To reduce the risk of complications after the birth of a child, a pregnant woman should be supervised by a doctor from the beginning. A woman should visit him regularly and take the medications prescribed by him. The gynecologist will assess her individual condition and tell her when the discharge should end after childbirth in her case.
• Before leaving the hospital, you need to do an ultrasound, which will help assess the current state of the uterus. Over the course of several weeks while it actively heals, you should rest more, avoid heavy lifting, and avoid putting pressure on your abs.
• Observe personal hygiene rules. While there is discharge, you need to wash yourself more often, after each trip to the toilet. and limit yourself to a warm shower.
• Do not use tampons. They delay the flow and thereby increase the risk of inflammation.
• Start walking 4-5 hours after the baby is born, so that there is no stagnation. If you have had a caesarean section, this should be done after 10 hours.
• Feed your baby your milk.
• Immediately inform doctors if the nature of the secretions changes, you feel a putrid odor, bleeding increases, and the temperature rises.
• It is not recommended to have sex in this state. Intimate relationships are possible even when the discharge stops after the birth of the baby.

Conclusion

Let's summarize and figure out how long discharge lasts after childbirth, how long bloody lochia lasts and what it is. This process is natural, just like the birth of the baby itself. After his birth, the uterus throws out unnecessary tissue, placenta, mucus, ichor, and blood comes out. All this is similar to normal periods, except that they are more abundant.

In the first hours their volume reaches 500 ml. Such secretions last up to 4 days, then their color changes and there are fewer of them. After 2-3 weeks, they turn white or transparent and should be finished in 42 days. Be careful and, if you see signs of the pathologies described above, immediately inform your doctor.