Yellowish-greenish discharge after childbirth. Possible accompanying symptoms. Treatment methods for green discharge after childbirth

After childbirth, every woman has to recover for some time. After all, it is during this period that the genitourinary system is completely cleansed. Therefore, it is so important to observe the rules of hygiene, as well as adhere to all the recommendations and instructions of the gynecologist. Normally, after childbirth, a woman first experiences bright red discharge, after which it becomes lighter, but sometimes it can be brownish-brown in color. At the end of the recovery period, the discharge stops completely - it turns yellow and then white. There should be no green discharge - this is a symptom of a serious pathological process in the female genital organs.

Causes of green discharge after childbirth

Natural green discharge will have no odor, it is not accompanied by painful sensations in the abdominal area, as well as itching and high temperature.

A week after giving birth and after a cesarean section, a woman may experience a pale yellow discharge. When green discharge with an unpleasant odor occurs, a serious inflammatory process of the uterine mucosa can be suspected -.

For any gynecological disease, the discharge is green. There may be pus in them, and they also have an unpleasant odor. In addition, endometritis is difficult after childbirth - the woman has severe pain in the lower abdomen, and the temperature rises sharply. Endometritis begins to develop if a woman’s uterus was damaged during childbirth. Green discharge may appear due to the fact that the uterus contracts poorly and the lochia does not come out. When a large amount of lochia accumulates in the uterus, they begin to fester and, as a result, an inflammatory process occurs.

Some women experience green discharge a month after a cesarean section. In this case, this indicates that endometritis proceeds slowly. Under no circumstances should you self-medicate. Endometritis is a serious disease; it is possible that during complications the patient may be hospitalized. When green discharge is noticed in the maternity hospital, immediately after labor, the attending doctor carries out all the necessary manipulations.

Green discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor

Please note that if yours is also green and has an unpleasant odor, then this is very dangerous. In such a situation, the help of a gynecologist is required.

Such discharge is a deviation from the norm, and it occurs if a woman has an inflammatory process in the genitals. The smell and green color of vaginal discharge is characteristic of a disease such as endometritis. If the disease is not treated in time, it can even end in death.

A green color with an unpleasant odor can be a sign of dangerous diseases such as chlamydia. Only a comprehensive examination will help clarify the diagnosis.

It is dangerous when green discharge is caused by infectious processes such as gonorrhea, bacterial vaginosis, thrush, and trichomoniasis. Green discharge appears due to the vaginal bacterium Trichomonas. Such diseases can only be transmitted sexually, and they are initially aimed at affecting the genitourinary organs. In this clinical situation, the green discharge may have a foamy consistency.

When a woman notices white-gray marks on herself, which have an unpleasant odor. In addition, the woman begins to experience severe itching. Afterwards, the secretion of discharge increases, and it becomes green, thick and completely affects the vagina. The infectious disease is accompanied by redness of the genitals.

With chlamydia, the amount of green discharge does not increase. The disease is characterized by painful urination and severe pain in the lower abdomen. The same symptoms are characteristic of gonorrhea.

With colpitis, the quantity increases, they become thick, and pus and blood can be seen in them. There is severe itching in the genitals, and sometimes an unpleasant burning sensation appears.

Green postpartum discharge, which occurs as a result of the inflammatory process in the cervix, vagina, and fallopian tubes, is dangerous. Such secretions contain a large number of leukocytes. When an acute bacterial inflammatory process is observed, the amount of discharge may be small. In this case, unbearable pain occurs in the lower abdomen, and the woman’s body temperature rises sharply.

Treatment methods for green discharge after childbirth

You can relieve inflammation from the uterine mucosa with the help of antibiotics, multivitamins, and local procedures. In advanced cases, curettage will be required, during which the mucous membrane is cleaned of damaged epithelium. This way, the top layer of the shell can recover over time.

Many postpartum and cesarean section women cannot take medications because they are breastfeeding. In this situation there are two options:

Postpone treatment for a while.
Stop breastfeeding.

It is important to consider that green discharge always accompanies the pathological process. Treatment is urgently needed! It is effective to use Polygynax vaginal capsules - they help with bacterial and fungal vaginitis. Polygynax is a combination drug; it contains antibiotics such as Polymyxin B, Neomycin.

First, it is necessary to destroy the opportunistic microflora, and only then restore the natural microflora of the vagina. For this purpose, gynecologists prescribe vaginal suppositories and douching.

In order to protect yourself from green discharge after childbirth, you need to carefully follow the rules of hygiene:

After each trip to the toilet, wash yourself, preferably with a decoction of chamomile and calendula.
Change gaskets as often as possible.
Avoid intimate hygiene products that contain fragrances and dyes. Give preference to baby soap.

Thus, green discharge after childbirth and after cesarean section is a serious reason to consult a doctor. The symptom can accompany various infectious and bacterial diseases. If you do not promptly treat the underlying pathology that caused the green discharge, then everything can end in a serious complication. It is necessary to be promptly examined and complete a full course of therapy.

After childbirth, every woman has to recover for some time. After all, it is during this period that the genitourinary system is completely cleansed. Therefore, it is so important to observe the rules of hygiene, as well as adhere to all the recommendations and instructions of the gynecologist. Normally, after childbirth, a woman first experiences bright red discharge, after which it becomes lighter, but sometimes it can be brownish-brown in color. At the end of the recovery period, the discharge stops completely - it turns yellow, and then white. There should be no green discharge - this is a symptom of a serious pathological process in the female genital organs.

Causes of green discharge after childbirth

Natural green discharge will have no odor, it is not accompanied by painful sensations in the abdominal area, as well as itching and high temperature.

Green discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor

Please note that if you have postpartum discharge that is also green and has an unpleasant odor, then this is very dangerous. In such a situation, the help of a gynecologist is required.

A green color with an unpleasant odor can be a sign of dangerous diseases such as gardnerellosis and chlamydia. Only a comprehensive examination will help clarify the diagnosis.

With bacterial vaginosis, a woman notices white-gray marks that have an unpleasant odor. In addition, the woman begins to experience severe itching. Afterwards, the secretion of discharge increases, and it becomes green, thick and completely affects the vagina. The infectious disease is accompanied by redness of the genitals.

With colpitis, the amount of green discharge increases, it becomes thick, and you can see pus and blood in it. There is severe itching in the genitals, and sometimes an unpleasant burning sensation appears.

Treatment methods for green discharge after childbirth

Many postpartum and cesarean section women cannot take medications because they are breastfeeding. In this situation there are two options:

Postpone treatment for a while.
Stop breastfeeding.

In order to protect yourself from green discharge after childbirth, you need to carefully follow the rules of hygiene:

After each trip to the toilet, wash yourself, preferably with a decoction of chamomile and calendula.
Change gaskets as often as possible.
Avoid intimate hygiene products that contain fragrances and dyes. Give preference to baby soap.

Discharge in women after childbirth is a normal process of healing and restoration of the endometrium of the uterus after the separation and delivery of the placenta. The birth of a child leads to the formation of a bleeding wound in the uterine cavity, which provokes a long period of vaginal discharge. Dying epithelium, mucus and plasma come out with the blood, and all together this is called lochia.

Gradually, the woman’s body is cleansed and the nature of the discharge after childbirth changes, as the wound heals and the mucous membrane is restored. It is very important to be attentive to your health during the postpartum period, since any sudden change in the process of cleansing the uterus can mean complications in the form of inflammation, infection, etc. It is very important to know how the type and composition of discharge after childbirth changes over time in order to control this process.

Discharge a week after birth

7 days after giving birth, the woman is already at home, so the doctor must explain to her how to care for the intimate area and in what cases you should worry about your health. The first days after the baby is born, the discharge should be red and profuse. They may be accompanied by cramps as the uterus actively contracts to return to its prenatal size.

To discharge after childbirth intensified, the gynecologist palpates the abdomen, massaging the female organs, and also encourages active breastfeeding. Thanks to this, within a week the uterus is actively cleansing and healing. If a cesarean section was performed, then recovery takes longer and the first weeks may be accompanied by heavy bleeding after childbirth.

It is important to do an ultrasound while still in the maternity hospital to exclude the possibility of placenta residues in the uterine cavity, which can lead to stagnation of the exfoliated endometrium and inflammation. Often this is what causes heavy bleeding, severe pain and fever in a new mother some time after returning home.

During the first month, a woman should use diapers instead of pads to detect clotted discharge after childbirth. This is normal, but it is important to monitor changes in color and consistency of anything found on the diaper being changed. During the postpartum period, it is very important to observe the strictest intimate hygiene and maximize the release of the uterus from lochia. To do this you should:

Breastfeed your baby. During this process, hormones are produced that stimulate contractions of the uterus, which leads to increased and accelerated release of secretions;
Periodically lie on your stomach. When you lie on your back, the uterus falls back and lochia cannot flow freely, so it is very useful to set aside time every day to lie on your stomach. It is also better to do this without underwear, putting a diaper underneath;
Refuse sex. For the first 2 months after childbirth, you should refrain from intimate relations with your husband in order to avoid infection, because the uterus is open, and the escaping blood will only contribute to the proliferation of bacteria;
Regular intimate hygiene. This should also be done in order to avoid infectious complications. Every 2-3 hours it is necessary to change the diaper and thoroughly wash the genitals. Even if you have normal discharge after childbirth, douching is strictly contraindicated - the uterus will cleanse itself. Tampons are also contraindicated, even when the lochia becomes scanty. A hygiene product must be chosen carefully, preferably on the advice of an obstetrician-gynecologist, since even a simply scented intimate gel can lead to irritation of the genital organs. In the first 2 months after giving birth, you cannot take a bath, only shower.

Discharge after childbirth lasts at least 1 month, after which it becomes very scanty and mucous, which means complete healing of the uterus and reproduction of the mucous membrane.

Discharge after childbirth one month

A month after the birth of your baby, the red discharge after childbirth is already replaced by spotting brown ones. This means that the uterus has almost recovered - no new blood comes out, but only old blood comes out. Also, dark brown discharge after childbirth can be complemented by white-yellow discharge, which is similar in consistency to mucus. This is further evidence that the endometrium in the uterine cavity is completing its recovery.

In terms of quantity, these discharges are insignificant and no longer cause the discomfort that was in the first days of the postpartum period. Before the release of lochia is completed, the uterus must reach its normal size, and its inner layer must be completely covered with mucous membrane. It is quite normal if, a month after giving birth, the discharge still contains blood, the main thing is that there is not much of it and this is not accompanied by any symptoms of ill health.

Discharge after childbirth 2 months

If there is discharge for a long time after childbirth, this may mean that the uterus contracts weakly and healing occurs rather slowly. In any case, the blood impurities should have disappeared by now. White-yellow discharge means the final stage of healing of the uterus, so there is no need to worry. If lochia has replaced clear mucous discharge, then this is a normal phenomenon 2 months after birth.

In any case, the obstetrician-gynecologist strongly recommends that you contact the maternity hospital with any questions within 8 weeks of the postpartum period, since it is he who is responsible for how the separation of the placenta and cleansing of the uterus went. If during this period nothing bothered you, then a routine examination by a gynecologist should be done after 2 months and already in the clinic.

After 8 weeks of uterine recovery, the color of the discharge after childbirth should become transparent and the amount minimal. They should not cause any discomfort. This means that the uterus has recovered, returned to its normal size, and the cervix has closed. The young mother can again visit public bathing places, take a bath and enjoy her intimate life.

Discharge 3 months after birth

The duration of discharge after childbirth should not exceed 8 weeks. If, 3 months after the birth of the baby, vaginal discharge occurs, then this can be either menstruation or a manifestation of the inflammatory process. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the discharge and the accompanying symptoms.

White mucous discharge after childbirth may be due to thrush. If they are insignificant and transparent, then there is nothing to worry about - a natural liquid, like saliva or sweat. Stretchy discharge after childbirth that is colorless and odorless is also normal and often accompanies ovulation.

If a woman does not breastfeed, it is quite possible that her menstrual cycle will resume 3 months after giving birth. This will lead to the arrival of menstruation with all the accompanying symptoms, such as pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, and increased breast sensitivity. If it is heavy bleeding after childbirth, accompanied by high body temperature and general malaise, then you need to call an ambulance, since in this case only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

3 months after birth, only colorless, odorless, and non-discomfortable discharge is considered normal. In all other cases, it is better to get tested, do an ultrasound and be aware of the condition of your body.

When does the discharge end after childbirth?

With normal recovery of the female body, discharge after childbirth lasts no more than 8 weeks. This period is quite enough for the uterine cavity to shrink and for the placenta to become covered with healthy endometrium. Afterwards, the menstrual cycle begins to recover, which resumes depending on the regularity of breastfeeding.

If a woman breastfeeds, this leads to increased contractions of the uterus, which speeds up the process of lochia release. Also, the production of prolactin delays the functioning of the ovaries, which stops the resumption of menstruation. So the cycle can be restored six months after birth or more. However, this process is individual for all women.

If the discharge suddenly stops after childbirth, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this can have very adverse consequences. The accumulation of lochia in the uterine cavity occurs for various reasons:

Overstretching of the uterine cavity, which leads to its bending back. To prevent this, you need to lie on your stomach more often and massage it. It is also important to maintain water balance in the body and breastfeeding;
Untimely emptying of the intestines and bladder, which begins to put pressure on the uterus. At the first urge you need to go to the toilet to prevent complications.

If you do not react in time to stop the release of lochia during the postpartum period, then you will have to treat endometritis - inflammation of the uterine mucosa. Blood is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, so it must be drained in a timely manner to avoid infection.

If you know how long the discharge lasts after childbirth, and it suddenly stops, then call your doctor. Treatment consists of eliminating cervical spasm by taking No-shpa, after which Oxytocin is prescribed, which promotes uterine contractions.

Bloody discharge after childbirth

Bloody and pink discharge after childbirth is normal, as the uterus is intensively cleansed at first. However, you should be wary if the number of lochia has increased sharply. It is possible that parts of the placenta remained in the uterus, which led to severe bleeding. Disturbances in the blood clotting system may also be the cause.

If parts of the placenta remain in the uterine cavity, this can be diagnosed by ultrasound or during a gynecological examination. They are removed under general anesthesia, after which intravenous antibiotic therapy is administered to eliminate the risk of infectious complications. If you do not clean the uterine cavity in a timely manner, this will certainly lead to severe inflammation and life-threatening consequences.

If sudden heavy discharge after childbirth provokes blood clotting disorders, then appropriate treatment is carried out. A woman, while pregnant, should tell her doctor about such health problems so that postpartum hemorrhage can be prevented.

Often, an increase in discharge is due to the fact that the uterus is not contracting enough. Such bleeding is called hypotonic. They are quite abundant, but nothing hurts and there are no other symptoms of danger. However, it is worth considering that any bleeding, if not stopped in a timely manner, can lead to critical consequences.

Heavy discharge after childbirth is normal only if it occurs in the first week and the doctor is notified about it. Otherwise, you need to call an ambulance. To stop bleeding, reducing medications will be administered and infusion therapy will be performed to replenish blood loss. In some cases, surgical intervention is not possible, so it is very important to seek help in a timely manner.

Brown discharge after childbirth

2-3 weeks after birth, the discharge becomes darker than initially, as the wound in the uterus heals and hardly bleeds. However, old blood is still in its cavity, it gradually becomes brown and also comes out as part of the lochia. Dark discharge after childbirth is nothing more than old blood that did not empty the uterus in a timely manner.

The appearance of dark lochia begins in the middle of the first caruncle after childbirth and can last 4-6 weeks. It is important that the discharge is not abundant and does not increase sharply. If this happens, you should definitely consult a doctor, since timely and complete cleansing of the uterus is the key to your women’s health.

Yellow discharge after childbirth

Such discharge is normal at the final stage of lochia release. They can also signal the resumption of the menstrual cycle. If, 4 months after birth, the discharge changes from colorless to yellow, without a distinct odor, then this indicates ovulation.

It is worth considering the situations in which you will definitely need to see a doctor:

Yellow discharge after childbirth is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Particularly dangerous is a sharp putrid odor, which indicates the spread of infection;
In addition to the discharge, itching and burning of the genitals are disturbing. This is also a sign of infection, which can enter the uterus and cause inflammation;
Thick discharge after childbirth, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. It is especially dangerous if they radiate to the lower parts of the spine;
Bright yellow or greenish lochia is a sign of infection of the genital tract or even the uterus. To avoid serious consequences, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner;
Purulent discharge after childbirth is especially dangerous, since it is a sign not only of infection, but also of the presence of a source of inflammation, which must be immediately eliminated in order to prevent a threat to the woman’s life;
An increase in body temperature along with copious bright yellow discharge indicates an active process of inflammation in the uterus, the causes of which must be determined by a doctor

Most of these situations occur with endometritis - inflammation of the uterine lining. It is provoked by weak cleansing of its cavity, which leads to the accumulation of lochia. If you smell discharge after childbirth, you should definitely see an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Mucous discharge after childbirth

Transparent discharge after childbirth appears after the lochia has completely exited the uterine cavity. In most cases, this is nothing more than the secret of the functioning of the pelvic organs. They can also precede and accompany ovulation or be released after sex. This is also how the hormonal changes in the body that occur after childbirth manifest themselves.

If you are concerned about discharge after childbirth that looks like clots of clear mucus, then get tested to make sure that they are normal. You should be alerted if any other symptoms appear, such as fever, itching, or smell. Such discharge may be a manifestation of cervical erosion, so it may be worth undergoing a colposcopy.

Green discharge after childbirth

Green lochia is a clear sign of inflammation in the uterine cavity. As a rule, they are accompanied by fever and pain in the lower abdomen. Bleeding may also suddenly begin, as green discharge may be caused by parts of the placenta remaining in the uterus. Another reason may be delayed lochia or poorly healing tears and cracks in the birth canal.

In addition, green discharge with an odor after childbirth is often caused by infections, so it is necessary to follow special rules of intimate hygiene during this period and abstain from sex. Also, to prevent such complications after childbirth, you need to avoid abortions, STDs and strengthen your immune system.

If you have green discharge, then you need to see a doctor, take a smear for flora and undergo an ultrasound. In such cases, they are treated with antibiotics and physiotherapeutic procedures. Sometimes it is necessary to scrape out the scarred endometrium. It is also very important to strengthen your body in general.

White discharge after childbirth

White discharge is not always thrush, as many women think. Thrush can be easily diagnosed by the cheesy consistency of the discharge, sour odor, dryness and itching in the vagina. Also, a regular smear will help make a diagnosis, and curing colpitis is not difficult.

However, white discharge may be a natural secretion of your reproductive system. If some have a uniform consistency and there are no other unpleasant symptoms, then there is no need to worry. However, it is worth knowing that white discharge can signal:

Inflammation of the fallopian tubes;
Pathologies of the uterus;
Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
Violation of the secretion of the cervical glands.

To prevent these problems, you need to undergo a timely examination by a gynecologist and take tests. It is also important to avoid douching, chemical contraceptives, poor intimate hygiene and a sedentary lifestyle. This is especially important in the postpartum period.

After childbirth, a woman must be very attentive to her health and fully control the process of cleansing the uterus. She also needs to be able to distinguish dangerous situations from normal ones, for which she should discuss all this with her doctor in advance. Normal discharge after childbirth last about 2 months, gradually decreasing and not accompanied by pain.

After childbirth they occur quite often. For many women, this raises a lot of questions: is this normal or should you see a doctor? Read more about this in our article.

Week and their color

For young mothers, especially those who have given birth for the first time, everything seems strange and incomprehensible. Not only do you have to master a new role - being a mother, learning to breastfeed, but you also need to take care of your body. For example, yellow discharge after childbirth frightens women who have recently given birth. It is worth knowing the physiological side of their appearance.

When a woman gives birth to a baby, her body begins to change rapidly. There is no longer a need to carry a child in the womb, and therefore everything returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

They last quite a long time: from two weeks to one and a half months. The reason for such a long process is the release of the placenta, which is firmly attached to the wall of the uterus. Now a wound will form in it, which will heal. This is what causes postpartum bleeding. As a rule, the discharge is bright red. However, the shades of each individual woman can vary: from dark brown to light pink.

Their color depends on whether they continue. At the very beginning they are brighter, burgundy, and after a couple of weeks they are lighter.

The secretion changes its consistency. Any deviations, such as the color and amount of discharge, alarm every new mother.

Yellow discharge: normal or not?

It is believed that a woman who breastfeeds her baby goes through the stage of postpartum discharge much faster. The uterus contracts more intensely, and therefore returns to its postpartum state more quickly. However, during this period, girls need to be as careful as possible in terms of their hygiene. Yellow discharge may appear precisely when this rule is not followed. In addition, doctors strictly prohibit the use of anything other than pads. For example, tampons. They delay the normal process of cleansing the uterine cavity. During normal menstruation, this is not critical, but immediately after the birth process, blood should flow freely.

In most cases, yellow discharge is normal. Especially during the period when lochia ends. The blood mixes with the secretion, sometimes acquiring a yellowish tint. If there is no smell, pain or itching, then most likely there is no need to worry.

It happens that even at the final stage of postpartum discharge, a woman notices streaks of blood on the pad. This is also normal because the uterus needs quite a long time to heal.

Duration

Every inexperienced woman in labor is interested in how many days the discharge lasts after childbirth. Uninformed women panic when they last longer than their normal period. This comes from ignorance of the physiology of this process. The purpose of menstruation is to release the “unused” egg. Lochia cleanses the uterine cavity, promoting its rapid contraction. Therefore, their duration is much longer. Normally it is from three to eight weeks. For some girls, especially young ones, this process may go faster. If the discharge lasts longer than expected, you should consult a doctor. It is possible that this process was complicated by bleeding.

There are cases when a woman gives birth with internal ruptures. At the same time, she should not actively move or even sit to avoid damage to the seams. However, not everyone manages to follow such a strict rule. In this case, the stitches tear and begin to bleed.

The closer to completion the process of lochia secretion, the lighter they become. Pain in the abdomen disappears, secretion becomes less abundant. If a month after giving birth the discharge is yellow, you should not be alarmed. This is a normal phenomenon that predicts the imminent end of lochia.

Pathology

Yellow discharge in some situations can signal diseases of the genitourinary system. The body of a woman in labor is more vulnerable to various infections. You should be wary if some of the following signs are added to such discharge:

Stomach ache. Especially cutting ones. At the very beginning, this is normal as the uterus contracts. But, for example, after a month this phenomenon is most likely a pathology.
Unpleasant smell. This may indicate an infectious disease.
Greenish-yellow discharge after childbirth mixed with pus indicates that the girl urgently needs to see a doctor. Inflammation is likely occurring.
Itching and severe burning.
Excessively long (more than two weeks) discharge that is yellow in color.
Body temperature is more than 37.

See a doctor immediately!

If a woman is attentive to her health, then an infection that could get into the vagina will be cured quickly enough. However, if you start this process, the consequences can be disastrous. The most harmless disease is cervical erosion in the initial stage. But if it is not diagnosed and treated in time, it can turn into a malignant form.

Reduced immunity of a young mother can lead to thrush or colpitis. In this case, the discharge will not just be yellow, but also have a cheesy consistency.

Endometritis

The presence of pathologically prolonged yellow discharge may indicate endometritis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the uterine cavity. Anyone who has experienced endometritis knows how difficult it is to get rid of it.

In addition to unusual discharge, the woman complains of pain in the lower abdomen, which can radiate to the back. If you notice such symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor.

To ensure that none of the women encounters troubles associated with discharge after childbirth, experts recommend strictly following hygiene rules. The uterus is completely cleansed of the waste products of the baby in the womb, and therefore the blood that comes out is not at all similar to menstrual blood. For this reason, precautions should be taken more carefully after the baby is born.

Only pads should be used, tampons are prohibited. Today, pharmacies sell special postpartum hygiene bags. They allow the skin to breathe and can absorb quite a lot of blood.
Hygiene products should be changed as often as possible. It is best to do this once every three hours or, if necessary, earlier.
Be sure to wash yourself several times a day. If there are external breaks, you can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate or chamomile decoction.
Underwear should be as comfortable and natural as possible.
Yellow discharge after childbirth is usually a common occurrence, only if it does not last long. Therefore, to avoid infection in the vagina, take a shower rather than a bath.
You should abstain from sex. An open wound in the uterus during sexual intercourse can become very painful and begin to bleed more profusely.
Be vigilant if lochia ends after a month and a half and suddenly returns again. Perhaps this is no longer postpartum discharge, but bleeding that has begun.

Conclusion

Information about how many days the discharge lasts after childbirth, information about its nature and physiology is extremely necessary for first-time women. If you notice that you have yellow lochia for too long, a burning sensation appears in the vagina, and your health has worsened, consult a doctor immediately. This probably indicates the onset of an infectious disease.

If no accompanying symptoms are observed, there is no need to be alarmed. Yellow discharge in most cases is the most common variant of the norm and does not in any way affect the health of the young mother.

The birth of a child is not only a joyful, life-changing event, but also a huge stress for the mother’s body. Regardless of whether the process of delivery took place naturally or surgically, restorative changes in the uterus will be accompanied by bleeding of varying intensity and shade. Let’s figure out which discharge after cesarean section means normal and which is pathological.

Physiological processes after surgical delivery

Caesarean section (CS) is an abdominal surgical intervention, the purpose of which is artificial delivery. The fetus is removed through an incision in the anterior abdominal cavity and the wall of the uterus.

Many women mistakenly believe that, together with the baby and the placenta, the doctor also performs curettage during the operation.

Curettage is a surgical procedure during which, using an appropriate instrument or vacuum system, the mucous surface of the uterus is removed from foreign epithelial compounds.

This idea is completely wrong. Cleansing of the internal cavity occurs spontaneously with the help of lochia - mucous secretions that wash away postpartum “garbage” from the fallopian tubes. This process is quite lengthy, because during this period the uterus spontaneously decreases by more than 20 times. In fact, the cavity and the mucous membranes surrounding it are completely restored in the postoperative period, but before activating tissue regeneration processes, the body rejects dead particles remaining from the placenta and other epithelia that are not removed during cesarean section, which come out in the form of blood clots and mucus - lochia.

Breastfeeding helps produce the hormone oxytocin needed to speed up the process. Its “production” is accompanied by discomfort in the abdominal area. The production of this component in women who have undergone cesarean section. That is why additional administration of the hormone in the form of injections may be necessary.

Step-by-step description of discharge after surgery

Discharge after cesarean section can be schematically divided into several stages:

The first postoperative period lasts about a week and is accompanied by a voluminous discharge of bright red, burgundy, and sometimes scarlet.
The second period can begin as early as the 2nd week after delivery. The amount of discharge decreases significantly and becomes spotty in nature. Visually, the substance has a brown tint, and the inclusions are almost invisible.
The third period can last about a month. The discharge is less active, more like daub. The blood veins hardly stand out against the background of the general brownish secretion. At the end of the period, the pigmentation acquires a yellowish tint. Such metamorphoses are associated with the presence of a huge number of leukocytes in the mucous substance. These secretions “wash” the walls of the uterus, preventing the development of pathogenic bacteria.
The last stage is marked by the appearance of a transparent substance and marks the scarring of the internal suture and the end of the recovery process after cesarean section.

How long does discharge last after caesarean section?

The answer to this question directly depends on the general condition of the mother in labor and the degree of complications received during the birth process. But, based on the diagram described above, we can approximately guess their duration. The physiological time frame for uterine contraction, scarring of sutures and renewal of mucous membranes ranges from 7 to 9 weeks.

If the rejection of spotting physiological fluids lasts longer than the established norm of 2 months, but there are no putrefactive changes, a pungent odor or burning sensation, and ultrasound showed no abnormalities, then we can talk about a significant drop in hemoglobin levels both after pregnancy and as a result of the difficult stage of recovery after cesarean section. To diagnose such a deviation in a timely manner, doctors recommend donating blood from a finger prick at least once every two weeks after surgery.

Most often, such a pathology is observed in women who combine the recovery process and breastfeeding. In this case, it is necessary to immediately seek help from specialists to prevent the development of anemia.

Little or no discharge after cesarean section

There is no reason to be happy if the process is completed much faster than the deadline. The fact is that such a phenomenon indicates the development of pathological processes in the uterus and requires immediate medical intervention.

The duration of the discharge, as well as its color and consistency, allow the specialist to diagnose the recovery process after cesarean section and possible deviations from the physiological norm.

The reason for the lack of bleeding after a cesarean section is a bend or spasm of the cervix. Such a pathology is fraught with the accumulation of rejected fluids in the uterine cavities, which, during the process of stagnation, begin to fester. When diagnosing such phenomena, you must immediately contact a specialist!

If the end of discharge occurred earlier than 5 weeks after surgery, then this phenomenon indicates insufficient contraction of the uterine muscle. Such a pathology can lead to the retention of rejected particles inside the body and start the process of decay. Based on the individual characteristics of the postpartum period, the doctor may recommend that the woman in labor go for a cleanse.

Long-term lochia

When discharge after a cesarean section does not lose intensity for 10 weeks or more, such a process may indicate the onset of internal bleeding or the development of endometritis.

Attention! Endometritis is an extremely dangerous disease characterized by the presence of an inflammatory process in the inner layer of the uterus, the endometrium. This phenomenon requires immediate medical intervention.

Depending on the duration of the inflammatory process, surgical cleansing under the guise of powerful antibiotics may be required.

Lochia ended and started again

It happens that there is a sudden cessation of discharge after a cesarean section, followed by a resumption. Among possible pathologies, this is the most common. This phenomenon is associated with insufficient contraction of the cervix and, with timely contact with a specialist, will not require repeated surgical intervention.

You can increase muscle contractility with the help of a special massage and oxytocin injections.

What does the color and consistency of lochia indicate?

Surgical intervention in the birth process entails a protracted process of regeneration, which takes place not under the close supervision of a specialist, but at home, in parallel with caring for the child. Therefore, it is especially important to monitor the nature and intensity of physiological fluids rejected after cesarean section. Timely changes recorded will help prevent the development of pathological processes.

Bloody lochia with clots

In the first days after the section, such symptoms should not cause concern to the woman in labor. These physiological fluids are associated with mechanical damage to tissues and blood vessels during contractions. It is necessary to carefully monitor the duration of this type of lochia after cesarean section.

The bloody substance must be rejected by the body within 7–8 days. Longer discharge and increasing volume may indicate that bleeding has begun!

The clots released during this period are particles of dead endometrium and the remains of the placenta. Their duration should also not exceed 7–8 days.

Pink lochia

Most often, this type of discharge appears a month to a month and a half after the CS. This sign is not called a physiological norm, but they also do not talk about the development of pathology. The presence of pink discharge is associated with a protracted process of regeneration of mucous tissues or, most often, injury to the surface of the uterus. This complication is associated with the onset of sexual activity before the final tissue restoration. It does not cause serious pathological conditions, but the appearance of pink discharge requires increased attention in matters of personal hygiene.

Brown lochia

Often women notice the appearance of these discharges 6–7 weeks after surgery. In their structure, they are closest to the usual menstrual spotting and are a physiological stage in the recovery process and do not indicate deviations.

Yellow discharge

This phenomenon is considered physiological only in the first 2–3 weeks and only if there is a poor consistency. An orange, smearing, viscous substance on a pad with a pungent odor indicates the initial stage of the development of endometritis, but abundant yellow mucous clots with putrid inclusions indicate an advanced stage of the disease, most often requiring surgical intervention.

Black lochia

If a woman in labor notices stains on the pad that do not have a specific odor, then, oddly enough, there is no need to sound the alarm. This substance is a physiological norm and its presence is dictated by hormonal changes in the composition and quality of blood.

White discharge

Such discharge without accompanying symptoms can begin at the stage of completion of the excretory process. But the emerging itching, redness, cheesy consistency and characteristic, sour smell require immediate diagnosis using a smear. These symptoms may indicate prolonged thrush.

Mucous lochia after cesarean section

Mucus, which is clearly visible in the discharge in the first days after cesarean section, is a physiological norm and cannot be present in it for a long time. Its appearance is associated with the excretion of the child’s intrauterine waste products from the body.

Watery lochia

Having noticed an abundant clear liquid, the consistency of which resembles urine and gives off an unpleasant odor associated with rotten fish, a woman should inform her gynecologist about this. Symptoms require immediate medical intervention. Such manifestations are typical in cases of serious injury to the circulatory system or lymph. And the substance is a transudate, a liquid that fills them. Also, the cause of such unpleasant discharge may be the development of vaginal dysbiosis.

Purulent discharge after cesarean section

This type of physiological fluid is the most dangerous and indicates not just a deviation during the postpartum period, but the development of a serious disease inside the uterine cavity - endometritis. after cesarean section they can occur at any stage of recovery. Often, accompanying signs of putrefactive processes on the mucous membrane are an unpleasant odor of the substance, increased temperature and acute pain in the lower abdomen.

Purulent discharge of a greenish tint may also indicate infections during the recovery process after cesarean section:

Trichomoniasis

This disease indicates inflammation of the genitourinary system. Most often, it is transmitted sexually.

Bacterial vaginosis

This is a complex of non-infectious, non-inflammatory pathological changes with the participation of anaerobic microflora. Most often, this phenomenon can be caused by a sharp hormonal change in the body and a dysbiotic shift. At the initial stages of development, the disease manifests itself as gray discharge with a sharp, disgusting odor, itching and burning in the groin area. The presence of thick, viscous, rich green discharge indicates advanced disease and the need to use antibiotics.

Chlamydia or gonorrhea

These infectious diseases are, first of all, characterized by spotting, light discharge of a greenish tint and purulent properties. Accompanied by constant nagging pain in the lower abdomen and problematic urination, aggravated by sharp pain.

Colpite

This infectious fungal disease is accompanied not just by greenish smears, but by copious mucous discharge of a purulent nature mixed with blood, severe itching and burning in the perineum.

Please note that whatever the cause of the appearance of purulent substances after cesarean section, such symptoms require immediate antibiotic intervention! An advanced problem can bring a woman to the operating table for curettage.

Discharge with odor

Not only the color and consistency, but also the characteristic smell of vaginal fluids can tell a lot about the quality of the postpartum process.

Discharge accompanied by a characteristic odor during the first 3–5 days after cesarean can be considered a physiological norm.

The presence of a sharp, “heavy” aroma in smears is the first sign of the onset of an inflammatory process in the uterine area. Typically, such odors are caused by the introduction and spread of pathogenic bacteria.

Prolonged symptoms, accompanied by a sour aroma, indicate inflammation of the uterine mucosa and, most often, are accompanied by sharp, cutting pain in the lower abdomen and perineum.

Prevention of pathological changes

Surgical delivery is a serious abdominal operation that requires not only postoperative treatment of sutures, but also special rules of personal hygiene and care for injured areas:

In the first month after cesarean section, it is recommended to clean the perineum with each visit to the toilet. Depending on the situation, this could be a shower with baby soap or a special care product, a decoction of string, chamomile or calendula.
During the first week after surgery, obstetricians strictly prohibit the use of pads familiar to women. This personal hygiene product creates a “diaper rash effect” and promotes the development of pathogenic bacteria. It is recommended to replace the usual attribute with ordinary diapers or pharmaceutical gauze, which have excellent “breathing” properties. But it is recommended to change improvised pads every 3-4 hours.
To improve uterine contractions, gynecologists recommend, at least in the first month, lying on your stomach for 15–30 minutes.
For the first few weeks after surgical delivery, it is recommended to apply an ice heating pad to the abdomen. This procedure is familiar to many women whose labor took place naturally. They were given a heating pad for several hours at once, and for those who had undergone a section, it was recommended to apply it for 5–10 minutes up to 5 times a day.
Circular massage movements will also have a positive effect on the contractility of the uterine muscles and speed up the recovery process after cesarean section.
Immediately after the operation, the woman in labor is recommended to wear a postpartum retaining bandage.