4 months after giving birth green discharge. Yellow-green discharge after childbirth - urgently see a gynecologist! Causes of green discharge after childbirth

After a woman has given birth, the discharge becomes mucous within a month. Normal discharge after childbirth may be bloody and heavy. How long will the yellow mucus discharge last after childbirth, and what if it turns yellow-green?

A woman’s discharge after childbirth, called lochia, lasts another 5-6 weeks. They will end after the uterus returns to its normal size before pregnancy.

The release of the uterus in due time from rejected tissue means that the woman who gave birth has no complications. It is very important to pay serious attention after childbirth to how long the lochia lasts and to its color. The discharge constantly changes its character. At first, lochia is similar to menstrual discharge, but much heavier. How long does the discharge in the form of serous lochia last after childbirth? This process is very individual, and is associated with the characteristics of the woman’s body.

Yellow discharge after childbirth - when is it ok?

There should be no blood clots or bright red discharge during this period. If suddenly they are present, this should seriously alert the woman to consult a doctor for advice.

New mothers are often concerned about how long the discharge lasts after childbirth. The normal discharge duration is approximately 1.5 months. During this period, the mucous membrane in the uterine cavity is restored. After a caesarean section, the discharge lasts longer because the uterus, which has been injured, shrinks more slowly.

To prevent postpartum hemorrhage, immediately after childbirth, empty the bladder using a catheter and put ice on the lower abdomen. After childbirth, the discharge should be copious, bloody and amount to 0.5% of body weight. However, they should not exceed 400 ml and not disturb the general condition of the woman. Discharge one week after birth is usually compared to a normal period. Sometimes women even mistake the discharge for menstruation.

It’s bad if the discharge lasts for a long time. Postpartum discharge should last 6-8 weeks. Of course, the discharge has some kind of smell, but, rather, it is musty. This is explained by the fact that blood discharge is retained for some time in the birth canal and uterus. Follow the rules of personal hygiene, and such a smell will not bother you.

Yellow-green discharge after childbirth - urgently see a gynecologist!

Bloody discharge in breastfeeding mothers after childbirth ends much faster than in non-breastfeeding mothers. Experts and doctors explain this situation by the fact that during feeding the uterus contracts faster (involution). After birth, the uterus with its inner surface weighs approximately 1 kilogram. Bloody discharge just comes out of the uterus, cleansing it. After childbirth, women experience mucous discharge for 1.5 months until the inner surface of the uterus is restored.

This position will prevent bleeding and delay discharge in the uterus. The tone of the uterus after childbirth is weakened

It can occur if remnants of the placenta remain in the uterine cavity, attached to the endometrium. This leads to severe bleeding. The doctor should carefully examine the placenta after its separation on both sides. Sometimes, against the background of prolonged discharge, inflammation may begin after childbirth. Mucus and blood are a beneficial environment for pathogenic bacteria. In the absence of personal hygiene and early onset of sexual activity after childbirth, a woman may be bothered by odor-bearing discharge.

In this case, douching is strictly prohibited. Very often this process can be accompanied by sharp pain and high fever. Yeast colpitis is also included in the risk zone for discharge after childbirth. It can be identified by its characteristic cheesy discharge.

If a woman does not breastfeed after childbirth, ovarian function improves and menstruation appears. After childbirth, the uterus begins its regenerative process, which may be accompanied by blood discharge - lochia.

Under conditions of normal recovery after childbirth, which took place without complications, the discharge stops within 4 weeks. After childbirth, the process of restoration of the endometrium, the mucous membrane of the uterus, occurs for several weeks. At this time, the woman who has given birth begins to discharge.

What to do if you are worried about yellow discharge after childbirth? This issue is relevant for many women in labor, so you need to consider it. Throughout the life of a woman of childbearing age, hormonal changes occur in her body. They are accompanied by secretions. It varies depending on the period of the menstrual cycle. If there is a cyclical nature of these discharges, then there is no reason to worry about your health.

Etiology of the phenomenon

If you are concerned about yellow discharge after childbirth, which is accompanied by fever and an unpleasant odor, then there is a suspicion of the development of an infectious disease or inflammatory process. In this case, you must immediately consult a doctor and undergo an examination.

It’s not for nothing that doctors advise women to take special care of their personal hygiene after the birth process. The fact is that the body can be very weakened. The immune system is weakened, and the birth canal is open.

The mother's body is designed in such a way that a wound remains at the placenta attachment site, which bleeds for some time. Therefore, the first days are the most difficult in this regard. A woman in labor needs to take special care of herself so as not to contract any infectious disease.

What personal hygiene should be like:

  1. It is necessary to keep sanitary pads clean and change them every 2 hours.
  2. After every trip to the toilet you need to wash yourself.
  3. It is necessary to empty the bladder on time, even if the urge is minor.
  4. You should not wear fashionable silk underwear. It is best to use loose-fitting cotton items at this time.
  5. Many women prefer to use tampons rather than pads. However, doctors strongly advise against doing this. The fact is that tampons prevent the natural release of fluid from the body. After the birth process, this can cause the development of serious inflammatory diseases.
  6. Douching is also best left until better times. In any case, there is no need to do this after birth permission.

However, in some cases, even despite the most careful adherence to personal hygiene rules, some women still experience yellow vaginal discharge after childbirth. When is this the norm, and when is it a pathology?

When is yellow lochia considered normal?

Having a child is a natural process for the female body. After delivery, the placenta is separated. The place where it attaches then becomes an open, bleeding wound. It takes time for the body to recover. In general, you need to be prepared for the fact that lochia will appear immediately after the end of labor. If a woman is breastfeeding, the uterus will contract and repair faster.

It is considered normal if lochia lasts from a month to 6 weeks. However, do not be alarmed if the color of the secretion changes. This is also considered normal and does not require medical attention. During the first week or so, the lochia is bright red and abundant. Around day 11, the discharge will decrease and then turn into mucus.

Yellow secretion is also normal. Over time, the color will change and become white-yellow, and sometimes completely transparent. However, in some women the process of uterine contraction occurs more slowly, so yellowish lochia may last for about 2 months.

But this state of affairs is not considered a pathology. Even if there is yellow lochia with a small amount of blood, you should not be alarmed.

Sometimes lochia appears a month after the birth of the child. This is also considered a normal recovery process. But if lochia appears, which is accompanied by an increase in temperature, as well as painful sensations, then perhaps the development of an infectious disease or inflammatory process is taking place.

Pathological causes

When should you worry? If your state of health after childbirth causes concern, it is better to consult a gynecologist. You should be especially wary if blood has been present in the lochia for a long time.

Sometimes the development of a pathological process in a woman who has given birth can even have life-threatening consequences. Therefore, if symptoms such as:

  1. Fever.
  2. Sharp pain in the lower abdomen. You should be alarmed if not only your stomach hurts, but also your lower back.
  3. Pus with blood appeared in the lochia.
  4. The secret is green.
  5. There is burning and itching in the vaginal area.

Such symptoms may be a sign of developing endometritis. Therefore, in any case, it is necessary to urgently seek help from a hospital. The sooner a woman receives medical help, the less likely she is to develop serious and dangerous complications.

There is no need to worry if the yellow secretion becomes a little brighter even when a woman is taking birth control pills. They can also affect hormone levels in the body. However, if the green discharge after childbirth takes on a foamy or cheesy appearance, then the development of the disease should be suspected.

If lochia becomes abundant, then the development of an acute form of a bacterial disease can be suspected. Abundant yellow lochia may be symptoms of:

  1. Salpingitis is inflammation of the fallopian tubes. This disease develops due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the uterine cavity. Gradually, bacteria penetrate into the lower pelvic organs. Abundant yellow lochia may be symptoms of the acute form of this disease. In this case, the woman is bothered by painful urination. After intimacy with a partner, a bloody secretion may be present.
  2. Inflammation of the appendages. The acute form is accompanied by the release of pus, which is yellow in color. In this case, the woman suffers from irritation of the mucous membrane of the external genitalia. Frequent urination and pain during intimacy with a partner are often added to the unpleasant sensations. Often menstruation becomes extremely painful.

Yellow lochia with an unpleasant odor can be symptoms of other serious diseases. That is why it is necessary to visit a gynecologist more often after childbirth. In this case, many serious health consequences can be avoided.

Recovery after childbirth is an integral period of motherhood. The uterus needs to return to its previous state in order to continue reproductive function. Normally, a woman stops feeling discomfort from discharge, itching, and pain after 4-6 weeks. Hygiene must be observed, stitches are treated (if any), and physical activity is limited. Lochia gradually changes color from red-brown to pale pink, then turns white, and disappears by the end of the second month. If a woman observes green discharge after childbirth, pathologists of the reproductive system are clear.

Provoking factors are always dangerous to health. Ignoring the symptom of green discharge in women leads to serious complications, including removal of the uterus. Therefore, gynecologists recommend using sterile pads to determine the color of the secreted secretion. Green or yellow mucus is a sign of pathogenic organisms entering the reproductive system.

Provoking factors:

  1. inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries;
  2. endometritis;
  3. bacterial and fungal infections;
  4. erosion.

Adnexitis and Salpingitis are a common cause of green discharge after childbirth. Inflammation of the appendages and fallopian tubes develops due to the penetration of pathogenic flora deep into the vagina. Signs appear late, 7-10 days after infection. The woman feels pain in the lower abdomen, intensifying with palpation, the temperature rises above 38 C, chills, and fever.

It is necessary to start treatment on the first day of symptoms, as complications develop quickly. The advanced form leads to purulent abscesses, obstruction of the fallopian tubes, and infertility.

With green discharge, endometritis is diagnosed a month after birth. The inner layer of the uterus becomes inflamed due to infection. A weakened body is not able to fight pathogenic microorganisms that rapidly spread throughout the genitals.

Green, odorless discharge after childbirth will appear if a fungus, virus, or bacteria lives in the vagina. The mucous membrane is corroded (colpitis); in advanced forms, pathechial rashes, itching, burning, and pain when urinating are observed. Often inflammation of the lower genital tract is caused by an allergic reaction to synthetic underwear and hygiene products.

Every second woman, 8-10 weeks after birth, is diagnosed with cervical erosion. It is more common in patients with a history of slow opening of the cervical canal. With erosion, green discharge appears 2 months after childbirth, tingling, and aching pain. Signs of the disease are mild, the discharge is scanty, the grassy tint is barely noticeable. Late diagnosis is the cause of dysplasia and cancer.

The brightness and severity of green in the discharge depends on the state of the hormonal background. Depending on the predominant hormone, the color, consistency, and volume of the secretion changes.

Treatment

Treatment tactics for pathological discharge are tailored individually, depending on the nature of the disease and the condition of the body. For example, when breastfeeding, antibiotics are prescribed carefully, only if the threat of complications exceeds the risk to the baby.

  • antibacterial drugs;
  • vaginal suppositories;
  • compresses;
  • antihistamines.

If you have green discharge, you cannot do without antibiotics. Depending on the type of pathogenic organism, complex therapy is prescribed.

For vaginitis, metronidazole is prescribed, an antiprotozoal agent similar in action to an antibiotic. If copious greenish discharge has already appeared, treatment consists of 2 stages. First, the vagina is sanitized with antibacterial solutions, then therapy is carried out to restore the flora (Bifidumbacterin, Vaginorm-S, Lactoberin).

When complicated candidiasis develops into trichomoniasis, greenish, odorless discharge appears after childbirth. Vaginal antibacterial capsules (Neomycin, Terzhinan, Tinidazole) and creams (Clotrimazole) are recommended. Additionally, oral tablets are prescribed (Fluconazole, Diflazon, Mikomax).

To relieve symptoms of burning, itching, and irritation in the genital tract, local treatment is used. The following are used against odor and inflammation: antiseptic suppositories (Fluomizin, Movalis, Mikozhinax); bacteriostatic drugs (Clindamycin, Zerkalin); antimicrobial (Fluomesin, Terzhinan).

It is useful to apply compresses and insert tampons soaked in medicinal herbs. A decoction of chamomile, calendula, string, oak bark, marsh grass, etc. is suitable. Every 4 hours, it is recommended to douche with antiseptic solutions - chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide.

If the allergic nature of the pathology is established, antihistamines are prescribed in the form of suspensions and tablets (Fenistil, Suprastinex, Supradin). Taking antiallergic drugs is justified for no more than 3 days.

Any treatment is carried out under the supervision of a gynecologist, drugs are prescribed according to a prescription. An independent combination of therapy is fraught with advanced forms of pathologies, with irreversible consequences.

After caesarean section and ruptures

Complications during surgical intervention during childbirth are diagnosed in every fourth woman in labor. Due to constant suture pain and copious discharge, pathological disorders are noticed late, when the problematic sutures are already oozing pus, fever and green discharge appear after childbirth.

Normally, fresh sutured tissue is treated with an antiseptic 5-6 times a day (it is recommended to douche the internal uterine scar). In the hospital, before discharge, after a cesarean section, antibacterial therapy is prescribed to eliminate the risk of wound infection. Recommendations are given for processing seams at home.

The main causes of greenish discharge in women after childbirth by cesarean section is the penetration of infection into the wound. Since the mucous membrane is inflamed, the pathogenic microorganism spreads at double speed, covering large areas of tissue. Erosion and endometritis develop. A woman is recommended to take antibiotics and antiseptic drugs.

If greenish discharge appears a month after birth or later, when the symptoms of an inflamed uterus have subsided, there is a risk of developing a ligature fistula. These are formations that arise due to the body’s rejection of suture material. The sutures swell, become inflamed, and fester.

Treatment takes place in a hospital setting, under the supervision of surgeons. With properly selected therapy (antiseptics, antibiotics, bactericidal drugs), the fistula hole heals in 10-14 days. The patient returns to a full life.

Difficulties in treatment for complications of sexually transmitted infections are often associated with the prohibition of the use of antibiotics during lactation. Therapy is selected individually; high concentrations of components in milk are unacceptable. For example, when taking Metronidazole, Tetracycline, breastfeeding is stopped. Therefore, treatment should be prescribed and supervised only by a doctor.

How long does lochia last after childbirth?

The mechanism of childbirth is a serious stress for the body. Fetal rejection is accompanied by a large number of unpleasant and sometimes dangerous phenomena for the woman in labor and for the baby. Possible:

  • bleeding;
  • incomplete expulsion of the placenta;
  • numerous breaks.

A natural component of postpartum recovery is lochia (you can see what they look like in the photo). The contents of the uterus are gradually released, it is cleansed.

It’s worth finding out in advance how long the discharge lasts after childbirth, so that you can be prepared for it and be alert in time if something goes wrong. Note that after an artificial birth (caesarean section), lochia may last a little longer. After the second and third births, the uterus will contract faster.

  1. What should they be?
  2. Discharge after childbirth: normal
  3. Yellow lochia
  4. Green lochia
  5. Brown and bloody lochia
  6. Mucus discharge
  7. Purulent lochia
  8. White discharge
  9. Pink discharge
  10. Lochia after childbirth: norm and deviations (by day)

How long does bleeding last after childbirth?

Immediately after childbirth, the inner walls of the uterus are a continuous wound surface. It is easy to understand why so much bloody content is released in the first days after birth. The muscle layer of the uterus contracts, and naturally, under the influence of oxytocin, blood vessels contract, triggering blood clotting mechanisms and stopping bleeding. These are natural consequences of having a baby.

At first, the discharge can be called pure blood - at least that's what it looks like. This is fine. Their duration takes from 2 to 3 days. Everything that begins later no longer seems like bleeding - the nature of the lochia (as postpartum discharge is called) changes.

What kind of discharge should there be after childbirth?

To visualize how long the discharge lasts, how many days it takes, which ones should occur and in what period, let's look at the table. Bloody, bloody, dark brown, spotting, abundant, scanty - how long do they last and when do they stop?

Table 1.

Discharge after childbirth: normal

If a month has passed and nothing comes out of the uterus, you need to go to the doctor, even if you feel well. Has the nature of the discharge changed dramatically? Also a reason to visit a doctor. The normal duration of lochia separation is up to 8 weeks. Doctors say that the discharge goes away within 5 to 9 weeks - this also falls within the normal range. Lochia lasting 7 weeks is normal. Normal discharge after childbirth differs from those considered pathological in several ways.

These include:

  • duration;
  • character;
  • the presence or absence of an unpleasant odor.

Discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor

The smell of discharge after childbirth is a significant characteristic of it. If we talk about the norm, then immediately after childbirth the discharge smells like blood. This is natural: the main component is blood. After 7 days, when the scarlet and brown discharge ends, the smell becomes musty.

You should be wary if there is discharge with an unpleasant odor; the reasons for this may lie in the disease. Women rate the smell differently: “Smelly”, “Smells bad”, “Smells rotten”, “Smells fishy”. All these are bad symptoms. Discharge, even light, with an unpleasant odor, is a reason to visit a doctor.

Yellow discharge after childbirth

When the bloody and brown lochia ends, they lighten and gradually acquire a yellowish tint. Normally they have almost no odor. Yellow discharge after childbirth 2 months later, not at all abundant, gradually becoming transparent, doctors attribute it to one of the options for normal healing of the uterus. Discharge of a distinct yellow color, which also bothers a woman with an unpleasant odor or some associated sensations - itching, burning - may indicate a disease.

They can be:

  • yellow with a smell;
  • liquid like water;
  • jelly-like;
  • smearing, sticky.

All of them require a medical examination. This kind of discharge can no longer be considered lochia - it is a sign of an infection in the body. Most often in this case they talk about the beginning - inflammation of the uterus. It needs to be treated at the earliest stages, when the temperature has not yet risen and the infection has not covered a large area of ​​the inner layer of the uterus.

Green discharge after childbirth

Green discharge after childbirth 2 months or earlier is a sign that something is wrong in the body. Lochia of this color is not normal at any stage. Greenish or yellow-green lochia indicates that there is a bacterial infection in the uterus, vagina, or fallopian tubes. If you do not deal with it in time, endometritis may begin - a disease that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus.

They happen when:

  • gardnellese;
  • gonorrhea;
  • chlamydia.

Trichomoniasis often causes discharge of this shade. Trichomonas settles in the vagina, and it is dangerous because if left untreated, the infection rises higher.

The first signs of trichomoniasis:

  • green color;
  • foamy character;

In addition, the woman will feel a burning sensation in the vagina and irritation. The mucous membranes may turn red. If you start treatment immediately, without delaying, you can quickly cope with the disease and prevent the infection from spreading further.

Brown and bloody discharge after childbirth

Bloody discharge should not last long. Bloody and dark red should end within a few days at the latest. The most dangerous hours are considered to be the first hours after the birth of the baby, when the uterus is still, in fact, a continuous bleeding wound. At this time, bleeding may occur. Doctors carefully monitor the condition of the woman in labor and send her to the postpartum ward, place an ice pack wrapped in cloth on the lower abdomen, give an injection of oxytocin, and put the baby to the chest. Intensive observation lasts 1.5-2 hours.

After a caesarean section, just like after a natural birth, bloody lochia is observed. Only the process of uterine involution may be slower due to the suture, and therefore they may last a little longer. After cleaning the uterus, if the placenta did not come out on its own, there will also be spotting.

Brown discharge after childbirth 2 months later is possibly a pathological reaction of the body. This is how the clotted blood comes out. There can be many reasons - from hormonal imbalance to menstruation that begins to recover (if the mother does not breastfeed), the nature of which may be unusual at first, since the hormonal background has changed. The reason may be .

If two months have passed after delivery and you notice spotting, even if the baby is breastfed, you need to consult a doctor. Either a new menstrual cycle begins, or a serious inflammatory process occurs. Moreover, it may not even be accompanied by pain.

Possible presence of tumors, polyps, appearance. When the discharge stops and suddenly starts again, this is a reason for examination in any case. If it is confirmed that this is menstrual flow, you need to protect yourself. You need to know that with the restoration of the cycle appear. During menstruation, the amount of milk may decrease. You need to be patient and continue breastfeeding. Use supplementary feeding only in extreme cases.

Mucous discharge after childbirth

It is normal to have a small amount of mucus discharge a week after the baby is born. At this time, the mother’s body, or rather the uterus, continues to cleanse itself, and the work of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, which produce mucus, is restored. Over the next week their volume decreases.

Further, the appearance of mucous discharge, when the lochia has almost disappeared, may indicate ovulation. At the same time, they are thick mucous, similar to egg white. If the mother is breastfeeding, but has already introduced complementary foods, ovulation can most likely occur within 2-3 months. In non-breastfeeding women, the process of egg maturation begins again after the second month or even earlier. Pregnancy during this period is extremely undesirable - after all, the body has not yet returned to normal, so it is necessary to carefully protect yourself. Yellow mucous discharge may indicate an infection. Has the mucus discharge increased or acquired an unpleasant odor? Contact your doctor.

Purulent discharge after childbirth

An extremely dangerous symptom is purulent discharge after childbirth, whenever it occurs: after a month, after 3 months, after 7 weeks. Purulent discharge is one of the leading symptoms of inflammation. Possible endometritis or salpino-oophoritis.

In this case, it is often noted:

  • weakness;
  • fatigue;
  • headache;
  • lower abdominal pain;
  • hyperthermia – increased body temperature.

White discharge after childbirth

White discharge after childbirth is a sign of thrush, which tends to worsen with any fluctuations in immunity. The main symptom of thrush is the curdled consistency of the discharge. There is no point in delaying its treatment: in itself it is not dangerous, but it can provoke the penetration of inflammation along the ascending path, and then a bacterial infection is likely to occur. Untreated candidiasis causes significant discomfort to the mother.

Thrush is difficult to confuse with other diseases: it manifests itself in addition to the characteristic cheesy discharge with a sour odor, itching and burning, as well as constant irritation in the vaginal area. Why doesn't this discharge go away on its own? The body is weakened, it is difficult for it to cope with the multiplying fungus, the local immunity cannot cope - help is needed. The appearance of discharge with the smell of fish indicates dysbiosis and the appearance of gardnerella. Gardnerella is an opportunistic organism that is constantly present on the vaginal mucosa. But under favorable conditions, its reproduction is not inhibited, and itching and odor appear. Often its reproduction occurs against the background of thrush.

Pink postpartum discharge

Discharge of a pinkish tint may be due to the presence of erosion, minor injuries to the genital tract that occurred during childbirth, or diseases such as the uterus, suture dehiscence. In any case, you should visit a doctor to determine the cause.

Lochia after childbirth: norm and deviations by day

It may be easier for you to understand whether everything is proceeding within normal limits if you refer to the following summary table.

Table 2.

Period

Color and volume

Smell

What do they mean?

First days Bright scarlet, burgundy, abundant Normal bloody odor Norm
Scanty, in small quantities, scarlet Normal bloody odor Dangerous sign: perhaps something is blocking the release of lochia; if the obstacle is not removed, inflammation and purulent itching will begin. Dangerous condition
First week, from 3 to 5-10 days or a little longer There are enough pads used for menstruation. Color brown, grey-brown. Possibly separated in “pieces”. Sometimes a slight increase. No rise in body temperature Rotten smell The uterus contracts - everything is going well, clots come out - normal
35-42 day Brown, gradually lightening, at the end of the period beige - will soon end. After which there will be ordinary transparent Without smell Norm
At any time Green, yellow with an unpleasant odor, purulent. Most often with an unpleasant odor, possible itching, pain, rise in body temperature Pathology – consultation with a doctor is required
Possible at any time after 3 weeks Transparent mucous membranes, abundant transparent Without smell Ovulation is a normal variant

When does the discharge end after childbirth?

A woman must know when the discharge passes after childbirth - then she will be able to detect any problems in time. Normally, this happens after 8, in extreme cases – 9 weeks. Discharge for more than 2 months is rare. Usually by this time doctors lift the ban on sex. At the same time, nothing should be released from the woman’s reproductive tract. Any strange leucorrhoea or blood that appears during or after sexual intercourse is a reason to contact a gynecologist.

In order to reduce the likelihood of infection entering the uterus, a woman should maintain careful hygiene throughout the postpartum period:

  • wash yourself daily (you can wash with plain water);
  • change pads every 2-3 hours;
  • do not use tampons.

Bloody lochia and the duration of its appearance should not be scary; rather, the sudden cessation of discharge and the appearance of an unpleasant odor should be alarming. Be patient a little: it just seems like it’s taking so long. Soon (in a month and a half) your body will recover, you will feel better, and you will be able to calmly enjoy the happiness of motherhood.

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.

  1. 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.
  2. Hygiene products should be changed as often as possible. It is best to do this once every three hours or, if necessary, earlier.
  3. 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.
  4. Underwear should be as comfortable and natural as possible.
  5. 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.
  6. You should abstain from sex. An open wound in the uterus during sexual intercourse can become very painful and begin to bleed more profusely.
  7. 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.