How does the discharge go after childbirth? Lochia after childbirth. How long is the discharge after childbirth - why is there discharge after childbirth? If the discharge is scanty or does not last long

Childbirth is a difficult test for the female body. After them, several weeks must pass so that the uterus can recover. During this period, the appearance of what is commonly called lochia is observed. The health of the mother is judged by their number and characteristics. Every girl needs to remember how much discharge there is after childbirth, what shade and aroma it will have.

What is postpartum discharge?

Lochia is the common name for spotting after childbirth. In the first couple of days they will be abundant. Sanitary pads will have to be changed hourly. Subsequently, their intensity decreases. If there are clots and mucus in the discharged fluid, this is natural.

On the first day after delivery, small vessels located in the uterine cavity remain torn. This leads to massive bleeding. The uterus is freed from particles of placenta and epithelium. Intense contractions help her with this. This process helps to restore the normal menstrual cycle and the functioning of the reproductive system. How long it will take is determined based on the woman’s condition.

During the entire period of bleeding, the woman should be under the supervision of a doctor. This will allow timely detection of pathologies and initiation of therapy. If the discharged secretion is too small or absent altogether, this indicates the development of postpartum complications. In such a situation, drug treatment is used. Sometimes it does not bring the desired result, and you will have to carry out artificial cleansing of the uterus.

Stages of postpartum uterine recovery

If after pregnancy and the birth of the baby no pathological changes have occurred in the female body, then the picture of the discharge will be as follows:

• The day after delivery, the separation of bloody secretions begins.
• After a week, clots and mucus particles appear in the discharge.
• After 3 weeks, the volume of secretion begins to decrease. Their color fades.
• In the fifth - sixth week, the discharged secretion resembles a daub on the last day of menstruation

The total duration of discharge after childbirth should not exceed nine weeks. After an artificial birth, a similar process may take longer. Everything is determined by the individual characteristics of the young mother’s body.

Continuous breastfeeding reduces the duration of discharge after childbirth. When the baby is applied to the nipple, intense contraction of the uterine muscles occurs, which speeds up its cleansing.

Color of natural lochia after childbirth

Based on the characteristics of the discharge after childbirth, the condition of the woman’s genitourinary system is judged. If the delivery went well, then the suckers will have the following shade:

• Bright red. This secret has the smell of fresh blood. The presence of clots and particles of epithelium is allowed. In this case, the content of red blood cells is responsible for the brightness of the shade.
• Pink-brown. They are observed on the 4th day after delivery. The concentration of erythrocytes in the secretion decreases, and the content of leukocytes increases. There is a musty aroma.
• Yellow - white. The separation of such lochia is observed 10 days after the birth. The secretion is quite liquid and does not smell of anything. After five weeks, the blood impurities disappear, leaving only mucus. After this the suckers will stop.

Postpartum discharge occurs against the background of pain in the lower abdomen. The attacks are similar to contractions. If a girl is giving birth for the second time, the pain can be quite severe.

Do not begin sexual activity until the discharge stops. This can provoke the development of serious complications.

In what cases is it necessary to urgently consult a doctor?

Normal discharge after childbirth is not cause for concern. After seven to eight weeks they should go away without causing any harm. You should immediately consult your doctor in the following situations:

• Complete absence of discharge. This happens when there is a spasm of the cervical pharynx or after the cervical canal is blocked by large particles of the placenta. If the suckers have not gone away the next day after giving birth, consult a doctor.
• On the 12th day after birth, the secretion remains bloody red, there is an increase in body temperature, chills are tormented, and the pulse increases to 100 beats per minute. This condition lasts about a week. Similar symptoms are accompanied by endometritis.
• Discharge in women occurs against the background of a rise in body temperature to 39 degrees. The general condition remains satisfactory. With such symptoms, we can talk about the development of metroendometritis - an inflammatory process localized on the mucous surface of the uterus.
• On the third day after the baby is born, the color of the released fluid becomes brown. Severe headaches appear, sleep is disturbed, heart rate increases, and temperature rises. On palpation, an increase in the size of the uterus is noted. Such signs characterize the complicated course of endometritis.
• Natural discharge after childbirth has the scent of blood. If liquids with a repulsive, pungent aroma are released, this indicates the development of an infectious process.

Only a specialist can judge the norm and deviation during discharge after childbirth. Therefore, after the birth of the baby, the woman should be observed by a doctor for several months. Once the discharge ends, the girl can return to a full life.

Color and characteristics of discharge that are alarming

Based on what kind of discharge is observed in a woman after childbirth, a preliminary diagnosis can be made. The shared secret could be as follows:

• Yellow. Natural suckers turn yellowish-white 6-7 weeks after delivery. They do not smell and do not cause much discomfort. If the yellow secretion began to be released significantly in the fourth week or even earlier, it has a pungent odor and is accompanied by itching and burning, this indicates the development of an infectious process. The sooner treatment is started in such a situation, the greater the chance of maintaining the health of the reproductive system.
• Green. Sometimes such discharge appears 2 weeks after delivery. They indicate the presence of a bacterial infection in the fallopian tubes or vagina. In the absence of proper therapy, endometritis develops. Gonococci, chlamydia, gardenella, and trichomonas can color the secreted liquid green. Other symptoms of the problem include pain in the suprapubic area, itching and burning in the genitals.
• Brown. Normally, lochia should be blood-red in the first few days after the baby is born. After artificial birth, the separation of secretions takes a little longer, as the process of involution of the postoperative suture occurs. If the released liquid acquires a rich brown tint, this indicates the development of pathology. Coagulated blood has a dark shade. The reason for this often lies in hormonal imbalance, endometriosis or uterine fibroids. The inflammatory process in such a situation is not accompanied by painful sensations. Brown lochia after natural childbirth may indicate the appearance of a tumor or polyps in the uterus, endometrial hyperplasia.
• White. Leucorrhoea after childbirth is often said to indicate the presence of thrush. The reason for its appearance is a sharp decrease in the body’s protective functions. A secret of a curd-like consistency is released. In itself, such a disease does not cause any particular harm to health, but it can give impetus to the development of severe inflammation and the addition of a bacterial infection.
• Pink. If, two weeks after birth, the suckers turn pink, you can judge the presence of erosion, trauma to the genital tract or polyps in the uterus. After a cesarean section, they may become a sign of dehiscence of postoperative sutures.
• Black. If the discharge after childbirth ended on time, but it was too dark, almost black, this is normal. This condition becomes a consequence of serious hormonal changes in the body.
• Slimy. A week after giving birth, there is bloody discharge with a large amount of mucus. They are considered normal. If mucous discharge lasts longer than expected and acquires a repulsive odor, we can talk about the presence of an infectious disease.

How long the discharge lasts after childbirth will depend on the characteristics of the body, as well as some other factors. For example, in girls who are breastfeeding, secretion ends earlier due to active contractions of the uterus. If there is discharge of an unnatural color or there is no discharge at all, this is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Any diseases identified in the initial ten days are easier to treat.

Postpartum hemorrhage

Abundant lochia in the first two to three hours after birth indicates the appearance of uterine bleeding. The reason for this phenomenon is a weak contraction of the muscles of the organ after its strong relaxation during the process of delivery. In such a situation, the patient is advised to administer Oxytocin. This drug increases muscle contractility and prevents bloody discharge. At the same time, the woman's bladder is emptied using a catheter.

Another reason for bleeding after childbirth is rupture of the cervix. Sometimes the doctor misses such damage or places the wrong suture, which easily comes apart. Bleeding can continue for a long time and threatens the health and even life of the woman. Therefore, it is necessary to take adequate measures as early as possible.

What factors influence the appearance of unnatural discharge after childbirth?

The following factors can influence the development of postpartum complications, and, consequently, change the nature of the discharge:

• Violation of the principles of proper nutrition, abuse of harmful foods.
• Smoking and drinking alcohol by a woman during pregnancy.
• Presence of obesity.
• Anemia.
• State of acute immunodeficiency.
• Gestosis during pregnancy.
• Polyhydramnios.
• Isthmic-cervical insufficiency, in which sutures were placed on the cervix.
• Prolonged wearing of an intrauterine device before pregnancy.
• Many previous instrumental interventions or abortions.
• Inflammatory diseases of the respiratory system.

If labor lasts longer than 12 hours and is accompanied by weak labor activity, this also negatively affects the woman’s health. Manual intervention into the uterine cavity is also dangerous.

Preventive actions

How long the discharge lasts after childbirth will depend on the individual woman. This process brings a lot of inconvenience, but is necessary to restore the normal functioning of the reproductive system. Following the rules of prevention will help alleviate the condition on such days and prevent the development of complications:

• Empty your bladder as often as possible. On the first day after childbirth, you need to go to the toilet as soon as you feel the slightest urge. On average, you will have to visit it at least once every three hours. A full bladder interferes with normal uterine contractions.
• Breastfeed your baby. During feeding, there is an active release of oxytocin. This hormone acts on the brain, which leads to intense contraction of the uterine muscles. Thanks to this, she is more quickly freed from the remnants of the placenta and the discharge passes more quickly.
• Spend more time lying on your stomach. This position prevents stagnation of secretions in the uterus and becomes an excellent prevention of bleeding. After the birth of the baby, the uterus deviates closer to the posterior abdominal wall, which prevents the complete discharge of secretions. Lying on your stomach returns the uterus to its normal position.
• In the first two weeks after the baby is born, apply a cold compress to the uterine area three times a day. It promotes muscle contraction and normalization of blood vessels. Make sure that the procedures do not last longer than five minutes. Otherwise, hypothermia will occur.
• If the baby was too large or there were several of them, then the uterus stretches too much. In such a situation, restoring her normal state without the use of medications will be problematic. More often, doctors use Oxytocin. It is administered intramuscularly for three days.
• During the entire period while secretion continues, it is necessary to carefully monitor the hygiene of the genital organs. You should wash yourself after each visit to the toilet. For these purposes, specialized detergents are used. They should contain as few dyes and flavors as possible. Maintaining good hygiene will help prevent infection.
• Until the suckers stop, it is forbidden to take a bath. This often provokes the development of inflammation and facilitates the entry of infection into the uterus.
• Replace your postpartum pads more often. During the first 3 weeks they are updated very often. You cannot skimp on such hygiene items. A dirty gasket becomes a favorable environment for the activation of pathogenic microflora. The use of tampons during this period is prohibited. They cause the development of endometriosis.
• In cold weather, dress as warmly as possible. Hypothermia at such moments is fraught with serious complications.
• Lifting heavy objects is strictly prohibited.

Strict adherence to prevention standards will influence how many days after birth the secretions will be released. If the lochia stops on time and has a natural shade, then there is nothing to worry about. If any deviations are detected, you should immediately consult a specialist. Only timely treatment of pathologies will help maintain health.

Every new mother worries not only about the health of her baby, but also about her own well-being. One of the most common questions that maternity ward workers hear is: “How long does the discharge last after childbirth?” This is exactly what will be discussed further. You will find out how long after childbirth there is spotting. Also find out what color they acquire later. It is definitely worth considering several options for the process.

How long does discharge last after childbirth? Answer from gynecologists and obstetricians

If you consult a doctor with this question, you will find out the following information. Discharge after delivery continues for just over one month. Doctors usually call the time period 42 days. However, every woman’s body is individual. Some mothers recover faster. For others, the rehabilitation process is delayed. Discharge has a completely different duration in the event of the development of a pathological process or complication.

Lochia is the contents of the reproductive organ, which comes out after the separation of the child's place. This includes blood from the wound surface, mucus from the walls of the uterus, remnants of decidual tissue and membranes that did not come out during the expulsion of the placenta.

The color of normal lochia is an important indicator

How long does discharge last after childbirth, you found out. However, this is not all the information you need to know. The consistency and color of the mucus plays a big role. It is by this indicator that one can suspect a pathological process that developed as a result of delivery. Quite often, in maternity hospitals, midwives regularly examine the discharge of new mothers. If a pathology is suspected, information is provided to the doctor. Such women are prescribed additional tests in the form of ultrasound, blood tests and gynecological examination.

First five days

How long does bleeding last after childbirth? A little less than one week. It is this gap that doctors report. While the mother is in labor within the walls of the maternity ward, the mucus that comes out has a rich red color. It may also contain admixtures of clots and lumps.

Often such discharge acquires an unpleasant odor. This is the absolute norm. Indeed, during this period, what was in the cavity of the reproductive organ for the long nine months of gestation is separated. However, if after five days the mucus (consistency and color) has not changed, then we are talking about a complication.

Two weeks after birth

How long does the discharge last after childbirth (after heavy bleeding has stopped)? When the remaining tissue and blood come out, we can say that the wound surface has almost recovered. Now the discharge has a pinkish-red tint. It is worth noting that they should not contain clots. Unpleasant odor is also eliminated.

Such discharge continues for about two weeks. During this period they are no longer so abundant. This allows a woman to refuse postpartum pads and use regular hygiene products.

After a month

You already know how long after childbirth there is bleeding. This period is approximately three weeks. By the end of the first month, the discharge acquires a mucous consistency and an orange color. They look more like ichor. This mucus indicates that the internal cavity of the reproductive organ continues to rapidly recover.

This mucous ichor can normally be secreted for about one week. Remember that all deadlines are very conditional. So, for some women, by the end of the first month, the discharge ends completely.

Fifth week after birth

How long does the discharge last after childbirth, and what color should it be? Normally, by the fifth week after the baby is born, the lochia becomes white. They got their unusual name because of the mucous consistency of the transparent discharge. A new mother can observe this phenomenon for about another week or two.

During this period, a woman no longer requires sanitary pads for menstruation. She could very well benefit from daily protective inserts. The amount of such mucus is very small. Up to 5-10 milliliters can be released per day. For clarity, one teaspoon contains 5 ml.

When does lochia end? What does this depend on?

How long the discharge lasts after childbirth and the smell of this fluid are very important indicators. Usually lochia ends one and a half months after the birth of the child. This deadline is the deadline. If after the specified time the lochia is still present, then there is a possibility of pathology developing. Early termination of discharge also does not mean anything good. What determines how long the discharge lasts after childbirth?

Reviews from doctors say that the weight of the baby and the course of pregnancy play a big role. when a mother gives birth to a large child (more than 4 kilograms) or has polyhydramnios, the reproductive organ is greatly stretched. Because of this, the recovery process takes longer. Often, to speed up the contraction of the uterus, such women in labor are prescribed oxytocin after the baby is born. This drug helps mucus leave the cavity of the reproductive organ faster.

How long does the discharge last after childbirth (caesarean section)? In the case when the baby is born with the help of surgeons who cut through the woman’s abdominal wall, lochia may be of a slightly different nature. In this case, the duration of bleeding may increase to two weeks. This is due to the fact that in addition to the wound surface from the placenta, there is also a scar in the uterus. It is worth noting that with this method of delivery there is a high risk of developing infections and complications.

Possible pathologies

Sometimes after the birth of a baby, a woman faces problems. Statistics show that approximately every fifth new mother is sent by doctors for gynecological curettage. In what cases is it really necessary?

If after giving birth the discharge has not become less abundant after a week, but still contains lumps, we may be talking about incomplete separation of the placenta. After expulsion of the child's place, obstetricians should carefully examine it for damage. If they are present, then manual cleaning is carried out directly on the birth table. If pathology is detected late, curettage is performed using anesthesia. How long does the discharge last after childbirth (after cleaning)? With this combination of circumstances, lochia ends somewhat faster. All due to the fact that an artificial separation of mucus and areas and tissues remaining in the uterus was performed.

Also quite often, women in labor encounter inflammatory diseases. In this case, the infection can be acquired long before birth. However, after such a complex process, which is accompanied by the formation of a wound surface, pathological microorganisms begin to actively multiply. In this case, the discharge may have not only an unusual character, but also a strange consistency. Simultaneously with the lochia, pus is released. The blood takes on a brownish-green color and a fishy odor. Treatment must be carried out using antibacterial agents.

Lochia or postpartum discharge may end in less than a month. In this case, blood comes out in small volumes. This is explained by the fact that the cervical canal closes very early. Pieces of tissue and mucus simply cannot penetrate through the small hole. Quite often, women who give birth by caesarean section encounter this phenomenon. In this case, the fairer sex undergoes the same gynecological curettage.

In order for lochia to come out as it should after childbirth, a woman must follow certain rules. The following tips will help your postpartum discharge to be emptied in a timely and complete manner.

• Immediately after giving birth, you should use an ice compress on the abdominal area.
• When you are transferred to the room, assume a prone position. This will allow the uterus not to bend and release its contents.
• Breastfeed your baby. Sucking provokes the production of oxytocin, which enhances the contractility of the reproductive organ.
• Follow your doctor's recommendations and take prescribed medications.

Summing up the article

You now know how long discharge lasts after childbirth. You also found out what color they should be. If you have recently become a mother, then after one month you should definitely visit a gynecologist. The doctor will examine and evaluate your discharge. By then they should already be light and slimy. If you suddenly notice increased bleeding or the addition of an unpleasant odor and foam, then you should visit a medical facility as soon as possible. You may need some medication adjustment. Remember that during this period you cannot swim in open water and be exposed to heat. Good health to you and a speedy recovery!

Physiological processes occurring in the body are accompanied by bloody discharge from the vagina, which in medicine is called “lochia”. Today we will look in detail at how long discharge lasts after childbirth, what rules should be followed and when it is necessary to go to the hospital.

Lochia after childbirth

Childbirth is an absolutely natural process for which the female body prepares throughout the entire period of bearing a baby. But it changes the most, as it grows over the course of 9 months along with the baby. It is after childbirth that the uterus turns into an open bleeding wound, but over time it should recover and return to its previous state, which was characteristic of it before pregnancy.

What is this?

Lochia is a postpartum discharge that is a wound discharge from the vagina. During childbirth, the placenta is released with the fetus and it ruptures with the endometrium, since these organs are interconnected by blood vessels, and during their rupture the uterus begins to bleed. After labor, when the uterus returns to its previous state, it pushes out excess contents, which are presented in the form (as women call them), or lochia (from a medical point of view).

Did you know? During pregnancy, the uterus increases 500 times, and its weight can reach 1 kg. The most interesting thing is that after childbirth it is completely restored and acquires its previous small size.

These discharges are somewhat reminiscent of menstrual discharge, but their formation occurs from completely different components. They come out with parts of the uterine mucosa, remnants of the placenta, ichor and mucus of the uterine canal, all this is accompanied by blood until the torn vessels heal.

How long does it take?

Of course, each woman is individual, her body also has its own characteristics, and the recovery process can either be delayed or go faster. Therefore, let’s look at how long after childbirth there is spotting.

Lochia with a red tint is observed during the first 2–3 days after labor. They are presented in the form of bloody discharge of a bright red color and are characterized by abundance, as they have a high content of red blood cells. Lochia may be accompanied by small blood clots.

Important! During the recovery process in the body, you should carefully monitor the lochia, which can change over time - they change color and become less abundant.

Serous discharge is observed on the 4th day after delivery. They are characterized by a pale pink-brown hue and are marked by a high content. During this period, it is necessary to ensure that the lochia does not contain blood clots, because this is considered.

Lochia is white or yellowish in color and is distinguished by a more liquid state, without blood impurities and odor. White lochia after childbirth has a longer duration, so let's look at how long this discharge lasts. Often, during the normal course of the recovery process, white lochia persists for 12 days, and their onset occurs on the 10th day after delivery.

The abundance of lochia becomes less intense over time, and starting from the 20th day after delivery, their scarcity is noted. Lochia can be characterized by admixtures of mucous particles that are concentrated in the cervical canal.

During the first 3 days of the period, contractions of the uterus may occur, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, since oxytocin is released into the blood during the process of irritation. This condition is considered normal and goes away within 2-3 days.

Important! It should be noted that a woman who breastfeeds her baby recovers faster and the discharge lasts less than in non-breastfeeding mothers.

Norms and deviations

Although each woman’s lochia has its own characteristics, they must still meet certain standards that are approved in medical practice. As mentioned above, each period is characterized by a change in color, as well as the number of separated clots.

For 2 hours after delivery, the woman in labor continues to stay in the delivery room. The normal discharge immediately after childbirth is considered to be copious and bloody. They do not disturb the woman’s well-being, and their quantity can reach a maximum of 400 ml.

To avoid possible bleeding after delivery, the pregnant woman needs to empty her bladder. This procedure is carried out with a catheter, and then the mother is given ice on the lower abdomen. Special intravenous infusions are made to provoke a contracting process in the uterus; for this purpose, Methylergometrine is often used.

Important! If a woman had a multiple pregnancy, a very large fetus was born, the woman gave birth many times, or the birth was difficult, then intramuscular administration of Oxytocin is prescribed for 3 days to provoke uterine contractions.

When the uterus contracts, it closes off the torn blood vessels in the area where the placenta was previously attached. This procedure is necessary to prevent a woman from losing a lot of blood.

Therefore, at first, the woman in labor should be under strict control, since during this period there is a high probability of problems arising.

The woman is left in the delivery room and the condition is monitored, which at this time is characterized by the volume and type of discharge, because there is a risk of hypotonic bleeding in the uterus due to problems in uterine contractility and its complete relaxation.
If you feel that the discharge has become very profuse, you should immediately tell the medical staff nearby. No pain occurs during bleeding, but symptoms such as dizziness and weakness may only appear.

Did you know? Translated from Latin, “placenta” means “cake,” which very accurately characterizes its appearance. The placenta at the beginning of pregnancy is hundreds of times heavier than the fetus, and by the beginning of labor it can reach a weight of 600 g.

Bleeding may also occur due to perineal ruptures if they were not noticed by the doctor and were not stitched up in time.

When 2 hours are up and the woman feels normal, she is sent to the postpartum ward.

In the maternity ward

The norm for lochia in the first 3 days is bloodiness and profuseness. Full padding is observed after 2 hours of use. The discharge is characterized by small clots and an odor similar to that of menstruation. Gradually, the lochia becomes less abundant and darkens, acquiring a dark red tint, and over time it may turn brown. While performing any movements, lochia may intensify. When a woman is in the postpartum ward, her condition is monitored daily by a doctor.
It should be noted that in the first 3 days, lochia appears during palpation of a woman’s abdomen by a doctor.

• Go to the toilet on time, emptying your bladder. This nuance is especially important in the first day, so it is recommended to visit the toilet every 3 hours. This rule cannot be neglected, since when the bladder is full, the uterus cannot contract normally, which leads to a worsening of the discharge process.
• Regularly apply to the breast so that the uterus actively contracts and, thereby, increases discharge.
• Resting while lying on your stomach - this also helps to increase discharge and prevents bleeding.
• Place ice on the lower abdomen 4 times a day to stimulate uterine contractions.

A deviation is considered if the discharge has become more abundant, and this happened very abruptly.

When such a situation arises, you need to immediately consult a doctor, as it is possible that you have bleeding, which can be a consequence of certain situations. Let's look at them in more detail:

1. Bleeding may occur due to the fact that the placenta did not come out completely during the first day. This condition is very dangerous, since it can occur both at the beginning of the recovery process and after a week. You can find out whether the placenta is the cause of the bleeding using an ultrasound. If the ultrasound shows a positive result, then parts of the placenta are removed under anesthesia, and after this the restoration of the body is accompanied by intravenous drip administration of special fluids.
2. In rare cases, bleeding is possible if a woman has bleeding disorders caused by various diseases. They are the most difficult to diagnose, and this must be done before birth, so that preventive therapy can be prescribed in advance.
3. The most common cause of bleeding is considered to be poor contractility of the uterine muscles, which is accompanied by heavy bleeding. To eliminate this problem, the woman is given intravenous injections of contracting drugs and fluids. If the bleeding is very severe, then an infusion of plasma or red blood cells is performed.

At home

When you go home from the maternity hospital, the spotting will not end, and will still cause you discomfort for some time. Let's find out how long discharge can last after childbirth.

The total duration of discharge after childbirth is normally within 4–5 weeks, but longer lochia is possible, up to 8 weeks inclusive, which in most cases is also the norm. During this time, the total amount of discharge is about 1.5 liters.

By the end of the 5th–6th week, the lochia stops and the discharge becomes normal. This means that the uterus has been cleansed and restored.

During this time, women are advised to regularly apply to the breast to stimulate contractions in the uterus.
Women who have had a cesarean section have a longer recovery period because uterine contractions are less intense. The reason for this is the suture.

Important! Usually, complications do not arise during this period, provided that the woman follows all the doctor’s recommendations and monitors her personal hygiene.

When you need medical help

As mentioned above, bleeding may occur in the first week due to many reasons. If such a situation occurs, you must immediately consult a doctor (if you are in a hospital) or call an ambulance for immediate hospitalization, as a large loss of blood is possible in a matter of hours.

If, upon arrival home, after some time, you notice that the discharge does not lighten for a long time and is still as abundant, has an unpleasant odor or has become purulent in nature, this may indicate. In this case, it is recommended to consult a doctor for consultation and to determine the cause of the complications and prescribe the correct treatment.
If the discharge did not last long and suddenly stopped, this is also an indication for going to the hospital, since this situation is considered a deviation from the norm.

You may need medical attention if light yellow or white discharge persists for a long time and lochia with bloody clots or blood admixture suddenly begins to appear.

If you experience sudden pain in the lower abdomen after being discharged from hospital, this may indicate the development of an infection, which requires the attention of doctors and timely treatment.
Lochia of a cheesy nature causes the development of thrush. Symptoms of this disease are itching and redness of the external genitalia. Thrush occurs especially often if women took antibiotics during the recovery period.

How to avoid infection: hygiene rules

During the period of heavy vaginal discharge, very careful and regular self-care is mandatory, which involves performing all necessary personal hygiene procedures, including:

• Regular change of pads: once every 2 hours. In the first time after delivery, it is recommended to use diapers or homemade bundles, for which you need to buy clean cotton fabric.
• Mandatory regular washing in the morning and evening, as well as after each visit to the toilet. The procedure must be carried out with warm water, moving from top to bottom.
• Take a shower every day, but remember that taking a bath during this period is prohibited.

Features of discharge after cesarean section

Women who have been exposed should take into account that the discharge will be of a different nature. In this situation, the duration of the discharge and its components will differ.

The following features of discharge after cesarean section are distinguished:

• The possibility of contracting an infection or provoking an inflammatory process is much higher, so you should adhere to strict personal hygiene.
• The first week is accompanied by heavy bloody discharge that contains mucous clots.
• The normal color of lochia is bright red, which over time acquires a brown tint.
• As for the duration of the discharge, it is much longer than during natural childbirth, since the contraction of the uterus is weaker and it takes longer to heal.
• The discharge after artificial childbirth is longer, its duration is about 2 weeks.

The birth of the placenta occurs, signifying the completion of the birth process. This is accompanied by the release of a large amount of blood and mucus: since the surface of the uterus is damaged, a wound remains on it from the former attachment of the placenta. Until the surface of the uterus heals and the mucous membrane is restored, the wound contents will be released from the vagina of the postpartum woman, gradually changing in color (there will be less and less blood impurities) and decreasing in quantity. These are called lochia.

Immediately after labor is completed, the woman is given a drug to stimulate uterine contractions. Usually it is Oxytocin or Methylegrometril. The bladder is emptied through the catheter (so that it does not put pressure on the uterus and does not interfere with its contractions), and an ice heating pad is placed on the lower abdomen. This time is very dangerous due to the discovery of hypotonic uterine bleeding, so the postpartum woman is observed for two hours in the delivery room.

Bloody discharge is now very abundant, but still should not exceed the norm. The woman does not experience any pain, but bleeding quickly leads to weakness and dizziness. Therefore, if you feel that the blood is flowing very heavily (for example, the diaper under you is all wet), be sure to tell the medical staff about it.

If the discharge during these two hours does not exceed half a liter and the condition of the postpartum woman is satisfactory, then she is transferred to the postpartum ward. Now you must monitor your discharge, and for this you need to know what it is and how long it lasts. Don't be alarmed: of course, the nurse will control everything. And the doctor will certainly come in, including to assess the nature and amount of discharge. But in order to be confident and calm, it is better to know in advance what will happen to you in the first time after childbirth, and what the nature of normal postpartum discharge should be.

What type of discharge occurs after childbirth?

Lochia consists of blood cells, ichor, plasma, scraps of the lining of the uterus (dying epithelium) and mucus from the cervical canal, so you will notice mucus and clots in them, especially in the first days after childbirth. When pressing on the abdomen, as well as during movement, the discharge of wound contents may increase. Keep this in mind, if you want to get out of bed, you will immediately gush. Therefore, we recommend that you first place a diaper under your feet.

Lochia will constantly change its character. At first they resemble menstrual discharge, only much more abundant. This is good because the uterine cavity is being cleansed of wound contents. After just a few days, the lochia will become slightly darker in color and less in number. In the second week, the discharge will be brownish-yellow and acquire a mucous consistency, and after the third week it will be yellowish-white. But blood impurities can be observed for a whole month after childbirth - this is normal.

To avoid bleeding?

Even after the mother has been transferred to the postpartum ward, the likelihood of bleeding still remains high. If the amount of discharge increases sharply, call a doctor immediately. To prevent bleeding, do the following:

• Turn over on your stomach regularly: this will help empty the uterine cavity of wound contents. Better yet, lie more on your stomach rather than on your back or side.
• Go to the toilet as often as possible, even if you don't feel the urge. Optimally every 2-3 hours, since a full bladder puts pressure on the uterus and prevents its contraction.
• Place a heating pad with ice on your lower abdomen several times a day: the blood vessels will contract, which also prevents bleeding.
• Do not lift anything heavy - the amount of discharge may increase with physical activity.

In addition, in nursing mothers, lochia ends much faster. Therefore, breastfeed your baby on demand - during sucking, the mother’s body produces oxytocin, which provokes contraction of the uterine muscles. At the same time, the woman feels cramping pain, and the discharge itself intensifies.

To avoid infection?

Copious discharge in the first days is very desirable - this way the uterine cavity is cleansed faster. In addition, already from the first days of the postpartum period, a variety of microbial flora is found in the lochia, which, when multiplying, can cause an inflammatory process.

In addition, like any other, this wound (on the uterus) bleeds and can very easily become infected - access to it is now open. To prevent this from happening, you should strictly observe hygiene and follow the following recommendations:

• Wash your genitals with warm water every time you use the toilet. Wash the outside, not the inside, from front to back.
• Shower daily. But refrain from taking a bath - in this case, the risk of infection increases. For the same reason, you should not douche.
• In the first days after giving birth, use sterile diapers instead of sanitary pads.
• Later, change the pads at least eight times a day. It’s better to take the ones you’re used to, only with more drops. And wear them under disposable fishnet panties.
• It is strictly forbidden to use hygienic tampons: they retain the wound contents inside, preventing its discharge, and provoke the development of infections.

How long does the discharge last after childbirth?

Lochia begins to be released from the moment the placenta is rejected and normally will last an average of 6-8 weeks. The intensity of postpartum discharge will decrease over time, and lochia will gradually lighten and disappear. This period is not the same for everyone, as it depends on many different factors:

• intensity of uterine contraction;
• physiological characteristics of the female body (its ability to quickly);
• the course of pregnancy;
• progress of labor;
• the presence or absence of postpartum complications (in particular inflammation of an infectious nature);
• method of delivery (with a caesarean section, lochia may last a little longer than with a physiological birth);
• breastfeeding (the more often a woman puts her baby to her breast, the more intensely the uterus contracts and cleanses).

But in general, on average, discharge after childbirth lasts one and a half months: this period is just enough to restore the mucous epithelium of the uterus. If the lochia ends much earlier or does not stop much longer, then the woman needs to see a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

As soon as the discharge becomes natural, you should visit a gynecologist. But there are situations when a doctor’s examination is necessary much earlier. If the lochia suddenly stops (much earlier than it should) or in the first days after birth the amount is very small, you should see a gynecologist. The development of lochiometra (retention of wound contents in the uterine cavity) can lead to the appearance of endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa). In this case, the wound contents accumulate inside and create a favorable environment for bacteria to live, which is fraught with the development of infections. Therefore, contraction is induced with medication.

However, the opposite option is also possible: when, after a stable decrease in quantity and volume, the discharge suddenly became abundant—bleeding began. If you are still in the maternity hospital, urgently call a doctor, and if you are already at home, call an ambulance.

Causes for concern are yellow-green discharge with a sharp, unpleasant, putrid odor, as well as the appearance of pain in the abdominal area combined with an increase in temperature. This indicates the development of endometritis. The appearance of curdled discharge and itching indicates the development of yeast colpitis (thrush).

Otherwise, if everything goes well, then one and a half to two months after birth, the discharge will take on the character of pre-pregnancy, and you will live your old new life. The onset of the usual menstruation will mark the return of the female body to its prenatal state and its readiness for a new pregnancy. But it’s better to wait with this: take care of a reliable method of contraception for at least 2-3 years.

Especially for- Elena Kichak

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.

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.