After experiencing the last stage of pregnancy, after "unloading", for the mother herself, a small trouble that may affect the mood also came: postpartum lochia.
What is postpartum lochia?
How does it look like menstruation?
How long does it take to drain?
What's going on that the lochia has been dripping?
Today, Jia Jia gave you a good answer.
01
What is postpartum lochia?
Postpartum lochia refers to the shedding of the uterine decidules after childbirth, containing secretions discharged through the vagina by tissues such as blood and necrotic decidua. Under normal circumstances, the lochia displacement is between 250-500ml.
The color and contents of the lochia change over time and go through three stages:
Bloody lochia
Within a week after childbirth, lochia is more exuded and bright red. The main components include blood, endometrial tissue and mucus in the body, similar to the "big aunt", sometimes accompanied by "blood clots", mostly lasting about 3-4 days, and a few cases lasting for a week.
Slurry lochia
02
The endometrium has a self-healing function, and the color of lochia gradually changes from dark red to reddish in the postpartum week, at this time there is more slurry, and the color will become lighter and lighter after about a week, which can last for about 10 days.
White lochia
03
About two weeks after delivery, the uterus is fully repaired, and the new endometrium covers the lining of the uterus, at which point there is no more bleeding. Lochia correspondingly becomes white like vaginal discharge, but it is more than the usual amount of vaginal discharge, and after about 2-3 weeks, lochia basically "retreats".
How often does postpartum lochia drain?
The question that many new mothers are more concerned about is: "When will the lochia leave?" "Affected by factors such as the mode of delivery and the way of feeding, the cycle of lochia discharge is different for each mother.
Generally speaking, 4-6 weeks after childbirth, that is, within 42 days after childbirth, lochia will basically "disappear". If after 42 days after childbirth, lochia is still ticking and delayed, you need to seek medical treatment in time!
Jia Jia solemnly reminds: the length of the duration of lochia affects the recovery of the uterus. In addition to affecting wound healing and postpartum recovery, it may also cause postpartum hemorrhage, intrauterine infection, etc., which is serious or even life-threatening. Once it is found that the postpartum lochia is inexhaustible, the mother needs to be vigilant and seek medical examination as soon as possible.
How to distinguish between postpartum lochia and menstruation
Blood Volume: The amount of lochia will be less than menstruation.
Duration: Menstruation generally ends in 3-7 days, while lochia lasts relatively long.
Color: Lochia color is not as vivid.
*If moms are unsure or have doubts, it is best to seek medical help in time.
04
4 abnormal signals to be vigilant
Lochia is a key indicator of how well the uterus recovers.
If the postpartum mother finds the following 4 abnormal signals, it needs to be paid attention to.
Displacement abnormalities
If the lochia discharge is very large, reaching one tampon per hour, or even suddenly bleeding heavily ten days after childbirth, accompanied by relatively large blood clots, it is likely to be postpartum hemorrhage or late postpartum hemorrhage.
Abnormal odor with symptoms such as fever
Normal lochia has a bloody smell, but it doesn't stink. If the odor of lochia is abnormal, it is necessary to check whether it is an infection such as vaginitis, endometritis, and cervicitis.
The color of the lochia suddenly turns bright red
The normal lochia color is gradually faded from bright red until it is transparent and colorless. If the lochia color suddenly appears bright red after fading, it should also be taken seriously.
Other concomitant symptoms
In addition to the above 3 signals, if there is dizziness and pallor, chills or cold sweat, rapid heartbeat, or fever, abdominal pain and other symptoms during the puerperium period, please also ask your mother to seek medical attention in time.
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