How to judge whether lochia has been discharged

After giving birth, the uterus of a pregnant woman will resume its previous menstrual function, and lochia will be discharged from the body after delivery. Some people also call it menstruation, because the characteristics of lochia are the same as menstruation and it is also red, so many people call lochia menstruation. However, the duration of lochia is also similar to the menstrual period. If the duration is too long, it means that the uterus has not recovered well, and you should go to a gynecologist for treatment in time. So how do you judge whether the lochia is discharged?

Under normal circumstances, postpartum lochia is red, purple-red, or light red. In the first few days after delivery, there is more lochia and it is red, and then it gradually becomes lighter or clear. It is usually clear 6 weeks after delivery. However, if it continues to be discharged after this period of time, it is lochia.

There are three types of postpartum lochia. In the first week after delivery, the amount of lochia is large and the color is bright red, which is called red lochia. After one week to half a month, the amount of blood in the lochia decreases, making the lochia turn into a light red serous fluid, called serous lochia. After half a month to within 3 weeks, the lochia no longer contains blood, and the lochia becomes viscous and white in color, which is called white lochia.

If postpartum lochia does not stop, it indicates that the uterus is not in good repair and the uterine contraction treatment must be strengthened after eliminating the residual uterine cavity.

Normally, after giving birth, a woman will have a bloody discharge from the birth canal, similar to menstruation. This bleeding from the placenta implantation site, mixed with secretions such as the decidua, tissue fragments, and mucus remaining in the uterus, is called lochia. Under normal circumstances, in the first 4 to 5 days, the lochia is abundant and red in color; one week after delivery, the amount of lochia gradually decreases and turns brown; after the 10th day, the color becomes lighter, slowly turning from yellow to white, and there is no special smell. Lochia usually disappears 4-6 weeks after delivery. But sometimes a small amount of brown lochia will continue until the first menstrual period after delivery.

What are the dangers of not stopping lochia?

Under normal circumstances, the lochia from caesarean section will be clear about 20 days after delivery. The lochia has a bloody smell but is not smelly. If lochia recurs 30 days after caesarean section and is accompanied by a foul odor, abdominal pain, fever, etc., it is possible that the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, or vagina are infected. If the amount of lochia increases day by day, the color gradually turns red and darker, or there are bruises, accompanied by uterine bleeding, and vaginal trauma, it may also be due to infection that causes the lochia to remain unclean for a long time.

If lochia continues to be discharged six weeks after delivery, you should be more careful and seek medical attention immediately if necessary, otherwise the following hazards may occur:

1. Postpartum hemorrhage

It can easily cause continuous bleeding from the lower body after delivery, and even cause severe hemorrhage, which can cause a fatal blow to the mother's health.

2. Cause local or systemic infection

The continuous flow of lochia provides bacteria with a chance to take in, which over time can cause partial or complete infection of the body, and can even lead to sepsis, endangering the life of the mother.

3. The incision is difficult to heal

It is difficult for the incision to heal if it is exposed to lochia for a long time. If the bacteria spread upwards, the uterus may be removed.