How long does it usually take for lochia to be discharged?

Lochia will appear gradually after a pregnant woman gives birth. This is the uterus slowly expelling the waste inside to keep the uterus clean. Generally, lochia will be discharged in about 20 days, so don’t worry too much. Just do the corresponding hygiene work, maintain your eating habits, and supplement the corresponding nutrition.

How long does it take for lochia to be clean after a normal birth?

Lochia after normal delivery refers to the shedding of the uterine decidua, especially the decidua at the placental attachment after a new mother gives birth, and contains blood, necrotic decidua, etc., which are discharged through the vagina. For mothers who choose natural childbirth, lochia will generally be completely discharged in 4-6 weeks after delivery, with a total volume of about 500-1000ml. Normal lochia has a bloody smell but no odor, but there are large individual differences, and the amount of lochia is also discharged in "stages".

The amount of lochia after normal delivery is discharged in three stages

By observing the lochia, paying attention to changes in its quality and quantity, color and odor, as well as the state of uterine recovery, you can understand whether the uterine recovery is normal.

Lochia discharge stage 1: bloody lochia

In the first few days after delivery, the amount of lochia (i.e. the amount of blood) is relatively large, bright red in color, and sometimes contains small blood clots. At this time, there is a small amount of fetal membrane and necrotic decidual tissue. Bloody lochia lasts for 3-5 days (sometimes up to 7 days), the amount of uterine bleeding gradually decreases, the serous fluid increases, and it turns into serous lochia.

Lochia discharge stage 2: Lochia serous

After 3-5 days, the amount of blood contained decreases and becomes serous with light red color, but it contains more necrotic decidual tissue, cervical mucus, uterine exudate, and bacteria.

Lochia discharge stage 3: White lochia

After about 10 days, the serous fluid gradually decreases, the white blood cells increase, and it turns into white lochia. Viscous, white in color. The secretions at this time contain a large number of white blood cells, necrotic tissue decidua, epidermal cells and bacteria.