How many days does postpartum bleeding last?

Pregnant women have special significance for a family, so their physical condition should always be paid attention to, even after they give birth, because they are in a weak period after giving birth and are susceptible to bacterial infection. Recently, I heard that some mothers found vaginal bleeding after delivery and became panicked and at a loss. So some postpartum mothers would ask, how many days will the postpartum bleeding last? To this end, a detailed description is given below.

Normally, after giving birth, a woman will have 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.

At the same time, postpartum bleeding and lochia vary over time and are generally divided into three categories:

1. Within the first week after delivery - red nasty

Generally, the lochia is bloody within 3 to 7 days after delivery. The lochia is large in volume and bright red in color. It contains a large amount of blood, mucus and necrotic decidual tissue and has a bloody smell.

2. One week to half a month after delivery - lochia serous

The amount and composition of lochia will vary depending on the time postpartum. Basically one week after delivery, as the endometrium is repaired, the amount of bleeding gradually decreases and turns into serous lochia with less amount and lighter color. It contains less blood, and the amount of cervical mucus increases relatively. It contains necrotic decidual tissue, vaginal secretions and bacteria.

3. Half a month to one month after delivery - white lochia

In the last 2 to 4 weeks, it turns white or light yellow, forming white lochia, which is less in amount and no longer contains blood. It usually lasts for about 3 weeks before stopping. The time that lochia appears after cesarean section may be longer than that after natural birth. Pay attention to rest, strengthen nutrition, and it is best to breastfeed. Breastfeeding is good for the baby and helps the uterus recover.

In short, postpartum bleeding, also known as 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. Also, lochia usually does not exceed the amount of menstruation. If the bleeding lasts for more than two weeks, exceeds the menstrual volume or contains blood clots, or the vaginal discharge appears as rotten meat-like tissue or has a foul odor, you should seek medical attention immediately.

The above is an explanation of how many days it will take for postpartum hemorrhage to heal. Maternal problems cannot be ignored, but postpartum mothers do not need to worry too much, because as long as they pay attention to their own physical changes, go to the hospital for check-up when necessary, and do a good job of postpartum re-examination, according to current medical technology, there will generally be no serious problems.