How many days does it take for postpartum lochia to be discharged?

Regardless of whether a woman gives birth naturally or by caesarean section, she will have to discharge lochia after giving birth. If the lochia is not discharged in time, it will cause great harm to the health of women. It can easily cause postpartum hemorrhage and may also lead to infection. Once infected, the wound will be difficult to heal. However, since everyone's physical fitness is different, the time for postpartum lochia discharge is usually different.

How many days does it take for postpartum lochia to be discharged?

Postpartum lochia can usually be discharged in about 3 weeks after delivery, but the time it takes to be discharged varies from person to person. Some weak women may take 6 weeks to be discharged. If there is no abnormality, it is normal.

Look at the color of lochia to observe health conditions

Lochia

The amount of bloody lochia is large, and its color is red or dark red, and may contain small blood clots. It usually lasts for 3 to 4 days after delivery. The lochia at this time is equivalent to the normal menstrual volume and has a slightly fishy smell. All of these are normal.

Lochia

Serous lochia contains a small amount of blood, but more uterine exudate and cervical mucus, etc., and is light red in color. Bacteria will multiply at this time, and the smell may be stronger. This is also a normal phenomenon and usually lasts about 5 to 10 days.

White lochia

It contains a large number of white blood cells, necrotic iris tissue, epidermal cells and bacteria. At this time, the lochia is white and sticky, slightly similar to leucorrhea, so it is called white lochia. The white lochia will last for about 3 weeks and gradually disappear, but everyone's physical condition is different, so the time it takes for the white lochia to disappear will also vary.

In the first few days after delivery, the amount of lochia is relatively large, and the color generally changes from bright red to light red, and then to light yellow and white. Normal lochia has a bloody smell, but not smelly. If there is a foul smell, it means that the uterus may be infected, and it is recommended to go to the hospital for examination.

How to prevent postpartum lochia from being discharged cleanly

①. The diet should be balanced, nutritious and light, and avoid spicy and greasy food.

②. Exercise appropriately and avoid staying in bed. Long-term bed rest may lead to poor blood circulation and thrombosis, and lack of activity is not conducive to uterine contraction and affects the discharge of lochia. Proper exercise after childbirth can help the body recover. But at the same time, you should avoid weight bearing to prevent uterine prolapse.

③. Adhere to breastfeeding, which is beneficial to uterine contraction and the discharge of lochia.

④. Pay attention to abnormal phenomena. If lochia has an unusual odor or abnormal characteristics, it is recommended to seek medical attention.

In general: the color and properties of the lochia usually reflect the recovery of the expectant mothers' uterus. Less lochia does not mean unhealthy, but if any abnormality is found, it needs to be taken seriously. To be on the safe side, it is best to go to the hospital for a check-up.