Why is lochia black?

Under normal circumstances, lochia is usually bright red at first, then light red, and finally white. Therefore, black lochia is an abnormal phenomenon. This is most likely due to poor uterine recovery. In order to alleviate this symptom and make the uterus healthier, after discovering that her lochia is black, the mother should go to the hospital for examination and treatment as soon as possible to avoid health risks to the uterus.

1. Is it normal for lochia to be black?

Generally, normal lochia discharge is divided into three stages. The first is red lochia, which is bright red in color because it contains more blood and decidual tissue. The second stage is light red serous lochia, which contains more cervical mucus, vaginal secretions and bacteria, as well as necrotic decidua. The third stage is white lochia. At this time, the lochia generally does not contain blood clots, blood, etc., but a large amount of white blood cells, which are white in color.

Postpartum lochia is black in color. If it lasts for a long time, it may be caused by poor bleeding of the uterus after delivery, which may be accompanied by inflammation. In this case, it is recommended that mothers go to the hospital for a detailed examination, ask the doctor's advice, cooperate with the treatment, and don't leave the root of the disease! And here I would like to remind everyone to pay great attention to the hygiene and cleaning of the vagina after delivery. At this time, the uterus and vagina are less resistant and more fragile, so bacterial infection should be prevented!

2. Is postpartum lochia normal?

Whether you have a natural birth or a caesarean section, there will be some vaginal discharge after delivery, which is called lochia. During the first few days after delivery, lochia should be bright red, like a heavy menstrual period, and mostly blood and sloughed endometrial tissue. At this time, the lochia may flow out intermittently and in small streams, or it may flow out more evenly. If you lie down for a while and some blood collects in your vagina, you may see some small blood clots when you stand up.

If everything is normal, the lochia should decrease day by day, and by 2 to 4 days after delivery, the color will begin to turn pink and the texture will become more watery. By about the 10th day after delivery, there should be only a small amount of white or light yellow discharge - mainly white blood cells and cells shed from the uterine lining, which may last from a few days to a few weeks.

3. How long does the lochia last during normal delivery?

Usually, within 3 to 4 days after delivery, the lochia flowing out of the vagina will be bright red. After a few days, it will slowly turn into brownish red or pink. After about 10 days, the lochia will turn into brownish yellow or milky yellow. For mothers who give birth naturally, on average, lochia will last until the third week after delivery. Some mothers will occasionally have a little bright red lochia after the 10th day after delivery, but if the flow is not much, it is actually not a big problem and there is no need to worry too much.