What are the reasons for incomplete discharge of lochia after cesarean section?

Lochia is the toxin discharged from the uterus after a woman gives birth, accompanied by blood and some uterine congestion. Generally, lochia discharges more slowly after cesarean section because the uterus is not under the pressure of normal delivery, so it is slower. Incomplete discharge of lochia after cesarean section is caused by uterine fibroids or infection in the uterine cavity, which can easily lead to abdominal pain, odor in the private parts, etc.

Causes of lochia:

1. Tissue residue

It may be due to uterine malformation, uterine fibroids and other reasons, or it may be due to the unskilled operation operator, resulting in incomplete removal of pregnancy tissue, causing some tissue to remain in the uterine cavity. At this time, in addition to unclean lochia, the amount of bleeding may vary, blood clots may be present, and there may be intermittent abdominal pain.

2. Uterine infection

It may be caused by taking a tub bath after delivery, unclean sanitary napkins, or having sexual intercourse before a full month after delivery, or by the operator's failure to disinfect the operation. At this time, the lochia has a foul odor, the abdomen is tender, and there is fever. A blood test may show an increase in the total white blood cell count.

3. Uterine contractions

This may be because mothers fail to get a good rest after giving birth, or are weak and sickly, or the delivery time is too long, which consumes qi and blood, resulting in weak uterine contractions and continuous lochia.

What exactly is lochia?

It is a mixture of blood, secretions, mucus and other substances that flow out of the uterus after delivery. It is mainly amniotic fluid, blood and placental tissue detachment. Normal lochia has a bloody smell and the total amount is about 500-1000 ml, but it is not smelly. The duration of lochia varies from person to person. Generally, lochia will be clear about three weeks after delivery, with an average of about 21 days, the shortest being 14 days and the longest being up to 6 weeks.

Note: Observe the condition of the lochia. If the lochia has a foul odor, or there is too much red or white lochia and it lasts too long, recurs repeatedly, is excessive, contains blood clots, or even has a fever or abnormal abdominal pain, you must go to the hospital for examination.

Judging from the color change of lochia:

Red lochia: There is more blood at the beginning, and it is bright red or dark red in color, contains a lot of blood clots, and has a slight fishy smell. It will last for 3-4 days. The amount of uterine bleeding will gradually decrease, and the serous fluid will increase, turning into serous lochia.