Lochia
What Is Lochia PP?
*Quick Read*
I was shocked to hear this question but I kid you not, I heard it several times “since you got a C-Section, you don’t go through the 6-8 weeks of bleeding do you?”
I didn’t know so many people—let alone women—were so misinformed on this matter.
No matter if you have a Vaginal birth or Cesarean birth, all women have Lochia postpartum— this is the vaginal discharge you have after giving birth.
More specifically:
This is the time your uterus is essentially “starting over” and shedding the lining, blood, and other tissues associated with growing a baby for 9-10 months.
Lochia consists of blood, uterine tissues, bacteria, cervical mucus, amniotic fluid, and leftover fetal membranes.
So What Can We Expect?
There are 3 stages of Lochia:
Lochia Rubra
Lochia Serosa
Lochia Alba
The way Lochia looks and how long the stages last can vary among women, but there are general cues to follow and classify each stage.
Lochia Rubra
This is the first and shortest stage of Lochia.
Characteristics:
Dark or bright red blood
It lasts anywhere from 1-4 days
Similar to a heavy period
Mild cramps (similar to a period cramp)
Small clots (if large, contact your doctor or go to the ER)
This stage’s shedding is made up of excess fetal membranes, cervical discharge, meconium, blood, and decidua (thick parts of the uterine lining).
Lochia Serosa
This is the second stage of Lochia.
Characteristics:
Pink or light brown coloring (less blood and more water)
It lasts anywhere from 4-12 days
Flow becomes slower / moderate
Little to no clots
This stage’s shedding is made up of fewer red blood cells, more white blood cells, wound discharge from where the placenta was removed/birthed out, and mucus from the cervix.
Lochia Alba
This is the third and final stage of Lochia.
Characteristics:
Your discharge will be yellowish
Little or no blood
Flow is very light or “spotting”
It lasts anywhere from 12 days to 6 weeks (can stop at 28 days)
There should be no clots
This stage’s shedding is made of a white-ish fluid that drains from the vagina → decidual cells, mucus, white blood cells, and epithelial cells
Closing
Women that give birth all have Lochia following birth. Just because a woman has a C-section VS giving birth Vaginally, doesn’t mean she won’t experience Lochia.
Your doctor/provider will likely go into more detail about this stage as it’s very important for hygienic and health purposes. This post is strictly to explain what Lochia is and who experiences it.
For more details/info these sources are worth reading: BabyList VeryWellFamily WhatToExpect
#WAGMI
Your friend,
- BowTiedHeifer
Disclaimer
I am not a licensed personal trainer or pre/postnatal specialist—these are simply my personal experiences and things I have witnessed to work for many others. This is not legal, medical or financial advice. Please speak to a professional before starting any new programs, applying any new diet plans, or supplement protocols.