{"id":20812,"date":"2022-01-28T15:17:33","date_gmt":"2022-01-28T14:17:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/?p=20812"},"modified":"2022-02-23T11:45:10","modified_gmt":"2022-02-23T10:45:10","slug":"postpartum-bleeding-what-is-lochia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intimina.com\/blog\/postpartum-bleeding-what-is-lochia\/","title":{"rendered":"Postpartum Bleeding: Have You Ever Heard of Lochia?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re reading this, you\u2019re most likely pregnant, recently postpartum, or are just very curious about reproductive health. Either way \u2013 congratulations!\u00a0 <\/span>Pregnancy is a wild ride. It can do all sorts of fun things to your body. That\u2019s just what it takes to make a whole human from scratch. <\/span>The fun doesn\u2019t stop after birth. <\/span>Postpartum<\/span><\/a> comes with all sorts of surprises and changes. <\/span>One of those changes is the appearance of lochia after birth.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Lochia?<\/b><\/p>\n

Your body goes through so many <\/span>changes<\/span><\/a> immediately after birth. Lactation kicks up, your uterus starts to return to its normal size (involution), you might experience constipation, and of course \u2013 postpartum bleeding. <\/span>Postpartum bleeding, also called lochia, may resemble period blood, but there are quite a few differences.\u00a0 <\/span>Lochia is postpartum vaginal discharge that comes from the cervix, uterus, and vagina. The other big difference is that menses, period blood, happens after ovulation as part of the menstrual cycle. Whereas lochia is how the body sheds uterine lining, endometrium, mucus, and other stuff that builds up during pregnancy. This extra blood and tissue were used to help your baby grow, but it\u2019s not needed anymore.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lochia is a part of the postpartum process where you had a <\/span>cesarian section<\/span><\/a> of <\/span>vaginal birth<\/span><\/a>. People who had a cesarean section, however, might have less lochia after twenty-four hours postpartum than someone who had a vaginal birth.\u00a0 <\/span>The color and consistency of lochia changes as the days go on postpartum. <\/span>Here\u2019s a breakdown of what lochia tends to look like from day to day:<\/span><\/p>\n

Day One to Four:<\/b> Lochia in this stage is made up of blood, parts of the mucous membrane that lines the uterus during pregnancy (decidua), mucus, and endometrial tissue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Day Five to Nine: <\/b>Lochia during these days tends to be watery and pinkish, pale brown or yellowish. It\u2019s made up mostly of mucus, blood, and leukocytes \u2013 aka white blood cells.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Day Ten to Fourteen: <\/b>Lochia at this point in the postpartum period tends to be pale yellow or white, containing mostly mucus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

These stages are just estimates and can vary from person to person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Long Does Lochia Last?<\/b><\/p>\n

Lochia tends to last between two to six weeks postpartum.\u00a0 <\/span>You may notice an increase in the amount of lochia while you\u2019re lactating, physically active, or when you get up in the morning. Postpartum bleeding tends to be heaviest the first few days postpartum.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How Do You Manage Lochia?<\/b><\/p>\n

Postpartum is a time to rest, recuperate, and bond with your sweet new baby (or babies).\u00a0 <\/span>All of your energy is probably focused on feeding your baby, staying hydrated, and catching some zzzs when you\u2019re able to. Unfortunately, you\u2019re probably also dealing with leaking and discharge. Both from your nipples and vagina. <\/span>In an effort to make this as easy as possible, you\u2019ll want to try to stock up on some supplies before giving birth, if you\u2019re able to. <\/span>If you give birth at a hospital, they\u2019ll most likely send you home with some not-so-sexy adult diapers. <\/span>You may want to buy more of these ahead of time, or the biggest pads you can find. A more sustainable option is to use period panties or reusable pads. You\u2019ll want to avoid using tampons or a menstrual cup, as you are at an increased risk of infection in the immediate postpartum period.\u00a0 <\/span>Although they\u2019re a great option once you start to get your period again! <\/span>Other ways you can help set yourself up for success in postpartum are getting a great mattress protector and using sheets you don\u2019t care too much about.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0Is There Anything to Watch Out For?<\/b><\/p>\n

While lochia can vary from person to person, and pregnancy to pregnancy. There are some things to keep in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you should watch out for postpartum:<\/span><\/p>\n