Lochia isrefers to the material that is expelled from the uterus after a woman gives birth. It is made up of blood, fat cells, mucus, dead uterine tissue, and remains of the placenta. Lochia usually appears as a thick, bright red vaginal discharge for the first two to three days after delivery, and it tends to thin and clear over the next month, until it stops forming completely. Regular discharge of lochia can lead to symptoms of fatigue and weakness for a few weeks after delivery as the body reacts to the loss of blood and begins the healing process. Most women begin to feel normal again after the six week mark without medical intervention,
The placenta usually detaches from the uterine walls and is expelled after delivery, exposing the blood vessels. These vessels release blood to the uterus, where it combines with other fluids to form lochia. Blood vessels usually begin to clot immediately, reducing blood flow and allowing the uterus to begin to heal. It is common for a woman to experience a continuous, bloody discharge for up to four days after delivery, as her body is clean of blood and tissue debris. After about four days, there is usually little blood and solid matter left in the discharge from the lochia.
By 10 days, lochia generally appear pink or white, and are released less frequently and in much smaller amounts. It is mainly made up of mucus and dead cells from the uterine lining. Discharges tend to be lighter and more transparent over the next two to four weeks, as the last bits of dead tissue, fat cells, and mucous are expelled. Accompanying feelings of fatigue are common until shocks stop, and most women are relieved when they get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet for the first six weeks after delivery.
Excessive, smelly, or abnormal lochia can be a warning sign of a serious medical problem. A woman whose blood vessels do not clot after releasing the placenta may experience a torn uterus or uterine atony, a condition in which her uterine muscles lose their ability to contract and constrict blood vessels. Severe bleeding can occur, and the woman is generally required to undergo immediate surgical procedures to stop the blood flow. Urinary tract inflammations and infections can also occur, usually relieved within a few days with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Women should see their doctors if they notice irregular signs after delivery.