How long does lochia last after birth?

How long does lochia last after birth?

The blood you see after childbirth is called lochia. It’s a type of discharge that’s similar to your menstrual period, and typically lasts for four to six weeks postdelivery.

Is it normal to have mucus discharge postpartum?

Your vaginal discharge will be like a heavy period for several days, gradually decreasing to a thin pinkish-brown mucus discharge for 2-6 weeks after delivery. Wear pads starting with full size pads and decreasing the size as needed. Do not use tampons. You can bathe immediately after delivery.

What should discharge look like postpartum?

Lochia (vaginal discharge) It has a stale, musty odor like menstrual discharge. Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal. For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish to brownish in color.

How long does it take for discharge to stop after giving birth?

Breast discharge If you are unable to breastfeed, the leaking may occur initially and will stop within 1 to 2 weeks after delivery. Breast pads, worn inside your bra, may help keep you dry.

Why do you smell after having a baby?

Breastfeeding. If you’re nursing your baby, your body will emit a stronger smell through your underarm sweat than normal to help your baby find its source of food (2). This is your body’s response to naturally assist your baby in finding the breast, and will begin right after giving birth.

Where does the lochia come from after birth?

Lochia in the Postpartum Period. (4) Dead and necrotic tissue. The blood in the lochia comes mainly from the large raw area left on the inner uterine wall after the placenta detaches from it. While bleeding from this area is controlled by contraction of the uterine muscles immediately after delivery, it takes about 2 weeks for this area to heal.

What kind of discharge do you get after giving birth?

In the field of obstetrics, lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth (puerperium) containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.

Can a lochia be a sign of postpartum infection?

Yes, lochia can have a distinct odor, similar to menstrual blood. But if your lochia has a foul smell or you come down with fever or chills, call your doctor. That can be a sign of a postpartum infection.

Is the flow of lochia the same after a C section?

Many women believe that the flow of lochia is less after a cesarian section since the uterine cavity is cleaned out after the birth of the baby. This is not true. The flow of lochia is not dependent on the type of delivery – normal vaginal childbirth or C-section. The amount and duration is the same in both cases.