Lochia (vaginal 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.
What is normal involution?
The most obvious postpartum change is involution of the uterus from a 1-kg structure with a 5- to 10-L volume to a 60-g structure holding 3 to 5 mL. This involution begins during the third stage of labor, accelerates after expulsion of the placenta, and continues over the next 5 to 6 weeks.
What are the signs of abnormal lochia?
Tell your doctor or call 911 if you have any of these symptoms or signs:
- Bright red bleeding beyond the third day after birth.
- Blood clots bigger than a plum.
- Bleeding that soaks more than one sanitary pad an hour and doesn’t slow down or stop.
- Blurred vision.
- Chills.
- Clammy skin.
- Rapid heartbeat.
- Dizziness.
What is lochia rubra?
Lochia Rubra This is the first and heaviest stage of lochia. 1 The blood expelled during lochia rubra will be bright red. Expect to pass blood clots as well—these are just clumps of red blood cells.
What are the types of lochia?
What are the three types of lochia and lochia stages? ‘Lochia rubra, lochia alba and lochia serosa are the three different stages of lochia following birth,’ says Mr Downes. ‘These are the recognised types of lochia, but each woman is an individual and some stages of lochia may be shorter, or longer, than others. ‘
What are the defining characteristics of lochia rubra lochia serosa and lochia Alba?
The duration of this discharge, known as lochia rubra, is variable. The red discharge progressively changes to brownish red, with a more watery consistency (lochia serosa). Over a period of weeks, the discharge continues to decrease in amount and color and eventually changes to yellow (lochia alba).
What color is lochia rubra?
Lochia rubra (or cruenta) is the first discharge, composed of blood, shreds of fetal membranes, decidua, vernix caseosa, lanugo and membranes. It is red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It lasts 1 to 4 days after birth, before easing to light “spotting”.
What are the 3 types of lochia?
‘Lochia rubra, lochia alba and lochia serosa are the three different stages of lochia following birth,’ says Mr Downes. ‘These are the recognised types of lochia, but each woman is an individual and some stages of lochia may be shorter, or longer, than others. ‘
When does lochia rubra start?
‘Lochia rubra occurs on days two to five [post-birth] and is when the bleeding is at its heaviest,’ explains Mr Downes. ‘Your blood will be red and very heavy. It’s also normal to see clots during this stage.
What is normal puerperium?
The Normal Puerperium: Introduction The puerperium, or postpartum period, generally lasts 6 weeks and is the period of adjustment after delivery when the anatomic and physiologic changes of pregnancy are reversed, and the body returns to the normal, nonpregnant state.
What is the colour of lochia rubra?
It is reddish in colour-hence the term ‘rubra’. It is made up of mainly blood, bits of fetal membranes, decidua, meconium and cervical discharge . Lochia Serosa: The lochia rubra gradually changes colour to brown and then yellow over a period of about I week. It is called lochia serosa at this stage.
What are the different types of lochia?
Depending on the color, lochia can be of three types: Lochia Rubra: Lochia rubra occurs in the first 3-4 days after childbirth. It is reddish in colour-hence the term ‘rubra’. It is made up of mainly blood, bits of fetal membranes, decidua, meconium and cervical discharge.
How long does it take for lochia to go away?
The normal pattern is for red discharge in the first 3 or 4 days: lochia rubra or red lochia. It consists mainly of blood mixed with shreds of decidua. This becomes lighter (more brownish) and eventually serous after about 5 or 6 days: lochia serosa or serous lochia.
What are the signs and symptoms of lochia Alba?
Odour :- If offensive, indicates infection. Amount :- Scanty or absent – signifies infection. If excessive – indicates infection. Colour : – Persistence of red colour beyond the normal limit signifies subinvolution or retained bits of conceptus. Duration :- Duration of the lochia alba beyond 3 weeks suggests genital lesion.
