Understanding Lochia: Post-Birth Discharge

Lochia is the name given to musty-smelling post-birth vaginal discharge containing mucous, blood and uterine tissue. Lochia discharge is normal and healthy and isn’t usually associated with any issue. It will pass in several stages across 6-8 weeks.

Lochia will still occur even with a C-section but will likely be less abundant.

Lochia is a collection of blood, uterine lining, amniotic fluid, microbes, foetal ‘leftovers’ and cervical mucous. The odour of lochia is distinctly musty, so if it smells different (fishy, foul), see your healthcare practitioner, as this may indicate a vaginal or uterine infection like bacterial vaginosis (BV).

Anything that increases the action of gravity may make more discharge come out, like exercise or standing up after lying down for a while. Breastfeeding can also exacerbate lochia expulsion.

Lochia varies from person to person, but here is generally what you can expect.

Lochia has three stages and lasts for several weeks, going from heavy to lighter until it disappears.

1. Lochia rubra (first, heaviest stage)

First, lochia tends to be heavy, bloody, and bright red for 3-4 days with small clots, like a normal (heavy) period. Prepare for this with some maxi pads and change as needed, usually every couple of hours. Don’t use tampons or menstrual cups for at least six weeks after birth.

2. Lochia serosa (second, less heavier stage)

Once this heavy stage passes, lochia becomes a watery pinky-brown discharge, requiring less pad changes. Less clots pass.

3. Lochia alba (third, longest, lightest stage)

After about two weeks, lochia becomes creamy-yellowy-white, typically only needing a light pad or panty liner. No clots should be present at this stage.

References¹

1.
Fletcher S, Grotegut CA, James AH. Lochia Patterns Among Normal Women: A Systematic Review. Journal of Women’s Health. Published online December 2012:1290-1294. doi:10.1089/jwh.2012.3668