Lochia

For the plant genus, see Aristolochia.

In the field of obstetrics, lochia is post-partum vaginal discharge, containing blood, mucus, and placental tissue. Lochia discharge typically continues for 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth.

It progresses through three stages.

• Lochia rubra (or cruenta) is the first discharge, red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It typically lasts no longer than 3 to 5 days after birth.

• Lochia serosa is the term for lochia that has thinned and turned brownish or pink in color. It contains serous exudate, erythrocytes, leukocytes, and cervical mucus. This stage continues until around the tenth day after delivery.
• Sign of late postpartum hemorrhaging: lochia serosa appearing still after a few weeks of birth. Contact physician.

• Lochia alba (or purulenta) is the name for lochia once it has turned whitish or yellowish-white. It typically lasts from the second through the third to sixth weeks after delivery. It contains fewer red blood cells and is mainly made up of leukocytes, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fat, and mucus.

In general, lochia has an odor similar to that of normal menstrual fluid. Any offensive odor indicates contamination by saprophytic organisms and should be reported to a healthcare provider. Lochia that is retained within the uterus is known as lochiostasis or lochioschesis. Lochiorrhea is the term used when there is abnormal flow of lochia.