Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia)

Lochia is the name given to postpartum bleeding. Every woman who delivers a child, either vaginally or through cesarean section will experience this type of bleeding. It is the way in which your body expels excess mucus, placental tissue, and blood after giving birth. Lochia is very similar to the bleeding you experience during your menstrual period however, it is much heavier. It typically begins in the hours immediately following birth and usually continues for two or three weeks. However, in some women lochia can last for up to six weeks. 

Symptoms of postpartum bleeding

Postpartum bleeding usually begins as a bright red discharge from the vagina. This blood typically continues to be bright red in color for between four and ten days. After ten days, your lochia will become a pink color, eventually changing to a yellowish-white color. This blood flow may be constant and even, or it may be expelled in intermittent gushes. Postpartum bleeding may also be accompanied by numerous small blood clots, about the size of a grape. 

Warning Signs of postpartum bleeding

• Bright red discharge for more than seven days after birth
• Discharge that smells bad
• Fever and chills
• Abnormally heavy bleeding (in which a maxi pad is soaked in less than one hour)
• Postpartum hemorrhaging 

Postpartum hemorrhaging is a more severe type of post-pregnancy bleeding. If you lose more than 500 mL of blood after a vaginal birth or more than 1000 mL after a cesarean section birth, you are classified as having postpartum hemorrhaging.

Postpartum hemorrhaging can be a very dangerous condition, and is associated with various complications including heavy blood loss and even maternal death. The most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage occurs when the uterus does not contract after birth. This allows the uterus to continue bleeding, and can result in massive blood loss. Other causes of postpartum hemorrhage include: 

• Failure to pass your entire placenta 
• Forced removal of the placenta
• Trauma to the uterus, cervix, or vagina during delivery

Symptoms of Postpartum Hemorrhaging are Massive blood loss, Passing large clots, Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fatigue.
Read about Bleeding during pregnancy: causes and symptoms

Read more about Pregnancy Symptoms

Read more about Pregnancy Diet
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