Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsLochia Bleeding StagesAbnormal BleedingManaging BleedingLochia Timeline
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Lochia Bleeding Stages
Abnormal Bleeding
Managing Bleeding
Lochia Timeline
Lochia refers to the normal vaginal bleeding that a birthing parent experiences in the days and weeks after childbirth. Lochia is made up of the blood and tissue that line the uterus during pregnancy. It usually starts as dark or bright red and changes over time.
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Lochia bleeding occurs in stages and should change over time. It comprises blood, mucus, and tissue from theendometrium(uterine lining). It occurs when theplacenta(which delivers nutrients and oxygen to a fetus) separates from the uterine wall after childbirth. The birthing parent’s body expels the placenta through thevagina.
The stages of lochia bleeding include:
Lochia is different from a menstrual period. Although they may appear similar, lochia lasts much longer than a period.While the average period is between a few days and a week, lochia lasts three to six weeks.
Normal Lochia vs. Abnormal Bleeding After Birth
Lochia is normal and safe after childbirth. Once a person gives birth, theiruteruscontracts to deliver the placenta and then seals off the blood vessels where the placenta is attached to the uterine wall. This prevents excessive bleeding, known aspostpartum hemorrhage.
Postpartum hemorrhage occurs when a birthing parent experiences an excessive amount of vaginal bleeding after delivery.This is dangerous and requires immediate treatment.
Regular lochia changes in color and amount. People experiencing postpartum hemorrhage have dark or bright red vaginal bleeding that does not lessen or change color.See a healthcare provider if you have been experiencing:
If you notice that your vaginal discharge has a foul odor, you may have an infection.Call a healthcare provider if you develop a fever after delivery.
A Word From VerywellYour body will undergo many normal changes postpartum, but it’s also a high-risk time. There is a risk of excessive bleeding and infection, among others. You should always contact your healthcare provider if something feels off or concerning.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
A Word From Verywell
Your body will undergo many normal changes postpartum, but it’s also a high-risk time. There is a risk of excessive bleeding and infection, among others. You should always contact your healthcare provider if something feels off or concerning.—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Your body will undergo many normal changes postpartum, but it’s also a high-risk time. There is a risk of excessive bleeding and infection, among others. You should always contact your healthcare provider if something feels off or concerning.
—CORDELIA NWANKWO, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD
Self-Care to Manage Bleeding
Lochia bleeding can be heavy at first but will lighten over time. While thepostpartum periodis often focused on the newborn’s health, it is also important to focus on yours, as well.
Consider the following self-care strategies to manage lochia bleeding:
The postpartum period is a time of rapid change and can feel overwhelming. Do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider, family, and friends for support.
When to Expect Lochia to End
Summary
Lochia is postpartum vaginal bleeding that lasts for about three to six weeks after delivery. It is normal and healthy. Lochia discharge is made up of blood, mucus, and endometrial tissue.
Lochia looks like a menstrual period and appears dark or bright red in the first few days. In the second stage, the vaginal discharge becomes thinner and looks brown or pink. The discharge looks white or yellow in the third stage.
Call a healthcare provider if you experience heavy vaginal bleeding that soaks a hospital pad in less than an hour or does not slow after a few days.
9 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Office on Women’s Health.Recovering from birth.
Fletcher S, Grotegut CA, James AH.Lochia patterns among normal women: a systematic review.J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2012;21(12):1290-4. doi:10.1089/jwh.2012.3668
Office on Women’s Health.Your menstrual cycle.
Committee on Practice Bulletins-Obstetrics.Practice bulletin no. 183: Postpartum hemorrhage.Obstet Gynecol. 2017;130(4):e168-e186. doi:10.1097/AOG.0000000000002351
Bienstock JL, Eke AC, Hueppchen NA.Postpartum hemorrhage.N Engl J Med. 2021;384(17):1635-1645. doi:10.1056/NEJMra1513247
Evensen A, Anderson JM, Fontaine P.Postpartum hemorrhage: Prevention and treatment.Am Fam Physician. 2017;95(7):442-449.
Dalton E, Castillo E.Post partum infections: A review for the non-obgyn.Obstet Med. 2014;7(3):98-102. doi:10.1177/1753495X14522784
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.3 conditions to watch for after childbirth.
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