Lochia is the postpartum bleeding and discharge from the uterus after giving birth. It typically lasts 4 to 8 weeks and comes in three phases - lochia rubra (bright red bleeding), lochia serosa (pinkish discharge), and lochia alba (yellowish discharge). The causes of lochia include open blood vessels in the uterus where the placenta detached and the contractions that help the uterus return to its normal size. Breastfeeding can help reduce lochia by stimulating uterine contractions. Women should use heavy pads and avoid tampons for at least 6 weeks, and see a doctor if bleeding increases or has a foul smell, which could indicate infection.

1. LOCHIA
- PELVSIO

2. • It is also called postpartum bleeding.
• It consists of blood, tissue shed from the lining of the uterus,
and mucus. It may last for 4 to 8 weeks.
• For the first few days after birth, it contains a fair amount of
blood, so it'll be bright red and look like a heavy period.

3. CAUSES:
• When the placenta separates from the uterus after birth,
there are open blood vessels in the area where it was
attached, and they begin to bleed into the uterus. After the
placenta is removed, the uterus starts to contract, which
closes off those blood vessels, reducing the bleeding and
also helping to shed the remaining uterine lining that
supported the baby during pregnancy and return the uterus
to its normal size.
• After delivery, an obstetrician or midwife may massage the
uterus and give oxytocin (Pitocin) to help the uterus contract
and reduce bleeding.

4. Breastfeeding, which prompts the body to release natural
oxytocin, also helps with uterine contractions. Lochia may
present whether you had a c-section.

5. TYPES OF LOCHIA:
1. Lochia rubra:
•Color: dark or bright red blood,
•Duration: 3 to 4 postpartum days,
•Flow: like a heavy period with small clots,
•Pain: mild, period-like cramping.

6. 2. Lochia serosa:
•Color: pinkish brown discharge,
•Duration: It lasts for 4–12 days,
Flow: thinner and more watery, moderate,
with less clotting or no clotting.

7. 3 . Lochia alba:
•Color: yellowish-white discharge,
•Duration: It lasts for 12 days to 6 weeks,
•Flow: little to no blood (light flow or spotting) and no clot.

8. DOES LOCHIA SMELL?
Yes, it has a distinct smell, like menstrual blood; however, if it
has a foul smell or if you have a fever or chills, call your doctor,
because it may be a sign of postpartum infection.

9. MANAGING LOCHIA:
• In the beginning, use heavy-absorbent sanitary pads.
• Avoid using tampons for at least 6 weeks because doing so
may increase the risk of infection in the healing vagina &
uterus.
If the bleeding gets very heavy or if you have the following
symptoms, call your doctor.
1. Still bright red lochia a week after the baby's birth,
2. Abnormally heavy bleeding (a sign of a late postpartum
hemorrhage),
3. The bleeding has been stable but suddenly increases again,

10. 4. Pale skin,
5. Confusion, dizziness, or feeling weak,
6. Rapid heart rate,
7. Pain & swelling near the vagina,
8. Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.