Black discharge a month after giving birth. Discharge after childbirth: normal and by what signs to recognize abnormalities. How to confirm pathology

The birth of a child is a very exciting and joyful moment in the life of every woman. With the arrival of the baby in female body dramatic changes are taking place. One of them is the occurrence of lochia - discharge in women after the birth of the baby. This phenomenon indicates the beginning of the cleansing of the uterus from everything unnecessary.

During this period, you may notice that blood clots, remnants of the placenta and amniotic membrane come out of the vagina. This is completely normal for a new mother. Sometimes a woman may notice yellow mucous discharge a month after giving birth. It is important to understand whether this is normal or pathological in order to avoid complications in the future.

It is useful to know that lochia lasts for a month or a little more. At first they remind a woman of abundant critical days, then turn brown and smear, upon completion they become transparent, white or yellow. In this form and sequence, lochia should not cause concern or panic.

Yellow discharge 2 months after birth should also not cause suspicion. This is normal if the mother does not breastfeed. Without putting the baby to the breast, the uterus contracts more slowly and the contents do not come out as quickly. If the girl does not notice any additional manifestations, does not feel itching or irritation intimate organs, dizziness, weakness and malaise, then yellow discharge after giving birth 2 months should not be alarming.

Signs of pathology

The presence of yellow discharge after childbirth after 3 months or 4 months should already alert you. At this stage, there should be no lochia (and other secrets). If you discover this, you should immediately contact an experienced doctor.

The girl will need urgent hospitalization, If:

1. Body temperature rose sharply.
2. I started feeling dizzy.
3. There is nausea and even vomiting.
4. The heat and chills bother me.
5. Does the excreted have rotten or other bad smell(sour, musty, rotten, pungent).
6. Vagina itches and burns.
7. The woman feels weakness and loss of strength.
8. Eat green tint at the discharge.
9. Opened uterine bleeding.

Such symptoms indicate complex complications, such as inflammatory process or gynecological diseases (fibroids, endometritis, increased level leukocytes in urine, etc.).

Yellow-green discharge after childbirth is very dangerous signal, which indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.

What to do

When a woman experiences symptoms that are unusual for her after childbirth, she should monitor her health very carefully. In the first month, blood clots, remnants of the placenta and particles of amniotic membrane are released from the vagina. A rather favorable environment is formed for the spread of microbes and bacteria, which can result in unpleasant symptoms.

You can avoid the disease if:

• follow the rules of personal hygiene (you should wash after each visit to the toilet);
• regularly change hygiene products (postpartum pads should be changed quite often - at least 5-6 times a day);
• take a shower twice a day (taking a bath is strictly prohibited);
• use special antibacterial soap or gel;
• give preference to underwear made from natural fabrics and forget about synthetics;
• do not wear clothes that are too tight or too tight;
• use only pads (tampons and menstrual cups V this period strictly prohibited).

If a girl notices changes in herself or some symptoms alarm her, she should immediately consult a doctor.

You cannot self-medicate or completely ignore the disease.

Use methods traditional medicine or buying medications on your own is very dangerous to your health. You should be careful about any changes in the body.

Diagnosis and treatment

At the first signs that may be alarming, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only an experienced doctor is able to conduct a thorough examination, determine the disease and prescribe suitable methods therapy for a specific case.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor needs:

• conduct a personal examination;
• take a vaginal smear;
• refer for tests (blood and urine) for laboratory testing;
• conduct ultrasound examination internal organs;
• make optical diagnostics of the uterus and cervix using special devices.

Such manipulations can make it possible to make an accurate diagnosis in as soon as possible eliminate the disease. Treatment methods will depend on the specific case, the severity of the disease, general well-being patient, the presence of contraindications and other factors.

You should not self-medicate, and it is also prohibited to use any methods of traditional medicine without consulting a doctor.

If you delay a visit to the doctor, you can get a number of complications that will be difficult to treat in the future. If a woman notices a yellowish discharge, which is accompanied by an unpleasant and pungent odor, high fever, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting or other additional manifestations, - urgently need to call ambulance. Similar signs may be irreversible consequences and be very dangerous for a new young mother.

Within a few weeks after the birth of the child, the woman recovers normal condition uterus, the remains of the dying endometrium are removed, the surface of the wound heals at the site of the placenta. A woman’s successful recovery or the appearance of any complications can be judged by the nature of the discharge from the genitals. It is important to know what they should be normally. In this case, the duration and abundance of discharge, as well as its color, smell and consistency, matter. In case of trouble, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Content:

What should lochia be like?

The discharge that occurs in a woman after giving birth is called lochia. Their appearance is caused by the fact that during childbirth, damage occurs to the mucous membrane and vessels of the uterus, especially at the site of attachment of the placenta. Discharge after childbirth is associated with the cleansing of the uterus from residues amniotic sac, exfoliated epithelium, blood clots. They also contain mucus produced in the cervical canal.

Lochia exists until the wound in the uterine cavity heals and it returns to its normal state (the size is restored, the epithelium is renewed). If the process of cleansing the uterine cavity goes without complications, then lochia stops after about 5-8 weeks.

How long the cleansing of the uterus continues and lochia forms depends on the following factors:

• the ability of the uterus to contract (individual for each woman);
• woman’s age, condition of uterine tissue;
• blood clotting, state of the hematopoietic system;
• physical activity women;
• lactation.

In appearance, lochia in the first 3 days resembles menstruation. Their volume gradually decreases from 500 ml to 100 ml per day.

Video: What is discharge like during the postpartum period?

Types of normal postpartum discharge

Bloody lochia. The first postpartum discharge is bright red and smells like fresh blood. Consist of blood clots and particles of dead tissue. Color is determined high content red blood cells

Serous lochia. Lighter brownish pink discharge appear around day 4. The content of red blood cells decreases, but the number of leukocytes increases. The discharge has a musty smell.

White lochia. The discharge becomes yellowish-white on the 10th day after birth. They have a more liquid consistency. There is no smell. Gradually they become more and more scanty and smearing. After 5-6 weeks, they already contain only mucus from the cervical canal of the cervix.

Contractions of the uterus, causing the removal of lochia from its cavity, lead to the appearance of pain in the lower abdomen in women in the first days after childbirth. The pain resembles contractions. Moreover painful sensations are stronger after repeated births.

Sometimes women develop black lochia after the 3rd week. If missing painful symptoms and an unpleasant odor, then such discharge is not considered a pathology. They can appear as a result of hormonal processes occurring in the body and changes in the composition of mucus secreted by the glands of the cervical canal of the cervix.

Postpartum uterine bleeding and its causes

In the first 2 hours after birth, there is a risk of severe uterine bleeding (hypotonic), which can be caused by poor contraction of the uterine muscles after it relaxes during pregnancy. To prevent this from happening, the woman is given a drug to increase uterine contractility (oxytocin). In addition, the catheter is used to empty bladder, place a heating pad with ice on bottom part belly. During contraction of the uterus, damaged blood vessels are compressed, dangerous blood loss is prevented, the signs of which are increasing weakness, dizziness, and headache.

The cause of continuous bleeding in the first hours after the birth of the child can also be cervical ruptures if they went unnoticed or were poorly sutured. In this case, local hemorrhages occur in the tissues of the vagina and perineum. If there is bleeding, the doctor, after a careful examination, discovers and opens these hematomas, and re-sutures the tears.

The consequence of uterine bleeding is anemia - a lack of hemoglobin, a violation of the oxygen supply to the body tissues. If a woman in this condition breastfeeds her child, then he will also develop anemia.

Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

The contraction of the uterus and the reduction of blood discharge after childbirth is facilitated by frequent emptying of the bladder.

It is important to breastfeed your baby. When the nipples are irritated, oxytocin is produced, a pituitary hormone that increases uterine contractions. During feeding, this causes the woman to experience pain in the lower abdomen, reminiscent of contractions. Moreover, the pain is stronger in those women who have already given birth before.

If bleeding persists, cool the lower abdomen with ice.

The danger of stagnation of secretions in the uterus

Behind medical care It is necessary to contact urgently not only if a woman’s bleeding is too heavy, but also in the case when the bleeding suddenly stops completely after a few days.

Stagnation of lochia in the uterus is called lochiometra. If it is not eliminated, inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis) may occur. The absence of lochia is a symptom of a serious postpartum complication. To achieve recovery bloody discharge, the woman is injected with oxytocin, which enhances contractions, and no-shpu is injected to relieve cervical spasm.

In order to avoid stagnation of secretions in the uterus, it is useful for a woman to lie on her stomach. Due to weakening of the abdominal muscle tone after pregnancy and childbirth, the uterus tilts back, and the outflow of blood is disrupted. When a woman lies on her stomach, the uterus takes a position in which the outflow improves.

Pathological discharge during postpartum complications

Signs of complications during this period are:

1. Yellow color and strong unpleasant odor of discharge. They indicate either stagnation of lochia in the uterus and their suppuration, or an infectious infection of the woman during childbirth. The inflammatory process in the uterine mucosa (endometritis) is usually accompanied by fever and pain in the lower abdomen. If you postpone a visit to the doctor for a long time, then due to the appearance of pus in the discharge, it turns green.
2. After childbirth, bleeding increases instead of decreasing. Sometimes they reappear. This happens even 2 months after the birth of the child. It is possible that this is the first menstruation (the likelihood of early menstruation is high in women who do not breastfeed). However, often such discharge indicates incomplete removal of the placenta from the uterus, due to which its contractions are difficult.
3. White, cheesy discharge may appear if a woman takes antibiotics for health reasons, which provoke a deficiency of lactobacilli in the vagina and the appearance of thrush. A woman is bothered by itching and burning in the external genitalia and vagina.

Video: Thrush, treatment methods

Factors contributing to the occurrence of endometritis

During pregnancy and childbirth, a woman's immunity sharply decreases. This provokes the occurrence of an inflammatory process in the endometrium of the uterus after childbirth. The body's resistance to infections begins to increase by the end of the first week in women who have given birth. in a natural way and on the 10th day after cesarean section.

The likelihood of endometritis increases if a woman has other serious illnesses (endocrine glands, kidney, respiratory tract). The occurrence of endometritis is promoted by obesity, anemia, vitamin deficiency, and smoking. In addition, inflammation often occurs in women who have had many abortions or had curettage for medical reasons.

Sometimes the cause of stagnation of lochia and the occurrence of the inflammatory process is low position placenta in the uterus when the exit to the cervical canal. If labor lasts too long, even though your water has already broken, there is also increased risk the occurrence of endometritis.

Treatment of this disease is carried out only in a hospital. Antibiotics and uterine contraction enhancers are used. Disinfecting solutions are injected into the cavity. IN in some cases produced vacuum aspiration or curettage of the uterus to completely remove the endometrium.

Discharge after caesarean section

Bleeding lasts longer and complications occur more often if a woman gives birth by caesarean section. Contractility of the uterus is hampered due to the suture and swelling of the surrounding tissues. The risk of infection during childbirth and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterine cavity increases.

However, despite the peculiarities of this method of delivery, spotting after childbirth should appear within 2 weeks, but no more. Just like during normal childbirth, the color of the discharge gradually changes from bright red to pale brown, and then turns white.

Normal menstruation after a cesarean section occurs at about the same time as after the birth of a child naturally. They occur later if the woman has had postpartum complications(uterine bleeding, endometritis, blood poisoning) or have diseases thyroid gland, liver.

Video: Features of discharge after cesarean section

Prevention of complications

In order to reduce the risk of complications after childbirth, a woman’s condition should be monitored by a doctor from the very beginning of pregnancy. Regular examination allows you to monitor your blood composition, detect and treat gynecological and other diseases, and strengthen your immune system.

If after the onset of labor it turns out that uterine contractility is insufficient, then drugs that enhance labor. They also help speed up the cleansing of the uterine cavity after the birth of a child.

In order to avoid stagnation of secretions in the uterus, a woman is recommended to start 4-5 hours after normal childbirth get out of bed, walk. After a caesarean section, this can be done after 10 hours.

Before discharge from the hospital, an ultrasound is performed to study the condition of the uterine cavity and assess its size in order to monitor the recovery process. For several weeks, the woman is recommended to rest more and avoid activities related to abdominal tension and heavy lifting.

Compliance with the rules is important hygiene care body and genitals (frequent washing warm water, daily shower).

Warning: The woman should not take a bath for several weeks. Warming up the body, firstly, increases blood flow, and secondly, with such bathing, the likelihood of infection in the internal genital organs increases.

Douching during this period can bring great harm. It also contributes to the rapid spread of infection and the occurrence of endometritis.

On the first day, it is recommended to use diapers instead of sanitary pads to avoid leakage. In addition, it is easier to monitor the nature and volume of discharge. In the future, the gaskets must be changed at least every 2 hours.

The use of tampons is strictly prohibited during the entire period of lochia's existence. By blocking the exit from the uterus, they delay the outflow of secretions and the recovery process, creating a greater threat of an inflammatory process.

If there is a sudden change in the nature of the discharge, increased pain in the lower abdomen, increased body temperature, or dizziness, the woman requires urgent medical attention.

A woman needs to monitor the nature of the discharge after childbirth in order to suspect in time pathological process and avoid consequences.

Discharge after childbirth is called lochia. At first they are heavy menstruation. Lochia stops after about one to two months (4 to 8 weeks). Everything is purely individual. During the postpartum period, lochia repeatedly changes color and consistency. Very often, mucus appears in them a week after birth.

Mucous, snot-like discharge in women within normal limits after childbirth indicates:

1. That the uterus has shrunk and fully recovered. The wound surfaces have healed;
2. About the phase of the cycle. At the moment of ovulation, mucus is discharged.

It is best to take care in advance about choosing the most suitable contraception, after consulting with a gynecologist. You should not assume that the absence of menstruation is a guaranteed method of birth control. Doctors do not consider breastfeeding a method of contraception at all.

Physiological etiology

The so-called “white” lochia begins 7-10 days after birth. They are transparent or white, stretchy. Also, many women compare them to snot. There shouldn’t be any unpleasant odor, much less a high temperature!

The main cause of mucous discharge is fluid that passes through the blood vessels and lymph nodes:

• Uterine cells are capable of secreting transudate;
• During ovulation, mucus leaves the cervical canal;
• The cervix has the ability to secrete.

It is noted that cells are especially active in the second phase menstrual cycle, at the time of ovulation and a few days before it. This happens under the influence of hormones. This ensures best lubricant and the environment in the vagina becomes less aggressive for sperm. The mucus that clogged the cervical canal and cervix in the first half of the cycle begins to move away and is released. All this the necessary conditions provided by nature for fertilization.

It is quite possible that the mucus that appeared in the discharge may either remain in it or disappear when postpartum period will end. The processes occurring in the body of each woman are individual.

It was also revealed that the nature of the discharge depends on whether the woman is breastfeeding her newborn baby. Breastfeeding (without complementary foods) inhibits the processes in the brain responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is difficult to predict whether mucous discharge will stop or whether menstruation will begin.

Pathological causes

Gynecologists say that during inflammatory changes, the cervix is ​​capable of producing mucus. Then the mucous secretions are compared to protein raw egg, they contain whitish veins.

They can also be white in color. This character indicates erosion of the cervix or inflammation of its canal.

How to determine: ovulation or an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity? Still, some women note an elevated body temperature in the range of 37-37.5 degrees. This may indicate ovulation. In this case, there may also be pain in the lower abdomen at the time the egg is released. In this case, menstrual bleeding should begin within a couple of weeks.

No matter how much you would like to do without seeking help from a doctor, this cannot be avoided. Wait for the start of menstruation elevated temperature bodies are dangerous.

ARVE Error:

When should you see a doctor?

Usually, mucous discharge (it is quite thick and stretchy, transparent or slightly milky in color) is considered to be a variant of the norm, because in a woman it can take on a different character depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

If you ignore this symptom and do not seek advice from a specialist in time, you may miss the onset of the development of any pathology:

• Cervical erosions;
• Sexually transmitted infections;
• Cervical oncology;
• Inflammation of the appendages ( fallopian tubes, ovaries);
• Infertility or difficulty conceiving.

ARVE Error: id and provider shortcodes attributes are mandatory for old shortcodes. It is recommended to switch to new shortcodes that need only url

All complications can be avoided if you seek help in time. A visit to the gynecologist should not be postponed. If cervical erosion develops or genital infections appear, then it is necessary to be examined as early as possible. Only if the disease is detected in a timely manner is effective treatment possible.

In the postpartum period, it is very important to observe the rules of personal hygiene. An open wound surface of the uterus, and in some cases sutures on the cervix or perineum, is an excellent nutrient medium for the life of various microorganisms, it is humid and warm. Inflammatory processes in the uterus or vagina develop very quickly. This is why it is so important for women to keep their external genitalia clean.

Discharge in women after childbirth is a normal process of healing and restoration of the endometrium of the uterus after the separation and delivery of the placenta. The birth of a child leads to the formation of a bleeding wound in the uterine cavity, which provokes a long period vaginal discharge. Dying epithelium, mucus and plasma come out with the blood, and all together this is called lochia.

Gradually, the woman’s body is cleansed and the nature of the discharge after childbirth changes, as the wound heals and the mucous membrane is restored. Very important in postpartum period be attentive to your health, since any sudden change in the process of cleansing the uterus can mean complications in the form of inflammation, infection, etc. It is very important to know how the type and composition of discharge after childbirth changes over time in order to control this process.

Discharge a week after birth

7 days after giving birth, the woman is already at home, so the doctor must explain to her how to care for her intimate area and in what cases you should worry about your health. The first days after the baby is born, the discharge should be red and profuse. They may be accompanied by cramps as the uterus actively contracts to return to its prenatal size.

To discharge after childbirth intensified, the gynecologist palpates the abdomen, massaging female organs, and also encourages active breastfeeding. Thanks to this, within a week the uterus is actively cleansing and healing. If a caesarean section was performed, then recovery takes longer and the first weeks may be accompanied by heavy bleeding after childbirth.

It is important to do an ultrasound while still in the maternity hospital to exclude the possibility of placenta residues in the uterine cavity, which can lead to stagnation of the exfoliated endometrium and inflammation. Often this is what causes heavy bleeding, severe pain and the temperature of the new mother some time after returning home.

During the first month, a woman should use diapers instead of pads to detect clotted discharge after childbirth. This normal phenomenon, but it is important to monitor changes in color and consistency of anything found on the diaper being changed. During the postpartum period, it is very important to observe the strictest intimate hygiene and maximize the release of the uterus from lochia. To do this you should:

• Breastfeed your baby. During this process, hormones are produced that stimulate contractions of the uterus, which leads to increased and accelerated release of secretions;
• Periodically lie on your stomach. When you lie on your back, the uterus falls back and lochia cannot flow freely, so it is very useful to set aside time every day to lie on your stomach. It is also better to do this without underwear, putting a diaper underneath;
• Refuse sex. For the first 2 months after childbirth, you should refrain from intimate relations with your husband in order to avoid infection, because the uterus is open, and the escaping blood will only contribute to the proliferation of bacteria;
• Regular intimate hygiene. This must also be done in order to avoid infectious complications. Every 2-3 hours it is necessary to change the diaper and thoroughly wash the genitals. Even if you have normal discharge after childbirth, douching is strictly contraindicated - the uterus will cleanse itself. Tampons are also contraindicated, even when the lochia becomes scanty. A hygiene product must be chosen carefully, preferably on the advice of an obstetrician-gynecologist, since even a simply scented intimate gel can lead to irritation of the genital organs. In the first 2 months after giving birth, you cannot take a bath, only shower.

Discharge after childbirth lasts at least 1 month, after which it becomes very scanty and mucous, which means complete healing of the uterus and reproduction of the mucous membrane.

Discharge after childbirth one month

A month after the birth of your baby, the red discharge after childbirth is already replaced by spotting brown ones. This means that the uterus has almost recovered - no new blood comes out, but only old blood comes out. Also dark brown discharge after childbirth, they can be supplemented with white-yellow ones, which are similar in consistency to mucus. This is further evidence that the endometrium in the uterine cavity is completing its recovery.

In terms of quantity, these discharges are insignificant and no longer cause the discomfort that was in the first days of the postpartum period. Before the release of the lochia is completed, the uterus must reach its normal sizes, and her inner layer completely covered with mucous membrane. It is quite normal if, a month after giving birth, the discharge still contains blood, the main thing is that there is not much of it and this is not accompanied by any symptoms of ill health.

Discharge after childbirth 2 months

If there is discharge for a long time after childbirth, this may mean that the uterus contracts weakly and healing occurs rather slowly. In any case, the blood impurities should have disappeared by now. White-yellow discharge means the final stage of healing of the uterus, so there is no need to worry. If lochia has replaced clear mucous discharge, then this is a normal phenomenon 2 months after birth.

In any case, the obstetrician-gynecologist strongly recommends that you contact the maternity hospital with any questions within 8 weeks of the postpartum period, since it is he who is responsible for how the separation of the placenta and cleansing of the uterus went. If nothing bothered you during this period, then routine inspection You need to see a gynecologist in 2 months and then at the clinic.

After 8 weeks of uterine recovery, the color of the discharge after childbirth should become transparent and the amount minimal. They should not cause any discomfort. This means that the uterus has recovered, returned to its normal size, and the cervix has closed. The young mother can visit again public places for swimming, take a bath and enjoy intimate life.

Discharge 3 months after birth

The duration of discharge after childbirth should not exceed 8 weeks. If, 3 months after the birth of the baby, vaginal discharge, then this could be either menstruation, or a manifestation of the inflammatory process. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the discharge and the accompanying symptoms.

White mucous discharge after childbirth may be due to thrush. If they are insignificant and transparent, then there is nothing to worry about - a natural liquid, like saliva or sweat. Stretchy discharge after childbirth that is colorless and odorless is also normal and often accompanies ovulation.

If a woman does not breastfeed, it is quite possible that her menstrual cycle will resume 3 months after giving birth. This will lead to the arrival of menstruation with all the accompanying symptoms, such as pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, hypersensitivity breasts If it is heavy bleeding after childbirth, accompanied by high body temperature and general malaise, then you need to call an ambulance, since in this case only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

3 months after birth, only colorless, odorless, and non-discomfortable discharge is considered normal. In all other cases, it is better to get tested, do an ultrasound and be aware of the condition of your body.

When does the discharge end after childbirth?

At normal recovery female body Discharge after childbirth lasts no more than 8 weeks. This period is quite enough for the uterine cavity to shrink and for the placenta to become covered with healthy endometrium. Afterwards, the menstrual cycle begins to recover, which resumes depending on the regularity of breastfeeding.

If a woman breastfeeds, this leads to increased contractions of the uterus, which speeds up the process of lochia release. Also, the production of prolactin delays the functioning of the ovaries, which stops the resumption of menstruation. So the cycle can be restored six months after birth or more. However, this process is individual for all women.

If the discharge suddenly stops after childbirth, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this can have very adverse consequences. The accumulation of lochia in the uterine cavity occurs for various reasons:

• Overstretching of the uterine cavity, which leads to its bending back. To prevent this, you need to lie on your stomach more often and massage it. It is also important to comply water balance in the body and breastfeeding;
• Untimely emptying of the intestines and bladder, which begins to put pressure on the uterus. At the first urge you need to go to the toilet to prevent complications.

If you do not react in time to stop the release of lochia during the postpartum period, then you will have to treat endometritis - inflammation of the uterine mucosa. Blood is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, so it must be drained in a timely manner to avoid infection.

If you know how long the discharge lasts after childbirth, and it suddenly stops, then call your doctor. Treatment consists of eliminating cervical spasm by taking No-shpa, after which Oxytocin is prescribed, which promotes uterine contractions.

Bloody discharge after childbirth

Bloody and pink discharge after childbirth is normal, as the uterus is intensively cleansed at first. However, you should be wary if the number of lochia has increased sharply. It is possible that parts of the placenta remained in the uterus, which led to heavy bleeding. Disturbances in the blood clotting system may also be the cause.

If parts of the placenta remain in the uterine cavity, this can be diagnosed by ultrasound or gynecological examination. Remove them under general anesthesia, after which intravenous antibiotic therapy is carried out to eliminate the risk of infectious complications. If you do not clean the uterine cavity in a timely manner, this will certainly lead to severe inflammation and life-threatening consequences.

If sharp copious discharge after childbirth, blood clotting disorders are provoked, then appropriate treatment is carried out. A woman, while pregnant, should tell her doctor about such health problems so that postpartum hemorrhage can be prevented.

Often, an increase in discharge is due to the fact that the uterus is not contracting enough. Such bleeding is called hypotonic. They are quite abundant, but nothing hurts and there are no other symptoms of danger. However, it is worth considering that any bleeding, if not stopped in a timely manner, can lead to critical consequences.

Heavy discharge after childbirth is normal only if it occurs in the first week and the doctor is notified about it. Otherwise, you need to call an ambulance. To stop bleeding, reducing medications will be administered and infusion therapy will be performed to replenish blood loss. In some cases it is impossible to do without surgical intervention, so it is very important to seek help in a timely manner.

Brown discharge after childbirth

2-3 weeks after birth, the discharge becomes darker than initially, as the wound in the uterus heals and hardly bleeds. However, old blood is still in its cavity, it gradually becomes brown and also comes out as part of the lochia. Dark discharge after childbirth - this is nothing more than old blood that did not empty the uterus in a timely manner.

The appearance of dark lochia begins in the middle of the first caruncle after childbirth and can last 4-6 weeks. It is important that the discharge is not abundant and does not increase sharply. If this happens, you should definitely consult a doctor, since timely and complete cleansing The uterus is the key to your women's health.

Yellow discharge after childbirth

Such discharge is normal at the final stage of lochia release. They can also signal the resumption of the menstrual cycle. If, 4 months after birth, the discharge changes from colorless to yellow, without a distinct odor, then this indicates ovulation.

It is worth considering the situations in which you will definitely need to see a doctor:

• Yellow discharge after childbirth is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. Sharp is especially dangerous putrid smell, which indicates the spread of infection;
• In addition to the discharge, itching and burning of the genitals are disturbing. This is also a sign of infection, which can enter the uterus and cause inflammation;
• Thick discharge after childbirth, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. It is especially dangerous if they give in lower sections spine;
• Bright yellow or greenish lochia is a sign of infection of the genital tract or even the uterus. To avoid severe consequences it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner;
• Purulent discharge after childbirth is especially dangerous, since it is a sign not only of infection, but also of the presence of a source of inflammation, which must be immediately eliminated in order to prevent a threat to the woman’s life;
• Increased body temperature along with heavy bright yellow discharge indicates an active process of inflammation in the uterus, the causes of which must be determined by a doctor

Most of these situations occur with endometritis - inflammation of the uterine lining. It is provoked by weak cleansing of its cavity, which leads to the accumulation of lochia. If you smell discharge after childbirth, you should definitely see an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Mucous discharge after childbirth

Transparent discharge after childbirth appears after the lochia has completely exited the uterine cavity. In most cases, this is nothing more than the secret of the functioning of the pelvic organs. They can also precede and accompany ovulation or be released after sex. This is also how the hormonal changes in the body that occur after childbirth manifest themselves.

If you are concerned about discharge after childbirth that looks like clots of clear mucus, then get tested to make sure that they are normal. You should be alerted if any other symptoms appear, such as fever, itching, or smell. Such discharge may be a manifestation of cervical erosion, so it may be worth undergoing a colposcopy.

Green discharge after childbirth

Green lochia is a clear sign of inflammation in the uterine cavity. As a rule, they are accompanied by fever and pain in the lower abdomen. Bleeding may also suddenly begin, as green discharge may be caused by parts of the placenta remaining in the uterus. Another reason may be delayed lochia or poorly healing tears and cracks in the birth canal.

In addition, green discharge with an odor after childbirth is often caused by infections, so special rules must be followed intimate hygiene during this period and abstain from sex. Also, to prevent such complications after childbirth, you need to avoid abortions, STDs and strengthen your immune system.

If you have green discharge, then you need to see a doctor, take a smear for flora and undergo an ultrasound. In such cases, they are treated with antibiotics and physiotherapeutic procedures. Sometimes it is necessary to scrape out the scarred endometrium. It is also very important to strengthen your body in general.

White discharge after childbirth

White discharge is not always thrush, as many women think. Thrush can be easily diagnosed by the cheesy consistency of the discharge, sour odor, dryness and itching in the vagina. Also regular smear will help make a diagnosis, and curing colpitis is not difficult.

However, white discharge may be a natural secretion of your reproductive system. If some have a uniform consistency and there are no other unpleasant symptoms, then there is no need to worry. However, it is worth knowing that white discharge can signal:

• Inflammation of the fallopian tubes;
• Pathologies of the uterus;
• Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
• Violation of the secretion of the cervical glands.

To prevent these problems, you need to undergo a timely examination by a gynecologist and take tests. It is also important to avoid douching, chemical contraception, violations of intimate hygiene rules and sedentary lifestyle life. This is especially important in the postpartum period.

After childbirth, a woman must be very attentive to her health and fully control the process of cleansing the uterus. She also needs to be able to distinguish dangerous situations from normal, for which you should discuss all this with your doctor in advance. Normal discharge after childbirth last about 2 months, gradually decreasing and not accompanied by pain.

Reading time: 6 minutes

Pregnancy consists of pleasant chores in preparation for childbirth. When you pack your birth bag, don’t forget to put a package, or better yet two, of sanitary pads in it. A woman needs them after the baby is born. Bloody, brown, yellow or white discharge after childbirth that lasts for several weeks is normal and means the uterus is cleaning itself after the baby is born.

What is discharge after childbirth

Lochia is the name given to bloody marks that appear immediately after childbirth and will haunt the young mother for another month and a half. At first the discharge will be very copious and bloody. A woman in labor will use one sanitary pad per hour. Over time, their volume will noticeably decrease. Don't be alarmed if you find blood clots or mucus on the pad - this is how it should be. Lochia includes:

• blood cells - leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets;
• plasma released from the wound surface of the uterus after separation of the placenta;
• remnants of the epithelium located on inner surface uterus;
• ichor;
• mucus from the cervix and cervical canal.

Why does discharge occur?

Lochia is a discharge that indicates the cleansing of a woman’s uterus. The remains of the placenta and epithelium come out through the vagina under the influence of contractile movements of the walls of the uterus. This process is necessary to restore the menstrual cycle and reproductive function. The first menstruation after childbirth will indicate that the body is completely ready for a new conception, so be careful and take care of contraceptive methods.

How long does the discharge last after childbirth?

The average duration of lochia is 6-8 weeks. At first they come very abundantly throughout the week. During this period, while still in the maternity hospital, the woman needs to take care of the availability of sanitary pads and absorbent diapers. Take night-time type pads or for the maximum number of “drops”. On the first day, it is best to use a diaper, and then put it under yourself. Sometimes doctors ask to see a diaper, so they control lochia. When standing up or pressing on the uterus, lochia may gush out of the vagina. This is normal for the first days.

Within a few days or a week, there will be less bleeding. They will no longer be bright red, their shade will look like dried blood. A month after birth, the discharge will be reduced, it will be possible to switch to everyday pads, after another week the lochia will be very scanty, their color will become lighter. Do not use tampons under any circumstances, even if you really need to. It may be dangerous. Postpartum discharge- This perfect place for the development of bacteria. In a month or a month and a half, the lochia will end. In this case, you will need to visit a gynecologist and undergo an examination.

In order for the lochia to come out well and the uterus to cleanse faster, the mother needs to adhere to the following rules:

• After giving birth, apply an ice pack to your lower abdomen for the first two days. Cold promotes contraction and rapid cleansing.
• Go to the toilet “little by little” every two to three hours, even if you don’t feel like it. A full bladder prevents uterine contractions and good discharge.
• Walk and just move more. This will prevent blood stagnation in the uterus.
• Put your baby to your breast as often as possible. At first, during feeding, you may feel slight pain in the lower abdomen and a sharp release of lochia. That's how it should be. The baby irritates the nipple, and the woman’s body releases oxytocin, a hormone that causes the uterus to contract.

What kind of discharge should there be after childbirth?

The color of lochia depends on how long it lasts and how it progresses. At first they are scarlet in color and contain many blood clots and pieces of dead epithelium. After a week, the lochia becomes brown. In this case, the amount of lochia decreases to the volume of menstruation. At the end of the cleansing period of the uterus, they are yellow with streaks and splashes of blood.

These are approximate dates; each woman experiences it individually. The duration of discharge, its quantity and composition are influenced by many factors. For example:

• the course of pregnancy;
• childbirth;
• method of delivery (natural birth or cesarean);
• intensity of uterine contractions (the stronger they are, the faster the lochia ends)
• structure of female organs;
• presence of lactation (with breastfeeding the uterus contracts more actively, and the discharge passes faster);
• the course of postpartum recovery (presence or absence of inflammation, infections, etc.).

Discharge after caesarean section

Lochia after cesarean section lasts longer than during natural delivery. This is due to the fact that during the operation they are damaged muscle fibers uterus. As a result, the organ contracts weakly, the lochia comes out longer than usual, but in a smaller volume. The structure of the discharge itself also changes. After surgery, a woman moves less; this ends up with the blood stagnating and coagulating into clots, which are released along with the discharge.

Postpartum discharge ended and started again

If you notice that the amount of discharge has increased sharply or, conversely, it has stopped, then you need to immediately call an ambulance and do not wait until the morning if the problem occurs at night or in the evening. Sometimes there are cases when the discharge ends and then starts again. Endometritis, inflammation, and infection may begin. However, the most common cause is lochiometra.

This is a disease after childbirth, in which the discharge does not come out, but stagnates inside the uterus. This can cause inflammation, infections, and other problems. It’s good if the discharge resumes on its own, without medical intervention. However, if the lochia stops and does not continue during the day, you do not need to sit idly by, you need to call an ambulance. With the help of medications that cause uterine contractions, the cleansing will continue in the usual way.

Pathological discharge during postpartum complications

Lochiometra is not the only disease that can occur to a woman after childbirth. Pathological deviations discharge indicates that something is wrong with the cleansing of the uterus. It could be:

• Discharge with an unpleasant odor. If the lochia has a pronounced purulent yellow or greenish tint, then this indicates an infection in the uterus, i.e. O postpartum endometritis. In this case, you need to call an ambulance or go to the doctor without delay. Associated symptoms – heat, pain in the lower abdomen, weakness.
• Watery lochia. They should alert the young mother, because such signs occur when fluid is released from the lymphatic and blood vessels, which seep through the mucous membrane of the uterus, genital tract and vagina. Transparent lochia may indicate dysbacteriosis (gardenellosis), and they will be accompanied by a fishy odor.
• White discharge. If you have acquired lochia White color and curd consistency, then this indicates possible infection– colpitis or candidiasis (thrush). In this case, the woman will complain of itching, redness in the perineum, unpleasant sour smell. Will have a similar meaning curdled discharge.
• Black discharge. If lochia lasts as usual and does not have an unpleasant odor, but has acquired dark color, then you shouldn’t be scared, it’s not as dangerous as yellow discharge. This shade indicates a change in blood composition and hormonal changes in the body.
• Abundant bloody lochia of a bright red color can only appear in the first few days after birth. If such lochia appears later, you need to immediately call an ambulance without waiting for the morning. A sharp increase in discharge indicates postpartum hemorrhage.