How much bloody discharge after childbirth? Discharge after childbirth with an odor. Photos and videos: How long does the discharge last after childbirth and what kind of discharge after childbirth is considered normal - yellow, bloody, brown

Pregnancy and childbirth lead to numerous changes not only in life, but also in a woman’s body.

After a certain time after childbirth, the body returns to its original state, but before this unusual phenomena are observed. One of them is postpartum discharge, which is called lochia.

Lochia occurs in all women after childbirth. Their cause is the rupture of blood vessels between the uterus and placenta when the child is born. The result of such a rupture is bleeding. Its occurrence is a natural process, since the uterus must be cleansed of the remains of the placenta, dead particles of the endometrium and traces of the vital activity of the fetus.

Some women who have given birth do not know about this phenomenon, so they are nervous when it occurs. But even with this information, young mothers need a detailed study of this process in order to understand when it is normal and when there are pathologies. This will help you avoid complications by seeking medical help on time.

How long does the discharge last after childbirth?

Each woman differs from others in the individual properties of her body. Therefore, pregnancy, childbirth and the duration of the recovery period after them are different for everyone. Therefore, it is impossible to determine in advance how many days the discharge lasts after childbirth. We can only name an approximate framework from which to build. Anything outside of them is considered a deviation.

Normally, the duration of the period when there is postpartum discharge is 6-8 weeks. Sometimes small deviations are allowed when lochia may stop a week earlier or later than the period established in gynecology. These deviations are considered normal, but only if there are no violations in other features. Therefore, when postpartum discharge lasts 5 or 9 weeks, doctors analyze indicators such as smell, color, thickness, quantity, composition, etc. Based on this, one can judge whether the recovery period is normal.

The danger is when lochia lasts less than 5 or more than 9 weeks. Therefore, a young mother needs to take into account the time when postpartum discharge stopped. Both completion too early and too late are considered deviations. This happens when there are disturbances in the functioning of the female body. Therefore, it is very important to consult a doctor in time to determine the causes. This will make it possible to prevent the development of complications.

Important! Women whose lochia lasted less than a month are usually happy about this fact. But when the discharge ends so quickly after childbirth, one should be wary, since the vast majority of such cases subsequently led to hospitalization. With a shortened period of postpartum discharge, the body fails to get rid of all pathological residues. After some time, these residues begin to decompose, which leads to the development of inflammation.

This means that any young mother needs to compare the duration of lochia discharge with normal values. Even if the deviations are acceptable, you need to consult a gynecologist to make sure there are no problems.

Composition of secretions

To understand whether postpartum recovery is proceeding normally, a young mother needs to take into account not only the duration of lochia, but also their composition. Sometimes the duration of the discharge is within normal limits, but its composition indicates abnormalities in the functioning of the body.

Normal discharge levels after childbirth:

1. For the first 2-3 days, spotting is considered normal. During childbirth, blood vessels burst, leading to bleeding.
2. After this, the uterus heals and open bleeding should stop.
3. The first week is the stage of release of the remaining placenta and dead endometrium. Therefore, clots may be present.
4. After a week, the secretion of clots ends and the lochia becomes liquid.
5. The presence of mucous discharge is also normal - these are waste products of the fetus. They should also disappear within a week.
6. 5-6 weeks after birth, lochia becomes a spotting discharge. They are similar to those observed during menstruation.

The presence of bloody discharge after childbirth should not be alarming. Dangerous is the presence of pus in them - this is a sign of violations. You need to urgently go to a gynecologist in such cases as:

• The appearance of purulent discharge. This indicates the onset of an inflammatory process that occurs due to infection. The diagnosis confirms the presence of fever, pain in the lower abdomen, and an unpleasant odor of discharge.
• Discharge of mucus and clots a week after the birth of the baby.
• Transparency and wateriness of lochia is also a deviation. This may be caused by gardnerellosis (vaginal dysbiosis), in which there is a profuse discharge that has a fishy odor. Another reason for the appearance of this deviation is the release of fluid from the lymph nodes.

Knowledge of the features inherent in normal lochia will allow the new mother to seek medical help in time.

Discharge color

After childbirth, an important characteristic of lochia is its color. It can also be used to judge how successfully the body of the woman who gave birth is recovering. The norm is:

1. Bright red color in the first 3 days. At this time, the blood has not yet coagulated.
2. For 2 weeks after this, the color should be brown. This indicates that the uterus is healing normally.
3. Shortly before the end of the lochia (in the last weeks) they should become transparent. Slight turbidity and a yellowish tint may be observed.

Any other shades of postpartum discharge are considered pathological.

Yellow discharge after childbirth

What kind of problems there are in the body can be judged by the shade of such discharge.

1. If pale yellow, light discharge appears at the end of the second week, there is no need to worry - this is one of the normal variants.
2. The appearance of bright yellow lochia with a greenish tint 4-5 days after birth (especially with the smell of rot) indicates endometritis.
3. The bright yellow color of the discharge when it contains mucus, detected after 2 weeks, indicates the development of latent endometritis.

Endometritis cannot be cured at home; for this it is necessary to take antibiotics or surgically remove the inflamed area of ​​the uterine epithelium.

Green discharge after childbirth

Green discharge is a more dangerous phenomenon. They appear when inflammation of the uterus is at an advanced stage. Therefore, you need to contact a specialist as soon as the first purulent impurities with a slight greenish tint are noticed.

This is another reason for concern and a visit to the gynecologist. Especially if white lochia is accompanied by the following manifestations:

• sour unpleasant smell,
• itching in the perineal area,
• curdled consistency of discharge,
• redness of the genitals.

These symptoms indicate the development of infectious diseases of the genitourinary tract (thrush or yeast colpitis).

If you have black discharge that is not complicated by additional symptoms such as pain or an unpleasant odor, there is no reason to worry. This is another type of normal, caused by changes in blood composition due to hormonal changes.

Bloody discharge after childbirth

With normal recovery of the body, red lochia can appear only a few days after the birth of the child. This is due to the presence of an open wound in the uterus, which is why bright red lochia is released. After a week, the color should turn brownish-brown, and then gray-yellow.

Number of allocations

Features of the course of the recovery period can be determined by the amount of discharge. The normal course of the process is indicated by the following:

1. The presence of abundant lochia during the first postpartum week. At this time, the removal of residues unnecessary for the body occurs.
2. The more time passes, the less discharge should become. A small number of them in 2-3 weeks is normal.

A young mother should tell her doctor if there is too little discharge in the first days after the baby is born. This happens when pipes and ducts are clogged, which interferes with the cleansing of the body.

If the amount of discharge does not decrease within 2-3 weeks, this indicates that the healing of the uterus is not progressing properly. For some reason, this process is delayed, so you need to undergo an examination.

The smell of discharge

After childbirth, the smell of lochia can also be used to judge how well the uterine restoration process is normal.

For the first days, a combination of the smells of fresh blood and dampness is considered normal. Then it should be replaced by such features as rottenness or mustiness.

Harshness of smell, sour notes or a hint of rot are considered abnormal. If the smell is accompanied by deviations related to the color, composition or number of lochia, you should immediately contact a gynecologist. Waiting for everything to go away on its own is unacceptable.

Discharge intermittently

Women who have given birth are very concerned about the situation when lochia stops, and after a week or several weeks it starts again. Such an incident is a reason to contact a specialist to find out the reasons. They may be different.

• The appearance of scarlet discharge after 2 months is sometimes the beginning of menstruation. For some young mothers, the body recovers very quickly. If a woman does not feed the baby with breast milk, then her periods will resume in a short time. Another reason for this phenomenon is rupture of seams. It can be caused by problems (for example, physical or emotional overload). To establish the exact reasons, an examination is needed.
• The return of lochia after 2-3 months requires a careful analysis of all other features. It happens that for some reason, postpartum waste partially remains in the body and comes out after a decent period of time. This may be normal if the discharge is dark in color and has a normal odor without purulent inclusions (mucus and clots may be present). If the listed symptoms are still observed, it is impossible without examination. Probably, the woman has developed an inflammatory process that can only be eliminated with antibiotics or surgery.

Having such a break is not always dangerous. But if a young mother doubts the condition of her body, she should talk to a gynecologist. This will help you calm down and notice deviations in time.

Discharge after caesarean section

Artificial birth somewhat changes the duration and composition of the lochia. Their main features:

• Recovery after a cesarean section is similar to that after a normal birth. Lochia is a mixture of blood and dead endometrium.
• In this case, you need to be especially careful about hygiene, since the risk of infection is higher.
• The first week is characterized by the presence of clots and mucus. The discharge at this time is abundant.
• The color of the lochia should be red at first, and after a few days they turn brown.
• After a cesarean section, the uterus contracts and heals more slowly, which leads to a longer presence of bloody discharge. But this period should not exceed 2 weeks.

There are few differences in this case, but they also need to be known and taken into account.

Hygiene during discharge

To avoid infection and inflammation, you need to follow good hygiene. Basic Rules:

1. Washing the genitals after each visit to the toilet. You only need to wash the outside, the correct direction is from front to back.
2. Daily shower. A bath during this period is contraindicated, as is douching.
3. You should refrain from using pads on the first day, replacing them with sterile diapers.
4. Change pads at least 8 times a day. Tampons are prohibited.

Based on the characteristics of postpartum discharge, one can judge how well the healing is proceeding. A woman who has given birth needs to very carefully monitor their compliance with the norm and consult a doctor if there are any deviations.

After childbirth, any woman experiences specific discharge from the genital tract. They occur regardless of the method of delivery - naturally or through surgery. They may last for different periods of time, have different colors, character or smell. You need to know how long the discharge lasts after childbirth, what nature it has at different times after the birth of the baby, and how to recognize signs of deviations from the norm. Any doubts should be a reason to consult a gynecologist.

Postpartum discharge from the genital tract is a natural process. At the final stage of the birth process, the placenta departs from the uterine wall, which was previously closely connected to the inner surface of the organ and penetrated by blood vessels carrying blood to the fetus. Underneath there is an open wound surface that begins to bleed. This becomes the source of lochia. Gradually, the vessels of the former placental site become empty, contract, and become covered with a new layer of endometrium. Normally, discharge continues for 6 weeks, maximum 2 months.

Lochia

Lochia has a different origin than menstruation and differs from them in color, volume and duration. It is necessary to pay attention to the color and consistency of the discharge, as well as the absence or presence of an unpleasant odor. A timely visit to a doctor with any questions about this can not only preserve health, but also save the life of the mother.

Lochia appears as a result of the fact that after the separation of the placenta, the vessels connecting it and the wall of the uterus remain open and blood is released from them. It passes from the uterine cavity through the open cervix into the vagina.

Postpartum lochia consists of the following components:

• exfoliated endometrium (inner uterine lining), which thickens significantly during pregnancy;
• blood and ichor from the uterine wall to which the placenta was attached;
• dead and necrotic tissue;
• mucus and blood released from the healing cervix;
• parts of the membranes and fetal epithelium.

Lochia is not menstruation and is not controlled by hormonal changes. After childbirth, it will take some time before the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and ovaries begin their regular activity and the normal cycle is restored. For breastfeeding mothers, the first period occurs approximately six months after birth. If the child is bottle-fed, menstruation can resume after 6 weeks (read more about the timing of the restoration of menstruation after childbirth).

In rare cases, menstrual-like light bleeding is observed within a month after the birth of a newborn. They are easily confused with terminal lochia, but at this time the woman can already become pregnant.

Less intense postpartum lochia is observed with premature birth, and stronger than normal - with multiple pregnancies and after surgery.

The first hours after

As soon as the placenta is born, the gradual contraction () of the uterus begins. This effect is enhanced by placing the newborn to the breast. Often an ice pack is placed on the mother's stomach; this is necessary to prevent severe bleeding.

The volume of blood loss in the first hours should not exceed 500 ml. At this time, the postpartum discharge is bloody and mixed with clots and mucus. This is how the remnants of the placenta and amniotic membranes are removed from the uterus.

In the first hours, the patient may feel an unpleasant odor of escaping blood. This is largely due to the influence of hormonal levels. The level of oxytocin and prolactin increases in the blood, increasing the sensitivity of olfactory receptors. In the normal course of the early postpartum period, the woman is transferred to the department after 2-3 hours.

First days

At first, intense release of lochia is observed. The cervix is ​​not yet completely closed, and the uterine wall is still a wound surface. This creates the preconditions for the development of postpartum endometritis. To prevent infection, all hygiene rules must be followed. If the nature of the discharge changes, you must immediately inform your gynecologist.

What should be the normal discharge after childbirth:

• In the first 4 days, lochia is a mixture of blood clots, parts of the membranes, meconium, decidua, and discharge from the cervical canal. Painful cramps in the abdomen may be felt, reminiscent of menstrual pain, caused by intense contractions of the uterus.
• During the 1st week, the lochia are colored a rich dark red color, they are quite thick, they contain an admixture of mucus, and there may be lumps or clots. When the baby is latched to the breast, the intensity of their secretion increases. This is a normal process of cleansing the birth canal.
• A woman should be prepared for the fact that when getting out of bed, a large amount of blood may be released at once. Therefore, it is recommended to stock up on a large number of special hygiene products, as well as oilcloth for the bed.

The normal duration of bleeding is up to 7 days. If they last more than a week, or uterine bleeding occurs, or large blood clots pass, this may be signs of retention of part of the placenta in the uterus. This condition often leads to infection and requires immediate medical attention.

To speed up the separation of lochia, a prone position is recommended, as well as the use of a postpartum bandage. It supports the internal organs, preventing the uterus from taking an abnormal position, which contributes to the retention of blood in it, for example, bending to the side or backwards.

First month

After 7 days, the wound surface begins to be covered with endometrium. The uterus has already contracted quite well, although it is still located above the womb. During the 2nd week, the number of lochia gradually decreases. Discharge from the genital tract changes color from red to darker, brown, and there is normally no unpleasant odor.

If in the first days of the postpartum period a woman had to change a sanitary pad every 2 hours, now one pad can be used for 4-5 hours. Before each change of hygiene product, it is recommended to wash with warm water and soap.

After 10 days, the discharge becomes yellowish. It contains fewer red blood cells and more white blood cells, cervical mucus, and serous fluid.

How long does this discharge last?

This stage lasts about 3-4 weeks.

Discharge a month after childbirth is observed in most women. However, their intensity is reduced so much that a woman can use panty liners. Their character is mucous, without foreign inclusions and odor. If lochia lasts more than 6 weeks, you should see a doctor.

At this time, the uterus is already returning to normal size, so abdominal pain or increased discharge when feeding the baby is not observed. At the end of the month, the cervical canal closes completely, which blocks the path of possible infection.

Each woman experiences the postpartum stage individually. It is considered normal if the discharge persists for 6-8 weeks. They may end earlier - by the end of 4-5 weeks.

During caesarean section

The operation is accompanied by additional damage to the uterine vessels, so the bloody discharge after such childbirth is more intense during the first 7 days. Its color and consistency are normal. Subsequently, the process of cleansing the uterus proceeds in accordance with physiological indicators. After a maximum of 2 months, any vaginal discharge should stop.

Changes in the amount of discharge

The most common reasons for this are retention of parts of the placenta inside the uterus or the addition of an infectious process. In this case, the following deviations from the norm are possible:

1. A small amount or premature termination may be associated with a mechanical obstruction to the outflow of intrauterine discharge. Usually this is a large blood clot that blocks the internal os of the cervical canal. Blood can accumulate in the uterus even if it is in an incorrect position as a result of subinvolution. The likelihood of such a complication increases with abnormalities in the structure of the uterus and various neoplasms (cysts, tumors).
2. Abundant flow of mucous fluid may be a sign of perforation (perforation) of the uterine wall, for example, if postoperative sutures fail. Abundant lochia is also observed with blood clotting disorders. This sign may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention.

Any pathological changes should be eliminated as quickly as possible. Some of them require drug treatment, while others require curettage or surgery.

Changes in the nature of discharge

Postpartum recovery occurs individually, but there are general signs characteristic of the normal course of the postpartum period or pathological abnormalities.

• Light yellow color of discharge

Characteristic of the final period, it replaces brown spots and gradually lightens to completely colorless mucus. Saturated yellow discharge can signal the onset of an inflammatory process in the uterus. They appear already on the 4-5th day and are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, and also have an unpleasant putrefactive odor. The cause of this condition is endometritis, injury to the wall or cervix. The yellow color of lochia can also appear when the cervical canal is blocked, when blood cannot be released from the uterus, and a putrefactive process begins. Another reason is cervical and vaginal ruptures, complicated by inflammation.

• Greenish discharge

Normally not observed. They indicate inflammation of the inner wall of the uterus -. It is often caused by a bacterial infection, which is caused by poor contractility of this organ. As a result, lochia is retained in the uterine cavity, and an inflammatory process begins with the formation of greenish pus. Purulent discharge is a reason for immediate consultation with a doctor. The disease is often accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, weakness, and an unpleasant odor of discharge from the genital tract. If left untreated, it can cause infertility or blood poisoning.

• Brown discharge

Normally they appear in the 2nd week, changing to bright red, and at the end of the second week they gradually lighten. If the brown color persists for more than a month, the cause may be an inflammatory process (endometritis), fibroids, uterine flexion, or decreased blood clotting. Copious dark brown discharge in the early postpartum period indicates incomplete separation of the placenta and requires urgent medical intervention - curettage of the uterine cavity.

• Mucus discharge

They begin in the 3rd week and gradually become normal for a healthy non-pregnant woman. Early appearance of mucus may be a sign of internal damage to the cervix or vagina. Excessive mucus discharge is an important sign. This condition requires urgent medical attention.

• Continued bloody or pink discharge

They are a sign of uterine hypotension associated with its excessive stretching or wall weakness. Another reason for prolonged weak bleeding is the presence of placenta remnants in the uterine cavity. Pink fluid can appear as a result of bleeding disorders, excessive physical activity and early sexual intercourse. Sometimes the first menstruation appears on days 21-28.

• White discharge

Most often caused by, they have a sour odor, and small light clots are detected in them. Candidiasis is not life-threatening, but it does cause a lot of unpleasant sensations, such as itching in the perineal area. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor and select antifungal therapy that is safe for breastfeeding.

Hygiene

Lochia is a physiological phenomenon; they are necessary for cleansing the uterus and its healing. During them, it is important to follow hygiene rules:

1. It is necessary to stock up on sanitary pads in advance and change them regularly. In the first days you will need products with high absorbency.
2. Tampons and menstrual cups should be avoided as they increase the risk of infection.
3. It is recommended to avoid sexual intercourse for the first 6 weeks.
4. At this time, you should avoid physical exercise and significant stress.
5. In the first month you cannot swim in a pool or pond.
6. You should wash regularly with warm water and soap, and movements should be directed from front to back. It is not recommended to use perfumed intimate hygiene products; baby soap is best.
7. It is recommended to urinate regularly, even in the absence of a pronounced urge. This will help prevent the spread of urinary tract infection.

It is worth stopping the use of blood thinners, such as aspirin, and at the same time increasing the amount of iron in your diet.

Smirnova Olga (gynecologist, State Medical University, 2010)

Each woman experiences a certain amount of discharge after childbirth, which can signal the normal course of the recovery process or indicate the development of pathology. To assess the situation, you need to know their permissible duration, maximum quantity, as well as color and smell.

Causes of discharge after childbirth

When a doctor tells a woman in labor that she can notice traces of blood on the pad (lochia) for a certain period of time, some women panic, associating such secretion solely with damage to the genital organs. But this is a misconception. Why is there bleeding after childbirth and what is its role for the health of the body?

Lochia is the name given to the uterine discharge that follows the birth of a baby. This is the result of restoration of the surface of the uterus. The endometrium is rejected, which comes out through the genitals. It is noteworthy that lochia contains only 80% blood, and the rest is represented by the usual secretion of the uterine glands.

The secreted liquid contains:

• dead epithelial cells;
• blood;
• plasma;
• ichor;
• remnants of the placenta;
• traces of fetal activity;
• secret of the reproductive system.

Postpartum discharge must be present. If the lochia does not come out, there may be a violation and the woman urgently needs to go to the hospital.

After the birth of the baby, women need to use special ones. Mothers in labor most often use: , .

How long does postpartum discharge last?

The acceptable duration of lochia is considered to be a period of six to eight weeks, and this period has been established by gynecologists around the world. This time is enough to cleanse the uterus of the endometrium, which functioned during gestation. Patients mistakenly believe that they need to pay attention only to the deadline, but a very rapid cessation of vaginal secretion is also considered a relative pathology:

Five to nine weeks

The period is a minor deviation that requires taking into account the color, smell, volume and composition of the fluid secreted from the vagina. A timely visit to the doctor minimizes the likelihood of serious health problems.

Less than a month and more than nine weeks

This fact indicates existing problems in the body that require immediate examination. The doctor will conduct a diagnosis, study the test results, determine the presence or absence of serious inflammatory processes and decide on the advisability of hospitalization.

On average, vaginal discharge ends by 42 days after birth. In a shorter period of time, the endometrium cannot recover. Lochia will come out until the surface of the uterus is completely healed.

What affects the duration of discharge after delivery?

The duration of the presence of lochia depends on the following factors:

1. Individual characteristics of the course of physiological processes in the female body.
2. The rate of restoration of the reproductive system after the birth of a child.
3. Diseases (endometriosis, uterine fibroids, etc.).
4. The presence of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
5. Method of delivery: natural or artificial (by caesarean section).
6. Intensity of uterine contraction.
7. Breast-feeding.

A patient who successfully carried a child to term and without complications, according to calculations, under the condition of breastfeeding, observes a more rapid contraction of the uterus and the process of restoration and cleansing of the body is more intense.

Duration of lochia discharge after repeated births

Doctors are of the opinion that the number of pregnancies also affects how long the discharge will last after childbirth. As a rule, their volume and duration are less after 2 or 3 births. Lochia may begin quite intensely, gradually decreasing over 4 weeks. By the end of the first month they are practically absent.

However, it is necessary to take into account the reaction of a particular woman’s body to the birth of a second or third child. It is possible that the first time the body endured this process more easily, therefore the recovery was faster, and the next time, a failure is possible.

Amount of secretion released

This indicator and its norm depend on a certain time:

1. The first few hours. Abundant, which should be 0.5% of the birthing woman’s weight, but not more than 400 ml.
2. Second and third days. In 3 days, on average, approximately 300 ml is released, and a special pad is filled in a couple of hours.
3. Home restoration. Over the following weeks, about 500–1500 ml are released, with high intensity occurring in the first 7–14 days.

Deviations in these numbers are possible, but it is important to prevent bleeding.

If the discharge is scanty or does not last long

As a rule, a small amount of discharge after childbirth or its rapid cessation is perceived positively by women. Women in labor mistakenly believe that the body has already recovered, but medical practice shows that a large percentage of such cases end in hospitalization.

There is a significant probability of endometrial remains being found inside the uterus and then an inflammatory process occurs. In the future, there may be an increase in temperature and a resumption of bleeding, but with the presence of clots, pus and an unpleasant odor.

If the number of lochia decreases, you should immediately make an appointment with a gynecologist, and if one of the listed signs occurs, call an ambulance.

Bloody discharge in women after giving birth

Intense bloody discharge is observed immediately after the baby is born. They are caused by damage to the surface of the uterus where the placenta was attached. This situation may persist for several days, and if the scarlet color of the discharge does not disappear by the end of the first and second weeks, you should consult a doctor for advice. It is important not to confuse lochia with bleeding, the appearance of which is easy to track: the sheet or diaper instantly becomes wet, and the secreted fluid is accompanied by uterine impulses in the rhythm of the heartbeat. The most common reason is rupture of seams.

How the color of secretion changes (photo)

An indicator such as the color of the discharge after the birth of a child can also help a woman assess the course of the postpartum period (see photos selected on the basis of similarity).

First days. There is a large amount of blood being released due to vascular damage. A woman observes red, scarlet marks on the gasket.

First week. The presence of blood clots is allowed, but not purulent ones. The secretion becomes darker or even brown.

Second week. There are practically no clots, and the consistency of the secretion becomes more liquid. Some patients experience pinkness after giving birth during this period. The appearance of mucous membranes is possible. But they should disappear on the 14th or 21st day.

The rest of the time. At first, the liquid gradually brightens, acquiring a yellow tint.

Brown postpartum discharge

Appearance at the end of the first week is a clear sign of the absence of complications. The secretion darkens faster in those women giving birth who are breastfeeding, and the reason lies in the hormone prolactin. They can last for a different period of time for each woman, but obstetricians note that brown lochia is observed for the longest time in women in labor who have undergone a cesarean section.

An unpleasant, smelly discharge, reminiscent of the acrid smell of pus, should alert you, which may indicate the development of an infection. In this case, the body temperature rises sharply, and the patient suffers from pain in the abdominal area. The right decision is to immediately visit the hospital.

But the musty smell, which is sometimes noted even during menstruation, does not indicate pathology.

Brown secretion can turn into serous lochs, caused by a drop in red blood cells against the background of an increase in white blood cells.

Yellow discharge after childbirth

First, the woman in labor notices a red-yellow discharge, which over time can become completely yellow or gray-yellow. Under normal circumstances, this process begins on the tenth day. Vaginal secretion of a yellowish tint signals to the woman that the uterine lining has almost healed. The presence of such a secretion immediately after childbirth with a putrid odor is an alarming sign that requires medical examination.

Black secretion

Nothing frightens a woman in labor more than the appearance of black clots on the pad. A similar phenomenon sometimes occurs 21 days after delivery. You should remain calm if the secretion does not smell or cause pain. The normal reason is hormonal changes and changes in the composition of vaginal secretions.

Green lochia

With a fishy odor and pus, they indicate the development of endometritis, which occurs against the background of inflammatory processes in the uterus. The danger is that the uterine muscles contract poorly, the secretion does not come out, and this further aggravates the situation. A woman should go for an ultrasound, get tested, and consult a gynecologist.

Discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor

Remember that discharge normally has virtually no odor; a sweetish or slightly musty aroma is acceptable, but no more. A rotten odor indicates a problem.

Reasons for the appearance of foreign odors:

• violation of vaginal microflora;
• colpitis;
• vaginosis;
• candidiasis;
• peritonitis;
• ulcer;
• endometritis;
• parametritis.

Lochia intermittently

The time interval between the secreted bloody substance can be several days or weeks. There are two reasons for this:

1. It is possible that the woman confused menstruation with postpartum lochia. If the woman in labor did not breastfeed the baby, then the next period occurs immediately after the restoration of the uterine mucosa. In breastfeeding women, menstruation can be practically eliminated for six months, and sometimes there are no periods for up to a year.
2. The second reason is related to the passivity of the uterine muscles. If the uterus does not contract, then lochia accumulates inside without coming out. So their interruption can significantly slow down the recovery of the body and cause various pathologies against the background of suppuration and inflammation.

Prevention of bleeding and stimulation of lochia discharge

1. Go to the toilet frequently. A large amount of urine in the bladder puts pressure on the uterus, preventing it from contracting.
2. Avoid intense physical activity. This is especially true for women after cesarean section. Read about it in the article at the link.
3. Lie on your stomach. In this position, the uterine cavity is quickly freed from the remains of the wound.
4. Hot water bottle with ice. A similar technique is used in the delivery room immediately after the baby is born. There is no need to carry out the procedure at home, as there is a possibility of hypothermia of the genital organs.

Postpartum discharge is a mandatory physiological process for a new mother. There is no need to be afraid of their appearance. To be sure that there are no pathologies, a woman in labor can keep a kind of diary, noting the approximate amount, color and smell of vaginal secretion. This approach will help you react immediately to the slightest changes, go to the hospital on time and easily explain the situation to your doctor.

The postpartum period for every woman is overshadowed by the fact that bloody discharge comes from the vagina for quite a long time.

During this stage, the body recovers and gains strength.

Why does discharge occur after childbirth?

During pregnancy, the uterus increases in size and its basic functions change.

When the birth has passed and her “mission” has been completed, she returns to her original form, decreasing in size.

During this period, the membranes and blood clots are removed from the uterus.

This is all called lochia, which gradually leaves the female body.

• In the place where the placenta used to be, an open wound now forms, which constantly bleeds and gradually heals.
• Blood will be released from the vagina until the wound surface heals and the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

After labor, the discharge is most active. This happens because the muscles contract, pushing out everything that is unnecessary in order to take on its previous shape.

What kind of discharge can be observed after childbirth?

Immediately after childbirth, you can observe red vaginal discharge in huge quantities.

This is due to physiological damage to the uterus during childbirth.

For several days they can proceed the same way. Sometimes you can even notice blood clots, which are normal.

• A week after giving birth, the discharge may change. During this period, mucus will be mixed with the blood, which is why the discharge is light in color and it will no longer resemble bleeding.
• If women notice large clots at this time, they should talk to their doctor about it.

Later, the woman in labor will notice that there will be significantly less vaginal discharge, its consistency will resemble menstruation, and later it will change its color to a brown tint.

After 2-3 weeks, the lochia has a yellowish tint, and later white.

Over time, clear mucus should come out of the vagina, which confirms the completion of the process of involution of the uterus.

It will not be possible to avoid bleeding after the birth of the baby, because... the placenta detaches from the uterus and damages it.

Over time, the amount of discharge becomes less. If this does not happen, and the bleeding only increases every day, then this is a reason to consult a doctor.

To avoid complications, you need to follow these recommendations:

• it is necessary to often lie on your stomach, because this way the body quickly cleanses itself of unnecessary substances;
• you need to visit the toilet every 2 hours and empty your bladder, which interferes with uterine contractions;
• You can narrow the blood vessels by applying a cold heating pad to the lower abdomen for 15 minutes;
• you need to limit the amount of physical activity;

Women should breastfeed their baby because... As a result of this process, a hormone called oxytocin is produced, which leads to natural contractions of the uterus.

When feeding, a woman may feel cramping pain in the lower abdomen and notice an increase in the amount of discharge.

How to avoid infection?

The first days after childbirth are considered the most dangerous for a woman. This happens for the reason that all the lochia have not been able to leave the body, so they can become a favorable environment for the spread of infection.

After childbirth, the wound becomes open, so bacteria can easily enter it.

To avoid complications, you should adhere to the following hygiene rules:

1. During the first days after childbirth, it is better to use diapers instead of the usual sanitary pads. Later you can switch to simple gaskets, but it is important to purchase those models that have a lot of drops. At first they need to be changed 9 times a day.
2. After using the toilet, you need to rinse the perineum with warm water. To wash, you need to use baby soap. And you are only allowed to wash the outer part of the vagina.
3. You should bathe daily in the shower rather than in the bathtub.
4. Ointments can be used only after doctor's approval.

It is also prohibited to use tampons instead of pads. They can delay the release of lochia and increase the possibility of infection.

When does the discharge end after childbirth?

A woman has her own duration of discharge.

Experts say that their average duration lasts 40 days.

But this indicator is not observed in all women. The norm is those discharges that last from 1 to 2 months.

• In medical practice, there are cases where lochia came out in only two weeks.
• Most women attest to the fact that their vaginal discharge lasted for 30 to 40 days.
• If lochia continues to occur for more than 2 months, then this indicates complications.

What does the appearance of purulent discharge after childbirth indicate?

In order for the recovery process to proceed without consequences, it is important to monitor your body:

1. Women need to pay attention to the smell and color of the discharge. Due to the fact that the uterine cavity is an open wound in which infection can multiply, there is a high risk of complications.
2. The presence of infection of the uterus is confirmed by the presence of purulent discharge and an unpleasant odor.
3. An increase in body temperature indicates the presence of inflammation in the uterus. It should not be confused with a slight increase in the body, which is caused by the process of establishing lactation.
4. If you suspect an infection of the endometrium, you should consult a doctor. In the first stages, this indicates that there are particles of the fetal membrane remaining in the uterus that will need to be cleaned. This procedure should not be delayed, as the infection can spread throughout the body.

If you have pain in the lower abdomen and severe itching with fever, you should consult a doctor.

Causes of green discharge after childbirth

If green discharge comes out of the vagina, this confirms the appearance of the disease - endometritis. The cause of its occurrence is considered to be infection of the uterus, which is caused by poor contraction.

All this leads to the fact that the discharge does not come out. And they accumulate in the body, which causes an inflammatory process.

Endometritis is also accompanied by the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain;
• unpleasant smell of discharge;
• increased temperature;
• discomfort in the vagina.

Treatment of endometritis includes antibacterial therapy. If this disease is neglected, it can lead to infertility, blood poisoning and death.

When should you see a doctor?

When vaginal discharge becomes natural, women need to come for an examination to a gynecologist.

Sometimes situations arise when you need to visit a specialist earlier than this time.

1. If lochia suddenly stops coming out during the first days after birth or their number has decreased significantly, then you should visit a doctor.
2. If there is a delay in the release of contents from the uterus, this can lead to endometritis. In this case, the necessary environment for the infection to multiply appears inside the uterus.

Another scenario may also occur when, after the discharge has stopped, its quantity increases significantly and turns into bleeding.

If a woman is in the maternity hospital, then she needs to see a doctor, and if she is at home, call an ambulance.

The main cause for great concern is green and yellow discharge with an odor, which is sometimes accompanied by body temperature.

This confirms the presence of an inflammatory process in the uterine mucosa. And the appearance of cheesy discharge confirms the presence of thrush.

Regardless of how the birth occurred (through surgery or naturally), the inner lining (mucosa) of the uterus requires a recovery period. It takes about 5-9 weeks, if everything goes well without complications.

Discharge from the genital tract after cesarean section deserves special attention. They are usually called lochia in gynecology. They include blood cells, plasma, mucus, and dead epithelium. Many women perceive them as a kind of menstruation. However, their color palette, smell, composition, volume change throughout the postpartum period and signal whether everything is fine with the young mother’s body.

Any operation, like childbirth itself, is a serious stress for the body, tired after pregnancy. Therefore, a woman needs to listen to him sensitively, feel the slightest deviations and know what discharge should be like after a cesarean section and what is considered normal. This will allow her to notice warning signs in a timely manner and receive treatment if necessary. Many sources indicate that lochia after a CS is no different from what happens after a natural birth. In fact, this is far from the case. Differences still exist.

1. The wound surface is much more extensive after a cesarean section, so the risk of infection or inflammation of the genital organs is very high. So, during discharge after surgery, you need to especially carefully carry out all the prescribed hygiene procedures and not just once a day.
2. At the very beginning, just after a cesarean section, about 5-7 days, the discharge is not only bloody, but also contains a lot of mucus, which is not observed after natural delivery.
3. The normal color of the discharge after a cesarean section for several days is bright red, deep scarlet, and it is much juicier than during the natural process of childbirth.
4. Contraction of the uterus and its healing after cesarean section is a longer and more protracted process, so the duration of the discharge is also different and is 1-2 weeks longer.

These differences should not frighten or worry a young mother, perhaps not yet experienced in such matters, since this is the norm for discharge after a cesarean section, which indicates that everything is in order. But in order to see that something is wrong in time, you need to know about deviations, which will first of all have to be addressed to specialists. Usually they differ little from problematic lochia after.

Deadlines

One of the most exciting questions is how long does the discharge last after a cesarean section in order to know for sure whether the recovery period is prolonged or the process is proceeding within the permitted limits. Information about the normal timing will allow you to control the actual menstrual cycle, which should soon occur.

Norm

The normal discharge period after cesarean section is from 7 to 9 weeks. So discharge 2 months after cesarean does not pose any danger to the health of the young mother.

Deviations

If after a cesarean delivery the discharge ends too quickly (within 6 weeks) or is very prolonged (up to 10 weeks), this is not yet a reason to panic. Yes, the norms are no longer met, but these indicators can only be determined by the individual characteristics of the body. If the composition, smell, thickness, color, and number of lochia do not indicate complications, there is no need to worry. Although even in this situation, it wouldn’t hurt to tell the doctor about it.

Pathologies

Seeing a doctor is mandatory if the duration of discharge in the postpartum period after cesarean section is beyond the normal range. This is either too quick an end (less than 5 weeks) or too long a process (over 10 weeks). Both are equally dangerous. In the first case, the remnants of the dead endometrium for some reason could not come out and there is a high probability of them festering. If lochia lasts too long, an infectious process in the abdominal cavity or genitals can be diagnosed. A condition when the discharge after a cesarean section ends and starts again is also dangerous: this also indicates some deviations in the process of restoration of the uterus.

Knowing how long the discharge lasts after a cesarean section during the normal healing process, a woman does not have to worry that this period is very long or, on the contrary, has passed too quickly. After all, in both cases, you will have to take appropriate measures: go to see a doctor, undergo additional examinations and, if diseases or complications are detected, undergo a course of treatment, no matter how much you would like it.

be careful. You should not be happy if your discharge has already stopped a month after a cesarean section. Such a rapid process very often ends in inflammation or infection, which requires surgical cleaning of the uterus.

Lochia character

Throughout the recovery period after surgery, the nature of lochia will change. Initially, blood clots will be released, since the uterus at this time is a large, open, bleeding wound. But over time, during the healing process, they will change to mucus, dead epithelial cells and other postpartum debris.

This also needs to be monitored very carefully. If, for example, bleeding after a cesarean section does not end, this will be an alarming signal that the damaged tissues for some reason cannot regenerate. Such cases require medical intervention and treatment. Therefore, monitor the nature of your lochia and its duration.

1. Presence of blood

At first, the presence of blood in the lochia should not raise doubts among young mothers: this is the healing of broken blood vessels and damaged tissue. However, the important point here is precisely the timing, how many days does the bleeding last after a cesarean section: if more than 7-8, then this is already abnormal and you need to sound the alarm.

1. Presence of clots

This is also quite understandable during this period of time: they are cells of the already dead endometrium and placenta. After 7-8 days they will go away, so the discharge will become more liquid.

1. Mucus discharge

If in addition to the bloody discharge there is also mucous discharge in the first days after a cesarean section, this is also the norm: in this way the body is cleansed of the products of the baby’s intrauterine vital activity.

1. Pink discharge

If pink discharge begins a month after a cesarean section, it means that the healing process is not yet complete. Perhaps, under some mechanical influence, the wounded tissues were damaged again. Very often this happens if a couple is impatient and, without waiting for the end of the recovery period, they begin to have sex too early.

1. Brown shade

After 6-7 weeks, the nature of the lochia will resemble ordinary menstrual smears of a brownish color: the blood will coagulate and will no longer be so bright and scarlet.

1. Purulent discharge

The danger after cesarean section is represented by purulent discharge, which is the first symptom of the endometrium (inflammation of the uterine mucosa). They are usually yellowish-green in color, smell very unpleasant and are accompanied by fever (due to infection), pain in the abdomen and perineum.

1. Watery lochia

A young mother should also be alerted to watery lochia, devoid of any shade, almost transparent. This is how transudate, a fluid contained in blood or lymphatic vessels, can come out. This is bad, as it indicates poor circulation in this area. In addition, watery discharge after cesarean section with an unpleasant odor, reminiscent of rotten fish, is a symptom characteristic of vaginal dysbiosis (gardnerellosis).

If you had to give birth by cesarean section, you must definitely monitor the nature of the discharge that begins. It is the impurities in their composition that may indicate a particular disease that will need to be identified and treated. Often all this threatens the hospital walls again - and this is precisely at the moment when the mother so needs her baby. It is much easier to prevent the problem and enjoy unforgettable moments of communication with the baby. In addition to character, the color of the discharge can tell a lot.

Hue

Normally, the color of lochia after a cesarean section should be red at first, followed by brown discharge (towards the end). The rest of the color palette should alert the young mother and force her to go to the hospital for an additional examination to find out if everything is in order with the restoration of her body.

Yellowness

If yellow discharge begins after a cesarean section, it may indicate the following postpartum processes:

• pale yellow, scanty lochia by the end of 2-3 weeks is normal;
• bright yellow, almost orange discharge with a greenish tint, putrefactive odor on days 4-6 - a symptom of pronounced, but just beginning endometritis;
• copious, mucous, yellow discharge after 2 weeks is a sign of already hidden and, most likely, rather advanced endometritis.

Endometritis cannot be treated on its own: antibiotic therapy or even surgery will be required.

Greenery

It is not difficult to guess that the green discharge that began after a cesarean section is explained by the presence of pus in it. It indicates the occurrence of an infectious, inflammatory process in the uterus. Only a medical examination will help determine its cause and diagnose the disease.

White lochia

By itself, without accompanying symptoms, white discharge, which may begin some time after a cesarean section, does not pose a threat. But as soon as certain signs appear, you need to be alert. These include:

• itching of the perineum;
• redness in the intimate area;
• if there is discharge with a sour smell;
• cheesy consistency.

In such cases, a bacterial culture or vaginal smear is required for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Black

If after a cesarean section there is black discharge without odor or pain, it should be taken as normal. They are dictated by hormonal changes in the blood after childbirth. A deviation is if they occur some time after the operation.

To avoid complications after cesarean section, you need to monitor the color of postpartum discharge. She can suggest a problem at the very beginning. This will make it easier to eliminate it and allow you to quickly return to normal after completing the necessary course of treatment.

Quantity

A young mother also needs to pay attention to how much lochia comes out of her in order to judge how the body’s recovery is proceeding. If after a cesarean section there is little discharge, especially in the very first days, this may be an alarming signal that the tubes, uterine ducts are clogged, a blood clot has formed, etc.

The opposite situation is no less dangerous: profuse lochia that does not stop for too long is an alarming signal about the impossibility of full restoration of the uterus after surgery. In both cases, you need to undergo a special examination and find out what is the reason for such deviations.

Any woman wants postpartum lochia to end as soon as possible and nothing to overshadow happy motherhood. However, there is no need to be too hostile towards them. It is they that can serve as that alarming and sometimes the only signal that not everything is in order with the restoration of the body and some measures need to be taken to help it. You should especially be wary of discharge after a cesarean section with an odor and an unrealistically bright hue. This almost always ends with a course of antibiotic treatment, which is highly undesirable during lactation, or another surgical intervention.