Lochia

Definition

Lochia is the vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue that occurs after childbirth as the uterus heals and contracts. It lasts 4 to 6 weeks postpartum.

Stages

• Lochia rubra: Dark red, 1 to 3 days postpartum.
• Lochia serosa: Pink/brown, 4 to 10 days.
• Lochia alba: Yellow/white, 10 days to 6 weeks.

Abnormal Findings

• Foul odor (suggests infection)
• Large clots (>quarter-size) or gush
• Saturating pad in less than 1 hour (postpartum hemorrhage)
• Return to bright red after pink (possible retained tissue)
• Persistent after 6 weeks

Nursing Interventions

Assess amount, color, odor, and clots at each postpartum check. Teach peri-care (front to back), pad changes at least every 4 hours, and to report excessive bleeding or foul odor.

NCLEX Relevance

Saturating a pad in less than 1 hour = PPH. Sequence: rubra → serosa → alba.