Although every new mother goes through the postpartum stage, lochia is still discussed far too rarely. This is all the more surprising because lochia, or bleeding after childbirth, is a normal part of postpartum recovery and helps your body heal after pregnancy. Even if it feels uncomfortable, you don’t need to feel ashamed or worry about these heavy vaginal discharges. In this article, we answer the five most commonly asked questions about lochia.

What are lochies?

Lochia, or postpartum bleeding, is vulvar discharge expelled from the uterus after childbirth. These discharges are made up of blood components, uterine residues, mucus, vernix (a thick, whitish substance that protected the baby's skin) and placental membranes . The blood, sometimes in the form of clots, comes from the wound left where the placenta detached. As for the mucous membranes, they lined your uterus during pregnancy and are also expelled. Gradually, lochia changes in consistency and color, shifting from dark red to yellowish white.

Women who have had a cesarean section also go through this postpartum recovery phase. However, because the uterus involutes more slowly than after a vaginal birth, the flow is generally lighter but may last longer. Sometimes, a cesarean section may be followed by a curettage to remove some tissue, which can reduce the bleeding.

What is the duration of bleeding after childbirth?

Postpartum bleeding usually lasts between two and six weeks. In breastfeeding women, it may last for a shorter time, as the hormone oxytocin released during breastfeeding promotes uterine contractions and the expulsion of lochia. If the bleeding is heavy during the first few days, it gradually decreases over the weeks, becomes lighter, and changes in consistency. Four different phases are distinguished:

• First days postpartum

  • Color: red

  • Consistency: liquid

  • Intensity: abundant

  • Composition: blood, uterine mucus, placental membranes, vernix, lanugo (fetal hair), and possibly meconium (the newborn's first stool).

• One week postpartum

  • Color: brownish

  • Consistency: liquid

  • Intensity: mild

  • Composition: blood serum, white blood cells, lymphatic fluid

• Two weeks postpartum

  • Color: yellowish

  • Consistency: creamy

  • Intensity: low

  • Composition: dead cells mixed with mucus and other bacteria

• Three weeks postpartum

  • Color: whitish

  • Consistency: liquid

  • Intensity: mild

What are the hygiene rules to follow?

Even if you appreciate the comfort of tampons during your period, you’ll need to do without them while you have lochia. Tampons should be avoided because they can allow bacteria to proliferate in the uterus and cause an infection. It’s best to stock up on special maternity pads before delivery. If you give birth at a maternity ward, they will be provided during your stay. Larger than regular sanitary pads, these pads are specially designed to absorb the heavy flow of lochia in the first days. They also have the advantage of being particularly soft and free from the plastic film often found on regular pads.

During the first days, you will probably need to change your pad every hour. Then, as lochia diminishes, you can space out changes. If you miss the right moment during the night, you can protect your bedding with a thick terry cloth towel. That way, leaks won’t stain everything. When the flow becomes lighter, you can switch to regular sanitary pads, preferably 100% cotton ones. To help prevent infections, change your protection very regularly, especially if you had an episiotomy or a perineal tear during childbirth. It is also recommended to wash your hands before and after changing your pad and to clean the intimate area only with clear, lukewarm water.

What precautions should be taken?

In reality, during the lochia period, you don’t have to deprive yourself of anything. However, you should take care of yourself and get enough rest; after all, your body has just accomplished a real feat. Stress can affect how well the uterus heals, so a return of heavier bleeding can be a sign that you need to slow down.

Even today, the myth that new mothers should not bathe during the lochia period persists, mainly due to the risk of infection. Certainly, long baths, such as those in a swimming pool, should be avoided; however, there is no contraindication to a short, relaxing bath at home. Many women find this particularly soothing for postpartum discomforts such as milk let-down or potential . Discover what to expect during postpartum in our article « ». Nevertheless, avoid baths longer than ten minutes, especially if you have had an episiotomy or a perineal tear. The water could soften the scar. After the bath, remember to dry your genital area thoroughly by gently patting with a soft cloth.

Sexual intercourse is also possible during the lochia period. However, give your body time to recover; at first, it is recommended to use a condom to reduce the risk of infection. It is generally advised to wait at least six weeks before resuming sex, especially if you had an episiotomy or a perineal tear. If you do not feel ready after six weeks, take your time and talk about it with your partner. After all, there are different ways to be intimate.

What symptoms to watch for and when to see your doctor?

It can happen that the cervix is not sufficiently dilated, or is even obstructed, which prevents the discharge from flowing out and causes it to accumulate in the uterus. This congestion manifests as des headaches , fever , pain in the lower abdomen , and a very unpleasant odor (even if lochia generally has an unpleasant smell, you will notice the difference). If you experience these symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. To help prevent congestion, you can lie on your back and perform gentle massages on your abdomen.

You should also consult your doctor if the bleeding seems abnormally heavy. Here are some examples:

• you need to change your sanitary pad more than once an hour

• one week after your delivery, the bleeding is still as heavy and red

• your flow becomes abundant again after it has weakened

If lochia is one of the less glamorous parts of postpartum, it is nevertheless very useful for your body, which is doing the “big cleanup.” We hope this article has helped you prepare for this new postpartum stage. Wishing you a smooth recovery.