Lochia
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Although every mother faces this after childbirth, the topic of lochia is rarely discussed. It is a completely normal part of the postpartum healing process, which, although uncomfortable, is no reason for shame or concern. To help you approach this phase relaxed and well-prepared, we will answer the 5 most important questions about the so-called Lochia together with in this article.
What is lochia?
During lochia (med. Lochien ) concerns postnatal discharge, during which the body the remaining blood, uterine lining, mucus and other residues the pregnancy is expelled from the uterus. Also, flakes of the vernix caseosa, which surrounded the baby in the womb, and pieces of the amniotic membrane are part of it. The blood originates from the wound in the uterus, which the Placenta leaves behind their replacement ( Placental attachment site ). At the same time, the mucous membrane that lines the uterus during pregnancy is also shed. As healing progresses, the lochia changes its composition and changes from bloody red to yellowish-white .
Lochia after cesarean section
Even after a Delivery by Cesarean section begins. Since the uterus takes longer to regress compared to a natural birth, it is possible that in this case the lochia weaker is, for that but longer andauert. Sometimes, a
How long does the lochia last?
Between two and six weeks generally, the lochia stops. In breastfeeding women, it may pass a bit faster because the hormone oxytocin promotes the contraction of the uterus and thus accelerates the discharge. While the lochia is still very heavy in the first few days, it gradually becomes weaker over time and changes its color and consistency. During this process, the following stages distinguished :
Lochia rubra (in the first days)
Color: red
Consistency: liquid
Strength: strong
Components: blood, uterine lining, remnants of the egg membrane, vernix caseosa, lanugo hairs (fine fetal hair covering the fetus), and possibly meconium (the child's first bowel movement)
Brownish lochia (after about a week)
Color: brownish
Consistency: thin liquid
Strength: decreases
Components: blood serum, white blood cells, and lymph
Lochia flava (after about two weeks)
Color: dirty yellow
Consistency: smooth
Strength: weak
Components: liquefied necrotic tissue, mixed with bacteria and mucus
Lochia alba (after about three weeks)
Color: whitish
Consistency: watery
Strength: very weak
Components: wound exudate
Of course, these stages represent a prototypical progression that can look different in reality for each woman, without necessarily being a cause for concern. If you're unsure, it's best to contact your midwife or your gynecologist. Overall, excreted up to 500 milliliters of blood and other fluids . For comparison: During menstruation, it is only 50 to 80 milliliters.
What should I pay attention to regarding hygiene?
Even if you appreciate the comfort of tampons during your period – you should avoid them during your lochia. Tampons could allow bacteria to enter the uterus and cause an infection. Therefore, it is best to stock up on appropriate products before the birth. Cotton postpartum pads , also called fleece diapers, a. If you give birth in a clinic, you will normally be supplied with a few samples there for the first few days. These weekly bed pads are significantly larger than regular panty liners and especially soft and absorbent . They also omit the usual plastic film on the underside of the pads. Such laundry protection films can cause heat buildup and promote infections due to the humid and warm climate.
At first, you may need to change the pad every hour, but this interval will gradually increase. If you accidentally oversleep the timely change during the night, using a towel as an additional layer in your bed is a good tip to protect your bedding. ;)
When the flow decreases a bit , can you from the fleece diapers a Switch to regular cloth pads without plastic foil . For infection prevention, regular changing remains important, especially if you had a perineal tear or cut during childbirth. Additionally, it is advisable to wash your hands thoroughly before and after changing the pad and to clean your intimate area exclusively with clear lukewarm water.
LILLYDOO Midwife Sissi recommends it , perform a flush with lukewarm water after each visit to the toilet. If you have a bidet in your bathroom, this is of course especially easy. You can also wash yourself under the shower or use a measuring cup for assistance. A few drops of calendula essence in the water can additionally support the healing process.
In the video, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi talks about the Hygiene do's and don'ts in the postpartum period :
What should I avoid with lochia?
Basically, you don't need to give up anything during the lochia. However, you should still allow yourself enough rest and relaxation during this time – your body has just accomplished something amazing! Stress can impair the healing of the uterus, so a Resuming bleeding is a warning sign can, to shift down a gear.
The myth that women should not bathe during this time because the lochia is highly infectious still persists stubbornly. It is especially concerning with sore nipples from breastfeeding. However, today it is known that Lochia is not necessarily more infectious than other wound secretions is. Therefore, there is nothing against taking a short relaxing bath in your home bathtub (in the clinic, the risk of infection is too high due to the germs present there), which, according to our LILLYDOO midwife Sissi, many women also find particularly soothing after childbirth. To prevent any possible birth injuries from softening, you should really pay attention to the Keep it brief .
Sexual intercourse is also possible during the lochia. However, give your body enough time until you truly feel ready, and use a condom due to the increased risk of infection. Our midwife Sissi generally recommends, waiting six weeks for the first postnatal sex , especially when injuries have occurred during childbirth.
When should I see a doctor for symptoms?
It can happen that the cervix is insufficiently dilated or blocked, preventing the lochia from draining and instead accumulating in the uterus. This is then referred to as a Lochia flow , which in the worst case can lead to an infection of the placental wound that must be treated with antibiotics.
Here's how you can recognize a postpartum hemorrhage:
Headaches
Fever
Pain in the lower abdomen
Unpleasant odor
If you notice any of the symptoms, you should consult yourself contact your doctor as soon as possible You can prevent traffic jams by frequently lying on your stomach and giving abdominal massages, which promote the drainage of wound secretions. Your midwife can surely give you some tips on this.
You should also see a doctor if the bleeding seems unusually heavy to you (for example, if you need to change your pad more than once an hour), if the discharge is still just as heavy and bloody-red after a week, or if the lochia, which had previously decreased, suddenly becomes very heavy again.
We hope we were able to answer some of your questions so that you can enjoy the time after the birth well-prepared with your little explorer. By the way: your midwife will also inquire about your lochia during her postpartum visits, so you can always contact her if you have questions or uncertainties. We wish you a good recovery!