Postpartum Bleeding

Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia): A Complete Recovery Guide

Postpartum vaginal discharge, known as lochia, is a completely normal and necessary stage of your body's recovery after delivery. It is a natural process of uterine cleansing that lasts for several weeks. Understanding what is normal and what may be a warning sign will help you feel more confident during this delicate period.

What are lochia and why do they occur?

During pregnancy your uterus housed the baby, and its walls were covered with a thick layer of endometrium and placenta. After the baby and placenta are born, the uterus begins to contract intensely to return to its pre‑pregnancy size. At the site where the placenta was attached, an open wound surface remains. Lochia is a mixture of blood, endometrial remnants, mucus, and bacteria that are expelled from the body as this surface heals and the uterus is cleansed.

Stages and duration of lochia

The character and color of lochia change over time, passing through three main stages:

• Lochia Rubra (red lochia): Lasts the first 3–5 days after delivery. It has a bright‑red color, similar to a heavy menstrual period, and may contain small blood clots. This is the period of the most intense bleeding.
• Lochia Serosa (serous lochia): Lasts roughly from day 5 to day 10. The discharge becomes watery, pink‑brown in color. The amount of blood decreases significantly.
• Lochia Alba (white lochia): May last from day 10 up to 4–6 weeks after delivery. The discharge becomes yellow‑white and consists mainly of mucus and leukocytes.

The overall duration of lochia varies individually, but on average it is 4 to 6 weeks. You may notice that the discharge temporarily increases in the morning after sleep or while breastfeeding, because the hormone oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions.

When is bleeding dangerous?

It is important to distinguish normal lochia from postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) — a dangerous complication. Seek medical attention immediately if:

• You soak one large sanitary pad per hour for two consecutive hours.
• Very large blood clots are expelled (the size of a golf ball or larger).
• The discharge has an unpleasant, foul odor (sign of infection).
• You experience severe dizziness, weakness, or rapid heartbeat.

Read more about the recovery process in our article "Postpartum Period: Physical Recovery".