The lochia is the discharge originating from the vagina, cervix, and uterus. The initial state of lochia appears red, containing blood, endometrial tissues, mucus, and decidua fragments. For 5–9 days, it appears yellow and pale brown, mainly consisting of leucocytes, mucous, and blood. Eventually, from the 10th to 14th day it becomes white in colour, mainly containing mucous.
3 Types Of Lochia
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Lochia types
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Description
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Lochia rubra
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Appear in few day after delivery, containing blood, endometrial tissues, mucus, and decidua fragments
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Lochia serosa
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Mainly consisting of leucocytes, mucous, and RBCs (Red Blood Cells)
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Lochia alba
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Consisting of WBCs (white blood cells), mucus, and epithelial cells
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Lochia Types and Duration
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Lochia types
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Duration
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Lochia rubra
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1 to 4 days
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Lochia serosa
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5 to 9 days
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Lochia alba
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10 to 28 days (1-2 weeks)
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Types of Lochia and Colour
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Lochia types
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Color of lochia
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Lochia rubra
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Dark red colored (bloody lochia)
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Lochia serosa
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Pinkish and pale brown
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Lochia alba
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Yellow to white colored
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What is Rubra Lochia?
Lochia rubra, also called cruenta, is the most initial vaginal discharge, comprising blood, decidua, membranes, fetal shreds, and vernix caseosa. It is dark red as it has the highest amount of blood in comparison to other types of lochia. The most initial rubra lochia occurs about four days after the child’s birth.
What is Lochia Alba?
Lochia alba also called purulently, is the last lochia stage that appears yellow to white as there is almost no blood in the discharge. It may last till the sixth week of delivery. It mainly has fat, mucous, epithelial cells, leukocytes, and cholesterol.
What is Lochia Serosa?
The second lochia stage is lochia serosa, which is pink-brown to pale yellow. It has some number of RBCs and is comparatively watery or thin in consistency. It may last from 4–10 days.
What Does Infected Lochia Look Like?
Infected lochia has a foul smell and appears green in colour, which is abnormally different.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three different types of lochia?
Three different types of lochia :
Lochia rubra: the flow of vaginal discharge called lochia rubra is like a heavy period flow and may have small clots, it may also result in cramps like that of menstrual cramps.
Lochia serosa: The flow of second-stage lochia serosa is moderate with lesser to no clots in the discharge. It is not as thick in consistency as lochia rubra, the first stage vaginal discharge.
Lochia alba: The flow is very light or just a spot in the last stage of discharge, that is lochia alba. It is thinner in consistency and does not have clots.
What are the colours of lochia?
Different types of lochia vary in colour because of their constituents. If the type of lochia has more red blood cells, then it mainly appears red, and as the count of RBCs declines the red colour fades with the type of lochia. Therefore, the following are the colours of different types of Lochia
- 1. Lochia rubra – blood red coloured (Dark to brighter red)
- 2. Lochia serosa – pink- brown in color
- 3. Lochia alba – yellow-white coloured
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What causes lochia?
Lochia or the vaginal discharge that comes out of the uterus as a result of vaginal delivery or after the child’s birth. It is the way by which the body of a woman gets rid of all the extra tissues and blood accumulated during nine months of pregnancy. It has to be removed once the baby is delivered.
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