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Characteristics of normal lochia.

D Sherman¹, S Lurie, E Frenkel

¹Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Assaf-Harofeh Medical Center, Zerifin, Israel.

American Journal of Perinatology

|April 20, 2000

Summary

Postpartum lochia, the vaginal discharge after childbirth, presents in diverse patterns and durations longer than traditionally believed. Three distinct color patterns (rubra, serosa, alba) were identified, influencing postpartum care and expectations.

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Area of Science:

Obstetrics and Gynecology
Postpartum Care
Maternal Health

Background:

Lochia is a normal postpartum discharge following childbirth.
Traditional understanding of lochia duration and patterns may be incomplete.
Variations in lochia characteristics can impact postpartum recovery assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

To characterize the distinct phases and color patterns of postpartum lochia.
To investigate the influence of obstetric variables on lochia characteristics.
To compare identified lochia patterns with existing clinical expectations.

Main Methods:

Thirty-nine healthy women with spontaneous vaginal delivery participated.
Participants used a color slide to assess lochia color (rubra, serosa, alba) daily.

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Diary sheets recorded lochia color, duration, and associated obstetric factors.

Main Results:

Three lochia color patterns were identified: Type 1 (rubra-serosa-alba), Type 2 (prolonged rubra), and Type 3 (dual rubra).
Overall lochia duration averaged 36.0 days, exceeding classical reports.
Type 1 was associated with prolonged breastfeeding, while Type 2 correlated with higher parity.

Conclusions:

Lochia exhibits diverse patterns and persists longer than commonly taught.
Identified lochia patterns (Type 1, 2, 3) offer a more nuanced understanding of postpartum recovery.
Clinical guidelines for lochia assessment require reappraisal based on these findings.