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Lochia patterns among normal women: a systematic review
Susan Fletcher1, Chad A Grotegut, Andra H James
1Hemophilia of North Carolina, Morrisville, North Carolina, USA.
Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|October 30, 2012
Summary
Postpartum bleeding patterns vary significantly in amount and duration. This systematic review highlights the need for standardized methods to accurately assess normal and abnormal postpartum blood loss.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Maternal Health
- Postpartum Care
Background:
- Systematic review of postpartum blood loss.
- Focus on blood loss 24 hours to 12 weeks postpartum.
Purpose of the Study:
- Determine the amount and duration of postpartum blood loss.
- Identify variability in normal lochial blood loss.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature search (MEDLINE, CINAHL, PubMed, 1950-2011).
- Inclusion of prospective studies evaluating postpartum blood loss.
- Exclusion of case studies, retrospective studies, non-English publications, and studies on special populations.
Main Results:
- 18 studies met inclusion criteria from 333 identified.
- Significant variability in methods for quantifying blood loss (self-assessment to objective measures).
- Reported duration of normal blood loss varied, averaging 24-36 days, with few studies tracking to cessation.
Conclusions:
- Understanding postpartum bleeding is crucial for clinical practice.
- Significant variability exists in normal blood loss amount, duration, and assessment methods.
- Need for standardized, valid, reliable, and feasible methods to quantify postpartum blood loss.
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