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The duration of lochia.
British Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|July 1, 1986
Summary
The median duration of postpartum lochia was 33 days, with lochia rubra lasting 4 days and lochia serosa 22 days. Parous women and those with smaller babies experienced shorter lochia durations.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Postpartum Care
Background:
- Lochia, the postpartum vaginal discharge, is a normal physiological process.
- Understanding lochia duration is crucial for assessing postpartum recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the duration of lochia and its correlation with obstetric variables.
- To establish normative data for lochia duration in postpartum women.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 236 women who completed postpartum lochia diaries.
- Lochia duration and color were recorded for up to 60 days postpartum.
- Data analysis included median durations for lochia rubra, serosa, and alba phases.
Main Results:
- The median total lochia duration was 33 days.
- Median durations were 4 days for lochia rubra and 22 days for lochia serosa.
- Lochia persisted to 60 days in 13% of women, with shorter durations observed in parous women and those with smaller babies.
Conclusions:
- Postpartum lochia typically resolves within 33 days, but can persist up to 60 days in a subset of women.
- Parity and infant birth weight are associated with shorter lochia durations.
- These findings provide valuable insights into normal postpartum lochia patterns.