Lochia
1377246
220609600
2008-06-20T18:12:48Z
Eubot
231599
Hatnote formatting, see [[User:Eubot/Hatnote formatting]]
{{for|the plant genus|Aristolochia}}
In the field of [[obstetrics]], '''lochia''' is [[post-partum]] [[vagina]]l discharge, containing [[blood]], [[mucus]], and [[placenta]]l tissue. Lochia discharge typically continues for 4 to 6 weeks after [[childbirth]] and progresses through three stages.
'''Lochia rubra''' is the first discharge, red in color because of the large amount of blood it contains. It typically lasts no longer than 3 to 5 days after birth.
'''Lochia serosa''' is the term for lochia which has thinned and turned brownish or pink in color. It contains serous [[exudate]], [[erythrocytes]], [[leukocytes]], and [[cervical]] [[mucus]]. This stage continues until around the tenth day after delivery.
'''Lochia alba''' is the name for lochia once it has turned whitish or yellowish-white. It typically lasts from the second through the third to sixth week after delivery. It contains fewer [[red blood cell]]s and is mainly made up of [[white blood cell|leukocytes]], [[epithelium|epithelial cells]], [[cholesterol]], [[fat]], and [[mucus]].
Lochia generally has an odor similar to that of normal menstrual fluid. Any offensive odor indicates a possible infection and should be reported to a healthcare provider.
==External links==
*[http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=3755355&dopt=Abstract The duration of lochia]
[[Category:Obstetrics]]
[[de:Wochenfluss]]
[[es:Loquios]]
[[ja:悪露]]
[[pt:Lochia]]