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]]