How long does the discharge take. By controlling the nature of the discharge after childbirth, a woman can identify the onset of the disease in the early stages

For several weeks after childbirth, while the uterine mucosa (endometrium) is being restored, the young mother retains discharge from the genital tract. What are these secretions and in what case can they become a sign of trouble?

Bloody discharge from the genital tract of a woman after childbirth is called lochia. Their number decreases over time, which is explained by the gradual healing of the wound surface, which is formed on the endometrium after the separation of the placenta.

Lochia are composed of blood cells (leukocytes, erythrocytes, platelets), plasma, sweating from the wound surface of the uterus, dying epithelium lining the uterus, and mucus from the cervical canal. Over time, the composition of lochia changes, so their color also changes. The nature of the lochia should correspond to the days of the postpartum period. In the first days after childbirth (4-5 days after vaginal delivery and 7-8 days after caesarean section), the woman is in the maternity hospital in the postpartum department under the supervision of medical personnel. But after a woman is discharged home, she controls her condition herself, and her task is to see a doctor if necessary. The amount and nature of discharge can say a lot, and it is important to notice alarming symptoms in time.

In the maternity ward

The first 2 hours after the birth, the woman is in the maternity unit - in the same box where the birth took place, or on a gurney in the corridor.

It is good if the discharge immediately after childbirth is bloody, quite plentiful, constitutes 0.5% of body weight, but not more than 400 ml, does not lead to a violation of the general condition.

To prevent postpartum hemorrhage, immediately after childbirth, the bladder is emptied (urine is removed through the catheter), ice is placed on the lower abdomen. At the same time, drugs are administered intravenously that reduce the muscles of the uterus (Oxytocin or Metilegrometril). By contracting, the uterus closes off the open blood vessels at the site of the placenta, preventing blood loss.

Note! In the first two hours after childbirth, the woman is in the maternity ward under the supervision of medical personnel, because this period is dangerous for the occurrence of the so-called hypotonic uterine bleeding, which is caused by a violation of the contractile function of the uterus and relaxation of its muscles. If you feel that the bleeding is too heavy (the diaper is wet, the sheet is wet), you should immediately tell one of the medical staff about this. It is important to know that while the woman does not experience any pain, however, bleeding quickly leads to weakness, dizziness.

Also, in the first 2 hours, bleeding from tissue ruptures in the birth canal may occur if they have not been sutured, so it is important that the doctor carefully examine the vagina and cervix after childbirth. If some gap was not completely sutured, a hematoma (limited accumulation of liquid blood in the tissues) of the perineum or vagina may occur. At the same time, a woman may experience a feeling of fullness in the perineum. In this case, it is necessary to open the hematoma and re-suturing the gap. This operation is performed under intravenous anesthesia.

If the first 2 hours after childbirth (early postpartum period) have passed safely, the woman is transferred to the postpartum ward.

In the postpartum ward

In the first 2-3 days, lochia is normally bloody in nature, they are quite plentiful (about 300 ml in the first 3 days): a pad or diaper is completely filled within 1-2 hours, lochia can be with clots, have a rotten smell, like menstrual flow. Then the number of lochia decreases, they become dark red with a brown tint. Increased discharge during movement is normal. In the postpartum department, the doctor makes a daily round, on which, among other indicators of the woman's condition, he assesses the nature and amount of discharge - for this, he looks at the discharge on a diaper or pad. In a number of maternity hospitals, they insist on the use of diapers, since it is easier for the doctor to assess the nature of the discharge. The doctor asks the woman the amount of discharge during the day. In addition, in the first 2-3 days, discharge may appear on palpation by the doctor of the abdomen.

To prevent postpartum hemorrhage, it is important to follow the following recommendations:

Empty your bladder promptly. On the first day, you must go to the toilet at least every 3 hours, even if you do not feel the urge to urinate. A full bladder prevents the uterus from contracting normally.
Breastfeed your baby on demand. During feeding, the uterus contracts, as irritation of the nipples causes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland, an endocrine gland located in the brain. Oxytocin has a contracting effect on the uterus. In this case, a woman may feel cramping pains in the lower abdomen (in multiparous they are stronger). Allocations during feeding intensify.
Lie on your stomach. This is not only the prevention of bleeding, but also prevents the retention of secretions in the uterine cavity. After pregnancy and childbirth, the tone of the abdominal wall is weakened, so the uterus can deviate backward, which disrupts the outflow of secretions, and in the position on the abdomen, the uterus approaches the anterior abdominal wall, the angle between the body of the uterus and the cervix is eliminated, the outflow of secretions improves. After a caesarean section, you can lie on your stomach only after examination and permission from the doctor.
Put an ice pack on the lower abdomen 3-4 times a day - this measure helps to improve the contraction of the muscles of the uterus, uterine vessels.

Women whose uterus was overstretched during pregnancy (in pregnant women with a large fetus, in multiple pregnancies, in multiparous women), as well as those who had complications (weak labor, manual separation of the placenta, early hypotonic bleeding) in the postpartum period, the drug Oxytocin is prescribed intramuscularly for 2-3 days, so that the uterus contracts well, from physiotherapy, pulsed currents are used on the lower abdomen for the fastest contraction of the uterus.

If the amount of discharge has increased dramatically, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Note! If the amount of discharge has increased dramatically, you should definitely consult a doctor, as there is a risk of late postpartum hemorrhage (late postpartum hemorrhage includes those bleeding that occurs 2 or more hours after the end of childbirth). Their reasons may be different.

Bleeding may be due to retention of parts of the placenta if it was not diagnosed in time (in the first 2 hours after birth). Such bleeding can occur in the first days or even weeks after childbirth. The share of the placenta in the uterus can be detected by vaginal examination (if it is located close to the internal os and the cervical canal is passable) or by ultrasound. In this case, the share of the placenta from the uterus is removed under intravenous anesthesia. In parallel, infusion therapy (intravenous drip of liquids) is carried out, the volume of which depends on the degree of blood loss, and antibiotic therapy to prevent infectious complications.

In 0.2-0.3% of cases, bleeding is due to disorders in the blood coagulation system. The causes of these disorders can be various blood diseases. Such bleeding is the most difficult to correct, therefore, preventive therapy, begun even before childbirth, is very important. Usually, a woman is aware of the presence of these disorders even before pregnancy.

Most often, hypotonic bleeding occurs due to insufficient contraction of the muscles of the uterus. In this case, the bleeding is quite plentiful, painless. To eliminate hypotonic bleeding, reducing drugs are administered, blood loss is replenished with the help of intravenous fluid, in case of severe bleeding - blood products (plasma, erythrocyte mass). If necessary, surgical intervention is possible.

When you stop the discharge, you should also consult a doctor. A complication of the postpartum period, characterized by the accumulation of lochia in the uterine cavity, is called a lochiometer. This complication occurs due to overstretching of the uterus and its bending backwards. If the lochiometer is not removed in time, endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa) may occur, because postpartum discharge is a breeding ground for pathogens. Treatment consists in prescribing drugs that reduce the uterus (Oxytocin). In this case, it is necessary to eliminate the spasm of the cervix, for which No-shpu is administered 20 minutes before Oxytocin.

Houses

It is good if the postpartum discharge lasts 6-8 weeks (this is how long it takes for the reverse development of the uterus after pregnancy and childbirth). Their total amount during this time is 500-1500 ml.

In the first week after childbirth, the discharge is comparable to normal menstruation, only they are more abundant and may contain clots. Every day the number of discharges decreases. Gradually, they acquire a yellowish-white color due to the large amount of mucus, may be mixed with blood. Approximately by the 4th week, scanty, "smearing" discharges are observed, and by the end of the 6-8th week they are already the same as before pregnancy.

In women who are breastfeeding, postpartum discharge stops faster, as the entire process of reverse development of the uterus passes faster. At first, there may be cramping pains in the lower abdomen during feeding, but within a few days they pass.

In women who have undergone a cesarean section, everything happens more slowly, because, due to the presence of a suture on the uterus, it contracts worse.

Hygiene rules in the postpartum period. Compliance with simple rules of hygiene will help to avoid infectious complications. From the very first days of the postpartum period, a diverse microbial flora is found in the lochia, which, multiplying, can cause an inflammatory process. Therefore, it is important that lochia does not linger in the uterine cavity and in the vagina.

During the entire period while the discharge continues, you need to use pads or liners. Gaskets must be changed at least every 3 hours. It is better to use pads with a soft surface than with a "mesh" surface, because they better show the nature of the discharge. Pads with fragrances are not recommended - their use increases the risk of allergic reactions. While you are lying down, it is better to use diaper pads so as not to interfere with the release of lochia. You can put a diaper on so that the discharge comes out freely, but does not stain the laundry. Tampons should not be used, as they prevent the removal of vaginal discharge, instead absorbing it, which can lead to the growth of microorganisms and provoke the development of an inflammatory process.

You need to wash yourself several times a day (after each visit to the toilet), you need to take a shower every day. The genitals should be washed from the outside, but not inside, in the direction from front to back. You can not douche, because this way you can bring the infection. For the same reasons, it is not recommended to take a bath.

With heavy physical exertion, the amount of discharge may increase, so do not lift anything heavy.

You should seek medical help in the following cases:

The discharge acquired an unpleasant, pungent odor, purulent character. All this indicates the development of an infectious process in the uterus - endometritis. Most often, endometritis is also accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and fever,
Abundant bleeding appeared after their number had already begun to decrease or bleeding does not stop for a long time. This may be a symptom that parts of the placenta that have not been removed have remained in the uterus, which interfere with its normal contraction,
The appearance of curdled discharge indicates the development of yeast colpitis (thrush), while it may also appear in the vagina, redness sometimes occurs on the external genitalia. The risk of this complication is increased when taking antibiotics,
Postpartum discharge abruptly stopped. After a caesarean section, complications are more common than after a natural birth.
For heavy bleeding(several pads per hour) you need to call an ambulance, and not go to the doctor yourself.

The above complications do not go away on their own. Adequate therapy is needed, which should be started as early as possible. In some cases, hospital treatment is required.
If complications arise after childbirth, a woman can apply not only to the antenatal clinic, but also (in any case, at any time of the day) to the maternity hospital where the birth took place. This rule is valid for 40 days after delivery.

Restoration of the menstrual cycle after childbirth.

The timing of the restoration of the menstrual cycle for each woman is individual. After childbirth, a woman's body produces the hormone prolactin, which stimulates the production of milk in the female body. It suppresses the formation of hormones in the ovaries, and therefore prevents ovulation.

If the child is breastfed, then the regular menstrual cycle of his mother will be restored 5-6 months after birth, and may be restored even after the cessation of lactation. Prior to this, menstruation may not be at all, or they may come from time to time. With artificial feeding (the baby receives only milk formula), menstruation is restored, as a rule, by the 2-3rd month after childbirth.

Careful attention to the nature of postpartum discharge and to other indicators of the successful course of the postpartum period will help a woman avoid many complications. It is important to follow all hygiene rules and doctor's recommendations.

The period of pregnancy and childbirth does not pass without a trace for the female body: various changes occur in it. Therefore, it is not surprising that recovery after childbirth takes some time. The uterus returns to its original state especially for a long time. Discharge after childbirth is one of the stages in the restoration of the female body, which must be paid attention to. What discharge is considered normal and what is not? We will talk about this further.

Immediately after childbirth, women begin to discharge, which relieve the body of the unnecessary consequences of pregnancy. The placenta comes out first. The process is accompanied by a rupture of the vessels connecting the placenta and uterus. Then the uterus contracts to its original size and eliminates excess fluid.

Naturally, the entire course of involution is accompanied by secretions, which are called "lochia". The nature of the discharge after childbirth is changeable, therefore, in order to know which lochia are considered normal and which are not, you should know all the necessary information about them.

In the first 2-3 days, vaginal discharge after childbirth is similar to menstrual discharge: blood comes out of the genital tract of the woman in labor. At the same time, regardless of whether the birth was artificial or natural, the nature of the discharge after them does not change. Since during this period there is a high risk of inflammatory diseases, the girl must carefully observe hygiene and change pads as often as possible. Further, the character of lochia changes.

Discharge after childbirth: the norm

In general, it is rather difficult to put the dynamics of discharges in a time frame. But intermediate steps do exist. About the first of them - spotting, we have already written above. The second stage begins 4-6 days after birth, usually by the time of discharge. It is characterized by more scanty bloody discharge, which often contains mucus and clots.

About two weeks after the birth, the discharge becomes very small, and they become brownish-yellowish in color. Over time, the lochia becomes lighter, almost white.

It is normal if the discharge after childbirth lasts about 4 weeks.

At the same time, watery ones come to replace the mucous secretions a week after childbirth. In this consistency, they remain until the end of the recovery period of the uterus.

Abundant clear discharge after childbirth

Strong clear discharge after childbirth can occur in non-breastfeeding mothers a month and a half after the birth of a child. If a girl's menstrual cycle has returned, this pattern of discharge may mean that she has started ovulating. That is, you should resort to contraception if the partners do not plan to conceive another child.

If you have increased discharge after childbirth, you do not need to immediately panic. The intensity and nature of lochia is influenced by a large number of factors. The duration of the discharge may also vary. The cause for concern is the cardinal changes. For example, the appearance of an unpleasant odor or a strange color in the discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, chills, apathy and weakness. These symptoms may indicate the development of complications.

Unpleasant smell of discharge after childbirth

If the discharge after childbirth smells unpleasant, this may indicate that inflammation is developing in the uterus. Usually the reason for going to the doctor is the repulsive smell of lochia. If the intensity and even the color of the discharge can be considered normal in different cases, an unpleasant odor is almost always a sign of inflammation. The most common inflammation that occurs in the postpartum period is endometritis. During it, lochias have a putrid odor and are green or yellow-brown in color. Also, the woman in labor has an increase in temperature. If you do not see a doctor in time, this disease can lead to death.

Speaking about what kind of discharge comes after childbirth, it can be noted that the unpleasant smell of lochia is not always a sign of endometritis. It can also occur due to stagnation of secretions in the uterus. In this case, the girl is scraped, which prevents the development of more serious inflammation.

Expectant mothers should know that the unpleasant smell of lochia also occurs due to the development of infections in the body. For example, gardnerellosis or chlamydia.

Mucous discharge after childbirth

Mucous discharge begins already 4-5 days after childbirth. At first, due to the predominance of leukocytes, they are yellow in color and continue for a week. About two to three weeks after birth, clear mucous discharge begins, which can also be white. They say that the uterus has recovered completely and returned to its original size. Gradually, the number of lochia decreases.

Purulent discharge after childbirth

If a few days after the birth of the baby, the discharge from the woman in labor has acquired a green-yellow hue, this indicates the presence of pus. Such lochia occurs due to postpartum complications in the form of an infection and they are accompanied by various symptoms. For example, high fever and pain in the lower abdomen. If purulent lochia appears, you should immediately consult a doctor. After the diagnosis, he will prescribe the correct treatment, which will help to avoid complications.

Every woman who has given birth at least once in her life knows that after the completion of childbirth, serious changes begin in the body. This is also accompanied by discharges of various kinds: bloody, brown, yellow, etc. Newly made mothers are very frightened when they see these discharges, they begin to worry that an infection has entered their body, bleeding has begun, etc. However, this is normal and cannot be avoided.

The main thing is to ensure that the discharge does not exceed the norm, and that there is no pain, otherwise you will need the help of a gynecologist.

How long does discharge last after childbirth?

How long does discharge last after childbirth? In general, postpartum discharge is scientifically called lochia. They begin to appear from the moment of rejection of the afterbirth and usually persist for 7-8 weeks. Over time, the lochia is allocated less and less, their color begins to become lighter and lighter, and then the discharge stops.

However, it is impossible to answer with accuracy the question of how long the discharge lasts after the end of childbirth, since it depends on several factors:

The physiological characteristics of each woman are different, including the ability of the body to quickly recover after childbirth.
The course of the pregnancy itself.
Intensity of uterine contraction.
The presence of complications after childbirth.
Breastfeeding a child (if a woman is breastfeeding, the uterus contracts and clears much faster).

But, on average, remember, the discharge lasts about 1.5 months. During this time, the body is gradually recovering from pregnancy and childbirth. If the lochia ends a couple of days or weeks after giving birth, you should seek help from specialists, as your uterus does not contract properly, and this is fraught with serious complications. The same applies to the situation when the discharge does not stop for quite a long time, which may indicate bleeding, polyps in the uterus, inflammation, etc.

Discharge one month after childbirth

Abundant discharge in the first month is quite desirable - this is how the uterine cavity is cleaned. In addition, microbial flora is formed in the lochia after childbirth, which can later cause all kinds of inflammatory processes inside the body.

At this time, it is necessary to carefully observe personal hygiene, because a bleeding wound can be infected. Therefore it follows:

Wash your genitals thoroughly after going to the toilet. It is necessary to wash with warm water, and outside, not inside.
every day to swim, take a shower, a bath after childbirth can not be taken.
in the first weeks, days after childbirth, use sterile diapers, not sanitary pads.
for a certain time after childbirth, change pads 7-8 times a day.
Forget about using sanitary tampons.

Remember that after a month, the discharge should become a little lighter, because soon they should stop altogether. Keep up your hygiene, and don't worry, everything is going according to plan.

If the discharge continues a month after the birth and they are plentiful, have an unpleasant odor, mucous membranes, then urgently see a doctor! Do not over tighten, it can be dangerous for your health!

Bloody discharge after childbirth

A large amount of blood and mucus is released from a woman immediately after she has given birth to a baby, although it should be so. All this is due to the fact that the surface of the uterus is damaged, since there is now a wound from the attachment of the placenta. Therefore, spotting will continue until the wound on the surface of the uterus heals.

It should be understood that spotting should not be more than the permissible norm. You can find out about this very easily - with excessive discharge, the diaper or sheet under you will be all wet. It is also worth worrying if you feel any pain in the uterine area or if the discharge jolts in time with the heartbeat, which indicates bleeding. In this case, seek medical advice immediately.

Lochia will gradually change. At first it will be a discharge that is similar to the discharge during menstruation, only much more, then it will turn brownish, then yellowish white, lighter and lighter.

Some women bleed after giving birth, but at first they think it's a safe bleeding. To avoid bleeding, you must:

Go to the toilet regularly - the bladder should not put pressure on the uterus, thereby preventing its contraction.
Always lie on the stomach (the uterine cavity will be cleared of the contents from the wound).
Put a heating pad with ice on the lower abdomen in the delivery room (in general, obstetricians should do this by default).
Avoid strenuous exercise.

Brown discharge after childbirth

Brown discharge is especially frightening for most moms, especially if it causes an unpleasant odor. And if you read everything about medicine, and gynecology in particular, then you know that this is an irreversible process that should be waited out. At this time, dead particles, some blood cells, come out.

In the first hours after the end of childbirth, the discharge may already acquire a brown tint, along with large blood clots. But, basically, the first few days of lochia will be purely bloody.

If the recovery period for a woman passes without complications, on the 5th-6th day, the discharge will become brownish. An interesting fact is that brown discharge ends much earlier in those mothers who breastfeed their children. The reason for this is as follows - lactation favors the fastest contraction of the uterus.

At the same time, brown lochia lasts longer for those women who had to do it.

However, if there is a sharp purulent smell with brown discharge, pay close attention to this. After all, the possible cause of this phenomenon is an infection introduced into the body. Therefore, in this case, immediately seek medical help.

yellow discharge after childbirth

The discharge acquires a yellowish tint approximately on the tenth day after the birth has passed. The uterus is gradually recovering, and yellow discharge only confirms this fact. At this time, it is important to breastfeed the baby, and also do not forget to empty the bladder on time. Thus, the yellow discharge will stop faster, and the uterus will return to its original prenatal state.

However, if immediately after the birth of the baby you notice that you have discharge of a bright yellow color or with a green admixture, you should tell your doctor about this. After all, such lochia can be caused by the fact that inflammatory processes are going on in the woman's body. In addition, discharge of this color is usually accompanied by high fever and discomfort in the lower abdomen.

It is possible that suppuration has occurred in the uterine cavity, so you should seek help from a gynecologist who will refer you to an ultrasound scan.

Remember that yellow discharge caused by an infection tends to have a strong, purulent odor. To avoid such consequences, it is necessary to observe personal hygiene, as well as be under the supervision of a doctor.

But in general, yellow discharge is a common occurrence and they only confirm that everything is proceeding properly.

What do mucous, green, purulent or smelly discharge after childbirth say

It should be understood that abundant purulent discharge, green lochia are not the norm for a woman's body after childbirth. In most cases, such discharge is caused by endometritis, which occurs as a result of inflammatory processes inside the uterus.

The contraction of the uterus, in this case, occurs rather slowly due to the fact that lochia remained in it. Their stagnation inside the uterus and can lead to negative consequences.

Mucous discharge, if they do not exceed the norm, can be observed throughout the entire month or one and a half months after the end of childbirth. The nature of these secretions will change over time, but they will still, to one degree or another, appear until the inner lining of the uterus is fully restored. It is worth worrying only if the mucous lochia has acquired a purulent, unpleasant odor. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult a gynecologist.

Always remember that postpartum discharge will occur without fail. You should not raise an alarm about this. Although your doctor should be aware of how the recovery period after childbirth proceeds. Write down the date the discharge started, then note when it changed to brown or yellow. Record on paper how you feel at the same time, whether there is dizziness, fatigue, etc.

Childbirth is the natural end of pregnancy.

Regardless of which way they went - naturally or through a caesarean section - spotting appears from the woman's vagina almost immediately after the end of childbirth.

According to their consistency, smell, color, intensity, doctors determine whether the recovery process of a young mother after delivery is normal.

Discharge after childbirth: is it normal? Cause and physiology of the process

The discharge of bloody fluid from the vagina (lochia) after childbirth is a completely normal, physiologically determined process. The reason for this is the rejection of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium) after the separation of the membranes and the release of the fetus with the placenta. In other words, the uterus from the inside during this period is almost completely represented by the wound surface, which bleeds. Naturally, this blood must go outside, and this happens through the genitals of a woman. It should be noted that lochia is only 80% blood, and the remaining 20% is the secret of the uterine glands. The latter activate their work due to the need to restore the mucous membranes of the vagina and the uterus itself.

The process of excretion of lochia is the most intense in the first hours after the end of childbirth, because during this period the walls of the uterus contract especially actively, thereby “pushing” the blood out. The physiology of this stage of recovery of a woman's body is controlled by hormones, namely, oxytocin and prolactin. These substances are produced by the hypothalamus, they stimulate the contraction of the smooth muscles of the walls of the uterus, as well as the production of milk by the mammary glands of a woman. A strong release of these compounds into the blood occurs during the sucking of the baby from the breast, so experts strongly recommend applying the baby immediately immediately after he is born.

Normal discharge after childbirth: the main criteria

In the first days after the end of pregnancy, the abundance of discharge can be quite high (as on the first or second day of menstruation). Their volume per day can be up to 400 ml (or 500 g). At this time, a woman will have to change about 5 special postpartum pads or regular pads with a high ability to absorb liquid per day.

As for the consistency of lochia, it can be different. Both watery discharges and those with an admixture of clots or mucus are considered normal. Another criterion for evaluating normal secretions is their color. Normally, it should be bright red, scarlet in the first days, and gradually “darken” after one to two weeks (this is a mandatory sign that everything is fine with the woman’s body). After a while, the lochia brighten and become slimy. And finally, about the smell: discharge after childbirth normally has a sweetish or rotten smell, without putrefactive or any other unpleasant impurities.

Discharge after childbirth: the normal duration of the "cleansing of the uterus"

Normally, the release of lochia in a woman after the birth of a baby lasts up to two months, or rather, about 8 weeks. It is by the end of this period that they should become mucous, and the uterus is completely cleared of the endometrium that functioned during pregnancy. Isolation of lochia for more than 8 weeks is the reason for contacting a gynecologist, undergoing an ultrasound examination of the uterus and other necessary diagnostic methods.

After the expiration of the specified period, women who, for one reason or another, did not breastfeed their child, may begin a new menstrual cycle. In the case of prolonged lactation, menstruation (or rather the maturation of the egg) is suppressed by the hormone prolactin, although this is not necessary. Even with active lactation, menstruation can begin after a month or several months. If menstruation is absent for a long time due to breastfeeding, we are talking about lactational (physiological) amenorrhea.

Pathological discharge after childbirth: how to recognize them

For a number of reasons, postpartum recovery does not always go well and smoothly. During this period, complications may develop, which may be indicated by a change in the nature (color, smell, etc.) of lochia. If the discharge has become somehow “not like that”, a woman should definitely contact a gynecologist in order to recognize a possible pathology as early as possible. A young mother should be alerted by scarlet or yellow-green lochia, with a pronounced unpleasant odor, or a sudden cessation of discharge, especially a couple of days or a week after she became a mother. Further more about the causes of pathological discharge.

Absence of discharge after childbirth (lochiometer)

As it has already become clear, discharge after childbirth is the norm, and they should be present in any case. Therefore, a signal for concern may be a sharp cessation of postpartum menstruation (lochiometer) before the end of the recovery period (the endometrium is not able to return to normal faster than 40 days!). Most often, this pathology is diagnosed 7-9 days after childbirth. The cause of this condition is most often a spasm of the cervix, due to which the cervical canal becomes "impassable", which causes the retention of secretions in the uterine cavity. This can provoke the onset of the inflammatory process and the attachment of infection. Another reason for the absence of lochia can be too large endometrial clots "stuck" in the cervical canal (its mechanical blockage), as well as the lack of normal contractile activity of the uterine muscles.

In any case, with a premature cessation of discharge after childbirth, normally a woman should seek medical help in order to avoid the development of complications.

postpartum hemorrhage

A complication in the form of bleeding from the uterus (not to be confused with normal discharge after childbirth) can develop both immediately after the birth of the baby, and after a few days or even weeks. This pathology is evidenced by vaginal discharge in the form of bright scarlet blood, quite intense. If the discharge has already turned brown or yellow, and again changed its color to scarlet, then the woman is experiencing bleeding. To avoid such complications, you must adhere to several rules:

It is necessary to empty the bladder and intestines in time, since these organs in a crowded state do not allow the uterus to contract normally;

The first 7-10 days you need to be on your feet less, lie more, and generally give up any physical activity;

Apply an ice pack to your lower abdomen.

Changes in the smell and color of postpartum discharge

The normal smell and color of lochia is described above. But what does changing these "parameters" mean?

The appearance of poisonous yellow or yellow-green discharge most likely indicates a bacterial infection in the female genital tract. Most often, staphylococci, streptococci are attached, provoking such pathologies as endometritis (inflammation of the uterus), parametritis (inflammation of periuterine tissues), etc. Not infrequently, a change in the nature of the discharge in this case is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, as well as an increase in body temperature, up to 41 degrees. In addition, suckers in this case acquire an unpleasant smell (rotten fish, rot or pus);

White discharge, cheesy consistency. Such lochia indicates a fungal infection, namely, thrush. Pathology is also accompanied by an unpleasant sour smell from the discharge, itching and redness of the external genitalia. Thrush often takes women by surprise after childbirth, since during this period the body is weakened and the immune system does not work at full capacity;

A change in the smell of secretions of bases of color change should also alert a woman.

Break in discharge after childbirth: normal or pathological?

It happens that postpartum menstruation ends, and the woman exhales with relief, and after a couple of days, lochia reappears. Is it normal? The answer to this question is yes, and there are two possible reasons:

1. Rapid restoration of the menstrual cycle. In this case, the menstrual blood will have a red or scarlet color. And, of course, this can happen no earlier than six weeks after birth.

2. If the lochia stopped and then resumed again, this may indicate stagnation of clots in the uterus. If, apart from this, the woman is not bothered by anything (the body temperature is not elevated, there are no pains), then the process of restoring the body is proceeding normally.

Hygiene after childbirth

1. It is necessary to carry out water procedures using baby soap at least twice a day or at the next change of sanitary pads, as well as after a bowel movement. At the same time, a woman is not recommended to take a bath, hygienic water procedures are carried out in the shower or with the help of trouble;

2. Hygiene products are selected in accordance with the abundance of lochia. In the maternity hospital, you can use special postpartum pads, and upon returning home - the usual "menstrual" pads with the highest absorbency (the "night" ones will do). These hygiene products should be changed as they are filled, but at least once every 6 hours;

4. If necessary (as prescribed by a doctor), treat external seams with antiseptic solutions (potassium permanganate, furatsilin, etc.).

After childbirth, the inner surface of the uterus is nothing more than an open, extensive wound left in place of the separated placenta, and until this wound heals, the young mother retains vaginal discharge.

What are normal liquid exits after the baby has left the womb, and in what cases can we talk about a deviation from the norm?

The discharge after childbirth is called lochia, they are at first abundant, and then gradually decrease in number until they stop altogether, when the wound heals completely.

In composition, these are plasma and blood elements, mucus from the cervix and desquamated epithelium. As the wound in the uterine cavity heals, the character of the lochia changes, there is less blood and more mucus, therefore, the appearance also changes. This happens to everyone at approximately the same time, and if in the maternity hospital the doctor monitors the condition of the puerperal, after discharge, you need to follow everything on your own in order to contact you in time if something goes wrong.

The first hours after childbirth, discharge

Immediately after everything is over, there is a risk of postpartum hemorrhage, for this reason the woman remains in the maternity block for 2 hours under the supervision of midwives. Usually they just give a rest either in the same place where the birth took place, or in the corridor on a gurney.

The usual amount of bleeding in the first 2 hours is about 400 milliliters, it does not worsen the condition of the puerperal.

Traditionally, an ice pack is placed on the stomach of the puerperal, urine is removed with a catheter. Immediately after childbirth, you won’t even feel how a catheter is being inserted, you don’t have to be afraid of this, an empty bladder is needed so that the uterus contracts well. For the same purpose, drugs are introduced that reduce the uterus. As soon as the uterus contracts, it will itself compress the damaged vessels and the bleeding will decrease. If the uterus contracts poorly, hypotonic postpartum hemorrhage may develop. It is not accompanied by pain or discomfort, but quickly causes severe weakness and dizziness. The diaper under the puerperal gets wet from the abundant release of blood. If a woman feels something like this, she needs to immediately tell the medical staff about it.

In addition to hypotonic bleeding, a threat in the first hours of becoming a mother is bleeding from ruptures of the soft tissues of the perineum. Therefore, the gynecologist carefully examines the perineum, vagina and cervix, if there are tears, sutures are applied. If a gap is not sutured or not completely sutured, a hematoma, an accumulation of blood, is formed. This is accompanied by pain in the perineum, a feeling of fullness. In such cases, the puerperal is given anesthesia, the hematoma is emptied and the tears are re-sutured.

After these dangerous two hours after the birth of the child, the woman, if all goes well, will be transferred to the postpartum ward.

First days after childbirth, maternity hospital

The first three days, the fluid leaving the mother is about 300 ml per day, the pad gets wet for one and a half to two hours. They have a scarlet color and a rotten smell, reminiscent of menstrual. It is perfectly normal that lochia increase with movement, when examined by a doctor with palpation of the abdomen, and have clots. By the end of the third day, the smudges become red-brown and less abundant.

While the puerperal is in the hospital, the doctor controls the nature and number of clots, most maternity hospitals prohibit the use of pads, since it is much easier to assess the nature of the fluid on a regular diaper.

In order for the uterus to contract well, timely emptying of the bladder is necessary, it is worth remembering that the first day your sensitivity may be impaired, you will not feel the urge to urinate, and you just need to go to the toilet a little every 3 hours, according to time.

Breastfeeding a baby is an important factor for normal uterine contractions. When a baby suckles, irritation of the nipples releases oxytocin into the mother's bloodstream, which causes uterine contractions. This can cause pain in the lower abdomen and stimulate bleeding and other leaks.

Throughout the pregnancy, the woman could not afford to lie on her stomach, now this position should become a favorite. The abdominal muscles are stretched and weak, for this reason the uterus is too mobile and deviates backwards, which causes a delay in the outflow of fluid. When the puerperal lies on her stomach, the uterus deviates anteriorly and the outflow is restored.

It is also advised to use an ice pack applied to the lower abdomen 3-4 times a day, the cold leads to a better contraction of the vessels and muscles of the uterus.

In some cases, the uterus is overstretched during pregnancy (multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios, large fetus), and then it contracts badly. Another reason that worsens the contractility of the uterus is the complicated course of the birth itself (hypotonic bleeding, weakness). Then the puerperal in the first days after she gave birth to the baby is injected with drugs that reduce the uterus, for example, oxytocin.

Complications, bleeding after childbirth

Causes of late postpartum hemorrhage:

Retention of parts of the placenta. This can cause bleeding even after a few weeks, when the new mother is already at home. The cause of bleeding is found during vaginal examination, if the lobe of the placenta is located near the internal os, and the cervix is passable for a finger, or is detected by ultrasound of the uterus. If the afterbirth is delayed, it is removed under anesthesia, the consequences of blood loss are treated with infusion therapy, antibiotics are prescribed to prevent infectious complications.

Pathology of the blood coagulation system. This cause is rare, no more than 0.2-0.3% of cases, and is very difficult to treat. Correction of blood diseases accompanied by a violation of its coagulability should be carried out even before they got to the maternity hospital, especially since this pathology is usually known in advance.

Hypotonic bleeding. It develops painlessly, is always profuse, and is caused by the fact that the muscles of the uterus do not contract well. This is treated with the introduction of drugs that reduce the uterus and replenishment of blood loss (blood products are administered). If the bleeding cannot be controlled, surgery is performed.

Lochiometer: cessation of the outflow of the contents of the uterus and its accumulation in its cavity. In this case, the exit of clots stops. The cause of this complication is the posterior bending of the overdistended uterus. If the stagnation is not eliminated, postpartum endometritis will develop, since these masses are an excellent nutrient material for microbes. This condition is treated with the introduction of no-shpa, which relieves spasm of the cervix and oxytocin, which reduces its muscles. After the introduction of drugs, abundant, often black, clots depart.

After discharge from the hospital

When a woman with a child returns home, she is no longer under the supervision of medical staff. Now she must herself monitor what is happening to her and, if necessary, consult a doctor. To do this in a timely manner, it is necessary to imagine what is the norm and what is pathology.

Normally, postpartum discharge continues for 6-8 weeks, during which time the uterus completely returns to its normal state. Their total volume during this time can reach 500-1500 ml, and the color gradually changes from red to dark brown, then they become slimy.

During the first week they are bloody, menstrual-like, but more abundant and contain clots. Day after day their number decreases, mucus begins to predominate in them, their color becomes yellowish-white. After a month, the discharge becomes spotting, scarce, and after 6-8 weeks they are the same as before pregnancy.

If a woman is breastfeeding, all this stops faster, because the process of reverse development of the uterus occurs faster. If in the first days during feeding, pains of a cramping nature are noted in the lower abdomen, then after a few days these unpleasant sensations disappear.

In many ways, the duration of this process depends on the method of delivery. If there was a caesarean section, they last longer, since the scar on the uterus leads to the fact that it contracts worse.

Hygiene in the postpartum period

Simple rules of hygiene help to avoid the development of infectious complications that could develop, since lochia is an excellent nutrient material for microbes, and they are found in them from the first days in large numbers. It is important that nothing lingers in the uterine cavity and vagina.

As long as you see the blood fluid, it is necessary to use either diapers or pads with a soft, rather than a mesh surface, since it is easier to assess the nature of the fluid on them. Flavored pads are best avoided as they pose a risk of allergic reactions. If the mother is lying in bed, the use of diapers is more correct. The use of tampons is strictly prohibited, as they absorb secretions and prevent their removal. This can cause inflammation, endometritis.

It is necessary to wash yourself several times a day, after each visit to the toilet, a shower is needed daily. The genitals are washed from the outside, from front to back, it is not necessary to wash inside, douching is prohibited, as this can bring microorganisms. For the same reason, bathing is prohibited.

Avoid lifting heavy objects as this can increase bleeding.

If one and a half to two months have passed, the leakage has practically stopped, after an examination by a gynecologist, the resumption of sexual activity is possible. Bleeding after sex is usually associated with cervical erosion or too early onset of sexual intercourse.

When to see a doctor

What liquid masses require a doctor's visit:

If the liquid has acquired a purulent character, a sharp, unpleasant odor, this indicates the development of postpartum endometritis, an infectious process in the uterine cavity. Yellow, green, yellow-green, greenish, yellowish, unpleasant, and if they smell bad, a reason to consult a gynecologist. The disease is also characterized by abdominal pain and fever.

If the smudges have resumed after they have already decreased in their number, or if they do not stop for a long time. This happens when the placenta is retained in the uterine cavity, which interferes with its normal contraction.

If white curdled masses appear, accompanied by itching in the vagina, reddening of the external genital organs sometimes appears. These are signs of thrush, yeast colpitis. Often thrush develops when taking antibiotics.

Abrupt cessation of postpartum discharge.

If the bleeding is heavy, several pads go out in an hour, you need to call an ambulance, you should not go to the doctor on your own.

All these complications will not go away on their own, medical assistance is needed, and the sooner the better. In some cases, hospitalization may be required. You can seek help both at the antenatal clinic and at the maternity hospital where you gave birth, where you have the right to apply within 40 days of becoming a mother, at any time of the day or night.

It should be noted that complications after caesarean section are somewhat more common.

Restoration of menstruation

The period of restoration of menstruation is individual, and depends both on the restoration of the state of health, and on whether the woman is breastfeeding or not. Lactation is regulated by the hormone prolactin, which stimulates milk production and at the same time suppresses ovulation.

When breastfeeding, menstruation is restored on average six months later or after the end of breastfeeding. During this period, they are either completely absent, or do not come regularly. It must be warned that lactation cannot be used as contraception, conception sometimes still happens.

If the mother does not breastfeed, menstruation can be restored after 2-3 months.