Discharge more than two months after childbirth. The nature and appearance of the discharge after childbirth, how long they go, possible deviations from the norm. When do lochias end? What does it depend on

How long does lochia last after childbirth?

The mechanism of the birth of a child is a serious stress for the body. Rejection of the fetus is accompanied by a large number of unpleasant and sometimes dangerous phenomena for the woman in labor, for the baby. Possible:

• bleeding;
• incomplete discharge of the placenta;
• numerous breaks.

A natural component of postpartum recovery is lochia (you can see how they look in the photo). The contents of the uterus gradually come out, it is cleared.

It is worth knowing in advance how long the discharge lasts after childbirth in order to be ready for them and be wary in time if something goes wrong. Note that after artificial birth (caesarean section), lochia can go a little longer. After the second birth, the third, the uterus will contract faster.

1. What should they be?
2. Discharge after childbirth: the norm
3. yellow lochia
4. green lochia
5. Brown and bloody lochia
6. Mucous discharge
7. Purulent lochia
8. White discharge
9. pink discharge
10. Lochia after childbirth: norm and deviations (by day)

How long does bleeding last after childbirth?

Immediately after childbirth, the inner walls of the uterus are a continuous wound surface. It is easy to understand why so much bloody content is separated in the first days after childbirth. The muscular layer of the uterus contracts, naturally, under the influence of oxytocin, the vessels contract, the mechanisms of blood coagulation and bleeding stop are triggered. These are the natural consequences of having a baby.

At first, the discharge can be called pure blood - at least they look like that. This is fine. In time, their duration takes from 2 to 3 days. Everything that begins later no longer seems to be bleeding - the nature of lochia (the so-called postpartum discharge) is changing.

What should be the discharge after childbirth

In order to visualize how long the allocations last, how many days they take, which ones should go and in what period, let's turn to the table. Bloody, bloody, dark brown, smearing, plentiful, meager - how long do they last and when do they stop?

Table 1.

Discharge after childbirth: the norm

If a month has passed, and nothing stands out from the uterus, you need to go to the doctor, even if you feel well. Has the nature of the discharge changed dramatically? Another reason to visit a doctor. The normal duration of lochia separation is up to 8 weeks. Doctors say that the discharge takes place within 5 to 9 weeks - this also falls within the normal range. Lochia that goes 7 weeks is a normal indicator. Normal discharge after childbirth differs from those considered pathological in several ways.

These include:

• duration;
• character;
• the presence or absence of an unpleasant odor.

Discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor

The smell of discharge after childbirth is their significant characteristic. If we talk about the norm, then immediately after childbirth, the discharge smells of blood. This is natural: the main component is blood. After 7 days, when the scarlet and brown discharge ends, the smell becomes rotten.

You should be wary if there is a discharge with an unpleasant odor, the reasons for this may lie in the disease. Women evaluate the smell differently: “Smelly”, “Smell bad”, “Rotten smell”, “Fish smell”. All of these are bad symptoms. Discharge, even light, with an unpleasant odor, is a reason for a visit to the doctor.

yellow discharge after childbirth

When the bloody and brown lochia ends, they brighten, gradually acquire a yellowish tint. Normally, they have almost no smell. Yellow discharge after childbirth after 2 months, not at all abundant, gradually becoming transparent, doctors refer to one of the options for the normal healing of the uterus. Discharge of a distinct yellow color, which also disturbs the woman with an unpleasant odor or some accompanying sensations - itching, burning - may indicate a disease.

They can be:

• yellow with a smell;
• liquid like water;
• jelly-like;
• smearing, sticky.

All of them require a medical examination. This kind of discharge can no longer be considered lochia - this is a sign of the presence of an infection in the body. Most often, in this case, they talk about the beginning - inflammation of the uterus. It needs to be treated at the earliest stages, when the temperature has not yet risen and the infection has not captured a large area of ​​the inner layer of the uterus.

Green discharge after childbirth

Green discharge after childbirth after 2 months or earlier is a sign that something is wrong in the body. This color of lochia at any stage is not normal. Greenish or yellow-green lochia indicates that there is a bacterial infection in the uterus, vagina, or fallopian tubes. If you do not cope with it in time, endometritis may begin - a disease that causes inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus.

They are at:

• gardnellese;
• gonorrhea;
• chlamydia.

Often the discharge of this shade causes trichomoniasis. Trichomonas settles in the vagina, and it is dangerous because, if left untreated, the infection rises higher.

The first signs of trichomoniasis:

• green color;
• foamy character;

In addition, the woman will feel a burning sensation in the vagina, irritation. Mucous membranes may become red. If you start treatment immediately, without delaying, you can quickly cope with the disease and prevent further infection.

Brown and bloody discharge after childbirth

Bloody discharge should not last long. Bloody and dark red should end no later than a few days. The first hours after the birth of a baby are considered the most dangerous, when the uterus is still, in fact, a continuous bleeding wound. During this time, bleeding may occur. Doctors carefully monitor the condition of the woman in labor and send her to the postpartum ward, put an ice pack wrapped in cloth on the lower abdomen, inject oxytocin, and put the baby to the chest. Intensive observation lasts 1.5-2 hours.

After a caesarean section, just as after a natural birth, bloody lochia is observed. Only the process of involution of the uterus can go slower due to the seam, and therefore they can last a little longer. After cleaning the uterus, if the placenta did not come out on its own, there will also be spotting.

Brown discharge after childbirth after 2 months is possibly a pathological reaction of the body. This is how clotted blood comes out. There can be many reasons - from hormonal failure to menstruation starting to recover (if the mother does not breastfeed), the nature of which may be unusual at first, since the hormonal background has changed. The reason may be.

If two months have passed after delivery - and you find spotting, even if the baby is breastfed, you should consult a doctor. Either a new menstrual cycle begins, or a serious inflammatory process is underway. And it may not even be accompanied by pain.

Perhaps the presence of tumors, polyps, the appearance. When the discharge stopped and suddenly started again - this is the reason for the examination in any case. If it is confirmed that this is menstrual flow, you need to protect yourself. It is necessary to know that, with the restoration of the cycle appear. During menstruation, the amount of milk may decrease. You need to be patient and continue breastfeeding. Supplements should be used only in extreme cases.

Mucous discharge after childbirth

The discharge of a small amount of mucous secretions a week after the birth of a child is the norm. At this time, the mother's body, or rather the uterus, continues to cleanse itself, the work of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, which produce mucus, is restored. Over the next week, their volume decreases.

Further, the appearance of mucous secretions, when the lochia has almost disappeared, may indicate ovulation. At the same time, they are thick mucous membranes, similar to egg whites. If the mother is breastfeeding, but has already introduced complementary foods, ovulation can come with a high degree of probability in 2-3 months. In non-nursing women, the process of maturation of the egg begins again after the second month or even earlier. Pregnancy during this period is highly undesirable - after all, the body has not yet returned to normal, so it is necessary to carefully protect yourself. Yellow mucous discharge may indicate an infection. Has the discharge with mucus intensified, acquired an unpleasant odor? Contact your doctor.

Purulent discharge after childbirth

An extremely dangerous symptom is purulent discharge after childbirth, whenever they occur: after a month, after 3 months, after 7 weeks. Purulent discharge is one of the leading symptoms of inflammation. Possible endometritis or salpinogo-oophoritis.

This is often noted:

• weakness;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• lower abdominal pain;
• hyperthermia - an increase in body temperature.

white discharge after childbirth

White discharge after childbirth is a sign of thrush, which tends to worsen with any fluctuations in immunity. The main symptom of thrush is the curdled consistency of the discharge. It is not worth delaying its treatment: in itself it is not dangerous, but it can provoke the penetration of inflammation along the ascending path, and then a bacterial infection is likely to join. Untreated candidiasis causes significant discomfort to the mother.

It is difficult to confuse thrush with other diseases: it manifests itself, in addition to the characteristic curdled discharge with a sour smell, itching and burning, as well as constant irritation in the vaginal area. Why don't these secretions go away on their own? The body is weakened, it is difficult for it to cope with the multiplied fungus, local immunity cannot cope - help is needed. The appearance of secretions with the smell of fish indicates dysbiosis and the appearance of gardnerelosis. Gardnerella is a conditionally pathogenic organism that is constantly present on the vaginal mucosa. But under favorable conditions, its reproduction is not inhibited, and itching and smell appear. Often its reproduction occurs against the background of thrush.

Pink postpartum discharge

Discharge of a pinkish hue may be due to the presence of erosion, minor injuries of the genital tract that occurred during childbirth, or diseases such as uterus, divergence of sutures. In any case, you should visit a doctor to determine the cause.

Lochia after childbirth: the norm and deviations by day

It may be easier for you to understand whether everything is proceeding within the normal range if you refer to the following summary table.

Table 2.

When does discharge end after childbirth?

A woman must know when the discharge after childbirth passes - then she will be able to detect any problems in time. Normally, this happens after 8, in extreme cases - 9 weeks. Allocations for more than 2 months are rare. Usually, by the same time, doctors lift the ban on sexual life. At the same time, nothing should stand out from the female genital tract. Any strange leucorrhoea or blood that appears during or after sexual intercourse is a reason to contact a gynecologist.

In order to reduce the likelihood of infection entering the uterus, a woman must observe thorough hygiene throughout the postpartum period:

• wash daily (you can wash with plain water);
• change pads every 2-3 hours;
• do not use tampons.

Bloody lochia and the duration of their appearance should not be frightening - rather, the sudden cessation of discharge and the appearance of an unpleasant odor should be alarming. Be patient a little: it just seems like it's taking so long. Soon (in a month and a half) the body will recover, you will feel better, and you can safely enjoy the happiness of motherhood.

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.

Discharge in women after childbirth is a normal process of healing and restoration of the endometrium of the uterus after separation and delivery of the placenta. The birth of a child leads to the fact that a bleeding wound forms in the uterine cavity, which provokes a long period of vaginal discharge. Dying epithelium, mucus and plasma come out with blood, and all together this is called lochia.

Gradually, the woman's body is cleansed and the nature of the discharge after childbirth changes, as the wound heals and the mucosa is restored. It is very important to be attentive to your health in the postpartum period, since any drastic change in the process of cleansing the uterus can mean complications in the form of inflammation, infection, etc. It is very important to know how the type and composition of discharge after childbirth changes over time in order to control this process.

Discharge one week after childbirth

7 days after giving birth, the woman is already at home, so the doctor should explain to her how to care for the intimate area and in what cases it is worth worrying about your health. The first days after the appearance of the baby, the discharge should be red and plentiful. They may be accompanied by spasms as the uterus actively contracts to return to prenatal size.

To discharge after childbirth the gynecologist intensified palpation of the abdomen, massaging the female organs, and also calls for active breastfeeding. Thanks to this, after a week, the uterus is actively cleansed and heals. If a caesarean section was performed, then the recovery takes longer and the first weeks may be accompanied by heavy bleeding after childbirth.

It is important to do an ultrasound while still in the hospital to exclude the possibility of placental remains in the uterine cavity, which can lead to stagnation of exfoliated endometrium and inflammation. Often this is what causes heavy bleeding, severe pain and fever in a newly-made mother some time after returning home.

During the first month, a woman should use diapers instead of pads to detect clotted discharge after childbirth. This is normal, but it is important to monitor the change in color and consistency of everything that is found on a changeable diaper. In the postpartum period, it is very important to observe the strictest intimate hygiene and maximize the release of the uterus from lochia. For this you should:

• Breastfeed your baby. During this process, hormones are produced that stimulate uterine contractions, which leads to an increase and acceleration of the release of secretions;
• Lie on your stomach occasionally. When you lie on your back, the uterus sinks back and the lochia cannot flow out freely, so it is very useful to take time every day to lie on your stomach. It is also better to do this without underwear, putting a diaper under you;
• Refuse sex. The first 2 months after childbirth, you should refrain from intimate relationships with your husband in order to avoid infection, because the uterus is open, and the outgoing blood will only contribute to the growth of bacteria;
• Regular intimate hygiene. This must also be done in order to avoid infectious complications. Every 2-3 hours it is necessary to change the diaper and thoroughly wash the genitals. Even if you have normal discharge after childbirth, douching is strictly contraindicated - the uterus will clean itself. Tampons are also contraindicated, even when lochia becomes scarce. A hygiene product must be chosen carefully, preferably on the advice of an obstetrician-gynecologist, since even just a flavored intimate gel can lead to irritation of the genitals. In the first 2 months after childbirth, you can not take a bath, only a shower.

Discharge after childbirth lasts at least 1 month, after which it becomes very thin and mucous, which means complete healing of the uterus and reproduction of the mucosa.

Discharge after childbirth in a month

A month after the birth of your baby, red discharge after childbirth is already replaced by smearing brown. This means that the uterus has almost recovered - fresh blood does not flow, but only old blood comes out. Also, dark brown discharge after childbirth can be supplemented by white-yellow, which are similar in consistency to mucus. This is another proof that the endometrium in the uterine cavity is completing its recovery.

In terms of quantity, these discharges are insignificant and no longer cause the discomfort that was in the first days of the postpartum period. Before the exit of the lochia is completed, the uterus must reach its normal size, and its inner layer must be completely covered with mucous. It is quite normal if, a month after the birth, the discharge will still contain impurities of blood, the main thing is that it should be a little and this is not accompanied by any symptoms of ill health.

Discharge after childbirth 2 months

If there is a long discharge after childbirth, then this may mean that the uterus is weakly contracting and healing is rather slow. In any case, blood impurities should have disappeared by now. White-yellow discharge means the final stage of uterine healing, so you should not worry. If lochia has replaced clear mucous discharge, then this is normal 2 months after birth.

In any case, the obstetrician-gynecologist strongly recommends that you contact the maternity hospital with any questions within 8 weeks of the postpartum period, since it is he who is responsible for how the placenta was separated and the uterus was cleansed. If nothing bothered you during this period, then a scheduled examination by a gynecologist should be done in 2 months and already in the clinic.

After 8 weeks of uterine recovery, the color of the discharge after childbirth should become transparent, and the amount should be minimal. They should not bring any discomfort. This means that the uterus has recovered, returned to its normal size, and the cervix has closed. A young mother can again visit public places for bathing, taking a bath and enjoying an intimate life.

Discharge 3 months postpartum

The duration of discharge after childbirth should not exceed 8 weeks. If, after 3 months after the birth of the baby, vaginal discharge occurs, then this can be either menstruation, or a manifestation of the inflammatory process. It is important to pay attention to the nature of the discharge and the accompanying symptoms.

White mucous discharge after childbirth may be due to thrush. If they are insignificant and transparent, then there is nothing to worry about - a natural liquid, like saliva or sweat. Stretching discharge after childbirth, which is colorless and odorless, is also the norm and often accompanies ovulation.

If a woman is not breastfeeding, then it is quite possible that 3 months after giving birth, her menstrual cycle will be restored. This will lead to the arrival of menstruation with all the accompanying symptoms, such as pain in the lower back and lower abdomen, increased sensitivity of the chest. If this is profuse blood discharge after childbirth, accompanied by high body temperature and general malaise, then you need to call an ambulance, since only a doctor can make a diagnosis in this case.

3 months after childbirth, only colorless discharges that are odorless and do not bring discomfort are considered the norm. In all other cases, it is better to take tests, do an ultrasound scan and be aware of the state of your body.

When does discharge end after childbirth?

With the normal recovery of the female body, discharge after childbirth lasts no more than 8 weeks. This period is enough for the uterine cavity to decrease, and the site of attachment of the placenta to be covered with healthy endometrium. After the menstrual cycle begins to recover, which resumes depending on the regularity of breastfeeding.

If a woman is breastfeeding, then this leads to rapid uterine contractions, which speeds up the process of lochia exit. Also, the production of prolactin delays the work of the ovaries, which stops the resumption of menstruation. So the cycle can be restored six months after childbirth or more. However, for all women, this process is individual.

In the case when, after childbirth, the discharge has abruptly stopped, you should immediately consult a doctor, as this can have very adverse consequences. The accumulation of lochia in the uterine cavity occurs for various reasons:

• Overstretching of the uterine cavity, which leads to its bending back. To prevent this, you need to lie on your stomach more often and massage it. It is also important to maintain the water balance in the body and breastfeeding;
• Untimely emptying of the intestines and bladder, which begin to put pressure on the uterus. At the first urge, you need to go to the toilet to prevent complications.

If you do not respond in time to stopping the exit of lochia in the postpartum period, then after that you will have to treat endometritis - inflammation of the uterine mucosa. Blood is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria, so to avoid infection, it must be released in a timely manner.

If you know how much discharge after childbirth goes, and they suddenly stop, then call the doctor. Treatment consists in eliminating spasm of the cervix by taking No-shpa, after which Oxytocin is prescribed, which promotes uterine contractions.

Bloody discharge after childbirth

Bloody and pink discharge after childbirth is the norm, since the uterus is intensively cleansed for the first time. However, you should be wary if the number of lochia has increased dramatically. It is possible that parts of the placenta remained in the uterus, which led to severe bleeding. Also, the cause may be violations in the blood coagulation system.

If parts of the placenta remain in the uterine cavity, then this can be diagnosed by ultrasound or during a gynecological examination. They are removed under general anesthesia, after which intravenous antibiotic therapy is performed to eliminate the risk of infectious complications. If the uterine cavity is not cleaned in a timely manner, then this will certainly lead to severe inflammation and life-threatening consequences.

If a sharp copious discharge after childbirth provoked blood clotting disorders, then appropriate treatment is carried out. A woman who is pregnant should tell her doctor about such health problems so that postpartum hemorrhage can be prevented.

Often, an increase in discharge is due to the fact that the uterus is not contracting enough. Such bleeding is called hypotonic. They are quite plentiful, but nothing hurts and there are no other danger symptoms. However, it is worth considering that any bleeding, if not stopped in a timely manner, can lead to critical consequences.

Abundant discharge after childbirth is the norm only if they occur in the first week and the doctor is notified of them. Otherwise, you need to call an ambulance. Reducing drugs will be administered to stop bleeding and infusor therapy will be performed to replenish blood loss. In some cases, you can not do without surgical intervention, so it is very important to seek help in a timely manner.

Brown discharge after childbirth

2-3 weeks after delivery, the discharge becomes darker than initially, as the wound in the uterus heals and almost does not bleed. However, the old blood is still in its cavity, it gradually becomes brown and also comes out as part of the lochia. Dark discharge after childbirth is nothing more than old blood that did not release the uterus in a timely manner.

The appearance of dark lochia begins in the middle of the first meat after childbirth and can last 4-6 weeks. It is important that the discharge is not plentiful and does not increase dramatically. If this happens, then you should definitely consult a doctor, since timely and complete cleansing of the uterus is the key to your women's health.

yellow discharge after childbirth

Such secretions are the norm at the final stage of lochia exit. They can also signal the resumption of the menstrual cycle. If, 4 months after the birth, the discharge from the colorless ones became yellow, without a pronounced odor, then this indicates ovulation.

It is worth considering situations in which it will be necessary to consult a doctor:

• Yellow discharge after childbirth is accompanied by an unpleasant odor. A sharp putrid odor is especially dangerous, which indicates the reproduction of the infection;
• In addition to the discharge, itching, burning of the genital organs are disturbing. It is also a sign of an infection that can enter the uterus and cause inflammation;
• Thick discharge after childbirth, accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen. It is especially dangerous if they give to the lower parts of the spine;
• Bright yellow or greenish lochia is a sign of infection of the genital tract or even the uterus. In order to avoid serious consequences, it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner;
• Purulent discharge after childbirth is especially dangerous, since this is a sign not only of an infection, but also of the presence of a focus of inflammation, which must be immediately eliminated in order to prevent a threat to a woman's life;
• An increase in body temperature, along with abundant bright yellow discharge, indicates an active process of inflammation in the uterus, the causes of which must be determined by the doctor

Most of these situations occur with endometritis - inflammation of the uterine lining. It is provoked by a weak cleansing of its cavity, which leads to the accumulation of lochia. If discharge smells after childbirth, then you must definitely see an obstetrician-gynecologist.

Mucous discharge after childbirth

Transparent discharge after childbirth appears after the complete exit of lochia from the uterine cavity. In most cases, this is nothing more than the secret of the pelvic organs. They can also precede and accompany ovulation or be released after sex. This is also how hormonal changes occur in the body, which occurs after childbirth.

If you are worried about discharge after childbirth, looking like clots of clear mucus, then get tested to make sure that they are the norm. You should be alerted if there are any other symptoms, such as fever, itching, smell. Such discharge may be a manifestation of cervical erosion, so it may be worth undergoing a colposcopy.

Green discharge after childbirth

Green lochia are a clear sign of inflammation in the uterine cavity. As a rule, they are accompanied by fever, pain in the lower abdomen. Bleeding may also suddenly begin, as green discharge can be triggered by parts of the placenta remaining in the uterus. Another reason may be a delay in lochia or poorly healing tears and cracks in the birth canal.

In addition, green discharge after childbirth with a smell is often caused by infections, so you must follow special rules for intimate hygiene during this period and refrain from sex. Also, to prevent such complications after childbirth, it is necessary to avoid abortions, STDs and strengthen the immune system.

If you have green discharge, then you need to see a doctor, take a swab for the flora and undergo an ultrasound scan. In such cases, they are treated with antibiotics and physiotherapy. Sometimes it is necessary to scrape out the scar-modified endometrium. It is also very important to strengthen your body as a whole.

white discharge after childbirth

White discharge is not always thrush, as many women think. Thrush is easy to diagnose by the curdled consistency of these secretions, sour smell, dryness and itching in the vagina. Also, a regular smear will help to make a diagnosis, and it is not difficult to cure colpitis.

However, white discharge may be the natural secret of your reproductive system. If some have a homogeneous consistency and there are no other unpleasant symptoms, then you should not worry. However, it is worth knowing that white discharge can signal:

• Inflammation of the fallopian tubes;
• Pathologies of the uterus;
• Inflammation of the vaginal mucosa;
• Violation of the secretion of the glands of the cervix.

To prevent these problems, you need to undergo a timely examination by a gynecologist and take tests. It is also important to avoid douching, chemical contraceptives, violations of the rules of intimate hygiene and a sedentary lifestyle. This is especially important in the postpartum period.

A woman after childbirth must be very attentive to her health and fully control the process of cleansing the uterus. She also needs to be able to distinguish dangerous situations from normal ones, for which she should discuss all this with a doctor in advance. Normal discharge after childbirth last about 2 months, gradually decreasing and not accompanied by pain.

The birth of the afterbirth occurs, which means the completion of the birth process. This is accompanied by the release of a large amount of blood and mucus: since the surface of the uterus is damaged, a wound from the former attachment of the placenta remains on it. Until the surface of the uterus heals and the mucosa does not recover, the wound contents will be released from the vagina of the puerperal, gradually changing in color (blood impurities will be less and less) and decreasing in number. These are called lochia.

Immediately after the completion of childbirth, a woman is injected with a drug to stimulate the contractile activity of the uterus. Usually it is Oxytocin or Methylegrometril. The bladder is emptied through the catheter (so that it does not put pressure on the uterus and does not interfere with its contractions), and an ice heating pad is placed on the lower abdomen. This time is very dangerous due to the discovery of hypotonic uterine bleeding, so the puerperal is observed for two hours in the delivery room.

Bloody discharge is now very abundant, but still should not exceed the norm. The woman does not experience any pain, but bleeding quickly leads to weakness and dizziness. Therefore, if you feel that the blood is very strong (for example, the diaper under you is all wet), be sure to tell the medical staff about it.

If the discharge during these two hours does not exceed half a liter and the condition of the puerperal is satisfactory, then she is transferred to the postpartum ward. Now you must monitor your secretions, and for this you need to know what they are and how long they last. Do not be afraid: of course, the nurse will control everything. Yes, and the doctor will certainly come in, including to assess the nature and amount of discharge. But in order to be confident and calm, it is better to know in advance what will happen to you in the first time after childbirth, and what character normal postpartum discharge should have.

What is the discharge after childbirth?

Lochia are made up of blood cells, ichorus, plasma, scraps of the lining of the uterine cavity (dying epithelium) and mucus from the cervical canal, so you will notice mucus and clots in them, especially in the first days after childbirth. With pressure on the abdomen, as well as during movement, the discharge of wound contents may increase. Keep this in mind if you want to get out of bed - you immediately gush. Therefore, we recommend that you first put a diaper under your feet.

Lochia will constantly change their character. At first, they resemble discharge during menstruation, only much more abundant. This is good, because the uterine cavity is being cleansed of wound contents. After a few days, the lochia will become a little darker in color and less in number. In the second week, the discharge will be brownish-yellow, take on a slimy consistency, and after the third week it will be yellowish-white. But blood impurities can be observed for a whole month after childbirth - this is normal.

To avoid bleeding?

Even after the transfer of the puerperal to the postpartum ward, the likelihood of opening bleeding is still high. If the amount of discharge has increased sharply, call your doctor immediately. And to prevent bleeding, do the following:

• Roll over on your stomach regularly: this will help empty the uterine cavity from wound contents. Better yet, lie more on your stomach than on your back or side.
• Go to the bathroom as often as possible, even if you don't feel the urge. Ideally every 2-3 hours as a full bladder puts pressure on the uterus and prevents it from contracting.
• Several times a day, put a heating pad with ice on the lower abdomen: the vessels will contract, which also prevents bleeding.
• Do not lift anything heavy - with physical exertion, the amount of discharge may increase.

In addition, in nursing mothers, lochia ends much faster. Therefore, breastfeed your baby on demand - during suckling, the mother's body produces oxytocin, which provokes contraction of the uterine muscles. At the same time, the woman feels cramping pains, and the discharge itself intensifies.

To prevent infection?

Abundant discharge in the early days is very desirable - this is how the uterine cavity is cleansed faster. In addition, from the first days of the postpartum period, a diverse microbial flora is found in the lochia, which, multiplying, can cause an inflammatory process.

In addition, like any other, this wound (on the uterus) bleeds and can be infected very easily - access to it is now open. To prevent this from happening, you should strictly observe hygiene and follow these recommendations:

• Wash your genitals with warm water every time you go to the toilet. Wash outside, not inside, from front to back.
• Take a shower daily. But refrain from bathing - in this case, the risk of infection increases. For the same reason, you can not douche.
• In the first days after childbirth, use sterile diapers instead of sanitary pads.
• Later, change your pads at least eight times a day. It is better to take the ones you are used to, only for more drops. And wear them under disposable mesh panties.
• It is strictly forbidden to use hygienic tampons: they retain the wound contents inside, preventing its discharge, and provoke the development of infections.

How much is the discharge after childbirth?

Lochia begins to stand out from the moment of rejection of the placenta and normally will last an average of 6-8 weeks. The intensity of postpartum discharge will decrease over time, lochia will gradually brighten and come to naught. This period is not the same for everyone, as it depends on many different factors:

• intensity of uterine contraction;
• physiological characteristics of the female body (its ability to fast);
• the course of the pregnancy period;
• the course of childbirth;
• the presence or absence of postpartum complications (in particular inflammation of an infectious nature);
• method of delivery (with caesarean section, lochia can last a little longer than with physiological childbirth);
• breastfeeding (the more often a woman puts a baby to her breast, the more intensively the uterus contracts and clears).

But in general, on average, discharge after childbirth lasts a month and a half: this period is just enough to restore the mucous epithelium of the uterus. If the lochia ended much earlier or does not stop much longer, then the woman needs to see a doctor.

When to see a doctor?

As soon as the discharge becomes natural, you should visit a gynecologist. But there are situations when a doctor's examination is necessary much earlier. If the lochia stopped abruptly (much earlier than they should have) or in the first days after childbirth, their number is very small, you should see a gynecologist. The development of lochiometers (delay of wound contents in the uterine cavity) can lead to the appearance of endometritis (inflammation of the uterine mucosa). In this case, the wound contents accumulate inside and create a favorable environment for bacteria to live, which is fraught with the development of infections. Therefore, contraction is caused by medication.

However, the opposite option is also possible: when, after a stable decrease in the amount and volume of the discharge, they sharply became abundant, bleeding began. If you are still in the hospital, call a doctor immediately, and if you are already at home, call an ambulance.

A cause for concern is a yellow-green discharge with a sharp unpleasant putrefactive odor, as well as the appearance of pain in the abdomen, combined with fever. This indicates the development of endometritis. The appearance of curdled discharge and itching indicates the development of yeast colpitis (thrush).

Otherwise, if everything goes well, then one and a half to two months after the birth, the discharge will take on the character of a pre-pregnant one, and you will begin to live an old new life. The onset of the usual menstruation will mark the return of the female body to the prenatal state and its readiness for a new pregnancy. That's just better to wait with this: take care of a reliable method of contraception, at least for 2-3 years.

Specially for- Elena Kichak

Pregnancy and childbirth require a number of serious changes and expenditures of internal resources from the body. Therefore, it is not surprising that the return to the normal state takes some time. The first task is to return the uterus to its original state. It is with the recovery mechanisms that the discharge after childbirth is associated

What is the nature of discharge after childbirth

Almost immediately after childbirth, processes begin in the mother's body aimed at getting rid of the already unnecessary attributes of pregnancy. First of all, there is a rejection of the placenta, accompanied by a rupture of the vessels that connected it with the uterus. Further, during involution, the uterus will have to shrink to its previous size, expelling excess fluids.

In order to avoid the possible development of inflammatory and other adverse processes in the postnatal period, as well as to notice their first manifestations in time, it is important to understand what normal discharge after childbirth is. In the first 2-3 days, there is a particularly abundant release of scarlet blood from the genital tract. This happens regardless of the way the woman was born. Simple pads usually cannot cope with such volumes - you have to use special diapers or postpartum pads. However, they should be changed as often as possible, since during this period the risk of developing inflammatory processes and the penetration of pathogens is very high - this is facilitated by damaged tissues, open blood vessels and a weakened state of the mother's body. In the following days and weeks, the nature of the discharge changes.

What should be the discharge after childbirth

It is difficult to put the dynamics of postpartum discharge into any specific framework of norms or put it on a schedule. But conditionally, they can be tracked by averaged stages:

• 2-3 days after birth - very abundant light red discharge. During this period, the woman is under the supervision of specialists from the maternity hospital;
• On the 4-6th day, by the time of discharge, spotting after childbirth becomes noticeably less abundant and acquires a brownish tint, often containing clots and mucus. They can be aggravated by lifting weights, physical exertion, contractions of the abdominal muscles (during laughter, coughing, sneezing);
• After 1.5-2 weeks, yellow discharge appears after childbirth - at first brown-yellow, which eventually becomes lighter, approaching white. Normally, they can continue for another month.

Not only the color and abundance changes, but also the consistency of the liquids - for example, the mucous discharge after childbirth replaces the watery one in a week. Such they can be until the final completion of the involution of the uterus.

The cause for concern is more drastic changes, such as discharge with a smell after childbirth, with a specific color (bright yellow, greenish), curdled (as with thrush), accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, as well as itching, chills, fever, deterioration in well-being. Such symptoms, individually or in combination, indicate complications - most likely, inflammation of the walls of the uterus. In this case, you need to seek help from a gynecologist.

Length of discharge after childbirth

Of course, every woman wants to get rid of pads and constant discomfort as soon as possible. Yes, and the lack of sexual activity in recent months needs to be made up for, and in the presence of even minor secretions, such activity is extremely undesirable and not very pleasant. But everything has its time, especially such important processes as the recovery of a woman in labor, and this period also requires attention. It is very important to monitor how much discharge goes after childbirth - significant deviations from the norm may indicate a problem. The timing of the involution of the uterus is very individual and depends on a number of features of the female body and the course of childbirth. On average, everything “heals” in about a month, but residual manifestations can be observed even 5-6 weeks after the birth of the baby.

If by this time the discharge has not stopped, you should contact a specialist, because such a protracted recovery process has reasons that should be clarified. And in itself, prolonged blood loss does not bode well. A sudden increase in the intensity of bleeding is an extremely dangerous symptom - in this case, you should immediately call a doctor. On the other hand, too rapid and sudden cessation of discharge after childbirth also requires a visit to a specialist. Most likely, the body just rehabilitated very quickly, but there is a small chance that the blood simply accumulates in the uterus, unable to go outside for some reason.

Prevention of postpartum complications

A great responsibility lies with the doctors taking delivery - after the rejection of the placenta, it is important to make sure that this process was completed successfully. Within two hours after childbirth, a woman should be given the opportunity to rest, recover. But already moving to the postpartum ward, it is important not to neglect hygiene. It is highly desirable to take a shower on the same day, despite weakness, with which a nurse or nurse can help. Lying on your stomach creates optimal pressure, "adjusting" the uterus - it is recommended to adopt this technique as early as possible. 4.5 out of 5 (135 votes)