Lochia, or the vaginal discharge that a woman’s body produces following childbirth, is expected to last for a few days to weeks after delivery. After birth, the rapid flow of blood and mucus begins.

For the first 2-3 days after birth, the bleeding will be severe and contain blood clots. However, after a few days, the flow will gradually decrease to spotting before stopping entirely. When the uterus recovers after a few weeks, the flow colour can change from dark red to brown, then yellowish-white.

It’s an unavoidable and inevitable occurrence, and the only thing you can do is wait for it to end. It continues to decrease in volume before entirely ending. Here are a few essential tips to keep you prepared for this postpartum vaginal discharge. 

• Pile up with sanitary napkins and replace them regularly. You’ll need big pads with a lot of absorption potential in the first few days.
• Maintaining strict sanitation and keeping your private parts washed will help you prevent more postpartum infections.
• To keep away the infections, avoid having tampons or menstrual cups.
• Empty the bladder regularly, even if you don’t have the urge. This will relieve you. 
• Medications that thin the blood, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, should be avoided. Seek your doctor’s suggestion for any other medicines during lochia. 
• Increase your iron content in your food and get enough rest. 
• It would help to avoid heavy exercises and strenuous athletic movements. Your body is tired, and you must acknowledge what it needs. 

Your body will have to get rid of the excess blood and tissues if you give birth vaginally or by c-section. The rate and length of bleeding following a c-section would be the same as with natural childbirth. However, if the blood discharge is bright red within the first week of delivery and the lochia discharge increases rather than decreasing over time, you should see your doctor. 

*Information shared here is for general purpose. Please take doctors’ advice before making any decision.