What Is Lochia?
Lochia is postpartum bleeding that every woman experiences after birth. Here is what the 3 stages look like, what is normal, and what needs a doctor's attention.
What Lochia Is
Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after birth as the uterus sheds its lining and heals from the inside. It contains blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Lochia occurs after both vaginal births and C-sections - everyone who gives birth experiences it because all births involve the placenta separating from the uterine wall.
It is entirely normal and expected. It does not indicate a problem. It usually lasts 4-6 weeks in total, progressing through three distinct stages that differ in colour, consistency, and volume.
The Three Stages of Lochia
| Stage | Timing | Appearance | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lochia rubra | Days 1-4 | Bright red to dark red; may contain small clots; similar to a heavy period | Heavy - changing a pad every 1-2 hours |
| Lochia serosa | Days 5-10 | Pink to brownish; thinner and lighter; watery consistency | Moderate - changing a pad every 3-4 hours |
| Lochia alba | Days 10-42 | Yellow to white; very light or spotty; minimal | Light - a panty liner or similar |
Timing varies between women. Some progress faster; some slower. Small blood clots up to the size of a grape are normal in the first 2-3 days.
Warning Signs That Need Medical Attention
| Sign | What It Could Mean | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Soaking a pad in 1 hour or less | Postpartum haemorrhage or retained placenta | Go to A&E immediately |
| Clots larger than a golf ball | Possible retained products | Contact O&G or go to A&E |
| Bright red flow returning after lochia had turned pink or yellow | Overexertion OR secondary postpartum haemorrhage (subinvolution) | Rest; call O&G if it does not decrease |
| Foul or offensive odour | Uterine infection (endometritis) | Contact O&G within 24 hours |
| Fever above 38°C with heavy bleeding | Postpartum infection | Go to A&E or call 995 |
| Lochia stops abruptly then resumes heavily | May indicate retained products | Contact O&G |
Practical Management
Use maternity pads (thick, absorbent, with adhesive backing) during the first 2-3 weeks - not tampons. Tampons can introduce bacteria and are not safe until after your 6-week check. Many Singapore hospitals provide initial pads; Guardian and Watson sell maternity pads ($8-20 per pack).
Breastfeeding causes the uterus to contract (via oxytocin release) and may increase lochia flow temporarily in the first days - this is normal and means your uterus is contracting well. Some breastfeeding women have lochia that resolves faster; others find it lasts longer.
Increased physical activity can cause lochia to temporarily increase or return to a brighter red. This is your body's signal to rest more. It does not mean something is wrong unless it is very heavy or accompanied by other symptoms.