Can lochia be dark red?

Can lochia be dark red?

Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal. For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish to brownish in color.

Is it normal for lochia to turn red again?

Although there may be times when you notice more or less discharge, lochia itself doesn’t usually stop altogether only to start up again. Sometimes, the bright red discharge that you had in the first few days after you gave birth may also return.

How long does dark red lochia last?

Lochia is typically heavier and dark red in color for up to 10 days after giving birth, and then transitions into lighter bleeding or spotting that can last for four to six weeks after delivery.

Is dark red blood normal 3 weeks postpartum?

This will slowly taper down over the course of the next few weeks. Bright red bleeding that occurred immediately after delivery will slowly change to a darker color and eventually green and yellow. This is all a normal part of the postpartum transition of the uterus.

When should I be concerned about postpartum bleeding?

Tell your doctor or call 911 if you have any of these symptoms or signs: Bright red bleeding beyond the third day after birth. Blood clots bigger than a plum. Bleeding that soaks more than one sanitary pad an hour and doesn’t slow down or stop.

How common is late postpartum hemorrhage?

Late or secondary PPH occurs between 24 hours and 6 weeks postpartum and occurs in about 1% of women postpartum. Bleeding most commonly occurs between 8 and 14 days after delivery. Common causes include: abnormal involution of the placental site, retained placental tissue, infection and inherited coagulation defects.

When should lochia stop being red?

Between days four and seven, the blood should turn a pinkish or brownish color. Clots should get smaller or disappear. By the end of the first week, the discharge will likely be white or yellow in color. In three to six weeks, it should stop.

How do you know when lochia is finished?

After six weeks. Some women may experience a small amount of brown, pink or yellowish-white discharge up to six weeks after giving birth. It may appear in small amounts daily or just occasionally. This will be the final stage of lochia discharge and shouldn’t last beyond six weeks.

What is abnormal postpartum bleeding?

According to medical experts, blood loss or postpartum bleeding is excessive when it’s more than 500 milliliters of blood after vaginal birth and more than 1,000 milliliters after a C-section. This can cause a lot of complications that can put overall health at risk.

How do I know if I’m hemorrhaging postpartum?

Heavy bleeding from the vagina that doesn’t slow or stop. Drop in blood pressure or signs of shock. Signs of low blood pressure and shock include blurry vision; having chills, clammy skin or a really fast heartbeat; feeling confused dizzy, sleepy or weak; or feeling like you’re going to faint.

When should I worry about postpartum bleeding?

How do you know if your Lochia is infected?

What are the symptoms of a puerperal infection?

1. fever.
2. pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis caused by a swollen uterus.
3. foul-smelling vaginal discharge.
4. pale skin, which can be a sign of large volume blood loss.
5. chills.
6. feelings of discomfort or illness.
7. headache.
8. loss of appetite.

What should my Baby’s lochia look like after birth?

Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal. For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish to brownish in color.

Is it normal to have lochia after a C section?

Bleeding After a C-Section. If you delivered by cesarean (C-section), you’ll likely have less lochia than you would with a vaginal delivery. Still, you’ll likely see some blood for a few weeks. Just as you would see after a vaginal delivery, the color of the blood will change from red to brown to yellow or clear.

What’s the name of the color of lochia?

The color was labeled as rubra (red, red-brown), serosa (brown-pink, brown), or alba (yellow, white). The overall duration of lochia was 36.0 +/- 7.5 days (range 17 to 51 days, median 37 days).

When to see an OB for postpartum lochia?

If you have foul smelling vaginal discharge (lochia may smell musty, but never foul) If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your OB or midwife. Some of these symptoms may be indicative of postpartum hemorrhage or infection, conditions that can be deadly if not treated promptly.