BLOG Post #46: What the F*ck is Lochia? A No-BS Guide to Postpartum Bleeding

So, you’ve just pushed a baby out of your body or had one surgically removed. Congrats! 🎉 You’re officially a parent, and now the fun begins. But before you can start that new chapter, there's something else we need to talk about—Lochia.

Never heard of it? Oh, you will. Lochia is the postpartum bleeding that happens after birth, and let me tell you, it’s like the most intense period of your life, but with a special twist! Don’t worry, we’ll break it down, so you know exactly what to expect and when to be concerned.

WTF is Lochia, Exactly?

Lochia is the fancy medical term for the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. It's your body's way of healing and cleaning out your uterus after growing a whole human in there for nine months. Think of it like a major housecleaning session—the kind where you get rid of everything.

This discharge is a mix of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It’s your body’s way of shedding the lining of the uterus, where the placenta was attached (yup, that thing that was keeping your baby alive). It can last for up to six weeks postpartum, and it comes in stages. Let’s get into those.

The 3 Stages of Lochia

1. Lochia Rubra (Day 1–4ish)
   This is where the “WTF” feeling kicks in. Lochia Rubra is the first stage, and it’s intense. It looks like bright red blood (hence the name "rubra" which means red), and you’ll see some clots—don’t freak out, small clots are totally normal. This stage can feel like a super heavy period. Expect to be changing your maxi pads (pro tip: the hospital will give you some epic pads—take as many as they’ll let you) every few hours.

   During this time, your uterus is contracting and shrinking back down to its normal size. You might even feel some cramping (called afterpains), which get worse if you’re breastfeeding because nursing releases oxytocin—fun, right? But, all of this is your body’s way of healing.

2. Lochia Serosa (Day 5–10)
   Things start to chill out a bit here. The color of your lochia will change from bright red to more of a pink or brownish color. This means there’s less blood and more mucus in the mix. The flow should get lighter, and it might feel more like a regular period now. You’ll still want to wear pads, but you probably won’t need to change them as often.

   You’re still healing, but your uterus is getting smaller, and your body is working to close up that giant placenta wound inside you (yep, it’s a thing!). So if you’re feeling wiped, that’s why—your body is working overtime.

3. Lochia Alba (Day 10–6 Weeks)
   By now, you’re probably thinking, “Are we done yet?!” Almost. Lochia Alba is the final stage, and it’s more like a yellowish or whitish discharge. It’s mostly mucus and white blood cells, which means your uterus is almost back to normal. The flow should be much lighter at this point, and you can probably switch to panty liners.

   At this stage, you’re in the home stretch! Your body is nearly done with the cleanup process, and you’ll (hopefully) feel more like yourself again.

What to Expect (Besides Everything Being Weird)

• Clots: Small clots, about the size of a grape, are normal. However, if you’re passing clots bigger than a golf ball, call your doctor.

• Heavier flow after activity: If you overdo it (like walking too much or lifting heavy things), you might notice your bleeding picks up again. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Sit your ass down and rest.”

• Smell: Lochia does have a mild odor, kind of like menstrual blood. But if you notice a strong, foul smell, that could be a sign of infection—so definitely get that checked out.

When to Contact a Doctor

Now that you know the usual flow, here’s when you need to sound the alarm:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking a pad in less than an hour): If you’re gushing blood and soaking through a pad in an hour or less, especially after the first few days, it’s time to call your doctor. You could be dealing with a postpartum hemorrhage, and that’s serious.

• Large clots: If you’re passing clots bigger than a golf ball, don’t just chalk it up to a “bad period.” Call your healthcare provider immediately.

• Foul smell: Lochia should never smell like something died. If there’s a nasty odor, it could be a sign of infection in your uterus, and you’ll need medical attention.

• Fever or chills: A postpartum fever could indicate an infection, like endometritis (infection of the uterus lining), which is not something you want to mess with.

• Pain: Cramping is normal, but severe or worsening abdominal pain isn’t. If something feels off, don’t hesitate to get checked out.

How to Deal with Lochia Like a Pro

• Pads, pads, pads: Forget tampons or menstrual cups—both are a no-go during postpartum healing. You want to stick to pads for the whole six weeks to avoid infection. Stock up on the big, overnight ones.

• Rest: Your body is doing a lot right now, so take it easy. If your bleeding picks up, it’s a sign you’re overdoing it.

• Stay hydrated and eat well: Your body is in recovery mode, so make sure you’re giving it the fuel it needs to heal—plenty of water and nutrient-rich foods.

Final Thoughts

Lochia is just one of those things no one talks about until it’s happening to you. But now that you’re in the know, you can handle it like a champ. Yeah, it’s messy, uncomfortable, and weird, but it’s also totally normal. This is your body’s way of healing and getting back to its pre-baby state (well, mostly—some things are never going to be the same, sorry).

And if you ever find yourself wondering “WTF is Lochia?!” again—just remember, it’s part of the postpartum package. Embrace it, take care of yourself, and keep a steady supply of those mega-pads on hand.

Welcome to the real postpartum journey. 💪

Stay fresh (as much as you can anyways), have a laugh & join the club!

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