Lochia

After the baby is born, women have a discharge called lochia, which is a bit like a period. It may be heavy at first but will gradually get lighter. It comes from the area inside your uterus where the placenta was. You may need to use two maternity-grade sanitary pads for the first few hours, then just one at a time. The loss is bright red to begin with, then pinkish, then brownish-yellowish-white. If you pass clots of blood bigger than a 50 cent piece, tell your LMC, and save that pad in a plastic bag to show them when they call. It may be that not all of the placenta came away after the birth and some pieces were left behind. Some bleeding may occur for 3-6 weeks following the birth. Your lochia should not be smelly. If it is, discuss with your LMC as you may have an infection.