L

What is
normal??

Bleeding

What is not??

After childbirth

Normal Postpartum Bleeding (Lochia)

Color

Rubra
Bright red

Duration: 1-3 days

11days up to 6weeks

Serosa
Pinkish brown

Alba
Whitish yellow

Heavy flow for

more than 2
weeks

Unpleasant
odor

Bright red color

beyond the first
week

4-10 days

Flow
- Heavier immediately following delivery for
the first 3-4days, then lighter amount with
the color turning to a watery pink, then to
brown, and finally to a whitish yellow.
- May contain small clots, and flow may
increase by breastfeeding and during the
1-3days after delivery.

Any clots that are

larger than golf ball
size

Sudden change
- A sudden gush when you stand up in the
first few days is normal.
- A color change back to bright red may be
normal if you increase activities too much,

Soaking the pad in

15 minutes or less
Sudden gush of
blood that wont stop