This is the name that is given to the discharge from the uterus which lasts for 3-6 weeks post-delivery. The discharge for the first few days is mainly blood. For the next 7-10 days it is a paler serosanguinous loss and becomes yellowish for up to 6 weeks.
The lochia consists of fibrinous products, decidual cells, red blood cells and leucocytes. There may also be organisms that are normal bacterial flora of the vaginal tract eg anaerobic streptococci, E. coli, staphylococci and Clostridium welchii. If there is a mixed growth of such organisms then this is not evidence of an infection of the genital tract. The lochia from the uterus is alkaline. As the lochia passes through the vagina it becomes acid and its constituents decompose due to the action of bacterial saprophytes.
Infection is suggested by pyrexia and offensive lochia.
Annotations allow you to add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation. E.g. a website or number. This information will always show when you visit this page.