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# Lochia Lochia is the discharge that occurs after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue. There are three main stages of lochia: * **Lochia rubra:** This is the initial stage, lasting about 3 days. It is red in color, primarily composed of blood. * **Lochia serosa:** This stage fol...

# Lochia Lochia is the discharge that occurs after childbirth. It consists of blood, mucus, and tissue. There are three main stages of lochia: * **Lochia rubra:** This is the initial stage, lasting about 3 days. It is red in color, primarily composed of blood. * **Lochia serosa:** This stage follows lochia rubra. It lasts from the 3rd to the 10th day post-partum. The color is pinkish due to a mix of blood and mucus. * **Lochia alba:** This final stage occurs from the 10th day until the 21st day after childbirth. It is primarily composed of mucus and is typically white or clear and colorless. # Postpartum Hemorrhage ## Types of Early Postpartum Hemorrhage **Uterine Atony:** Characteristics include a soft, high uterine fundus (difficult to feel through the abdominal wall), heavy lochia (often with large clots), bladder distention, and the uterus being situated high and displaced to one side. Potential signs of hypovolemic shock might be gradual and easily overlooked. **Lacerations:** Hemorrhage characteristics include a continuous trickle of bright red blood, and a usually firm fundus (the top of the uterus). **Hematoma:** Characteristics include a soft, high uterine fundus, heavy lochia (possibly with large clots or persistent moderate flow), a high/displaced uterus (often due to bladder distension), and potential signs of hypovolemic shock. The blood that emanates from the hematoma can be a brighter red than normal lochia **Diagram of Lochia Amounts** The diagram shows different sizes of blood stains, likely on a sanitary pad, corresponding to different amounts of lochia: | Stain Size | Approximate Volume (mL) | |----------------------|--------------------------| | Scant (2-inch stain) | 10 mL | | Light (4-inch stain) | 10-25 mL | | Moderate (6-inch stain)| 25-50 mL | | Large (>6-inch stain) | 50-80 mL | **Note:** This document appears to be a set of lecture notes, or clinical guidelines. The handwritten notes further describe symptoms or issues related to postpartum hemorrhage and lochia.