Lochiations: what they are, when they appear, how long they last
There are things that we women do not like to talk about, even if they concern us closely: one of these are lochiations, physiological losses after childbirth that in reality every mother has. But especially after childbirth, when our body changes, it is important that women know exactly what is normal and what could be a wake-up call. Before talking about it, watch this video on miscarriage.
What are lootations?
For many weeks, mother and child are connected to each other through the umbilical cord and placenta. When the placenta is expelled during childbirth, it leaves a wound in the woman's uterus the size of the palm of a hand. In addition, minor internal injuries may occur during delivery and labor, with blood and secretions from the wound being expelled. from the body as a so-called postpartum fluid.
This liquid (which are the lochings) also contains bacteria. It is therefore important that it is expelled so as not to cause damage. Breastfeeding helps to make this happen, which has a positive effect on postpartum. Breastfeeding causes the body to release oxytocin, which stimulates the uterus to contract and helps wounds to heal.
Shortly after giving birth, some women notice a traction in the lower abdomen when they breastfeed their baby, similar to pain during or shortly before the menstrual cycle. The pain is not directly related to the menstrual flow, but rather to the contraction of the uterus. This is a momentary discomfort that will gradually subside in a few days.
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Lochiations and Caesarean section
Even after a Caesarean delivery, women will have lootations, because again, the placenta will detach from the uterine wall, leaving a wound that needs to heal.
How long do lochiae last?
Lootations usually last between three and six weeks. In addition, postpartum fluid expulsion can be divided into four stages in which both the color and consistency of the discharge changes.
Phase 1
In the first few days immediately after birth, the lochia are very strong, fluid and blood-red in color. It may happen that the flow is more intense after lying down for a long time or that larger blood clots form due to blood clotting and having been lying down for a long time. It may sound scary, but it's usually not a cause for concern.
Phase 2
After about a week the flow will have already changed: it will be decreased, it will be less intense and it will have a rather brownish color.
Phase 3
After another week from the birth, the vaginal secretions will be yellowish, weak and a little stickier than usual.
Phase 4
About three weeks after the baby is born, the postpartum flow will be quite whitish and watery and is almost completely gone.
The duration of the different phases of the lochings varies from woman to woman. It is a healing process that takes time. At this stage, the risk of infection is particularly high for women. Therefore, during lochings, it is best to avoid a full bath and sex should only take place with a condom. Gynecologists generally recommend that you wait until the lumps are completely gone before having sex again.
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What types of sorbents to use during lochiations?
Gynecologists strongly advise against the use of tampons during the period of lootations. It is important, in fact, that the menstrual flow is expelled from the body without obstacles. The tampons would absorb the fluid, but this would remain in contact with the body, and consequently, the bacteria contained in the menstrual flow would also remain in the body. In addition, the use of tampons carries the risk of other bacteria entering the uterus and increases the risk of infection.
Use only classic sanitary napkins and panty liners during the weekly flow, especially in the first days after birth, that is, when the lootations are very strong. Most hospitals will provide you with specific sanitary pads suitable for postpartum, the weaker the flow becomes and the lower the thickness of the sanitary pad necessary to contain the leakage.
During the first few days of your period, you will need to change sanitary pads every two to three hours. In addition, it will be essential to cleanse the genital area with a warm, damp cloth. Before going to the bathroom it will be necessary to wash your hands well so that no other bacteria can enter the uterus.
Lochiations and postpartum complications
Healing of the placenta is a slow process, you will notice the improvements yourself as the days go by. It is important that blood, bacteria and wound secretions are eliminated from the body, if this is not done, it can lead to serious illnesses such as childbirth fever, etc. In the event that you observe an interruption of lochiations, always consult your doctor or gynecologist.
New mothers should also see a doctor during the postpartum phase when:
- the bleeding is so severe that the sanitary napkin needs to be changed within one hour
- blood literally comes out of the vagina (like tap water)
- fever or chills occur
- the lootations have a strong bad smell
- instead of decreasing, the weekly flow suddenly becomes stronger
- the color suddenly turns blood red again
What to do to promote lochiations?
Can anything be done to help your body heal the uterine wound and eliminate postpartum fluid? If you lie on your stomach once or twice a day for 20-30 minutes, this promotes the regression of the uterus and thus stimulates the lochings.
Even a massage on the lower abdomen can promote lochings. Simply massage with the palm of your hand and lightly press clockwise around the navel. This stimulates the uterus and therefore also the leakage of the liquid.
A warm salt bath can stimulate bleeding. Just mix a handful of sea salt in the half-full tub and soak for about 15 minutes. It is important that the breasts do not touch the water so that no bacteria from the lootations can enter the milk ducts.
