Birth and the dormice

What are dormice

Vaginal secretions that appear after each birth, whether natural or by caesarean section, are called lohii. They are composed of blood, mucus and uterine tissue. Smell is similar with that of menstrual bleedingbut these leaks called lochia hard pot until a few weeks. The lochs are initially abundant and gradually decreasing in volume to a lighter flow, and slowly disappear. The whole process may take a few weeks, but it can be different as duration and intensity from person to person and even different for the same new mother, from birth to birth. Secretions called lochia are a natural part of the healing process. postpartum and usually does not cause complications. 

Stages of the loaches

Every person is different, but, in general, the loaches follow a similar progression in colour and volume. The evolution of the lochia has three stages. The duration of each stage and the way these lochia look can vary from person to person and from case to case. However, as a rulethese three stages totals a period of 6 weeks.

Lochia rubra is first stage of the looters:

Lohiile au dark or bright red, for at least three or four days. Flow is abundant and small blood clots may be seen. During this period, it is normal to use a postnatal absorbent or maxi every 2-3 hours. There may be mild or moderate cramping.

Lochia serosa is the term for second stage of the looters:

After about a week, the loaches become more watery and lose some of their colour intensity, reaching a pink-brown colour. Flow is easier if it is you may not use so many absorbents. Consistency these lochs is shallower than that of the first-stage lobbies. May last from 4 to 12 days. Usually there are very few or no clots.

Lochia alba is last stage of the looters:

Eventually, the postpartum secretions, called lochia, acquire a yellowish-white colour yes o consistency creamy. They may or may not contain a little blood. Lasts from about 12-14 days to 6 weeks, in continuous or intermittent flow.

Lochia versus menstrual blood

The lochia will smell like menstrual blood. Careful, they shouldn't smell bad! This could mean that bacteria has entered the vagina and caused an infection.

There are some similarities between menstrual blood and lochia. Both have a smells distinct and start as a strong leak of colour red closed. Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in that bleeding decreases in intensity before it disappeared.

Largest difference between the two types of leakage is that the loaches last much longer. A typical period lasts about a week. Lochia lasts about 6 weeks in most women (in some cases, up to 8 weeks).

Lochia after caesarean section

If the birth was by caesarean section, there will still be bleeding for a few weeks, but it may be less than if the birth was vaginal. Even with post caesarean section deliveries the expectation should be for dark red bleeding that will gradually change from brown to white-yellow over several weeks.

Postpartum healing

Healing after childbirth takes a few weeks. It is necessary for the new mother to rest during this period as much as possible. The body needs to be given time to heal. As interesting as it may seem a resumption of normal activities, this can prolong the healing period. Also, may cause bleeding to become more profuse or to recur (if it has stopped for a while).

Here are some tips for the first six weeks after birth:

• Use only sanitary pads in the first six weeks postpartum.
• Do not use tampons and do not insert anything into the vagina until you have consulted your doctor. This can introduce bacteria into the uterus and cause infection.
• It is best to avoid sexual intercourse for at least six weeks after birth. After the lochia have passed and the doctor has said it is okay to resume your sex life, use contraception because you can get pregnant even if your period has not returned.

Warning signs

Lochia do not usually cause complications. The amount of blood should reduce by itself until it stops. However, there are warning signs that you need to pay attention to and contact your doctor if you have the following symptoms in the weeks after birth:

• Secrets vaginal green.
• Bad smell of dormice (worse than the usual period).
• Bleeding or excessive leakage.
• Large clots, the size of a golf ball or excessive clotting.
• Fever, chills or flu-like symptoms.
• Swelling or pain around the vaginal area.
• Dizziness or feeling faint.
• Cramp excessive or pelvic pain severe.

Article by: obstetrics and gynecology resident Teona Cosovanu.