Pregnancy is an incomparable journey for your body. After the birth, you should therefore give it time to recover from the stresses and strains of pregnancy and childbirth. An important part of the healing process is the so-called lochia, which can last up to six weeks after the birth.
In this article, you will find out what lochia is and what stages it goes through. We also summarize what lochia is and how you can recognize it. We'll also give you tips on what to consider when it comes to hygiene in the postpartum period and how to give your body enough time to heal.
Your pregnancy ends with the birth of your baby and you finally hold your little treasure in your arms. After your body has expelled the placenta from the uterine wall, a wound is created that will heal over the coming weeks. Your body excretes tissue remnants, wound secretions, blood clots and mucous membrane from your uterus in the form of bleeding. Bacteria also leave your body via the menstrual flow.
Whether you gave birth to your baby naturally or by caesarean section plays an important role here. After a caesarean section, there is often significantly less menstrual flow than after a natural birth. Nevertheless, all mothers experience lochia after giving birth.
It is part of every pregnancy and the first stage of healing after you have given birth to your baby. The discharge is completely natural and crucial for your body to heal.
How long does the lochia last?
The lochia starts immediately after the birth. Exactly how long it lasts varies from woman to woman: it usually decreases over time and stops after four to eight weeks. The fact that tissue remnants, bacteria and wound secretions drain away is a good sign and important for the healing process.
Many women naturally focus solely on their baby during their pregnancy and plan everything for its arrival. In doing so, they often pay little attention to the physical changes that will occur after the birth. That's why it's important that you find out about menstrual flow in advance and see it as a natural part of pregnancy.
Intensity of menstrual flow in the weeks after the birth
In the first few days after the birth, your menstrual flow is at its heaviest. For about three days, you may have heavy bleeding that is significantly more intense than your period. So please don't be anxious or worried: it is completely normal and natural for you to have heavy discharge immediately after giving birth and sometimes even clots of blood (blood clots).
For the next two weeks after the birth, your discharge will resemble your period. After that, its intensity continues to decrease until you only have light spotting. This will stop around six weeks after the birth.
Keep in mind that each woman's menstrual flow can take an individual course. Breastfeeding women, for example, report that their menstrual flow stops a little earlier - this is said to be due to the hormone oxytocin. It causes the uterus to contract, allowing the menstrual flow to pass more quickly.
If you have any concerns, you should contact your midwife or doctor. This is particularly important if your menstrual flow suddenly stops.
What is postpartum discharge?
In the postnatal period, lochia is part of the process for new mothers. If this stops from one day to the next, you could have a lochial blockage. The blood cannot drain away and collects in your uterus. If this is the case, you will need to be treated with medication.
Therefore, look out for the following symptoms associated with lochia:
Absence of menstrual flow
Sudden high fever
Pain & tenderness in the abdomen
Headache
If you suspect that you have congestion, you should contact your doctor immediately. An ultrasound can be used to determine why your menstrual flow has suddenly stopped. The administration of oxytocin can stimulate the contraction of the uterus, which can lead to a return of the menstrual flow.
As a rule, no operations are necessary. However, it is important that you have a doctor check why your menstrual flow has stopped and whether it is due to congestion, an infection or another cause.
Postpartum hygiene: important tips immediately after the birth
For a long time, doctors assumed that you were at a particularly high risk of infection during your lochia. However, it has now been shown that this is not the case. Nevertheless, you should pay particular attention to hygiene after the birth to speed up the healing process.
The following tips can help:
Wash your genital area after every visit to the toilet and dry it with a clean towel.
Make sure you wash your hands regularly to avoid infections.
Change your pads regularly.
If possible, use natural and unscented pads for your menstrual flow.
Refrain from sexual intercourse.
You should refrain from using tampons or menstrual cups during the healing process. This is because they prevent the blood from flowing out undisturbed.
Many women are concerned about menstrual flow - if you have any questions or concerns, you should also contact your midwife. She will provide you with experienced support and can give you further tips on proper hygiene in the postpartum period. Our free checklist can also provide you with valuable information:
Free postpartum checklist: https://tr.ee/6x_V3vVwMT
Give your body time to heal after pregnancy
Postpartum discharge is an important sign that your body is recovering from pregnancy and your uterus is healing. You should give it the time it needs and take it easy in the first 6 weeks after the birth. Your body has created life and experienced great strain as a result: focus on healing and spending time with your baby during this exciting time.
The menstrual flow is an important and natural part of this. It varies from woman to woman and will accompany you in the first few weeks after the birth. Follow the tips above for ideal postpartum hygiene and observe how your flow changes over time.
While you are resting from the stresses and strains of childbirth in the postnatal period, you could also take a look at the innovative swing2sleep spring cradle: Your baby lies in a cozy hammock and is rocked to sleep with gentle up and down movements. This makes it easier for your baby to fall asleep and can also promote sleeping through the night.
We wish you all the best for the first exciting weeks with your little one!
