Normal Lochia Characteristics

	Sanguineous Lochia	Serous Lochia	Alba Lochia
Duration	First 3 days postpartum	Postpartum days 4 to 14	After postpartum day 14
Color	Red	Pale red	White
Contents	Large amounts of blood, small amounts of fetal membranes, necrotic decidua	Small amounts of blood, necrotic decidua, cervical mucus, bacteria	Necrotic degenerated decidua, epithelial cells, large amounts of leukocytes and bacteria, etc.

Explanation

Lochia is expelled through the vagina after the detachment of the uterine decidua, containing blood and necrotic decidua. Based on its color and contents, it is classified into sanguineous lochia, serous lochia, and alba lochia. Normal lochia has a bloody smell but no foul odor, usually lasting 4 to 6 weeks, with a total volume of up to 500 ml. If there is retention of the placenta or fetal membranes or infection, the duration of lochia may be prolonged and have an odor.

References

Feng Youji, ed. Obstetrics and Gynecology (Eight-Year Program) (2nd Edition). People's Medical Publishing House. 2010. p218-9.