Question

It should smell like normal menstruation unless and infection is present

An offensive odor usually indicates an infection. Lochia flow should approximate a heavy menstrual period for the first 2 hours and then steadily decrease. Less lochia usually is seen after cesarean births. Lochia usually increases with ambulation and breastfeeding.

Answer 1

Lochia is the postpartum vaginal discharge that changes from thick and dark (lochia rubra) to lighter pink (lochia serosa) and then to a creamy or watery white discharge (lochia alba) over the course of several weeks postpartum. An offensive odor indicates a possible infection. The lochia flow pattern can be influenced by physical activity and breastfeeding.

Step-by-step explanation:

Lochia is the postpartum vaginal discharge experienced by a new mother. The discharge comprises uterine lining cells, erythrocytes (red blood cells), leukocytes (white blood cells), and other debris. Initially, lochia rubra (red lochia), which is thick and dark in color, is present for the first 2-3 days following childbirth. It then transitions to lochia serosa, a lighter, pinkish discharge that continues for about ten days postpartum. Eventually, lochia serosa transitions to lochia alba (white lochia), which is a scant, creamy or watery discharge persisting for an additional 1-2 weeks.

Lochia should smell similar to a normal menstrual period unless an infection is present, in which case an offensive odor may occur. It is typical for the flow to resemble a heavy menstrual period for the first few hours and then progressively decrease. Less lochia is often observed after cesarean births. Increased physical activity and breastfeeding can lead to an increase in lochia flow.