For several days after giving birth, women will generally experience blood coming out of their genitals. This is what is referred to as puerperal blood or lochia.
Puerperal blood or lochia similar to heavy menstruation, only the amount is more. Puerperal blood from the vagina is the body's way to remove the lining of the uterus and blood after childbirth. This is something that happens to every woman after giving birth.
The Origin of Puerperal Blood
When the fetus is in the uterus, the placenta functions to feed the fetus. The placenta attaches to the uterine wall and contains arteries and veins. When the placenta is released from the uterus, there are parts of blood vessels in the uterine wall where the attached placenta is torn, then begin to flood the uterus with blood. After the placenta has been removed, the uterus will contract until the torn blood vessels close and reduce bleeding. The remaining blood in the uterus will continue to come out for at least 2-6 weeks after delivery. During this time, the puerperal blood or lochia will change from day to day:- The first day, blood is bright red or brownish red because lochia contains quite a lot of blood.
- Days 2-6, puerperal blood will be more runny and dark brown or pink.
- Days 7-10, blood color is the same or becomes light brown or pink.
- Days 11-14, blood color is the same or getting younger, plus the presence of white or yellowish white liquid. This is because puerperal blood consists mostly of white blood cells lining the uterus. However, if you have started to become active, the color of puerperal blood may become reddish than before.
- Weeks 3-4, if it still comes out, puerperal blood will be paler or creamy white.
- Week 6, the amount of puerperal blood that comes out is getting smaller and brown, pink, or creamy yellow.
What to do?
Just provide pads like when you menstruate. Change pads regularly and always wash your hands before and after. It is recommended not to use tampons because they can transmit bacteria into the uterus that are still healing and causing infection. In addition, clean the vagina and perineum (the area between the anus and vulva) to prevent infection, and take a shower at least once a day.When to call a doctor?
If symptoms occur that are not common in puerperal blood, it is advisable to immediately contact a doctor or go to the hospital emergency room (IGD):- Puerperal blood smells unpleasant.
- You have a fever or cold.
- The blood that comes out of the vagina remains large and bright red after a week of giving birth, or for four days after giving birth even though there is plenty of rest.
- The bottom of one or both sides of the abdomen feel pain when pressed.
- Puerperal blood that comes out suddenly becomes so large that you have to replace more than one bandage in one hour.
- There are lots of big blood clots coming out.
- You feel dizzy and faint.
- Your heartbeat becomes fast or irregular.
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