Regardless of the method of delivery, a wound defect is formed inside the uterus. It is the rate of contraction of the uterus to normal sizes, as well as the presence or absence of infection in the birth canal, that determines how much discharge occurs after childbirth. In order to assess the adequacy of the course of the postpartum stage, you need to know the timing and normal nature of these secretions.
The norm is bright red discharge for two days, clots are possible. How much blood is discharged after childbirth is determined by the integrity of the discharge of the placenta from the uterine cavity. So, if “crumbs” remain, then the contractility of the uterus may be impaired, and the duration of the discharge increases. This condition threatens postpartum endometritis. An ultrasound examination in the first three days does not yet detect such changes, so if you are discharged home from the maternity ward early, take it seriously. Bloody discharge of a scarlet color for more than three to four days, increased bleeding, increased pulling pain as during menstruation - a reason to consult an emergency doctor as soon as possible.
Approximately from the fourth day, serous discharge begins - lochia. They should be characterized by the absence of an unpleasant putrefactive odor, a reduction in the amount of secretions, and a more brown color. In fact, this is how the uterus forms an internal lining, due to which more white blood cells and a non-cellular component of blood - plasma - are released. Carefully observe intimate hygiene. Sterility in the ward, sheets in the form of pads, mesh panties and frequency of washing will save you from the occurrence of anaerobic putrefactive flora in the uterus. All this determines how much discharge goes after childbirth at this stage. If the color and smell of the exudate has changed, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics that are allowed during breastfeeding.
Somewhere from the tenth day to the twentieth, the phase of white lochia begins, which indicates that the female body recovers correctly after childbirth. At this time, you should not visit the bath or take a bath, douche. It also needs to be washed frequently. When breastfeeding, women release oxytocin and prolactin, which contributes to proper involution, uterine contraction and less discharge. With a caesarean section, the suture on the uterus interferes with contractile activity. In this case, the occurrence of an inflection of the cervix and a complete early cessation of discharge may occur, which should alert.
Summing up how much discharge after childbirth goes, we can conclude that their duration should be no more than six to eightweeks in an amount from five hundred milliliters to one and a half liters. The recovery period for ovulatory function also varies due to ethnic characteristics. In women living in the north, under the influence of prolactin, menstruation comes much later. If a woman does not breastfeed, then menstruation resumes already in the second or third month. However, it is always worthwhile to additionally protect yourself from re-pregnancy, insuring yourself. If you want to know more information about how much discharge after childbirth, then check with the doctor who will attend your birth.
