Bright yellow discharge in women after childbirth. There is discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor: ignore it or run to the doctor

After delivery, all women begin lactation. For some, it disappears some time after childbirth (a week or two), while for others, it persists for six months or more. Such mothers are called lucky, because they can give their child the most valuable thing - breast milk, which contains a huge amount of useful substances necessary for normal development small organism. However, during lactation, women are faced with one problem - atypical vaginal secretion, which for certain reasons changes its character. So what kind of discharge should women experience during breastfeeding? And is the change in their character related to the development of pathological processes in the body? Now you will find out everything.

Immediately after birth

Immediately after childbirth, women experience abundant bloody issues, which are observed for 4–7 weeks. They arise due to the fact that during childbirth the placenta departs from the walls of the uterus and the baby passes through the birth canal, which leads to serious damage, the consequence of which is the opening of bleeding.

IN in this case Bloody clots may be observed in the discharge, which indicate normal cleansing of the uterine cavity from the remains of the placenta. Moreover, their appearance is often accompanied by painful cramping sensations in the abdomen, which arise due to spasms of the uterus and help it in the cleansing process.

Copious vaginal bleeding usually occurs around 2-3 weeks after birth. If delivery took place by cesarean section, bleeding can be observed much longer, this is caused by severe trauma to the uterus, since it is dissected during the operation. After a few weeks, the volume of blood released from the vagina decreases, and they acquire a darkish tint, and after 4-5 weeks they turn brown, which is also normal. After the cessation of brown discharge, a whitish or transparent mucous secretion appears, which indicates the successful completion of the recovery period.

After recovery

When postpartum hemorrhage stops, subsequent menstruation does not begin soon. This is due to the fact that during lactation there is active production of prolactin, which suppresses the functionality reproductive organs.

However, if the level of this hormone is low, a woman may have periods even during lactation. But in this case, as a rule, they are meager and irregular. Moreover, the first menstruation usually appears only 2–3 months after the end of postpartum bleeding. It lasts from 3 to 7 days. At the same time, when the baby is fed, the amount of blood released may increase, which is also not a deviation.

The absence of menstruation during breastfeeding is also considered normal. This only means that the level of prolactin in the body is increased and lactation on its own will not go away soon. In this case, the first heavy periods are observed after breastfeeding ends, when the level of this hormone decreases. And not yet recovered menstrual cycle, periods may also be irregular.

Basically, women experience discharge of a mucous consistency during breastfeeding without menstruation, which is observed in very small quantities and may have a whitish or light yellow tint. They do not smell anything and do not cause irritation in intimate area. But in cases where the discharge acquires an unpleasant aroma, contains bloody streaks, is accompanied by abdominal pain and other symptoms, you should immediately go to the doctor, as all this indicates the development of postpartum complications, which under no circumstances should be ignored.

Blood discharge

Bloody vaginal secretion during hepatitis can occur due to various reasons. It is immediately worth noting that we're talking about Now we are not talking about those discharges that occur immediately after childbirth, but after their completion. In this case, bleeding may indicate:

• Endometritis.
• Cervicitis.
• Endometriosis.
• Polyps in the cervix.

All these diseases often develop in women during the postpartum period and they arise due to:

• Severe injury birth canal during delivery.
• Hormonal changes in the body.

Quite often, scanty periods during breastfeeding appear in women against the background of the development of cervicitis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membranes of the cervical canal as a result of their injury. It manifests itself not only by the occurrence of bloody discharge, but also by nagging pain in the abdomen, which often intensifies after sexual intercourse or severe physical activity.

Endometritis is also an inflammatory disease, only in this case it affects the mucous membranes of the uterus rather than the cervical canal. Its development is also often a consequence of injuries received during childbirth, but it can also occur as a result of abrasion, which is often performed on women when the uterus is not completely cleansed of placental elements after delivery.

Endometriosis is a disease in which there is an overgrowth of the lining of the uterus. And the main provoking factor in this case is also injuries received during childbirth. This disease can manifest itself as spotting during breastfeeding and abdominal pain, which often radiates to the lumbar region and groin.

Important! Endometriosis is dangerous disease, which can trigger the development of cancer. Therefore, under no circumstances should you delay in treating it!

Polyps in cervical canal also arise as a result of damage to the mucous membranes and represent benign neoplasms various sizes. The appearance of bloody and pinkish discharge is most often observed after close sexual contact, during which there is a mechanical impact on the cervical canal.

Important! Despite the fact that polyps are benign, if they are constantly injured, they can become malignant, which will cause the development of cancer. Therefore, delaying treatment is not recommended.

Brown daub

During the lactation period, women may also smear from the vagina. If scanty discharge occurs only on certain days of the cycle, then this is considered normal and their appearance is due to the fact that menstruation should begin during this period, but since the level of prolactin in the body is increased, they never begin.

But if scarce brownish discharge accompanied by abdominal pain and lasting more than 10 days, then this is no longer normal and indicates the development pathological conditions that need to be treated immediately.

Often the occurrence of brown spotting in the postpartum period occurs due to erosion on the cervix. It is diagnosed in almost 40% of women after childbirth and is treated very easily - by cauterization. This procedure is carried out in outpatient setting and does not affect lactation in any way.

Important! Erosion is a kind of ulcer that can grow and become ulcerated. And in order to avoid complications arising from it, it should be treated immediately after the first signs of development appear.

If brown daub started to acquire dark color(almost black) and is accompanied by the discharge of mucous clots from the vagina, you should immediately run to the doctor, since the appearance of such symptoms indicates the development of cancer.

Yellow and green discharge

If a woman has green or yellow vaginal secretion during breastfeeding, which exudes bad smell and is complemented by a burning sensation in the vagina, this indicates the development infectious diseases requiring immediate treatment.

They can occur either a few days after delivery or after a couple of months. And the main provoking factors in this case are:

• Inflammatory diseases (endometritis, cervicitis).
• Decreased immunity.
• Negligence of doctors who used poorly sterilized instruments during childbirth.
• Early entry into sexual intercourse, when the uterus and cervix have not yet recovered after childbirth.

Infectious diseases can be caused by various pathogenic microorganisms, for example, gardnerella, chlamydia, staphylococcus, etc. If an infection occurs, it is necessary to immediately stop breastfeeding the newborn, since pathogenic microorganisms can be transmitted to him through milk and provoke the development of various pathological conditions.

Treatment of infectious diseases is carried out only by taking antibacterial drugs, after which it is not recommended to carry out breastfeeding for about 3–5 days until they are active substances will not completely leave the body. This is due to the fact that such drugs contain components that suppress growth beneficial bacteria in the intestines, which causes disruption of its microflora. And this can lead to some digestive problems in the child.

Important! Infection from the reproductive organs can easily spread throughout the body, giving serious complications. Therefore, if yellowish or green odorous discharge appears, you should immediately visit a doctor and undergo a full course of treatment.

Prevention of complications

To prevent the development of complications in the postpartum period and provide for the baby for as long as possible breast milk, a woman needs to be attentive to her health and carry out simple preventive actions. In this case they are:

• Proper nutrition.
• Regular visits to the gynecologist.
• Constant compliance with personal hygiene requirements.

If a new mother still experiences complications during lactation, she should immediately visit a doctor. Since only a specialist can tell you what to do in this situation and how you can maintain your health for many years.

After childbirth they occur quite often. For many women, this raises a lot of questions: is this normal or should you see a doctor? Read more about this in our article.

Week and their color

For young mothers, especially those who have given birth for the first time, everything seems strange and incomprehensible. Not only do you have to master a new role - being a mother, learning to breastfeed, but you also need to take care of your body. Eg, yellow discharge after childbirth they frighten women who have recently given birth. Worth knowing physiological side their appearance.

When a woman gives birth to a baby, her body begins to change rapidly. There is no longer a need to carry a child in the womb, and therefore everything returns to its pre-pregnancy state.

They last quite a long time: from two weeks to one and a half months. The reason for such a long process is the release of the placenta, which is firmly attached to the wall of the uterus. Now a wound will form in it, which will heal. This is what causes postpartum bleeding. As a rule, the discharge is bright red. However, the shades of each individual woman can vary: from dark brown to light pink.

Their color depends on whether they continue. At the very beginning they are brighter, burgundy, and after a couple of weeks they are lighter.

The secretion changes its consistency. Any deviations, such as the color and amount of discharge, alarm every new mother.

Yellow discharge: normal or not?

It is believed that a woman who breastfeeds her baby goes through the stage much faster postpartum discharge. The uterus contracts more intensely, and therefore returns to its postpartum state more quickly. However, during this period, girls need to be as careful as possible in terms of their hygiene. Yellow discharge may appear just when the this rule. In addition, doctors strictly prohibit the use of anything other than pads. For example, tampons. They delay the normal process of cleansing the uterine cavity. During normal menstruation, this is not critical, but immediately after the birth process, blood should flow freely.

In most cases, yellow discharge is normal. Especially during the period when lochia ends. The blood mixes with the secretion, sometimes acquiring a yellowish tint. If there is no smell, pain or itching, then most likely there is no need to worry.

It happens that even at the final stage of postpartum discharge, a woman notices streaks of blood on the pad. This is also normal, since the uterus needs enough long time to heal.

Duration

Every inexperienced woman in labor is interested in how many days the discharge lasts after childbirth. Uninformed women panic when they last longer than normal menstruation. This comes from ignorance of physiology this process. The purpose of menstruation is to release the “unused” egg. Lochia cleanses the uterine cavity, promoting its rapid contraction. Therefore, their duration is much longer. Normally it is from three to eight weeks. For some girls, especially young ones, this process may go faster. If the discharge lasts longer than expected, you should consult a doctor. It is possible that this process was complicated by bleeding.

There are cases when a woman gives birth with internal ruptures. At the same time, she should not actively move or even sit to avoid damage to the seams. However, not everyone manages to follow such a strict rule. In this case, the stitches tear and begin to bleed.

The closer to completion the process of lochia secretion, the lighter they become. Pain in the abdomen disappears, secretion becomes less abundant. If a month after giving birth the discharge is yellow, you should not be alarmed. This is a normal phenomenon that predicts the imminent end of lochia.

Pathology

Yellow discharge in some situations can signal illness genitourinary system. The mother's body is more vulnerable to various infections. You should be wary if some of the following signs are added to such discharge:

• Stomach ache. Especially cutting ones. At the very beginning, this is normal as the uterus contracts. But, for example, after a month this phenomenon is most likely a pathology.
• Unpleasant smell. This may indicate an infectious disease.
• Greenish-yellow discharge after childbirth mixed with pus indicates that the girl urgently needs to see a doctor. Inflammation is likely occurring.
• Itching and severe burning.
• Excessively long (more than two weeks) discharge that is yellow in color.
• Body temperature is more than 37.

See a doctor immediately!

If a woman is attentive to her health, then an infection that could get into the vagina will be cured quickly enough. However, if this process is started, the consequences can be disastrous. The most harmless disease is erosion of the cervix in initial stage. But if it is not diagnosed and treated in time, it can turn into a malignant form.

Reduced immunity of a young mother can lead to thrush or colpitis. In this case, the discharge will not just be yellow, but also have a cheesy consistency.

Endometritis

The presence of pathologically prolonged yellow discharge may indicate endometritis. This disease is characterized by inflammation of the mucous membrane covering the uterine cavity. Anyone who has experienced endometritis knows how difficult it is to get rid of it.

In addition to unusual discharge, the woman complains of pain in the lower abdomen, which can radiate to the back. If you notice such symptoms, be sure to consult a doctor.

To ensure that none of the women encounters troubles associated with discharge after childbirth, experts recommend strictly following hygiene rules. The uterus is completely cleansed of the waste products of the baby in the womb, and therefore the blood that comes out is not at all similar to menstrual blood. For this reason, precautions should be taken more carefully after the baby is born.

1. Only pads should be used, tampons are prohibited. Today, pharmacies sell special postpartum hygiene bags. They allow the skin to breathe and can absorb quite a lot of blood.
2. Change hygiene products should be carried out as often as possible. It is best to do this once every three hours or, if necessary, earlier.
3. Be sure to wash yourself several times a day. If there are external breaks, you can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate or chamomile decoction.
4. Underwear should be as comfortable and natural as possible.
5. Yellow discharge after childbirth is usually a common occurrence, only if it does not last long. Therefore, to avoid infection in the vagina, take a shower rather than a bath.
6. You should abstain from sex. Open wound in the uterus during sexual intercourse it can become very painful and begin to bleed more profusely.
7. Be vigilant if lochia ends after a month and a half and suddenly returns again. Perhaps this is no longer postpartum discharge, but bleeding that has begun.

Conclusion

Information about how many days the discharge lasts after childbirth, information about its nature and physiology is extremely necessary for first-time women. If you notice that you have yellow lochia for too long, a burning sensation appears in the vagina, and your health has worsened, consult a doctor immediately. This probably indicates the onset of an infectious disease.

In case there are no accompanying symptoms not observed, no need to be afraid. Yellow discharge in most cases is the most common variant of the norm and does not in any way affect the health of the young mother.

How long does lochia last after childbirth?

The mechanism of childbirth is a serious stress for the body. Fetal rejection is accompanied by big amount unpleasant and sometimes dangerous phenomena for the woman in labor and for the baby. Possible:

• bleeding;
• incomplete expulsion of the placenta;
• numerous breaks.

A natural component of postpartum recovery is lochia (you can see what they look like in the photo). The contents of the uterus are gradually released, it is cleansed.

It’s worth finding out in advance how long the discharge lasts after childbirth, so that you can be prepared for it and be alert in time if something goes wrong. Note that after artificial birth(by caesarean section) lochia may take a little longer. After the second and third births, the uterus will contract faster.

1. What should they be?
2. Discharge after childbirth: normal
3. Yellow lochia
4. Green lochia
5. Brown and bloody lochia
6. Mucus discharge
7. Purulent lochia
8. White discharge
9. Pink discharge
10. Lochia after childbirth: norm and deviations (by day)

How long does bleeding last after childbirth?

Immediately after birth internal walls the uterus is a continuous wound surface. It is easy to understand why so much bloody content is released in the first days after birth. The muscle layer of the uterus contracts, naturally under the influence of oxytocin, blood vessels contract, triggering blood clotting mechanisms and stopping bleeding. This natural consequences birth of a baby.

At first, the discharge can be called pure blood - according to at least, they look exactly like this. This is fine. Their duration takes from 2 to 3 days. Everything that begins later no longer seems like bleeding - the nature of the lochia (as postpartum discharge is called) changes.

What kind of discharge should there be after childbirth?

To visualize how long the discharge lasts, how many days it takes, which ones should occur and in what period, let's look at the table. Bloody, bloody, dark brown, spotting, abundant, scanty - how long do they last and when do they stop?

Table 1.

Discharge after childbirth: normal

If a month has passed and nothing comes out of the uterus, you need to go to the doctor, even if wellness. Has the nature of the discharge changed dramatically? Also a reason to visit a doctor. The normal duration of lochia separation is up to 8 weeks. Doctors say that the discharge goes away within 5 to 9 weeks - this also falls within the normal range. Lochia that lasts 7 weeks - normal indicator. Normal discharge after childbirth differs from those considered pathological in several ways.

These include:

• duration;
• character;
• the presence or absence of an unpleasant odor.

Discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor

The smell of discharge after childbirth is a significant characteristic of it. If we talk about the norm, then immediately after childbirth the discharge smells like blood. This is natural: the main component is blood. After 7 days, when the scarlet and brown discharge, the smell becomes musty.

You should be wary if there is discharge with an unpleasant odor; the reasons for this may lie in the disease. Women rate the smell differently: “Smelly”, “Smells bad”, “Smells rotten”, “Smells fishy”. All these are bad symptoms. Discharge, even light, with an unpleasant odor, is a reason to visit a doctor.

Yellow discharge after childbirth

When the bloody and brown lochia ends, they lighten and gradually acquire a yellowish tint. Normally they have almost no odor. Yellow discharge after childbirth 2 months later, not at all abundant, gradually becoming transparent, doctors attribute it to one of the options for normal healing of the uterus. Discharge of a distinct yellow color, which also bothers a woman with an unpleasant odor or some associated sensations - itching, burning - may indicate a disease.

They can be:

• yellow with a smell;
• liquid like water;
• jelly-like;
• smearing, sticky.

All of them require a medical examination. This kind of discharge can no longer be considered lochia - it is a sign of an infection in the body. Most often in this case they talk about the beginning - inflammation of the uterus. It needs to be treated at the earliest stages, when the temperature has not yet risen and the infection has not covered a large area of ​​the inner layer of the uterus.

Green discharge after childbirth

Green discharge after childbirth 2 months or earlier is a sign that something is wrong in the body. Lochia of this color is not normal at any stage. Greenish or yellow-green lochia indicates that there is something in the uterus, vagina or fallopian tubes There is a bacterial infection present. If you do not deal with it in time, endometritis may begin - a disease causing inflammation inner shell uterus.

They happen when:

• gardnellese;
• gonorrhea;
• chlamydia.

Trichomoniasis often causes discharge of this shade. Trichomonas settles in the vagina, and it is dangerous because if left untreated, the infection rises higher.

The first signs of trichomoniasis:

• green color;
• foamy character;

In addition, the woman will feel a burning sensation in the vagina and irritation. The mucous membranes may turn red. If you start treatment immediately, without delaying, you can quickly cope with the disease and prevent the infection from spreading further.

Brown and bloody discharge after childbirth

Bloody discharge should not last long. Bloody and dark red should end within a few days at the latest. The most dangerous hours are considered to be the first hours after the birth of the baby, when the uterus is still, in fact, a continuous bleeding wound. At this time, bleeding may occur. Doctors carefully monitor the condition of the woman in labor and send her to the postpartum ward, place an ice pack wrapped in cloth on the lower abdomen, give an injection of oxytocin, and put the baby to the chest. Intensive observation lasts 1.5-2 hours.

After a caesarean section, just like after a natural birth, bloody lochia is observed. Only the process of uterine involution may be slower due to the suture, and therefore they may last a little longer. After cleaning the uterus, if the placenta did not come out on its own, there will also be spotting.

Brown discharge after childbirth 2 months later is possibly a pathological reaction of the body. This is how the clotted blood comes out. There can be many reasons - from hormonal imbalance to menstruation that begins to recover (if the mother does not breastfeed), the nature of which may be unusual at first, since the hormonal background has changed. The reason may be .

If two months have passed after delivery and you notice spotting, even if the baby is breastfed, you need to consult a doctor. Either a new menstrual cycle begins, or a serious inflammatory process occurs. Moreover, it may not even be accompanied by pain.

Possible presence of tumors, polyps, appearance. When the discharge stops and suddenly starts again, this is a reason for examination in any case. If it is confirmed that this is menstrual flow, you need to protect yourself. You need to know that with the restoration of the cycle appear. During menstruation, the amount of milk may decrease. You need to be patient and continue breastfeeding. Use supplementary feeding only in extreme cases.

Mucous discharge after childbirth

It is normal to have a small amount of mucus discharge a week after the baby is born. At this time, the mother’s body, or rather the uterus, continues to cleanse itself, and the work of the mucous membranes of the genital organs, which produce mucus, is restored. During next week their volume decreases.

Further, the appearance of mucous discharge, when the lochia has almost disappeared, may indicate ovulation. Moreover, they are thick mucous, similar to egg white. If the mother is breastfeeding, but has already introduced complementary foods, ovulation can most likely occur within 2-3 months. In non-breastfeeding women, the process of egg maturation begins again after the second month or even earlier. Pregnancy during this period is extremely undesirable - after all, the body has not yet returned to normal, so it is necessary to carefully protect yourself. Yellow mucous discharge may indicate an infection. Has the mucus discharge increased or acquired an unpleasant odor? Contact your doctor.

Purulent discharge after childbirth

An extremely dangerous symptom is purulent discharge after childbirth, whenever it occurs: after a month, after 3 months, after 7 weeks. Purulent discharge– one of the leading symptoms of inflammation. Possible endometritis or salpino-oophoritis.

In this case, it is often noted:

• weakness;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• lower abdominal pain;
• hyperthermia – increased body temperature.

White discharge after childbirth

White discharge after childbirth is a sign of thrush, which tends to worsen with any fluctuations in immunity. The main symptom of thrush is the curdled consistency of the discharge. You should not delay its treatment: in itself it is not dangerous, but it can provoke the penetration of inflammation along the upward path, and then it is likely to join bacterial infection. Untreated candidiasis causes significant discomfort to the mother.

Thrush is difficult to confuse with other diseases: it manifests itself in addition to the characteristic cheesy discharge with a sour odor, itching and burning, as well as constant irritation in the vaginal area. Why doesn't this discharge go away on its own? The body is weakened, it is difficult for it to cope with the multiplying fungus, the local immunity cannot cope - help is needed. The appearance of discharge with the smell of fish indicates dysbiosis and the appearance of gardnerella. Gardnerella is an opportunistic organism that is constantly present on the vaginal mucosa. But in favorable conditions its reproduction is not inhibited, and itching and odor appear. Often its reproduction occurs against the background of thrush.

Pink postpartum discharge

Discharge of a pinkish tint may be due to the presence of erosion, minor injuries to the genital tract that occurred during childbirth, or diseases such as the uterus, suture dehiscence. In any case, you should visit a doctor to determine the cause.

Lochia after childbirth: norm and deviations by day

It may be easier for you to understand whether everything is proceeding within normal limits if you refer to the following summary table.

Table 2.

Period	Color and volume	Smell	What do they mean?
First days	Bright scarlet, burgundy, abundant	Normal bloody odor	Norm
	Scanty, in small quantities, scarlet	Normal bloody odor	Dangerous sign: perhaps something is blocking the release of lochia; if the obstacle is not removed, inflammation and purulent itching will begin. Dangerous condition
First week, from 3 to 5-10 days or a little longer	There are enough pads used for menstruation. Color brown, grey-brown. Possibly separated in “pieces”. Sometimes a slight increase. No rise in body temperature	Rotten smell	The uterus contracts - everything is going well, clots come out - normal
35-42 day	Brown, gradually lightening, at the end of the period beige - will soon end. After which there will be ordinary transparent	Without smell	Norm
At any time	Green, yellow with an unpleasant odor, purulent.	Most often with an unpleasant odor, possible itching, pain, rise in body temperature	Pathology – consultation with a doctor is required
Possible at any time after 3 weeks	Transparent mucous membranes, abundant transparent	Without smell	Ovulation is a normal variant

When does the discharge end after childbirth?

A woman must know when the discharge passes after childbirth - then she will be able to detect any problems in time. Normally this happens after 8, in as a last resort– 9 weeks. Discharge for more than 2 months is rare. Usually by this time doctors lift the ban on sex life. At the same time, nothing should be released from the woman’s reproductive tract. Any strange leucorrhoea or blood that appears during or after sexual intercourse is a reason to contact a gynecologist.

In order to reduce the likelihood of infection entering the uterus, a woman should maintain careful hygiene throughout the postpartum period:

• wash yourself daily (you can wash with plain water);
• change pads every 2-3 hours;
• do not use tampons.

Bloody lochia and the duration of its appearance should not be scary; rather, the sudden cessation of discharge and the appearance of an unpleasant odor should be alarming. Be patient a little: it just seems like it’s taking so long. Soon (in a month and a half) your body will recover, you will feel better, and you will be able to calmly enjoy the happiness of motherhood.

Olga Smirnova (gynecologist, State Medical University, 2010)

Each woman experiences a certain amount of discharge after childbirth, which can signal the normal course of the recovery process or indicate the development of pathology. To assess the situation, you need to know their permissible duration, maximum quantity, as well as color and smell.

Causes of discharge after childbirth

When a doctor tells a woman in labor that she can notice traces of blood on the pad (lochia) for a certain period of time, some women panic, associating similar secretion exclusively with damage to the genital organs. But this is a misconception. Why are they going? bleeding after childbirth and what is their role for the health of the body?

They are called lochia uterine discharge which follow after the birth of the baby. This is the result of restoration of the surface of the uterus. The endometrium is rejected, which comes out through the genitals. It is noteworthy that lochia contains only 80% blood, and the rest is represented by the usual secretion of the uterine glands.

The secreted liquid contains:

• dead epithelial cells;
• blood;
• plasma;
• ichor;
• remnants of the placenta;
• traces of fetal activity;
• secret of the reproductive system.

Postpartum discharge must be present. If the lochia does not come out, there may be a violation and the woman urgently needs to go to the hospital.

After the birth of the baby, women need to use special ones. Mothers in labor most often use: , .

How long does postpartum discharge last?

The acceptable duration of lochia is considered to be a period of six to eight weeks, and this period has been established by gynecologists around the world. This time is enough to cleanse the uterus of the endometrium, which functioned during gestation. Patients mistakenly believe that they need to pay attention only to the deadline, but relative pathology

A very rapid cessation of vaginal secretion is also considered:

Five to nine weeks The period is a minor deviation that requires taking into account the color, smell, volume and composition of the fluid secreted from the vagina. A timely visit to the doctor minimizes the likelihood of serious problems

with health.

Less than a month and more than nine weeks This fact indicates existing problems in the body that require immediate examination. The doctor will conduct a diagnosis, study the test results, determine the presence or absence of serious inflammatory processes

and decide on the advisability of hospitalization. On average, vaginal discharge ends by 42 days after birth.

In a shorter period of time, the endometrium cannot recover. Lochia will come out until the surface of the uterus is completely healed.

What affects the duration of discharge after delivery? The duration of presence of lochia depends on:

1. the following factors Individual characteristics the course of physiological processes in.
2. female body
3. The rate of restoration of the reproductive system after the birth of a child.
4. Diseases (endometriosis, uterine fibroids, etc.).
5. The presence of complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
6. Method of delivery: natural or artificial (by caesarean section).
7. Intensity of uterine contraction.

Breast-feeding.

A patient who successfully carried a child to term and without complications, according to calculations, under the condition of breastfeeding, observes a more rapid contraction of the uterus and the process of restoration and cleansing of the body is more intense.

Doctors are of the opinion that the number of pregnancies also affects how long the discharge will last after childbirth. As a rule, their volume and duration are less after 2 or 3 births. Lochia may begin quite intensely, gradually decreasing over 4 weeks. By the end of the first month they are practically absent.

However, it is necessary to take into account the reaction of a particular woman’s body to the birth of a second or third child. It is possible that the first time the body endured this process more easily, therefore the recovery was faster, and the next time, a failure is possible.

Amount of secretion released

This indicator and its norm depend on a certain time:

1. The first few hours. Abundant, which should be 0.5% of the birthing woman’s weight, but not more than 400 ml.
2. Second and third days. In 3 days, on average, approximately 300 ml is released, and a special pad is filled in a couple of hours.
3. Home restoration. Over the following weeks, about 500–1500 ml are released, with high intensity occurring in the first 7–14 days.

Deviations in these numbers are possible, but it is important to prevent bleeding.

If the discharge is scanty or does not last long

As a rule, a small amount of discharge after childbirth or its rapid cessation is perceived positively by women. Women in labor mistakenly believe that the body has already recovered, but medical practice shows that large percentage similar cases ends in hospitalization.

There is a significant probability of endometrial remains being found inside the uterus and then an inflammatory process occurs. In the future, there may be an increase in temperature and a resumption of bleeding, but with the presence of clots, pus and an unpleasant odor.

If the number of lochia decreases, you should immediately make an appointment with a gynecologist, and if one of the listed signs occurs, call an ambulance.

Bloody discharge in women after giving birth

Intense bloody discharge is observed immediately after the baby is born. They are caused by damage to the surface of the uterus where the placenta was attached. This situation may persist for several days, and if the scarlet color of the discharge does not disappear by the end of the first and second weeks, you should consult a doctor for advice. It is important not to confuse lochia with bleeding, the appearance of which is easy to track: the sheet or diaper instantly becomes wet, and the secreted fluid is accompanied by uterine impulses in the rhythm of the heartbeat. The most common reason is rupture of seams.

How the color of secretion changes (photo)

An indicator such as the color of the discharge after the birth of a child can also help a woman assess the course of the postpartum period (see photos selected on the basis of similarity).

First days. There is a large amount of blood being released due to vascular damage. A woman observes red, scarlet marks on the gasket.

First week. The presence of blood clots is allowed, but not purulent ones. The secretion becomes darker or even brown.

Second week. There are practically no clots, and the consistency of the secretion becomes more liquid. Some patients experience pinkness after giving birth during this period. The appearance of mucous membranes is possible. But they should disappear on the 14th or 21st day.

The rest of the time. At first, the liquid gradually brightens, acquiring a yellow tint.

Brown postpartum discharge

Appearance at the end of the first week is a clear sign of the absence of complications. The secretion darkens faster in those women giving birth who are breastfeeding, and the reason lies in the hormone prolactin. They can last for a different period of time for each woman, but obstetricians note that brown lochia is observed for the longest time in women in labor who have undergone a cesarean section.

An unpleasant, smelly discharge, reminiscent of the acrid smell of pus, should alert you, which may indicate the development of an infection. In this case, the body temperature rises sharply, and the patient suffers from pain in the abdominal area. Correct solution– Immediate visit to the hospital.

But the musty smell, which is sometimes noted even during menstruation, does not indicate pathology.

Brown secretion can turn into serous lochs, caused by a drop in red blood cells against the background of an increase in white blood cells.

Yellow discharge after childbirth

First, the woman in labor notices red-yellow discharge, which over time can become completely yellow or gray-yellow. Under normal circumstances, this process begins on the tenth day. Vaginal secretion of a yellowish tint signals to the woman that the uterine lining has almost healed. The presence of such a secretion immediately after the process of childbirth with a putrefactive odor - warning sign, requiring medical examination.

Black secretion

Nothing frightens a woman in labor more than the appearance of black clots on the pad. A similar phenomenon sometimes occurs 21 days after delivery. You should remain calm if the secretion does not smell or cause painful sensations. Normal reason- This hormonal changes and changes in the composition of vaginal secretions.

Green lochia

With a fishy odor and pus, they indicate the development of endometritis, which occurs against the background of inflammatory processes in the uterus. The danger is that the uterine muscles contract poorly, the secretion does not come out, and this further aggravates the situation. A woman should go for an ultrasound, get tested, and consult a gynecologist.

Discharge after childbirth with an unpleasant odor

Remember that discharge normally has virtually no odor; a sweetish or slightly musty aroma is acceptable, but no more. A rotten odor indicates a problem.

Reasons for the appearance of foreign odors:

• violation of vaginal microflora;
• colpitis;
• vaginosis;
• candidiasis;
• peritonitis;
• ulcer;
• endometritis;
• parametritis.

Lochia intermittently

The time interval between the secreted bloody substance can be several days or weeks. There are two reasons for this:

1. It is possible that the woman confused menstruation with postpartum lochia. If the woman in labor did not breastfeed the baby, then the next period occurs immediately after the restoration of the uterine mucosa. In breastfeeding women, menstruation can be practically eliminated for six months, and sometimes there are no periods for up to a year.
2. The second reason is related to the passivity of the uterine muscles. If the uterus does not contract, then lochia accumulates inside without coming out. So their interruption can significantly slow down the recovery of the body and cause various pathologies against the background of suppuration and inflammation.

Prevention of bleeding and stimulation of lochia discharge

1. Go to the toilet frequently. A large number of urine in the bladder puts pressure on the uterus, preventing it from contracting.
2. Avoid intense physical activity. This is especially true for women after cesarean section. Read about it in the article at the link.
3. Lie on your stomach. In this position, the uterine cavity is quickly freed from the remains of the wound.
4. Hot water bottle with ice. A similar technique is used in maternity ward immediately after the baby is born. There is no need to carry out the procedure at home, as there is a possibility of hypothermia of the genital organs.

Postpartum discharge is a must physiological process for a new mother. There is no need to be afraid of their appearance. To be sure that there are no pathologies, a woman in labor can keep a kind of diary, noting the approximate amount, color and smell of vaginal secretion. This approach will help you react immediately to the slightest changes, go to the hospital on time and easily explain the situation to your doctor.

The birth of a child is a great stress for the female body. This process entails a number of not very pleasant consequences. For young mothers, especially if this is their first birth, many aspects are alarming. For example, this is yellow discharge from the genital tract. How normal are they? In what period should they appear and when should they end? How to distinguish between normal limits and signs of disease?

What is normal yellow discharge after childbirth?

The postpartum period inevitably includes quite a long discharge, they are called lochia (from the Greek word lochios - “relating to childbirth”). They go through several stages.

Immediately after the placenta is rejected, the inner layer of the uterus is a large wound. The organ begins to cleanse itself and restore the endometrium: therefore, in the first 2-3 days, the mother begins to have copious amounts of bloody discharge from her vagina (ordinary pads often cannot cope with this).

They are bright red in color because injured vessels bleed.

Immediately after the placenta is rejected, the surface of the uterus looks like a large bleeding wound

By the way, in the first couple of hours after birth, approximately 300 milliliters of blood flows out. All this time, the mother must remain under observation in case massive bleeding begins.

The composition of lochia in the initial stage is dominated by erythrocytes. Due to contractions of the uterus (by the way, they intensify during breastfeeding), the vessels are drawn into its cavity and gradually become thrombosed.

From about 4 to 7 days, the discharge gradually decreases in volume and becomes lighter, becoming similar to ichor: at first it acquires a red-brown tint, which eventually becomes yellow (for some mothers, this period stretches for two weeks). These discharges are also called serous. The content of leukocytes in their composition is already growing. Blood clots in the lochia are a variant of the norm - these are particles of the uterine mucosa. The last stage of lochia is just discharge yellow color, which on average lasts about a month.

Their shade can vary from yellow-white to yellow-gray. In this case, the discharge should not be abundant, too thin or thick, bright or have an unpleasant odor. As for the latter, normally there should be practically no smell (slightly musty odor, while bloody lochia at the first stage smells like regular menstruation).

If everything in the female body proceeds normally, then by the end of 6–8 weeks (everyone has their own regeneration rate), the lochia stops, and the woman observes the usual clear mucus.

Table: the nature of postpartum discharge at various stages

A woman who has had a caesarean section should keep in mind that after this operation the discharge from the birth canal will be longer. Due to the presence of a suture on the uterus, the organ cannot contract as intensely as with natural childbirth

, therefore, recovers more slowly.

After the second and third births, the uterus usually contracts faster.

Signs of pathological yellow discharge

1. Sometimes yellow discharge in a woman who has recently given birth may have signs that deviate from the norm or be accompanied by alarming symptoms.
2. The color is too bright or dark yellow, close to green.
3. The discharge resembles pus.
4. Unpleasant putrid odor. It is quite pungent and may resemble the smell of fish.
5. Lochia is too abundant and at the same time sticky or smearing, reminiscent of jelly.
6. Itching and burning in the vaginal area.
7. Pulling pain in the lower abdomen.
8. General malaise.

Increased body temperature (to low-grade or high levels).

If yellow discharge is accompanied by nagging pain in the lower abdomen, then most likely we are talking about pathology

Possible causes of pathology The appearance of the above signs (at least some of them) indicates pathological process in the female body. Mom should immediately contact a gynecologist for diagnosis.

accurate diagnosis If yellow discharge becomes unnatural or appears unpleasant symptoms

, mom should definitely visit a gynecologist

1. Endometritis is the most common disease in the postpartum period. It is an inflammation of the lining of the uterus. In this case, the woman observes purulent yellow discharge that has an unpleasant odor (sometimes there is an admixture of blood in it). They acquire a green tint if the pathology is already advanced. Endometritis develops because the blood in the uterus is an ideal environment for the proliferation of bacteria, and healing of the mucous membrane does not occur as quickly as on an external wound (after all, the temperature inside the organ is about 38 degrees, plus a humid environment). With this disease, as a rule, the body temperature rises and pain appears in the lower abdomen. Often this pathology develops in the mother while still in the maternity hospital (in this case, the woman quickly receives help), but it can also occur a month after the birth of the child.
2. Inflammation of the appendages, fallopian tubes or ovaries. These diseases can be associated with endometritis or develop independently. At the same time, the mother feels pain in the lower abdomen, in the lumbar region (it can even radiate to the legs), and her temperature rises. If a woman does not apply for timely medical care, acute stage After two or three weeks, the pathology will become chronic, and this is already fraught with problems with subsequent conception (the occurrence of adhesions, etc.), even up to infertility. Besides, purulent process can develop into an abscess with a breakthrough of pus in abdominal cavity(peritonitis occurs - inflammation of the peritoneum, which can even lead to death).
3. Inflammatory cervical erosion. The cervix is ​​very often injured during childbirth. The damaged area can be affected by an infection (for example, staphylococcus), and then the pathological process begins.
4. Vaginal diseases: colpitis or vaginosis. Main sign - discomfort itching or burning in the vagina. Yellow discharge becomes more abundant and may change its structure (more sticky or cheesy in nature).

Photo gallery: diseases accompanied by characteristic yellow discharge

With colpitis, the vagina is affected by bacteria, which is accompanied by a burning sensation and profuse yellow discharge. With endometritis, there is inflammation of the uterine mucosa. The cervix damaged during childbirth is a hotbed for the development of infection.

Treatment of pathology during lactation

If we are talking about endometritis, then it most often requires hospitalization of the woman. In this case, the child will have to be weaned. Mom is assigned antibacterial drugs, usually in the form of injections (in severe cases two at once different antibiotics) And additional procedures: administration of oxytocin for better reduction uterus, taking immunomodulators. Can be used local therapy- vacuum aspiration to clean the organ cavity, as well as enzymatic curettage of the walls of the uterus - their treatment with special enzymes to dissolve dead tissue.

Most often, endometritis involves hospitalization of a woman and prescription strong antibiotics, which is incompatible with breastfeeding

If the pathology was identified at a very early stage, then the doctor can select a gentle antibiotic that is compatible with breastfeeding. But this issue is resolved with each mother purely individually (the woman’s health is put in first place here). The same goes for treatment. inflammatory diseases appendages, ovaries and fallopian tubes and colpitis.

For vaginosis, a nursing mother is usually prescribed therapy in the form of antifungal suppositories that are safe during lactation (for example, Pimafucin) or taking oral tablets with the same effect (Pimafucin, Flucostat). Restoration is also required normal microflora vagina.

In case of erosion, the source of inflammation is treated by taking antibiotics and local means with antimicrobial action. The doctor selects medications taking into account the safety of the baby if he is breastfed.

As for cauterization of erosion, it in itself is harmless to the child. However, sometimes a woman needs pain relief, and some drugs for local anesthesia incompatible with lactation.

Video: a gynecologist talks about the symptoms and treatment of endometritis

Important hygiene rules during the postpartum period

During the postpartum period, when genital area Women are especially vulnerable; intimate hygiene must be very strict.

1. The first couple of weeks after delivery (while wounds and microcracks are healing and stitches, if any, are not removed) should be washed in the morning and evening, as well as after each visit to the toilet. In this case, the mother’s hands should be cleanly washed, and movements should be carried out from the pubis to the vagina, and then to the anus. The stream of water does not need to be directed directly into the vagina, so as not to wash away beneficial microflora. Also, washcloths and sponges are not used: they can further injure the perineum. After washing, the labia are carefully blotted with a towel or cotton diaper: they need to be changed daily or use disposable options. The movements should again go from front to back.
2. Means for intimate hygiene must be tested, it is best to purchase them at the pharmacy: they must have a neutral pH level and anti-inflammatory properties. At first, you can use baby soap with an additional antibacterial effect.
3. If a woman has stitches in her perineum, care for her genitals should be more thorough. There is no need to touch the seams with your hands. After each wash, they are rinsed with a weak solution of furatsilin or potassium permanganate (infusions made from herbs with an antiseptic effect - chamomile or calendula - are also suitable for this purpose).
4. During lochia, a woman, of course, cannot do without pads. You need to purchase well-absorbing discharge: night, “maxi” or special postpartum. They should be very soft (no mesh) and unflavored. In the first day after the birth of a child, hygiene products should be changed every 2–3 hours, because blood discharge is a fertile environment for the development of pathogenic microbes. Sometimes in the maternity hospital the mother is offered to use a diaper instead of a pad so that the doctor can assess the nature of the discharge. Tampons are strictly prohibited.
5. A woman should wear underwear only from natural fabric that is highly breathable. In no case should it be tight-fitting to the body: this will create a “greenhouse effect” and can damage the seams. Panties should be changed every day or use disposable postpartum underwear.
6. Within eight weeks after birth (this is the maximum period normal discharge) Mom is not allowed to take a bath, go to the sauna, or swim in the pool or pond. During all these procedures, infection can easily penetrate the internal genital organs, especially since the cervix is ​​still slightly open.
7. There is no need to douche without a doctor's recommendation.
8. A woman should beware of hypothermia: the genital area is already weakened, and this can be an impetus for the development of the disease.
9. In addition to direct hygiene of the external genitalia, a woman should always keep her entire body clean, especially her breasts when breastfeeding. Showers should be taken twice a day, especially in hot weather. You should also monitor the condition oral cavity: after all, through teeth affected by caries, this is a constant presence of infection in the body. Nails should be cut short.
10. Mom needs to change bed linen as often as possible.
11. Intimate life is under strict ban the first one and a half to two months after birth (until the natural discharge ends).