lochia

Question 1

Define lochia

Answer 1

Lochia may be defined as the vaginal discharge containing blood mucous and uterine tissue which may continue for 6 weeks after childbirth.

Question 2

You are called to review a woman in the maternity ward who is 3 days post-partum complaining of ongoing vaginal bleeding and passage of clots. You explain that lochia is normal in the post-partum period and can be expected to continue for some time.

After what period of time would continued lochia warrant further investigation with ultrasound?

1 week
2 weeks
4 weeks
6 weeks
8 weeks

Answer 2

6 weeks

An ultrasound is indicated if lochia persists beyond 6 weeks

Lochia is the passage of blood, mucus and uterine tissue that occurs during the puerperium*. This should be expected to cease after 4-6 weeks. Continue vaginal discharge beyond this time is an indication for ultrasound to investigate the possibility of retained products of conception.

• Puerperium is the period of approximately six weeks after childbirth during which time the woman’s reproductive organs return to normal. Lochia is a normal part of this process.