How long does lochia last after a cesarean delivery to be considered normal?
Disease description:
I am eight months pregnant and plan to have a cesarean delivery. However, I would like to ask: How long does lochia typically last after a cesarean section before it is considered normal?
Doctor's answer (2)
Dr. Chen Yunmei
Hello, after cesarean delivery, lochia typically progresses through three stages, and the following pattern is considered normal:
1. **Bloody lochia**: Lasts approximately 7 days; bright red in color and relatively heavy in volume, occasionally containing small blood clots.
2. **Serous lochia**: Lasts about 10 days; pale red in color and composed of necrotic decidua, uterine cavity exudate, cervical mucus, and a small number of red and white blood cells.
The combined duration of bloody and serous lochia is generally around two weeks.
3. **White lochia**: Follows serous lochia and resembles vaginal discharge (leukorrhea); typically resolves within approximately three weeks.
We hope this information is helpful to you. Wishing you a pleasant and healthy life!
