LOCHIA.pptx

lochia: causes, types, management

1. LOCHIA - PELVSIO

2. It is also called postpartum bleeding. It consists of blood, tissue shed from the lining of the uterus, and mucus. It may last for 4 to 8 weeks.  For the first few days after birth, it contains a fair amount of blood, so it'll be bright red and look like a heavy period.

3. CAUSES:  When the placenta separates from the uterus after birth, there are open blood vessels in the area where it was attached, and they begin to bleed into the uterus. After the placenta is removed, the uterus starts to contract, which closes off those blood vessels, reducing the bleeding and also helping to shed the remaining uterine lining that supported the baby during pregnancy and return the uterus to its normal size.  After delivery, an obstetrician or midwife may massage the uterus and give oxytocin (Pitocin) to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding.

4. Breastfeeding, which prompts the body to release natural oxytocin, also helps with uterine contractions. Lochia may present whether you had a c-section.

5. TYPES OF LOCHIA: Lochia rubra: Color: dark or bright red blood, Duration: 3 to 4 postpartum days, Flow: like a heavy period with small clots, Pain: mild, period-like cramping.

6. 2. Lochia serosa: Color: pinkish brown discharge, Duration: It lasts for 4–12 days, Flow: thinner and more watery, moderate, with less clotting or no clotting.

7. 3 . Lochia alba: Color: yellowish-white discharge, Duration: It lasts for 12 days to 6 weeks, Flow: little to no blood (light flow or spotting) and no clot.

8. DOES LOCHIA SMELL?  Yes, it has a distinct smell, like menstrual blood; however, if it has a foul smell or if you have a fever or chills, call your doctor, because it may be a sign of postpartum infection .

9. MANAGING LOCHIA:  In the beginning, use heavy-absorbent sanitary pads.  Avoid using tampons for at least 6 weeks because doing so may increase the risk of infection in the healing vagina & uterus. If the bleeding gets very heavy or if you have the following symptoms, call your doctor. 1. Still bright red lochia a week after the baby's birth, 2. Abnormally heavy bleeding (a sign of a late postpartum hemorrhage), 3. The bleeding has been stable but suddenly increases again,

10. 4. Pale skin, 5. Confusion, dizziness, or feeling weak, 6. Rapid heart rate, 7. Pain & swelling near the vagina, 8. Foul-smelling discharge from the vagina.