Lochia: What is it and what do I do?

Last updated 12/12/2025

Lochia is something that many women have never heard of, even if they're expecting a baby. Being armed with information, knowing what to expect, can help you transition into this postpartum period without any surprises.

What is Lochia?

Lochia is the combination of uterine cells, mucus, and blood being shed from the uterus. It flows as a result of the uterus contracting down, closing any remaining blood vessels and any cells it no longer needs, to get down to its pre-pregnancy size.

This process is driven by oxytocin, which continues to make the uterus shrink back down- known as uterine involution.

The Stages of Lochia

There are three stages to lochia:

Stage one- Lochia rubra

• 1-4 days

• Bright red

• Heavy flow

Stage two- Lochia serosa

• Up to approximately day 10 postpartum

• Thinner, brownish or pinkish

• Lighter flow

Stage three- Lochia alba

• Week 2- 6 postpartum

• Whitish or yellowish- white

• Very light flow

What to look out for

1. Heavy or bright red bleeding a week after giving birth, or even if the flow increases after it had begun to decrease (please note, if you are breastfeeding, due to the increased oxytocin, your flow may be a little heavier

2. Foul smells (lochia shouldn't smell any different to your menstrual blood)

3. greenish colour

4. large clots (golf ball size or bigger)

5. If you feel dizzy/ faint/ confused/ weak

6. Signs of a fever

7. Pale/ clammy skin

8. Rapid heart rate

9. Severe pain

If you notice any of the above or you aren't sure about anything, please go and see your GP or talk to your midwife.

How to cope with lochia?

Lochia isn't too dissimilar from having a period, so you can draw on this when trying to cope with lochia. During the postpartum period, it is, in some cultures, a time to rest, where the woman doesn't really have to do anything for the first 40 days after giving birth- How I wish this were the norm in the UK!

• You'll need pads (you can get maternity pads, reusable or disposable are fine), and plenty of them for the first few days at least, while your flow is heavier.

• Rest! Take this time to allow your body to heal- it is still working hard! Allow yourself to snuggle in bed with your baby and hibernate.

• Eat nourishing food and stay hydrated, especially rich in Iron and Vitamin K (to help with blood clotting)

• Keep clean. Of course, good hygiene is a given, but during this time of hibernation, it can be difficult to muster up the motivation to go and have a bath or shower. Keeping up with good hygiene can reduce the risk of any infections. Just make sure if you have a bath, it isn't HOT, and that any scars are healed first!

• Wear loose clothing. You'll probably be doing this anyway. Get comfy!

• Get some granny pants. You know what I'm talking about, those full briefs you bypass in the knicker section. Oh. My. Word. How they're so comfy and good for keeping those pads in place.

• Practice mindfulness. Of course, I mention this here. The postpartum period can be a time of complete change, never mind having to tend to prolonged bleeding. There are plenty of quick guided meditations out there to foster compassion and kindness to ourselves :)

The spiritual side of lochia

Lochia can be referred to as a 'Sacred Release', the womb's way of cleansing and shedding all it no longer needs. The womb, and the area around it, is a space that can hold on to emotions, so with the shedding of lochia, it can also release emotions that have been held.

During this time, it is important to hold yourself with kindness. Some things can can help during this time are:

• Affirmations- 'I am safe here', 'This is my body's way of letting go of what no longer serves me'

• Herbs- nettle, raspberry leaf and dandelion leaf are good options here. (For more information, please speak with a herbalist before trying).

• Castor oil packs- which encourages stagnation release and lymphatic movement.

• Skin-skin- increasing oxytocin levels, which drives uterine involution.

• Belly-binding practices- These practices can create a container for your abdominal area, drawing it back together, physically and energetically. Please check with someone qualified that this practice is suitable for your situation.

All in all, be kind to yourself. Your body is still working incredibly hard to heal itself. Whatever you're experiencing, it is valid. You are doing great.

Peace and love

Amy

xx