Lochies: Why do we continue to bleed after childbirth?
By Julie MARTORYPARTAGERENVOYER by e-mail
Je certifie ne pas envoyer d'e-mail indésirableIl faudra plusieurs semaines à votre corps pour se remettre de la grossesse et de l’accouchement. Les lochies, ces saignements qui succèdent à la naissance, font partie intégrante du processus des suites de couche. A quoi correspondent les lochies ? How long do they last? Le point avec Nadia Teillon, sage-femme.Lochies: What do these blood losses correspond to?
It is completely normal to bleed after childbirth, and these bleeding has a very specific name: Lochies.Lochies concern both the basic journeys (with or without episiotomy) as well as cesarean delivery.In short, this is the expulsion of all the pregnancy residues.We are talking about bleeding, but in fact, lochies do not only contain blood."During pregnancy, the placenta is hung on the uterus.After the birth of the baby, during the delivery, the placenta picks up, which leaves a wound on the uterine wall.Lochies correspond to the liquid generated by the healing of this wound.There is blood, but also lymphatic fluid, ”explains Nadia Teillon.
Lochies: What does it look like?
The first days following childbirth, lochia are similar to the rules - very abundant rules, it is true - and are bright bright red.Over the days, the lochies evolve.It is then serous-sunguine liquid."Lochies are less abundant, they are no longer brightly bright like at the beginning but lighter, brown.They sometimes contain small dark filaments, which correspond to uterine mucosa ”, specifies the midwife.
The bleeding resumes in intensity around the twelfth day, for 3-4 days.It’s the “little back layer”.Nothing to do however with a resumption of cycles."These slightly more abundant lochia are due to the fall of pregnancy hormones," says the specialist.
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It depends on mothers.Lochies can last up to 6 weeks, but sometimes are limited to twenty days for the lucky.In lactating mothers, lochies are sometimes a little shorter thanks to oxytocin, hormone responsible for the ejection of milk but also contractions of the uterus.Basically, each time we give feeding, the uterus contracts, the "cleaning" post delivery of the uterus is therefore a little more effectively, shortening the time of Lochies.
What care for Lochies?
It takes several weeks at the collar to close completely, also during the layer of layers, we make a cross on the hygienic stamps which could transport germs.To avoid leaks, intimate protections are essential!And we are not talking about classic towels but the famous XXL "garnishes", which often go to pair with the net panties.Not very aesthetic certainly but very practical, let's face it!Most of the time, they are supplied by maternities, but plan a stock for your return home.You will find them in pharmacies or in supermarkets.The advice of the midwife: change these toppings very regularly (approximately every hour), in order to avoid any microbial environment.On the intimate hygiene side, no need to wash each pass at the small corner (or else, a small rinse with water at most), in order to preserve the vaginal flora.Limit yourself to a daily toilet with neutral pH soap.Also make sure, the time of the lochies, to avoid the bath, the swimming pool and the swim in the sea, because any water stagnating in the vagina is likely to transport germs to the uterus.On the other hand, if you feel ready, no contraindication for the resumption of hugs, except in the case of episiotomy.
Lochies: When to worry?
During your stay in maternity, midwives will regularly control your lochies."We monitor the quantity of lochies, their color, their appearance, but also their smell.If they have a fetid smell, if they contain clots, if they are particularly abundant, this can be a sign of an infection of the uterus due to a placental debris, a blood clot in the uterine cavity, "explainsThe wise woman.
At home be attentive to any change whether in quantity, consistency, color or smell of your lochies.Do they contain clots?They remain bright red as on the first day?They have a smell of fish (our apologies for details…!)?Do not hesitate to consult, it is not a question of missing out on a uterine infection.
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