Lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth (postpartum), containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. It usually continues 4-6 weeks after childbirth. It is sterile for the first 2-3 days, but not so by the 3-4th, as the uterus begins to be colonized by vaginal commensals, e.g. non-hemolytic streptococci and E coli.

• Lochia rubra (aka cruenta), the 1st discharge, composed of blood, shreds of fetal membranes, decidua, vernix caseosa, lanugo and membranes. It is red in color, because of the large amount of blood it contains. It usually lasts no longer than 3-5 days after birth
• Lochia serosa, which is lochia that has thinned and turned brownish or pink in color. It contains serous exudate, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus and microorganisms. It continues until around the 10th day after delivery. If it persists some weeks after birth, it can indicate late PPH, and should be reported to a Dr
• Lochia alba (aka purulenta), is lochia that has turned whitish or yellowish-white. It usually lasts from the 2-6 weeks after delivery. It contains fewer RBC's, and is mainly made up of leukocytes, epithelial cells, cholesterol, fat, mucus, and microorganisms. Continuation beyond a few weeks can indicate a genital lesion