What color is associated with serosa lochia?

Serosa lochia is the type of vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth and represents the second stage of lochia postpartum. The color associated with serosa lochia is brownish or pink, which typically appears around the fourth to tenth day after delivery. This color change signifies that the bleeding is lessening and that the initial red discharge, which is primarily made up of blood (lochia rubra), is transitioning as the body continues to heal.

Brownish or pink discharge is due to the presence of older blood that is being cleared from the uterine lining, along with other components such as mucus and tissue debris. Recognizing the different stages of lochia is essential for health care providers and patients because it helps monitor the recovery process and ensures any potential complications, such as infection or retained placental tissue, are detected early.

In contrast, lochia rubra is bright red, indicating fresh bleeding, while lochia alba is yellowish or creamy and occurs later in the postpartum period. Greenish discharge may suggest an infection and is not characteristic of normal lochia stages. Understanding the color and nature of lochia can aid in identifying normal postpartum recovery versus potential complications.