How long is the normal time for lochia to be discharged after childbirth? What can I eat in the first week after childbirth to discharge lochia?

After giving birth, mothers need to discharge lochia, which is to discharge the residual endometrium and other waste in the uterus, which is a bit like menstruation. So how long is it normal for lochia to be discharged after childbirth? What can you eat after childbirth to help discharge lochia?

How long is normal for postpartum lochia to last?

Generally speaking, lochia will be discharged in about three weeks after delivery, but each mother's body constitution is different, some may be discharged earlier in 14 days, some later in 20 days, and no later than 6 weeks. If lochia is still discharged after 6 weeks, it means that the lochia is not completely discharged, and mothers need to pay attention to it and seek medical attention in time.

There are three main reasons for postpartum lochia retention.

The pregnancy tissue has not been completely cleared, and a small amount remains in the uterine cavity. At the same time, there are symptoms such as fluctuating bleeding, blood clots in the blood, and intermittent abdominal pain.

Intrauterine infection can also cause persistent lochia, which has a foul odor. There will be pain when pressing the abdomen, and some mothers may even have a fever. When going to the hospital for examination, the total white blood cell count can be seen to be elevated.

Poor uterine contraction caused by weak constitution, insufficient rest after delivery, and delayed labor can prevent the timely expulsion of residues attached to the placenta.

What to eat in the first week after delivery to eliminate lochia

The first week after childbirth is the best time for mothers to expel lochia, but remember not to take a lot of supplements, which can easily lead to increased blood pressure and aggravate bleeding. The diet should be light, soft and watery. These foods are good for regulating anemia and promoting the discharge of lochia.

1. Brown sugar millet porridge: Brown sugar millet porridge is a traditional confinement food, which has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis.

2. Brown sugar eggs: Boil 2 eggs in clean water. Add 50 grams of brown sugar to the water and boil. Then peel the eggs and put them in the brown sugar water and let them stand for 5 minutes before eating.

3. Fungus and red dates soup: Soak 30 grams of fungus, cook with 20 grams of red dates until cooked, then add brown sugar.

4. Steamed peanuts and longan: Put 15 grams of longan and an equal amount of peanuts in a bowl, steam until soft and then eat.

For the situation of lochia not coming out, you can eat some warm foods, such as brown sugar, millet, rice wine, ginger, etc. Motherwort also has the effect of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, contracting the uterus, relieving abdominal pain, and expelling lochia. You can take it accordingly under the guidance of a doctor.

In the case of persistent lochia, new mothers should not consume blood-activating and blood-stasis-removing foods for a long time. For example, brown sugar should not be consumed for more than 10 days, and Shenghua Tang should not be consumed for more than one week.

In addition to eating foods that are conducive to the discharge of lochia, new mothers should also pay attention to keeping warm, get enough rest, and avoid eating spicy, greasy, raw and cold foods.

How to promote lochia discharge

1. During the confinement period, you can drink some brown sugar water or Shenghua Tang, which is beneficial to promote the contraction of the uterus and help the discharge of lochia. But don't drink too much brown sugar water, about one week is enough, otherwise it will have the opposite effect and cause the lochia to continue.

2. Start breastfeeding as early as possible. The baby's sucking can promote uterine contraction and help discharge lochia.

3. Soon after the mother returns to the ward, the nurse will come over to help press the abdomen. In fact, this is a good way to promote the discharge of lochia. Mothers should not refuse the nurse's pressing because they are afraid of pain.

4. Whether you are in the hospital or at home during the confinement period, you should get out of bed and move around appropriately. Movement can help discharge lochia.