What is the normal amount and character of lochia shortly after birth?

In the immediate postpartum period, lochia refers to the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. The character of lochia in the first few days is traditionally described as lochia rubra, which is bright red in color.

The amount of lochia can vary, but it is typical for it to be abundant, similar to or slightly less than the flow of a heavy menstrual period. This aligns with the body's natural process of expelling uterine tissue and blood following delivery. Consequently, lochia rubra may indeed be bright red, but it is characterized by being less than a heavy menstrual period as the initial discharge tends to taper off in terms of volume rather quickly after the first few days.

This understanding emphasizes the typical physiological change after childbirth and helps in distinguishing normal postpartum recovery from abnormal excessive bleeding, which can indicate complications such as postpartum hemorrhage. Recognizing the differences in the types of lochia provides essential insight into the mother's recovery process.