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The Lochia

Categories: Obstetrics or Midwifery

By this term is meant the discharges from the womb and soft
parts after labor. They are mixed with blood at first and contain dark

clots, mucus, shreds of the after-birth and pieces of the membrane. They

become paler in color from the end of the third to the sixth day. After

this the color is yellow, greenish and contains pus and fatty cells, with

a little blood. This discharge varies in different women. In those who

menstruate freely and do not nurse they are usually copious; when

decomposed, they smell badly and the odor is penetrating. The flow may

cease entirely between the second and sixth week. It is increased by

exertions at about the time the patient begins to move about.



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