What is the bloody discharge after birth?

• A. Metrorrhagia
• B. Menstruation
• C. Discharge of Amniotic Fluid
• D. Lochia

Answer: (D)

After birth, the uterus sheds tissue at the placental site, producing lochia, the normal postpartum vaginal discharge that is initially bloody. It starts as lochia rubra—bright red and largely blood and debris—for the first few days, then becomes lochia serosa (pinkish-brown) as drainage decreases, and finally lochia alba (yellow-white) that may last several weeks. This discharge is a normal part of the uterus contracting and healing after delivery. If heavy bleeding with large clots, foul odor, or rapid saturation of pads occurs, that could signal a problem and needs medical attention. Metrorrhagia refers to irregular bleeding between menstrual periods, menstruation isn’t typically present again yet postpartum, and leakage of amniotic fluid is something that happens during labor, not as the postpartum discharge.