A term used in postpartum recovery
Lochia
Related terms · Postpartum discharge · Postpartum hemorrhage
Lochia refers to the blood and vaginal discharge that occurs while the uterus recovers after childbirth. It is generally red at first, then gradually decreases in amount and changes to brown, pink, or a lighter color.
Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-26
Meaning and Distinctions
What is lochia?
While it varies by delivery method and individual, the general trend is that the amount decreases over time. Lochia refers to the blood and dischargedischarge that occurs while the uterus recovers after childbirth. It is typical for it to start red and gradually decrease in amount, changing to brown, pink, or a lighter color.
- Easily confused terms
- Heavy bleeding that quickly soaks a pad, large blood clots, dizziness, palpitations, fever, and foul-smelling discharge are not considered normal lochia and should not be waited out.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- This is a basic term used to distinguish between the normal postpartum recovery process and situations requiring medical evaluation for bleeding or infection.
- What to record for your visit
- Keep a record of the frequency of pad changes, the size of blood clots, and changes in body temperature and smell; contact an obstetrics and gynecology clinic if the amount suddenly increases.
Women's Health Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check a brief definition before proceeding to a detailed explanation.AnemiaAnemia is a condition where the blood lacks the ability to carry sufficient oxygen; repeated excessive bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia.Abnormal Uterine BleedingAbnormal uterine bleeding is a broad term for bleeding where the timing, amount, or duration of menstruation differs from your usual pattern.
Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuidePostpartum Wind Syndrome (Sanhu-pung)Sanhu-pung (postpartum wind) is not a single internationally established disease name, but rather an expression that groups various discomforts after childbirth, such as joint pain, feeling cold, chills, fatigue, and night sweats. These may be part of the recovery process involving sleep deprivation, muscle strain, and breastfeeding; however, fever and foul-smelling discharge may indicate infection, swelling and pain in one leg may indicate a blood clot, severe fatigue and constipation following palpitations may indicate postpartum thyroiditis, and if feelings of depression persist and make daily life difficult, postpartum depression should be checked. Record the location and onset of symptoms along with changes in body temperature, bleeding, and mood; if warning signs are present, prioritize an evaluation at an obstetrics and gynecology clinic or emergency room over herbal medicine treatment.→
- Condition GuideBreast EngorgementJeot-momsal (breast engorgement) occurs in the early stages of breastfeeding when milk supply increases or the interval between breastfeeding or pumping widens, causing both breasts to feel tight, hard, and painful, and the nipples to flatten, making it difficult for the baby to latch. If pain is concentrated in one area with heat and redness, accompanied by fever, chills, body aches, or if a painful lump remains, do not dismiss it as simple congestion and seek an evaluation from an obstetrics and gynecology clinic or breast surgery clinic on the same day.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf pain, bleeding, or fatigue remain after tests and treatmentPelvic pain, irregular bleeding, or fatigue may remain even after ultrasound, blood tests, and necessary medication. Rather than viewing previous treatments as meaningless, please record separately whether the number of days without bleeding has increased, whether the time it takes for pain to subside has shortened, or whether sleep, digestion, and sensitivity to cold or heat have changed. If new bleeding or pain patterns emerge, a re-evaluation is the first priority.→
- Women's Health ColumnThe role of postpartum restorative herbal medicine and acupuncture when postpartum chills, joint pain, and fatigue persist→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment explanations.