Which stage of lochia is described as the first postpartum discharge?

• A. Lochia rubra
• B. Lochia serosa
• C. Lochia alba
• D. Lochia progression

Answer: (A)

The first postpartum discharge is lochia rubra. It appears immediately after birth as bright red bleeding because it consists of blood and placental tissue debris from the placental site. This initial phase typically lasts about 3 to 4 days as the uterus involutes and cleanses itself. After that, the discharge changes to lochia serosa (pink to brown) and then to lochia alba (yellow-white), reflecting advancing healing of the uterine lining. There isn’t a separate stage called “lochia progression” in standard postpartum nomenclature, which is why the initial red discharge is identified as rubra. If bleeding becomes unusually heavy or foul-smelling, that would warrant further assessment for postpartum complications.