Lochia alba may continue for what duration postpartum?

• A. 2-6 weeks
• B. 3-5 days
• C. 1-2 weeks
• D. 6-8 weeks

Answer: (A)

Lochia alba is the final phase of postpartum vaginal discharge as the uterus progressively involutes and heals. After birth, discharge starts as lochia rubra (red) for a few days, then shifts to lochia serosa (pink-brown) for about a week, and finally becomes lochia alba (white or pale yellow) as healing completes.

The typical duration of lochia alba is about two to six weeks after delivery. It may linger longer in some individuals, but six weeks is the standard upper limit taught in practice, with most resolving sooner as healing progresses.

Shorter durations describe earlier phases (red or serosa), so 3–5 days reflects the initial postpartum discharge, not the alba stage. A period of 1–2 weeks is shorter than the usual alba duration, and 6–8 weeks is on the far end of the spectrum and less commonly expected, though a minority may extend toward six weeks.