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Multiple Choice

Lochia rubra is expected during which postpartum days and what color is it?

Lochia rubra is the first postpartum discharge, reflecting the uterus clearing the placental site as it involutes. It is bright red and may contain small clots during the initial days after birth, typically the first 1–3 days. This early, vivid red color comes from fresh blood and tissue debris being expelled as healing begins. As the days progress, the discharge usually shifts to lochia serosa (pinkish-brown) around days 4–10, then to lochia alba (white or pale yellow) by days 10–21 and lasting weeks. So describing lochia rubra as bright red with possible small clots in the immediate postpartum period matches the early days after birth.

Lochia rubra is the first postpartum discharge, reflecting the uterus clearing the placental site as it involutes. It is bright red and may contain small clots during the initial days after birth, typically the first 1–3 days. This early, vivid red color comes from fresh blood and tissue debris being expelled as healing begins. As the days progress, the discharge usually shifts to lochia serosa (pinkish-brown) around days 4–10, then to lochia alba (white or pale yellow) by days 10–21 and lasting weeks. So describing lochia rubra as bright red with possible small clots in the immediate postpartum period matches the early days after birth.