On which postpartum days can the client expect lochia serosa?

• A. Days 3 and 4 PP
• B. Days 3 to 10 PP
• C. Days 10-14 PP
• D. Days 14 to 42 PP

Answer: (B)

Lochia changes as the uterus heals, moving from red to pink-brown to pale yellow-white. Lochia serosa is the pinkish-brown, partially serous discharge that contains serum, leukocytes, and tissue debris. It typically appears after the initial red lochia and lasts about 3 to 10 days postpartum, reflecting the ongoing cleaning and healing at the placental site. By around day 10 to 14, many women transition to lochia alba, the lighter yellow-white discharge, and it can continue for several weeks.

So the window for lochia serosa is approximately days 3 through 10 postpartum. If there’s a sudden foul odor or unusually heavy bleeding, that would warrant assessment for infection or hemorrhage.