Which description best describes Lochia Rubra?

• A. Bright red discharge that lasts 3-4 days
• B. White-yellowish discharge that can persist up to 6 weeks postpartum
• C. Clear serous discharge for 2 days
• D. Dark brown discharge that lasts 1-2 weeks

Answer: (A)

After delivery, the uterus cleanses itself and the vaginal discharge changes color as healing progresses. Lochia rubra is the first stage: bright red vaginal discharge that contains blood and tissue debris and typically lasts about 3 to 4 days. This is normal as the uterus involutes and sheds the products of the placental site.

As healing continues, the discharge becomes lochia serosa—pink to brown-tinged and more serous—usually from day 4 to about day 10. Later, lochia alba appears as a pale yellow to white discharge that can persist for several weeks, up to around 6 weeks postpartum.

So, the description of bright red discharge lasting about 3–4 days aligns with lochia rubra. If bleeding becomes excessively heavy (soaking a pad in an hour), has a foul odor, or is accompanied by fever, that would require prompt assessment.