How long will bleeding last after childbirth: Normal

During pregnancy, women stop bleeding during menstruation and there is no discharge during ovulation due to many changes in the body, from the growth of the uterus to an increase in body weight and breasts. Instead, after childbirth, there is bloody discharge for a long time - lochia - a natural process of pushing out everything unnecessary from the body.

After the baby comes out, the baby's place goes behind him, but small particles still remain in the cavity, which over time begin to rot and can lead to serious illnesses and discomfort. The lochia will continue until everything comes out. Let's look at how much blood usually flows and how to understand that you have some deviations in this regard.

Discharge after childbirth: normal

In general, it is quite difficult to put the dynamics of allocations within a time frame. But average stages exist. We have already written about the first of them - bloody discharge. The second stage begins 4-6 days after birth, usually at the time of discharge. It is characterized by more scanty bloody discharge, which often contains mucus and clots.

About two weeks after birth, the discharge becomes very small and turns brownish-yellowish in color. Over time, the lochia becomes lighter, almost white.

It is normal if the discharge after childbirth lasts about 4 weeks.

In this case, the mucous discharge is replaced by watery discharge a week after birth. They remain in this consistency until the end of the uterine recovery period.

What is postpartum discharge?

Lochia is the common name for spotting after childbirth. In the first couple of days they will be abundant. Sanitary pads will have to be changed hourly. Subsequently, their intensity decreases. If there are clots and mucus in the discharged fluid, this is natural.

On the first day after delivery, small vessels located in the uterine cavity remain torn. This leads to massive bleeding. The uterus is freed from particles of placenta and epithelium. Intense contractions help her with this. This process helps to restore the normal menstrual cycle and the functioning of the reproductive system. How long it will take is determined based on the woman’s condition.

During the entire period of bleeding, the woman should be under the supervision of a doctor. This will allow timely detection of pathologies and initiation of therapy. If the discharged secretion is too small or absent altogether, this indicates the development of postpartum complications. In such a situation, drug treatment is used. Sometimes it does not bring the desired result, and you will have to carry out artificial cleansing of the uterus.

Copious clear discharge after childbirth

Strong transparent discharge after childbirth can occur in mothers who are not breastfeeding, a month to a month and a half after the birth of the child. If a girl’s menstrual cycle has resumed, this type of discharge may mean that she has begun ovulation. That is, you should resort to contraception if the partners do not plan to conceive another child.

If your discharge increases after childbirth, there is no need to immediately panic. The intensity and nature of lochia is influenced by a large number of factors. The duration of the discharge may also vary. Significant changes are a cause for concern. For example, the appearance of an unpleasant odor or strange color in the discharge, pain in the lower abdomen, chills, apathy and weakness. These symptoms may indicate the development of complications.

Unpleasant smell of discharge after childbirth

If the discharge after childbirth smells unpleasant, this may indicate that inflammation is developing in the uterus. Usually the reason to consult a doctor is the repulsive smell of lochia. While the intensity and even color of the discharge can be considered normal in different cases, an unpleasant odor is almost always a sign of inflammation. The most common inflammation that occurs during the postpartum period is endometritis. During it, lochia has a putrid odor and is green or yellow-brown in color. The woman in labor also experiences an increase in temperature. If you do not consult a doctor promptly, this disease can lead to death.

Speaking about what kind of discharge occurs after childbirth, it can be noted that the unpleasant smell of lochia is not always a sign of endometritis. It can also occur due to stagnation of secretions in the uterus. In this case, the girl undergoes curettage, which prevents the development of more serious inflammations.

Expectant mothers should know that the unpleasant odor of lochia also occurs due to the development of infections in the body. For example, gardnerellosis or chlamydia.

The main causes of mucus

There may be several reasons for the appearance of mucous discharge from the vagina in women:

Fluctuations in hormonal levels during the menstrual cycle.
A woman's pregnancy leads to an increase in the amount of estrogen, which directly affects the appearance of mucus from the vagina.
During intimacy, if a woman experiences extreme arousal, mucous discharge may appear.
A stressful situation can trigger the symptoms.
If a woman suddenly changes climatic conditions, mucous discharge may also appear.
Treatment with hormonal drugs.
Allergic manifestations.
Insufficient hygiene of the intimate area.
"Self-cleaning of the body."

If the mucus is transparent, there is no unpleasant odor and discomfort in the intimate area, this is a natural discharge as a result of the work of the ovaries. In one day, the amount of mucus cannot be more than two milligrams, and if the mucus is slightly whitish, then this also does not indicate pathology. Thus, the body cleanses itself.

Purulent discharge after childbirth

If a few days after the birth of the baby, the discharge from the woman in labor has acquired a green-yellow tint, this indicates the presence of pus. Such lochia occurs due to postpartum complications in the form of infection and is accompanied by various symptoms. For example, high fever and pain in the lower abdomen. If purulent lochia appears, you should immediately consult a doctor. After diagnosis, he will prescribe the correct treatment to help avoid complications.

Purulent discharge may appear after the postpartum period, about a month later. In this case, she will also need treatment, which will be prescribed by the doctor.

The postpartum period is the most difficult and responsible in the life of any representative of the fair sex. Pay close attention to your body, monitor even the slightest changes in its functioning, and then you will be able to prevent the occurrence of serious postpartum complications.

A woman needs to monitor the nature of the discharge after childbirth in order to suspect a pathological process in time and avoid consequences.

Discharge after childbirth is called lochia. At first they present as heavy menstruation. Lochia stops after about one to two months (4 to 8 weeks). Everything is purely individual. During the postpartum period, lochia repeatedly changes color and consistency. Very often, mucus appears in them a week after birth.

Mucous, snot-like discharge in women within normal limits after childbirth indicates:

That the uterus has shrunk and fully recovered. The wound surfaces have healed;
About the phase of the cycle. At the moment of ovulation, mucus is discharged.

It is best to take care in advance about choosing the most suitable contraception, after consulting with a gynecologist. You should not assume that the absence of menstruation is a guaranteed method of birth control. Doctors do not consider breastfeeding a method of contraception at all.

A woman needs to monitor the nature of the discharge after childbirth in order to suspect a pathological process in time and avoid consequences.

Mucous, snot-like discharge in women within normal limits after childbirth indicates:

That the uterus has shrunk and fully recovered. The wound surfaces have healed;
About the phase of the cycle. At the moment of ovulation, mucus is discharged.

Deviations

The physiological duration of discharge may deviate from the norm. In this case, pathologies arise. When changes are detected that do not correspond to the ongoing processes, get tested and be examined by a doctor.

Reasons for visiting a gynecologist:

mucus discharge ended before the 5th week;
heat;
a pungent odor appeared;
mucus continues to flow after childbirth after 2 – 3 months;
Lochia is scanty or has stopped completely.

In the area of the cervix, spasms are observed and the outflow of clear mucus is disrupted. The uterine cavity closes, and stagnation of the secreted substance forms. This situation is dangerous due to the occurrence of endometritis. Thick mucous discharge smells rotten. Another indicator of the development of inflammation is an increase in body temperature.

A deviation from the norm is considered to be a shade. If the color has changed to dark, you need to urgently make an appointment with a gynecologist. An inflammatory process develops in the internal cavity of the uterus when the lochia turns green. The advanced form makes it known by a fetid odor. The appearance of greenish mucous discharge 2 to 4 months after birth indicates a sluggish endometritis.

A discharge like egg white streaked with blood occurs when a fungal infection develops. There is a high risk of getting the disease in women in labor who received antibacterial treatment. The immune system weakens due to taking antibiotics, and thrush begins. The disease is accompanied by cheesy, sour-smelling vaginal discharge. Itching, burning, and redness of the perineum occurs. Bacterial infection = can cause complications after childbirth.

When menstruation has resumed, but instead of menstruation, mucus streaked with blood comes out for the first couple of days, there is no reason to worry. The phenomenon is considered normal in the absence of pain. Fabric particles come out unevenly.

Physiological etiology

The so-called “white” lochia begins 7-10 days after birth. They are transparent or white, stretchy. Also, many women compare them to snot. There shouldn’t be any unpleasant odor, much less a high temperature!

The main cause of mucous discharge is fluid that passes through the blood vessels and lymph nodes:

Uterine cells are capable of secreting transudate;
During ovulation, mucus leaves the cervical canal;
The cervix has the ability to secrete.

It is noted that the cells are especially active in the second phase of the menstrual cycle, at the time of ovulation and a few days before it. This happens under the influence of hormones. This ensures better lubrication and the environment in the vagina becomes less aggressive for sperm. The mucus that clogged the cervical canal and cervix in the first half of the cycle begins to move away and is released. All these are necessary conditions provided by nature for fertilization.

It is possible that the mucus that appeared in the discharge may either remain there or disappear when the postpartum period ends. The processes occurring in the body of each woman are individual.

It was also revealed that the nature of the discharge depends on whether the woman is breastfeeding her newborn baby. Breastfeeding (without complementary foods) inhibits the processes in the brain responsible for regulating the menstrual cycle. Therefore, it is difficult to predict whether mucous discharge will stop or whether menstruation will begin.

What discharge is normal?

Physiological vaginal discharge plays an important role in a woman’s body. They moisturize the vagina, protecting its surface from damage during sexual intercourse. An important function of leucorrhoea is to maintain a normal bacterial environment in the vagina and acidity necessary to prevent the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the uterus.

Leucorrhoea consists of mucus produced by the glands of the cervix and the vestibule of the vagina, and it also contains fluids that seep through the walls of this organ from the blood and lymphatic vessels. Normal mucus resembles the consistency of snot. Its density and transparency depend on the content of proteins and mucins (proteins whose molecules contain polysaccharide chains).

Normally, snot-like discharge should have the following indicators:

They should be transparent, slightly white or beige in color.
They should not have an unpleasant odor. A slightly acidic aroma may be present due to the presence of beneficial lactobacilli in the vaginal microflora, which prevent the spread of infection.
The mucus should not foam, contain lumps or blood.

In addition, leucorrhoea should not be too abundant, causing irritation of the vulva and perineum, itching and burning in the vagina.

Pathological causes

Gynecologists say that during inflammatory changes, the cervix is capable of producing mucus. Then the mucous discharge is compared to the white of a raw egg; it contains whitish streaks.

They can also be white in color. This character indicates erosion of the cervix or inflammation of its canal.

How to determine: ovulation or an inflammatory process in the uterine cavity? Still, some women note an elevated body temperature in the range of 37-37.5 degrees. This may indicate ovulation. In this case, there may also be pain in the lower abdomen at the time the egg is released. In this case, menstrual bleeding should begin within a couple of weeks.

No matter how much you would like to do without seeking help from a doctor, this cannot be avoided. It is dangerous to wait until your period starts when your body temperature is elevated.

Let's figure out what it is, normal or pathological

The production of gland secretions in the vagina may vary depending on physiological reasons or the addition of an infection. Early identification of the cause allows to prevent complications and the transition of the disease to a chronic form.

Copious, clear, odorless discharge

In most cases, this type of leucorrhoea is a physiological condition caused by hormonal changes. The most common causes of strong, thick, colorless, odorless discharge include:

pregnancy, as well as preparing the body for childbirth;
excess estrogen in the body;
breast-feeding;
sexual arousal;
hormone replacement therapy.

With blood

Leucorrhoea, which is mucous in nature and streaked with blood, is caused by:

Upcoming or ending menstruation.
Inflammatory process in the uterine cavity. In this case, the discharge is accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and an unpleasant odor.
Erosion on the cervix, as well as ulcerative defects in the vagina. Leucorrhoea intensifies after sexual intercourse, as well as after vaginal examination.
The appearance of injuries to the uterus and vagina. This is caused by a violation of the location of the intrauterine contraceptive, active sexual intercourse, and the use of a tampon.
Tumor processes. Blood in vaginal mucus may be a consequence of a malignant process in the uterus, cervix or vagina during menopause.
Threat of termination of pregnancy at various stages. Discharge with blood is accompanied by a pulling pain in the lower abdomen.

The intensity of bloody leucorrhoea depends on the severity of the condition.

mucus mixed with blood or pus - pathology

Sticky like glue

Leucorrhoea of a sticky, jelly-like nature without a specific odor is in most cases associated with physiological reasons, such as:

upcoming ovulation;
previous sexual intercourse;
consequence of sexual intercourse;
changes in hormonal levels.

The addition of infection is accompanied by a change in the nature of the jelly leucorrhoea, as well as an unpleasant odor.

Brown

The appearance of brown streaks in the mucus from the female organs is normal during the beginning and at the end of menstruation.

At the same time, long-term persistence of this condition, as well as the appearance of mucus clots with brown streaks during the intermenstrual period, indicates serious abnormalities that require urgent treatment. We are talking about the following problems:

development of an acute inflammatory process in the uterus, as well as exacerbation of the chronic form of the disease;
polyps in the uterine cavity or in the cervical canal;
violation of the location of the intrauterine contraceptive;
threat of miscarriage, as well as detachment of membranes;
internal bleeding;
ectopic pregnancy;
pathologies of the circulatory or lymphatic systems in the pelvic organs.

Yellow

The appearance of yellow leucorrhoea in women may be a consequence of an inflammatory or physiological process in the body. The most common reasons include:

The initial period of taking oral contraceptives. Changes in hormonal levels lead to restructuring of the vaginal microflora. In this case, the patient notes the appearance of yellow discharge without other symptoms. Gradually their volume decreases or they stop after contraceptives are discontinued.
Allergic reactions that occur when the body is hypersensitive to environmental factors. Allergens include pads, tampons, hygiene products, and medications. Yellow leucorrhoea is accompanied by swelling of the mucous membranes, itching and severe discomfort.
Pregnancy. Mucus is not accompanied by pathological symptoms and is released due to changes in hormonal levels.
Nonspecific inflammatory diseases. The main symptoms of the disease include pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, itching and burning in the vagina, as well as difficulty urinating.
Sexually transmitted infections. Each pathology has characteristic features that make it possible to distinguish it from other diseases.

Transparent with green particles

The appearance of transparent discharge with a green tint is associated with a long-term inflammatory process. The intensity depends on the state of the immune system, medications taken and the duration of infection. Associated symptoms include itching and burning in the vagina, discomfort during sexual intercourse, as well as the appearance of an unpleasant odor that is putrid in nature.

Green, gray

Often mucus discharged from the vagina, which has a green or gray tint, is a manifestation of inflammation in the woman’s genital organs, especially if it occurs regularly and is accompanied by unpleasant symptoms.

The most common pathologies include:

Gardnerellosis. Leucorrhoea has a mucous character and a gray tint, sometimes it becomes liquid and is accompanied by a pronounced unpleasant odor, reminiscent of fish.
Genital herpes. Viral infection is accompanied by the formation of clear or gray discharge with a viscous consistency. A characteristic symptom of the disease is the appearance of rashes on the external genitalia, represented by vesicles filled with transparent contents.
Trichomoniasis. Mucous leucorrhoea with a green tint and a bad odor, reminiscent of rotten fish, is the result of the vital activity of Trichomonas.
Ureaplasmosis. This variant of sexually transmitted infections is accompanied by the appearance of discharge with a gray tint and an unpleasant odor.

Mucous leucorrhoea with unusual symptoms

A change in the smell and color of leucorrhoea may be associated with the development of inflammatory diseases, a decrease in immune strength, surgery, as well as a disturbance of the microflora due to the use of antibiotics, cytostatics or hormonal drugs.

A distinctive feature of this condition is the lack of connection with the menstrual cycle. Leucorrhoea appears during the period of maximum mucus secretion from the vagina, as well as after menstruation, when its volume should be minimal. The most common pathologies include:

inflammation in various parts of the woman’s reproductive system, for example, cervicitis, vaginitis, and endometritis;
addition of a fungal infection;
sexually transmitted infections;
vaginal dysbiosis.

If a woman experiences changes in her discharge, she should seek help from a doctor. After collecting anamnesis and examination, the specialist will identify the cause and select effective treatment. Self-administration of medications or non-drug methods can lead to complications.

When should you see a doctor?

Usually, mucous discharge (it is quite thick and stretchy, transparent or slightly milky in color) is considered to be a variant of the norm, because in a woman it can take on a different character depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.

If you ignore this symptom and do not seek advice from a specialist in time, you may miss the onset of the development of any pathology:

Cervical erosions;
Sexually transmitted infections;
Cervical oncology;
Inflammation of the appendages (fallopian tubes, ovaries);
Infertility or difficulty conceiving.

All complications can be avoided if you seek help in time. A visit to the gynecologist should not be postponed. If cervical erosion develops or genital infections appear, then it is necessary to be examined as early as possible. Only if the disease is detected in a timely manner is effective treatment possible.

In the postpartum period, it is very important to observe the rules of personal hygiene. The open wound surface of the uterus, and in some cases the sutures on the cervix or perineum, is an excellent breeding ground for the life of various microorganisms; it is humid and warm there. Inflammatory processes in the uterus or vagina develop very quickly. This is why it is so important for women to keep their external genitalia clean.

The moment the baby is born, the mother’s body begins the postpartum recovery process and a regimen for maintaining the baby’s health through breast milk. During such a difficult period, women experience lochia - bloody vaginal discharge that forms from an open wound at the site of the placenta. At first they are too abundant, but gradually the liquid changes its color towards brownish, pinkish, yellowish and eventually transparent. This will happen until the wound heals completely. Therefore, for the next two months, the new mother will have to wear special pads and carefully monitor all changes.

If recovery proceeds without any complications, then lochia does not have a strong odor and does not cause much discomfort. However, there are frequent cases of the appearance of a green tint of secretion, which indicates the presence of deviations. A gynecologist will help you figure out what exactly happened and what to do next.

Signs of pregnancy

The reproductive system is fully adapted for bearing and giving birth to a fetus after conception. And vaginal mucus plays an important role in this. It immediately increases upon conception, as hormonal changes in the body begin, it is not abundant and has no color or smell. In the presence of a zygote, the mucous membrane of the uterus comes into play, producing a secretion that facilitates the attachment of the egg to it. The discharge resembles raw egg white. This lasts throughout the first trimester of pregnancy (about 12 weeks). At this time, the pregnancy hormone progesterone prevails in the body. It creates all the conditions for retaining the fetus and maintaining the condition.

Viscous, light discharge forms a mucous plug, which reliably clogs the entrance to the uterus until labor pains and protects its cavity from microbes. If there is a lot of discharge, then a woman can use pads, but not tampons. From the 13th week of pregnancy, the mucus thins out a little, estrogen production increases, and the volume of discharge increases - this is already the 2nd trimester of gestation.

Closer to the 37th week, the cervix begins to gradually soften, and the body is actively preparing for childbirth. The snot-like discharge increases and may become yellowish. At the right time, the mucus plug may come out immediately or gradually. Thus, labor pains begin. These are the processes of a normal pregnancy.

But it can be complicated by the addition of thrush, as the immune system is weakened. In such a case, treatment by a doctor is required. Premature birth may occur. Then the plug comes out earlier and blood impurities can be added to the snot-like discharge.

A change in the color of the mucus indicates an infection and requires examination by a gynecologist. Bloody leucorrhoea, similar to snot, in the early stages can indicate an ectopic pregnancy, in the later stages - about premature birth. In this case, placental abruption occurs.

In addition, mucus with blood in pregnant women may appear after an examination by a gynecologist or after sex. Pink leucorrhoea with pain, itching, and odor is usually observed with infections.

Vaginal discharge is the result of the secretory work of the vaginal glands, as well as the activity of microorganisms and desquamation of epithelial cells. A change in their character is the result of the functioning of the reproductive system or the addition of pathogenic flora. If you have complaints about pathological mucus, you should consult a doctor and undergo an examination aimed at identifying the cause. However, mucous discharge in women such as snot is not always a cause for concern.

Why does green discharge appear?

Lochia turns green when pus appears in them. Accordingly, serious attention should be paid to this. Not in all cases, the green color characterizes already progressing inflammation; sometimes this fact indicates that the discharge is weak, accumulates and begins to rot. And if you miss time, you will have to treat the problem for a long time. Of all the possible colors of postpartum secretions, green ones are considered the most alarming. This is because, with any gynecological disease after childbirth, lochia will take on such an unpleasant hue.

If recovery proceeds normally, after a couple of weeks the woman in labor may develop white-yellow lochia without an unpleasant odor. If greenery is observed, then perhaps it signals the development of endometritis, inflammation of the uterine lining. This disease is quite difficult for young mothers, as it is accompanied by an increase in temperature and sharp pain in the abdominal area. This often happens due to a violation of the integrity of the internal tissues, as well as slow recovery of the genital organs. The secretion accumulates in large quantities inside the woman, which causes serious trouble.

When about two months have passed after giving birth, and suddenly a green tint of discharge appears, this is an indicator that endometritis is in a sluggish state. There is no point in doing treatment on your own. Most likely, the doctor will decide to hospitalize the woman and perform medical curettage.

Characteristics and causes of pathological discharge

Often, mucus secretion in women that does not correspond to the norm is caused by the following problems:

infection in the vagina;
chronic fungal diseases;
consequences of the operation;
incorrectly selected hormonal therapy;
decreased immunity;
changes in vaginal microflora;
pathological processes in the reproductive system.

In each individual case, in addition to the secreted mucus, the woman will note additional symptoms that cause discomfort. But in the early stages of diseases it may be absent, and then the first signal will be precisely modified secretion.

A direct indication of health problems is vaginal discharge, which has the following features:

rich color (yellow, green, brown, scarlet);
long duration (more than three or four days are observed);
heterogeneous consistency (lumps, blood clots, pieces of pus);
a sharp increase in temperature;
general malaise;
rashes on the external genitalia;
systematic burning and itching in the perineal area;
pain in the lower back and abdomen;
foamy or curdled consistency;
discomfort while washing.

The photo shows examples of pathological secretions:

Bloody mucus Orange discharge Bloody discharge Yellow discharge

Constant discharge in significant quantities, even without discomfort, indicates disturbances in the microflora of a woman’s vagina. Without timely diagnosis and properly selected treatment, protective functions are reduced, creating favorable conditions for various infectious and fungal diseases.

When to sound the alarm?

As mentioned above, green discharge is a sign of a pathological process inside the female genital organs. Therefore, it is necessary to sound the alarm immediately, since advanced inflammation does not promise absolutely nothing good for the new mother.

Particularly dangerous is, in addition to the color, the presence of a strong unpleasant odor. These symptoms may indicate many diseases, such as chlamydia, gardnerellosis, bacterial vaginosis, gonorrhea, thrush, trichomoniasis. These diseases are infectious and are easily transmitted through sexual contact. In the presence of such problems, the green discharge acquires a foam-like consistency, and redness and unbearable itching in the vagina also appear.

It is no less dangerous for the female body when lochia takes on a frightening hue due to the inflammatory process in the fallopian tubes or her cervix. In this case, the amount of secretion may be insignificant, but the body temperature will increase and painful sensations will begin to disturb. In this case, delaying visiting a antenatal clinic is vitally dangerous.

Any pathological symptoms during the postpartum period require medical examination. The sooner the doctor prescribes treatment, the less harm the disease will cause to the body. It is possible that a number of antibiotics, local drugs, and vaginal suppositories will be prescribed. Of course, until complete recovery you will have to stop breastfeeding.

To prevent the occurrence of dangerous lochia, it is necessary to carefully observe hygiene and use hygiene products without fragrances and dyes. Therefore, a new mother should carefully select bath products and keep her underwear clean and change sanitary pads regularly.

Childbirth is a long and complex process, after which the body needs some time to recover. First of all, this concerns the uterus, because it must return to its original size, renew the mucous membrane, in a word, recover and prepare for the next conception, therefore, after a woman gives birth, she will have bleeding. During the first 6 or 8 weeks, the uterus cleanses itself, secreting ichor, remnants of the epithelium, and mucus. What should the discharge be like after giving birth in 2 months? The answer to this question depends on the individual characteristics of the body, the state of health of the woman’s reproductive organs, and so on.

What does spotting mean?

The baby decided to be born, the birth was successful, there were no visible complications, but after two months there is still spotting? If there are no disturbing symptoms, such as fever, abdominal pain and general deterioration of the condition, we can talk about slow contractions of the uterus. That is, the organ has not yet returned to its previous size, has not been cleared of ichor, mucus, or exfoliated epithelium. Each woman has her own rate of shrinkage and cleansing of the uterus, and much depends on how enlarged it was during pregnancy.

Bloody discharge 2 months after birth is normal if it gradually decreases and is not accompanied by unpleasant sensations.

To improve uterine contractions, you should breastfeed regularly - this process activates the production of oxytocin, which stimulates smooth muscles. In addition, doctors advise lying on your stomach more often. However, after giving birth, women do this with pleasure, because they were deprived of this opportunity for many months.

Cold compresses in the first weeks after childbirth also contribute to the contraction of the uterus, which means its rapid return to normal. A sign that everything has returned to its original state is transparent discharge, which may immediately have a yellowish color.

If discharge appears after three months

In the case when more than two months have passed after childbirth, and bloody discharge suddenly appears, the following options are possible: either menstruation has begun, or a pathology has arisen.

Menstruation can come after 3 months, even if a woman is breastfeeding, this is always worth remembering. If bleeding occurs in the same way as usual during menstruation and ends after a few days, it is quite possible that the monthly cycle has been restored.

In the case when the bleeding is more profuse or prolonged, if it occurs irregularly, more often than normal menstruation, you should consult a gynecologist. What pathologies may occur? The most common are the following:

uterine bleeding;
adenomyosis;
endometritis;
divergence of internal seams;
uterine polyps;
inflammatory process.

The most serious are inflammation, internal suture dehiscence and uterine bleeding - these conditions require urgent medical attention. But in order to provide it, you need to establish the correct diagnosis. That is, if a woman periodically experiences bloody discharge that is uncharacteristic of menstruation, this is a reason to consult a doctor. You need to worry even more if the bleeding is accompanied by an increase in temperature - this is a clear symptom of inflammation, and this condition requires immediate treatment.

Physiological causes of discharge clear as snot

The presence of very abundant mucous discharge in girls is not normal. This is due to the fact that before reaching puberty, the egg is in the stage of formation and active development, which means that the hormone estrogen is just preparing for production.

This substance is a harbinger of the formation of the menstrual cycle. After the girl has reproductively “formed” and become a girl, she will be constantly present, changing intensity and saturation depending on the phases of the cycle.

Mucus discharge after and before menstruation

The appearance and volume of discharge depends on the predominance of a particular hormone in a particular phase of the cycle. Such secretion is allowed before and after menstruation.

At the beginning of the menstrual cycle after monthly blood loss, most girls notice viscous sticky mucus on the pad, sometimes mixed with blood, so a pink or light red tint is possible. Heavy mucous discharge after a scanty period sometimes means pregnancy.
In the middle of the cycle, ovulation occurs, which is accompanied by a maximum amount of estrogen. This hormone makes the discharge abundant and also reduces its viscosity to facilitate the path of sperm to the egg, while at the same time it can pull the lower abdomen. However, not all women have a thin mucus consistency at this time.
Towards the end of the menstrual cycle, the hormonal background stabilizes, there is less and less secretion, it becomes transparent, sometimes slightly white, and the consistency resembles a cream or even jellied meat. A few days before your period, the secretion may appear again, so discharge like clear mucus stretching between the fingers is not excluded.

Probability of conception and pregnancy

If there is a delay, and instead of menstruation there is a discharge very similar to snot, then pregnancy cannot be ruled out. The level of the hormone prolactin increases in the body, causing thicker secretion, which protects the woman’s reproductive system and fetus from harmful bacteria and infections. At this time, brown or pink mucus from the vagina is also possible, indicating the fixation of the fertilized egg in the uterine cavity.

In the second trimester (from 14 to 27 weeks), a small amount of such discharge indicates a normal course of the gestation period. When their volume increases, they flow like water, which means there is a threat of premature birth, especially if blood clots are present.

But in the later stages (9th month), the appearance of copious and highly viscous discharge during pregnancy is most often associated with the passage of a mucus plug, which indicates the approach of labor. Small blood clots may be present, but significant blood loss requires immediate medical attention.

After the baby is born

First, blood is present in the secretion, which indicates the cleansing of the body. After 6–8 weeks, mucous discharge begins to appear, like snot with a liquid and transparent structure. If a woman is breastfeeding, the secretion becomes thicker due to increased prolactin, which also delays the onset of the first menstruation after pregnancy.

After operations

Surgery is often accompanied by postoperative bloody or brown secretion. After a while, it is replaced by mucus, indicating complete healing of all microdamages. Therefore, do not worry if such odorless and itchy secretion appears after these manipulations:

radio wave cauterization of erosion;
curettage procedure;
C-section;
artificial termination of pregnancy;
removal of tumors;
conization of the cervix.

At first there will be red or brown copious discharge, which will gradually become transparent and thicken, resembling mucus. Some pain is possible, but it goes away with time.

Menopause

During menopause, stringy discharge in women like snot is not a sign of health problems if there is no itching, burning or redness. Later, a woman in menopause observes less and less vaginal secretion due to low production of sex hormones.

If a woman takes hormonal medications, they can affect the vaginal secretion, increase its quantity or slightly change the consistency, but no more.

Intimacy and change of sexual partner

Both before and directly during sexual intercourse, a woman’s arousal is accompanied by the production of vaginal secretions. Stimulated by brain impulses triggered by an intimate moment, the uterus produces a large amount of clear, mucous, odorless vaginal discharge called “lubricant.” This substance helps prevent injury to internal surfaces and avoid discomfort.

After the end of intercourse, the body is rebuilt, which means that the fluids change qualitative and quantitative properties. Intimacy that occurs with the use of a condom entails the production of a creamy substance of white or faded yellowish color. After several hours, the secretion loses color, acquiring rich shades and gaining noticeable thickness.

Other discharge after childbirth

The birth of a child does not always go as desired, and the postpartum period can be complicated by inflammation or pathologies. One of the most important indicators of a woman’s health in the first 3–4 months is discharge. They may be different.

What does yellow discharge mean?

Even several months after giving birth, yellow discharge may occur. Normally, their appearance is associated with the completion of cleansing of the uterus, and this process can last more or less long.

Yellow discharge, if it is not a pathology, should not have a very pronounced color. They are not accompanied by itching or pain in the vagina, in the abdomen, and do not cause discomfort.

If the yellow discharge has a too bright color or a green tint, an admixture of pus, blood, or a strong unpleasant odor, this is already a sign of pathology, that is, an inflammatory process. It will also be indicated by pain in the lower abdomen, itching in the vagina, and a feeling of discomfort during sexual intercourse. An increase in body temperature and general malaise indicates the rapid development of the inflammatory process. Basically, pathological yellow discharge appears with endometritis, but can also be a symptom of a sexually transmitted infection.

White color of discharge

A person who has given birth is not inclined to carefully listen to his feelings and pay attention to some subtle changes in the body - everything is occupied by the newborn. But if a woman notices that she has white, mucous discharge, this may indicate the development of candidiasis. At this stage, it does not bother you too much; itching and irritation occur later, when the discharge becomes curdled.

Candidiasis or thrush is not a dangerous, but very unpleasant disease that can occur for a variety of reasons. Fortunately, it is easy to treat; sometimes only local remedies are enough, which is especially important when breastfeeding. The main thing is not to start the disease.

Brown discharge

This color always indicates the presence of blood, but not fresh, but already coagulated. Brown discharge after childbirth, which appears in the third or fourth month, may indicate the beginning of the restoration of the menstrual cycle.

The brownish color of the discharge, its small amount and duration, together with the typical manifestations of menstruation, indicate that the woman has started her period.

If such discharge appeared more than a month ago, and it does not look like menstruation, a hormonal imbalance may have occurred. After childbirth, this is quite natural, although not normal. It is worth undergoing an examination and taking tests for hormones; an ultrasound will also be useful.

If the discharge smells unpleasant, if it is accompanied by aching pain in the lower abdomen, you should also consult a doctor - endometritis is possible. In addition, brown discharge often indicates vaginosis, microtrauma of the cervix or vagina, and polyps.

Mucus discharge

It may also happen that a woman’s cycle has already recovered, but in the middle of it, the discharge becomes mucous and more abundant. If there are no signs of pathology (pain, itching, discomfort, bad odor, pus, blood), then this is a symptom of ovulation. The woman is ready for fertilization again, so she should be more careful if she does not want to have another child.

Such discharge can appear even when a young mother is actively breastfeeding, because lactation does not mean complete blocking of ovulation.

Symptoms of pathologies

White mucous discharge that does not appear during the period of ovulation is considered a symptom of pathology. This could be: staphylococcus, streptococcus, gonococcus. In all these cases, the volume of discharge exceeds the norm, is often accompanied by an unpleasant odor, and changes its color from whitish to yellow or green. In addition, there may be itching, burning, pain in the lower abdomen, and discomfort in the groin.

Discharge color and its changes:

transparent – normal;
curdled ones - for thrush;
red or pink – spiral, endometritis, menstruation, neoplasms, pathological pregnancy;
brown – oxidation and destruction of red blood cells;
yellow and green – infection.

Red mucous discharge may appear after menstruation or in the last days of menstruation, when the uterus is cleared of residual blood. They are harmless, disappear within 3 days, there are few of them. If they continue, it may be a sign of erosion. If this color of discharge appears in the initial stage of pregnancy, namely, in the first trimester, this may indicate an ectopic pregnancy. In the third trimester - speaks of a threat of miscarriage or early labor.

The yellow color appears most often with STIs: gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, chlamydia. Along with them, abdominal pain, itching in the genitals, foaminess and an increase in the volume of discharge are observed. If you smell rotten fish, it's bacterial vaginosis.

When does the discharge end?

The past labor period was difficult for the body; it needs time to recover. As mentioned above, each woman’s discharge stops at different times. The better the uterus contracts, the faster everything returns to normal.

But on average, heavy, bloody discharge (lochia) stops after 6 weeks, or rather, becomes spotting. And after 2 - 2.5 months the uterus should be completely cleansed.

But this is on average. But in practice, the normalization of all processes can take place much more slowly, for some it takes three or four months, or faster - in the same 6 weeks.

When self-diagnosis, you need to take into account not only the presence and type of discharge, but also whether it is accompanied by any symptoms. If not, you can do an ultrasound or visit a gynecologist to reassure you. In the event that there is something disturbing (pain, fever, any discomfort), there is no need to postpone a visit to the doctor.

The slightest changes in the body can indicate a number of pathologies, even the slightest deviation from the norm. The main thing is to notice it in time and consult a doctor.

The nature of the discharge is normal

The female genital area is designed in such a way that it periodically secretes secretions. By its condition one can judge the quality of health and the physiological state of the body; in a healthy body they should be transparent, whitish in color.

Their composition is determined by the separation of enzymes from the cervix, vagina and dead epithelial cells.

The discharge should not cause irritation to the skin and mucous membrane of organs that come into contact with it.

A healthy woman's discharge is flaky and odorless. But depending on the time of the physiological state cycle, the nature and degree of viscosity can change.

The secreted secretion should be insignificant and not have any strong odors. And it should not be accompanied by pain or fever.

Mucous leucorrhoea like snot during special periods

The vaginal mucosa with the flora inhabiting it is sensitive to changes in hormones, which can be expressed by a change in the nature of the mucus. It is important to understand why the discharge occurs like snot, so that if pathology is present, you can consult a doctor in time and begin treatment.

During pregnancy

Changes in the nature of discharge during pregnancy are associated with increased levels of prolactin and progesterone. These hormones thicken mucus, creating a protective environment in the vagina that prevents the entry of pathogenic microorganisms.

Features and dangers of discharge by trimester:

In the first trimester of pregnancy, their volume is insignificant. The appearance of a pink tint or brown streaks is allowed, which may indicate implantation of the fertilized egg or a developing threat.
In the second trimester of pregnancy, a small amount of leucorrhoea is normal. Their increase with the appearance of a more liquid consistency, reminiscent of water, is a sign of prenatal rupture of amniotic fluid. Violation of the integrity of the fetal bladder is accompanied by the inclusion of bloody streaks.
In the third trimester , especially in the later stages, the volume of white mucous discharge, similar to snot, may increase, which is the reason for the removal of the plug from the cervix, which performs a protective function during pregnancy. This condition is a sign of impending labor.

Reasons why the nature of the secretion changes

Clear, odorless discharge like snot may be a sign of the following:

a mature egg is ready for fertilization;
pregnancy;
venereal diseases;
diseases of the intimate sphere of a non-infectious nature;
menopause period.

Yellowish color

This kind of secret is normal if:

does not have a strong aroma;
no pain or other symptoms;
their volume is insignificant;
consistency is homogeneous;
the color is pale, muted.

The period after childbirth also provokes a yellowish discharge from the genitals, but this should not be accompanied by other symptoms. A yellow tint is characteristic of the following pathologies:

Inflammation in the intimate area. The disease is accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the genital area and during sex.
Venereal diseases. The discharge smells like rotting fish.

Green tint

This type is not present in a healthy body and is caused by a number of reasons:

inflammation of the genital organs caused by various bacteria, accompanied by itching and foamy secretions;
trichomoniasis;

If blood is present

This is completely abnormal for a healthy woman; it indicates a number of diseases and physiological conditions:

ulcers, warts, polyps on the mucous membrane of the genital organs;
cancerous tumors;
diseases of the cervix, including erosion;

Black color

Such a secretion indicates the presence of blood, but it is very thick and has a heterogeneous viscous consistency or in the form of clots. In some conditions it is not dangerous, but it signals the following violations:

diseases of the endocrine system;
sudden changes in weight from obesity to weight loss;
long-term illnesses;

Transparent view

girls of puberty, have no odor, do not create a feeling of discomfort;
before ovulation;

If other symptoms are added to these, for example, painful sensations when urinating in the urethra or during sex, and an unnatural aroma is added, then this serves as the beginning of a pathological process in the intimate sphere of a woman:

endometritis, other inflammatory processes, possibly the presence of an unpleasant odor;
pathology of the cervix, there is bleeding;

White color

White, odorless discharge in women should not cause concern as long as its quantity and consistency do not change.

Vaginitis. Inflammatory process of the vaginal mucosa.
Inflammatory processes affecting the internal genital organs.
Allergic reactions to hygiene products, to linen fabric.
Thrush.
Treatment with hormonal drugs or long-term use of contraceptives.
Sedentary work.

Poor personal hygiene can also become a reason for a violation of the nature of the discharge.

Causes of pathological leucorrhoea that resembles snot

Signs of pathology are:

the mucus has a bright yellow, green, brown or grayish-white color;

the appearance of a clear smell of rot, sour milk or rotten fish in clear discharge;

the presence of veins or blood clots in them for a long time;

foamy or curdled mucus consistency;

production of too much mucus, similar to watery snot.

The cause of the pathology may be diseases of the genital organs caused by infection, the occurrence of inflammatory processes, and hormonal disorders in the body.

Bloody discharge

The appearance of bloody leucorrhoea indicates either injury to the mucous membranes of the vagina or vulva, or the formation of tumors in the genital organs, areas of inflammation with damage to blood vessels.

Diseases of the cervix (erosion, dysplasia, leukoplakia). All of them are associated with damage to the mucous membranes, the appearance of ulcers, cracks, and areas of keratinization on the surface of the cervix. They begin to bleed when walking or changing body position. Symptoms of pathologies are often the appearance of pain and bleeding during sexual intercourse. The causes of such diseases are hormonal disorders, damage to cervical tissue during childbirth, abortion, gynecological operations, and rough sexual intercourse.

Uterine fibroids. This is a benign tumor inside or on the outside of the uterus. The pathological development of tissues and blood vessels leads to the constant appearance of blood in the mucous leucorrhoea, which has nothing to do with menstruation and is not associated with the processes of the cycle.

Endometriosis is the abnormal development of the endometrium, pathological growth of the vascular network, swelling of the mucous membrane, throwing its particles into the ovaries, peritoneum and other organs. With this disease, blood clots and particles of damaged endometrium can be seen in the mucous secretions. Due to internal bleeding, they are usually brown in color. They can be either abundant or scanty (smearing).

What happens to girls who have not reached puberty?

It is difficult to say the exact time when secretions begin to be released in girls, but nevertheless they should be in small quantities, transparent or whitish. They should not cause inconvenience to the child or be accompanied by other symptoms.

a yellowish tint, redness in the genital area indicate infectious vulvovaginitis;
parasitic intestinal diseases;
blood indicates injuries in the intimate area;
greenish discharge can be caused by infectious diseases, for example, herpes or chlamydia, which a child is infected with either in utero or through household contact with adults;
and also an allergic reaction provokes changes. This reaction is caused by detergents and fabrics that come into contact with the baby’s delicate skin.