Normal Color of Lochia One Week Postpartum
At one week postpartum, lochia typically transitions from bright red (lochia rubra) to a pinkish-brown or brownish color (lochia serosa), reflecting the normal progression of postpartum vaginal discharge. 1, 2
Normal Lochia Progression
Lochia follows a predictable pattern of color changes during the postpartum period, typically progressing through three distinct phases 1, 3:
- Lochia rubra (bright red): First 3-5 days postpartum
- Lochia serosa (pinkish-brown to brownish): Days 4-10 postpartum
- Lochia alba (yellowish-white to creamy): Days 10-14 until cessation
By one week postpartum, most women (especially those who are breastfeeding) will have transitioned from lochia rubra to lochia serosa, characterized by a brownish-pink or brownish color 2, 3
The most common pattern of lochia (Type 1 pattern, seen in 51% of women) follows this classic rubra→serosa→alba progression and is more commonly observed in breastfeeding mothers 2, 3
Duration and Volume Considerations
The overall duration of lochia typically ranges from 24 days to 36 days, with some women experiencing discharge for up to 6 weeks postpartum 1, 4
At one week postpartum, the volume of discharge should be noticeably decreasing compared to the immediate postpartum period 1
The median duration of lochia rubra is approximately 4 days, while lochia serosa has a median duration of about 22 days 4
A World Health Organization multinational study found the median total duration of lochia to be 27 days, with significant variation between different populations (range 22-34 days) 5
Variations in Normal Patterns
Research has identified three distinct patterns of lochia color progression 3:
- Type 1: Classic rubra→serosa→alba sequence (most common, 51%)
- Type 2: Prolonged rubra phase with shorter serosa and alba phases
- Type 3: Two rubra phases separated by serosa/alba phases
Women who are not breastfeeding or who have higher parity may experience the Type 2 pattern with a more prolonged rubra phase 3
Some studies suggest that lochia patterns are more varied in duration, amount, and color than traditionally described in medical literature 6
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
Return to bright red bleeding after lochia has already transitioned to serosa (brownish) may indicate complications such as retained placental fragments or subinvolution 1, 2
Foul-smelling discharge at any point is abnormal and may indicate infection (postpartum endometritis) 2
Sudden heavy bleeding or passing large clots after lochia has lightened requires immediate medical attention 2
Severe abdominal pain or uterine tenderness accompanying any color of lochia warrants evaluation 2
By one week postpartum, most women should observe their lochia transitioning from bright red to a brownish-pink color as part of the normal healing process. Any deviation from this pattern, particularly a return to bright red bleeding, should prompt medical evaluation.