Lochia, in its various forms, may normally persist for what time interval postpaum?
High-Yield Explanation
- Sloughing of decidual tissue results in a vaginal discharge of variable quantity. For the first few days after delivery, there is blood sufficient to color it red--lochia rubra. - After 3 or 4 days, lochia becomes progressively pale in color--lochia serosa. After approximately the 10th day, because of an admixture of leukocytes and reduced fluid content, lochia assumes a white or yellow-white color--lochia alba. - The average duration of lochial discharge ranges from 24 to 36 days