Postpartum recovery involves managing lochia, the vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue following childbirth. This discharge requires specialized hygiene products designed to handle a heavy, sustained flow. Since the intensity changes significantly over time, the size and absorbency of the pads must evolve as the body recovers. Understanding the progression of lochia is the first step in selecting the correct pads for comfort and hygiene.
Understanding the Progression of Postpartum Bleeding
Lochia lasts for several weeks as the uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size. This progression is generally divided into three distinct phases, each requiring a different level of absorbency.
Lochia Rubra
The initial phase, Lochia Rubra, features a heavy flow of bright or dark red blood, often containing small clots. This stage typically lasts for the first three to four days after birth, marking the most intense period of bleeding.
Lochia Serosa
Following this, the flow transitions into Lochia Serosa, lasting from approximately day four to day ten postpartum. The discharge becomes thinner and changes color to a pinkish-brown, indicating a reduction in the volume of blood.
Lochia Alba
The final stage is Lochia Alba, which begins around day ten to fourteen and can persist for up to six weeks postpartum. This discharge is light, creamy, or yellowish-white, containing less blood and more white blood cells and tissue. The lightening of the flow helps determine when to switch to smaller, less absorbent pads.
Selecting Pads for the Initial Heavy Flow Stage
The first week postpartum, coinciding with the heavy Lochia Rubra phase, requires the largest and most absorbent products, often labeled as specialized maternity pads. These pads handle the initial flow and clots, which are significantly heavier than a typical menstrual period. Look for products that are extra-long and wide, often measuring 13 to over 18 inches in length.
These pads must provide “Maximum” or “Super” absorbency to manage the high volume of flow, which can soak a thick pad every two to three hours in the first day or two. A soft, non-woven topsheet and a highly absorbent core are important for managing moisture and preventing leaks. Hospitals often provide these oversized liners for immediate use.
Selecting maternity pads made with breathable materials, such as organic cotton, is recommended for this sensitive recovery period. Pads free from plastic linings, perfumes, and dyes reduce the risk of irritation, especially if you have stitches or perineal discomfort. Breathability helps keep the area dry and comfortable, supporting healing.
Transitioning to Moderate and Light Absorbency
As your flow moves into the Lochia Serosa phase (pinkish-brown, days 4-10), the intensity of bleeding lessens, signaling the time to transition from the thickest maternity pads. Switch to high-absorbency overnight maxi pads, which are longer and more protective than standard daytime pads but offer a thinner profile.
Overnight pads provide extra-long coverage for security against unpredictable leaks. Continue using this level of protection until you are no longer soaking through a pad within a few hours. Switching too early risks leaks and discomfort.
Once you enter the Lochia Alba phase (yellowish-white, typically after day 10 or week 2), the flow is light enough for standard maxi pads or thin panty liners. This final stage of discharge is minimal, and lighter products are sufficient to manage spotting. The key indicator for this transition is a flow manageable with a regular pad without high-capacity absorption.
Recognizing Signs Requiring Medical Attention
While lochia is a normal part of healing, certain signs indicate excessive bleeding and require immediate medical evaluation. A flow heavy enough to soak through one large, maximum-absorbency pad in an hour for two or more consecutive hours is concerning. Passing blood clots larger than a golf ball also requires contacting your healthcare provider.
Other symptoms accompanying heavy bleeding can signal a complication, such as a sharp drop in blood pressure or infection. These include dizziness, feeling faint, a racing heartbeat, or feeling unusually weak. A fever, chills, or a foul odor from the lochia are signs of a uterine infection, and you should seek prompt medical care.