Lochia

Vaginal postpartum bleeding, or lochia, is the heavy flow of blood and mucus that starts after delivery. The heaviest of the bleeding will last for about 3 to 10 days after delivery.

Lochia should stop flowing around 4 to 6 weeks after delivery, though it can end sooner or later depending on the woman and the pregnancy.

Lochia is just like your period — only heavier and longer-lasting. It also has some components that you won’t find in a basic menstrual period, like mucus and tissue from your uterus, mostly from where the placenta was attached.

Vaginal or C-section delivery, you will experience this, your body is ridding itself of all the extra blood and tissue it needed to nourish your baby during pregnancy.