A woman is examined on postpartum day 8. The vaginal discharge is pinkish brown, contains serum, leukocytes and decidual debris, and no longer shows red blood cells predominantly. Which stage of lochia is described?
- A Lochia serosa ✓
- B Lochia rubra
- C Lochia alba
- D Lochia purulenta
Correct answer: A. Lochia serosa
Explanation
Lochia serosa appears around day 4 to day 10 postpartum and is pinkish brown because red cells are replaced by serum, leukocytes and decidual tissue. Lochia rubra is red and lasts the first 3 to 4 days, while lochia alba is whitish and appears after about day 10, lasting up to 3 weeks. Persistence of rubra beyond a week suggests retained products or subinvolution.
Reference: DC Dutta's Textbook of Obstetrics, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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