Women's Healthè lù bù jué

Prolonged postpartum bleeding (lochia)

Also called:prolonged lochiapostpartum discharge

From the TCM perspective: Prolonged lochia: blood stasis or deficient qi failing to contain blood

Overview

Lochia is postpartum uterine discharge shifting red→pink→yellow/white over 4-6 weeks. Persistent heavy red bleeding, foul odor or fever is not normal. TCM sees deficient qi failing to contain blood, blood stasis preventing uterine closure, or heat driving blood; retained tissue and infection must be ruled out.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Qi deficiency failing to contain blood

Key distinguishing signs: Persistent pale thin red flow with fatigue, palpitations and poor appetite, pale tongue and weak pulse
Treatment principle: Tonify qi to contain and secure blood

Blood stasis blocking closure

Key distinguishing signs: Intermittent dark clotted flow with pain eased by passing clots, dark tongue
Treatment principle: Quicken blood and remove stasis without excess

Heat forcing blood

Key distinguishing signs: Bright sticky red flow with odor and a dry mouth, red tongue with yellow coat and rapid pulse
Treatment principle: Clear heat and cool blood

Heat-toxin infection

Key distinguishing signs: Foul discharge with fever, uterine tenderness, burning and dizziness (puerperal infection)
Treatment principle: Clear heat-toxin urgently alongside medical care

Daily self-care

Rest, nourish and hydrate; change pads regularly and wash hands.
Attend postpartum follow-ups and do not take bleeding-stopping remedies without evaluation.
Know the red flag: soaking a large pad within an hour for more than two hours.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Sudden heavy bleeding (a pad/hour for two hours), large clots, dizziness or fainting.
Fever ≥38 C with foul discharge and severe uterine pain.
Chest pain, breathlessness or a swollen leg after delivery (clot).

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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