After how many days does lochia alba typically commence postpartum?

• A. 3-4 days
• B. 10-14 days
• C. 2-4 weeks
• D. 6-10 days

Answer: (C)

Lochia alba typically begins around 10 to 14 days after childbirth and continues for several weeks, potentially lasting up to six weeks or more. By this time, the lochia has transitioned through stages from lochia rubra, which is bright red and initially present for the first few days postpartum, to lochia serosa, which is pink and occurs around the first week post-delivery. Lochia alba follows, characterized by a yellowish-white discharge due to the presence of leukocytes and the absence of red blood cells.

The timing of lochia alba is important for monitoring the postpartum progress and ensuring that the mother is healing properly. Understanding the expected timeline of these stages helps to identify any abnormalities in the postpartum recovery process. Therefore, the correct timeframe of 10 to 14 days aligns with clinical observations and guidelines on postpartum discharge characteristics.