Lochia Retention  

 

Lochia is the post birth vaginal discharge which contains blood, mucus and placenta tissues.  In a healthy post partam woman this lochia discharge lasts approx 4-6 weeks and has 3 different stages:

Stage 1 - Lochia rubra- lasts 3-5 days and is generally red in color due to the large amount of blood it contains (rubra)

Stage 2 - Lochia Serosa - lasts till approx day 10 - thinner lighter fluid discharge from the vagina which contains both red and white blood cells as well as mucusy fluids

Stage 3 - Lochia Alba - lasts from second week till 4-6 weeks  - this dishcharge is white or yellow white in color.  It is made up of only a few red blood cells but mostly composed of white blood cells, epithelial cells, fat, mucusy fluids and some cholesterol.  

Lochia generally will smell simiar to taht of menstrual fluids.  If the Lochia takes on an strong bad odour this is a strong indicator that an infection may have occoured.  

Lochia retention is the disorder where this lochia is retained within the new mother and not exciting her body.  

 

Chinese Medicine Differentiation and Treatment

Blood Stasis with Cold Obstruction

scanty vaginal bleeding, cold pain in lower abdomen, whitish blue complexion, generally cold symptoms, aversion to cold, T- purple, P- deep tense

Principle of Treatment: warm meridian, expel cold, promote blood circulation

Acupuncture points - Ren 3 and Ren 8 (Moxa), Stomach 30, Spleen 8

 

Liver Qi Stagnation

emotional factors involved, stressed, angry, depressed, scanty vaginal bleeding, abdominal distension with milder pain than blood stasis

Principle of Treatment: regulate Liver Qi, promote blood circulation

Acupuncture points - LR 3, Ren 6, SP 10 - pain/distension- SJ 6, GB 34 (soothe Liver Qi)

 

Alternative Treatment Methods for Lochia Retention

auricular acupuncture - internal reproductive organs, LR, adrenal gland, sympathetic, subcortex, Shenmen