Canadian Practical Nurse Registration Examination (CPNRE) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Lochia rubra is the vaginal discharge that occurs during the first few days after childbirth, typically lasting about 3 to 4 days. This discharge is characterized primarily by its color and composition, consisting mainly of bright red blood. The presence of blood is due to the sloughing off of the uterine lining and placental site, which is a normal part of the postpartum healing process.

The significance of this phase lies in its role as an indicator of the body’s adjustment after delivery. The discharge may also contain small clots and tissue, which can be expected during this phase, but the predominant component is blood. This differentiates it from the other phases of lochia, which have different characteristics.

For example, the mucus discharge mentioned is associated with other stages, while pink blood with minimal discharge typically describes lochia serosa, which occurs later. Clear fluid without odor signifies an abnormal state or could refer to other types of discharge unrelated to the lochia phases. Thus, identifying the characteristic of lochia rubra as primarily blood for approximately 3 days accurately reflects the normal physiological process occurring in a postpartum patient.