A client is 1 week postpartum and reports lochia discharge that is pinkish-brown and decreasing in amount. Which lochia description is most consistent with this stage?

• A. Lochia rubra
• B. Lochia serosa
• C. Lochia alba
• D. No lochia should be present at this time

Answer: (D)

Postpartum lochia reflects how the uterus is involuting after birth. Lochia rubra (bright red) is typical in the first few days. By about day 4 to 10, lochia serosa appears—pink-brown and often decreasing in amount—as healing progresses. Lochia alba (yellow-white) may begin around 10 days and can last several weeks. Therefore, at one week postpartum, pinkish-brown discharge that’s decreasing fits lochia serosa. No lochia would imply complete cessation, which isn’t expected this early, since serosa is still present and alba may follow later.