lochia

American  

[loh-kee-uh, lok-ee-uh] / ˈloʊ ki ə, ˈlɒk i ə /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

plural

lochia

1. the liquid discharge from the uterus after childbirth.

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lochia British  

/ ˈlɒkɪə /

noun

1. a vaginal discharge of cellular debris, mucus, and blood following childbirth

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Other Word Forms

• lochial adjective

Etymology

Origin of lochia

1675–85; < New Latin < Greek, noun use of neuter plural of lóchios of childbirth, equivalent to lóch ( os ) childbirth (akin to léchesthai to lie down; see lie ²) + -ios adj. suffix

Example Sentences

Although postpartum uterine contractions limit blood loss from the detachment of the placenta, the mother does experience a postpartum vaginal discharge called lochia.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

In rare instances auto-infection may result from spontaneous decomposition of the lochia, of bits of decidua, of coagula of blood, of necrosed tissue, or in consequence of severe instrumental labors.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

The sanitary pad is used to absorb the lochia after confinement, and needs to be changed many times during the day and night; fully five or six dozen will be required.

From The Mother and Her Child by Sadler, William S.

For menstrual troubles, checked lochia and perspiration, take a hot foot bath in bed and drink freely of the tea until sweating occurs.

From Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada by Ritter, Thomas Jefferson

The amount of lochia varies, and will likely fall below the average in small or anemic women and rise above it in those who are large or robust.

From The Prospective Mother, a Handbook for Women During Pregnancy by Slemons, J. Morris (Josiah Morris)