What defines excessive lochia?

Excessive lochia is defined by the saturation of a pad in a relatively short time frame, indicating a potential abnormal amount of vaginal bleeding following childbirth. Saturating a pad in 15 minutes is a critical threshold that suggests a more urgent clinical concern. This level of bleeding can indicate complications such as uterine atony or retained placental fragments, which may require immediate assessment and intervention.

The other options describe less severe instances of lochia. For example, saturating a pad in 30 minutes or having 1-2 inches of saturation in an hour are generally considered within normal limits as they do not indicate the rapid and significant loss of blood. Similarly, a 4-6 inch saturation in one hour still falls within a more manageable range compared to saturating in just 15 minutes, making it less indicative of a significant problem. Thus, the definition of excessive lochia focuses on the urgency and volume of bleeding, making the 15-minute saturation mark an important clinical criterion.