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Lochia alba is the final stage of postpartum vaginal discharge occurring after childbirth. This discharge typically appears about 10 days to two weeks postpartum, following the lochia rubra and lochia serosa stages. The primary component of lochia alba is mainly composed of mucus, along with leukocytes (white blood cells), and cervical mucous that helps to cleanse the uterine cavity post-delivery.

The presence of mucus indicates that the body is in the healing phase after the initial discharge stages, transitioning from the more bloody and serous fluid earlier in the postpartum period. This shift to a more mucus-like discharge suggests that the uterine lining is beginning to return to its pre-pregnancy state, and the discharge is generally lighter and less viscous than in previous stages.

Other choices relate to different types of lochia or potential complications rather than accurately describing lochia alba. For instance, a bloody discharge represents lochia rubra, which usually occurs within the first three to four days postpartum. Clear serous fluid might be indicative of normal healing but does not specifically describe lochia alba. Yellowish fluid with odor may suggest the presence of infection or some form of complication, which is not characteristic of standard lochia alba. Thus, mucus being