Lochia is define as what?

Lochia refers specifically to the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, which consists of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. This discharge is a normal part of the healing process following delivery as the body expels the remnants of the placenta and the tissues that supported pregnancy. It evolves through stages, starting with a heavier bloody discharge and gradually transitioning to a lighter color as healing progresses.

The other options provided do not accurately describe lochia. Blood flow during menstruation is a separate physiological process unrelated to childbirth. Discharge from the ear after surgery refers to a completely different medical condition and is not associated with the postpartum period. Painful cramps after childbirth, while they can occur and are referred to as "after pains," are not synonymous with lochia, which specifically describes the type of discharge following delivery.