Postnatal Care

Puerperium

The postnatal period lasts for 6 to 8 weeks beginning right after baby is born. It is also called Puerperium. During this period, various changes that occurred during pregnancy revert to the non-pregnant state. The mother goes through many physical and emotional changes, while learning to care for her newborn. Postnatal care involves taking adequate rest, proper nutrition and vaginal care.

Common Puerperial Problems

Puerperium

If the puerperium has been damaged & repaired or If an episiotomy has been given, it may cause considerable pain, requiring analysis, sitting on a rubber ring may also reduce pain.

If still the pain continues, it is important to check the …… and check for any signs of infection, so it is advisable to visit your doctor.

Urination

Urinary retention can be caused by an obstruction in the urinary tract or by nerve problems that interfere with signals between the brain and the bladder.

Urinary incontinence may develop in fifty percent cases; thus pelvic floor exercises should be taught and encouraged.

Bowel Problems

Constipation is natural and may require laxative Haemorrhoids which may help develop during antenatal period may cause bleeding during passing motion and require meditaion as well

Backache

This may persist after delivery in about 25 percent of women which may be considerable and last for several months.

Mastitis

It is very common in lactating mothers, characterized by redness over the breast and pain during breastfeeding.
It occurs due to the failure of milk expression from breast. It can be treated by cold compression followed by milk expression.
This may require antibiotic if complicated by infection and early intervention by your doctor is mandatory to prevent breast abscess.

Psychological Problems

Common problems such as postpartum blues, occur on day 3 or 5 where women become sad and emotional

Approximately 10 to 12 percent of women suffer from postnatal depression cause is unknown and may involve hormonal changes reaction to excitement of childbirth and doubts by the mother about her ability to care for her child.

Mothers generally require reassurance and recover soon.