The 6-week period after birth is called the puerperal period.
What Changes Happen During the Postpartum Period?
There are 3 important changes during the puerperium.
1.Vaginal tract. A discharge called lochia occurs. After the birth; The flow of lochia, which consists of tissue pieces, blood and serum shed from the placenta separation, continues for 10-15 days. Lochia is red in the first three days, yellow-pink after 4-5 days, and white after 7-8 days.
During this period, attention should be paid to cleanliness, as it provides a suitable environment for the growth of microbes. Underwear and pads should be changed frequently and cleaned with an antiseptic solution from front to back following the need to go to the toilet.
2. The uterus gradually shrinks and can no longer be felt on the abdominal wall 10 days after birth. The opening of the cervix returns to normal 2 months after birth.
3. Milk secretion: Milk is secreted from the breasts under the influence of hormones. The amount of milk is low for the first three days. As the baby sucks, the milk increases.
What are the Complaints That May Occur During Postpartum?
1- Nipple cracks and inflammations
Breasts with cracks should not be breastfed and should be emptied using a pump. Pomades should be used to eliminate the crack.
Hardness, swelling, tenderness and redness in the breast indicate inflammation. You should definitely consult a physician and start appropriate antibiotic treatment. Do not breastfeed until treatment is provided. The breasts are emptied following the application of cheesecloth moistened with hot water.
2- Intrauterine infections
Foul smelling lochia, chills, chills, rising fever and abdominal pain. emerges. A physician should be consulted immediately and appropriate antibiotic treatment should be administered for 10 days.
3- Urinary tract infections
It develops as a result of damage to the urinary tract during birth. Frequent urination, burning sensation while urinating, pain, fever, chills, shivering are symptoms of urinary tract infection. It definitely needs treatment.
4- Blockage of the veins with clots
Clots formed in the veins of the legs can block the vein and cause inflammation. The clot may break loose and travel to the lungs, causing blockage of the vessels there. very serious This is a situation that can be life-threatening.
The mother; Anemia, previous varicose veins, and lying in bed for a long time after birth facilitate clot formation. If there is redness, swelling or tenderness along the veins in the legs, the mother is given bed rest by elevating the leg with pillows. It is applied hot on the leg. After the pain and swelling subside, a suitable bandage is applied to the leg and the mother is allowed to stand up.
5- Mental Disorders
On the 3rd day after birth, the mother is temporarily affected. Depression may occur. During temporary depression, the mother often cries, but cannot explain the reason for crying. The reason is the hormonal change after birth. This situation disappears spontaneously within a day or two. During this period, the mother's environment should support and reassure her. Psychological problems that may occur after birth can be prevented by the education given during pregnancy.
What is Recommended for the Maternity Patient When Leaving the Hospital?
-1 tablet every day for at least 1 month. -He/she should rest for 2 hours and should not do all the housework at once.
-He can take a shower as soon as he gets home, taking a bath while sitting is dangerous in terms of catching germs.
-If he has an episiotomy, he should use the antiseptic solution given by the doctor before going to the toilet. Cleaning should be done towards the back.
-If there is an episiotomy; It is dangerous to squat or strain. She should not sit on the episiotomy for 4-5 days.
-She should take care of the breast meticulously during breastfeeding.
When is sexual intercourse allowed after birth?
6 weeks after birth, all genital organs return to their normal pre-pregnancy state. For this reason, sexual intercourse is allowed 6 weeks after birth, following medical supervision.
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