The postpartum period, also known as Puerperium, is the period of six weeks following childbirth. It is a time of immense change and adjustment for new mothers. While most women experience a smooth recovery, some may encounter complications or disorders.
In this blog, we are going to discuss Essential Guide to Postpartum Complications & disorders.
After you give birth, you’re likely focused on the care that your baby needs. But health problems can happen to you in the weeks and months after childbirth. They are called postpartum complications.
Even though major changes and complications that threaten the lives of mothers and newborns occur during this period, there is a lack of appropriate care during this period, which results in maternal morbidity and mortality.
This guide aims to equip you with essential knowledge about essential guide to postpartum complications and disorders.
Table of contents
- Understanding Postpartum Complications
- Physical Complications
- Warning signs
- Psychological Complications
- Risk Factors for Postpartum Complications
- Preventing Postpartum Complications
- Postpartum care
- Vaginal pain
- Vaginal bleeding/discharge
- Breastfeeding
- Nutrition and exercise
- Breast engorgement
- Bladder and bowel function
- Sexual relations
- Contraception
- Education
- Miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death
Understanding Postpartum Complications
Postpartum complications can be broadly categorized into physical and psychological. Early detection and intervention are crucial for optimal recovery. Here’s an overview of some common concerns:
Physical Complications
- Excessive Bleeding: Heavy bleeding after delivery is a cause for concern. Normal lochia (bleeding after childbirth) is similar to a menstrual period but should gradually decrease.
- Infection: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and postpartum endometritis (uterine infection) are common. Symptoms include fever, chills, and pain.
- Perineal Tears: Tearing of the perineal area during childbirth is common. Most tears heal well with proper care.
- Hemorrhoids: Swollen veins in the rectum and anus can cause discomfort and pain.
- Mastitis or Breast Abscess: Inflammation or infection of the breast tissue can cause pain, redness, and fever.
- Diastasis Recti: Separation of the abdominal muscles can occur after pregnancy. A rare condition that happens when the fluid that surrounds the baby during pregnancy, called amniotic fluid, or fetal material such as fetal cells enters a pregnant person’s bloodstream. This is called amniotic fluid embolism.
Warning signs
Many postpartum complications can be treated if found early.
Seek emergency medical care if you have:
- Chest pain.
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
- Extreme tiredness that doesn’t get better with rest.
- Seizures.
- Thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby.
Call your healthcare professional if you have:
- Bleeding that soaks through more than one pad an hour or passing blood clots the size of an egg or bigger.
- A cut from surgery, also called an incision, that isn’t healing.
- A leg that has changed color or swells and is painful or warm to the touch.
- A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
- A headache that doesn’t get better even after taking medicine, or a bad headache with vision changes.
- More than one blood pressure reading of 150/100 or greater if you’re measuring your blood pressure at home after giving birth.
Psychological Complications
- Baby Blues: Feeling emotional and tearful after childbirth is common and usually resolves within a few days.
- Postpartum Depression (PPD): More severe and persistent than baby blues, PPD can significantly impact daily life. Symptoms include persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby.
- Postpartum Psychosis: A rare but serious condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.
Risk Factors for Postpartum Complications
Certain factors can increase the risk of postpartum complications:
- Age (very young or old mothers)
- Multiple pregnancy
- Previous complications during pregnancy or childbirth
Preventing Postpartum Complications
- Prenatal Care: Regular prenatal care can help identify potential risks and ensure a healthy pregnancy.
- Delivery Plan: Discussing your preferences and potential complications with your healthcare provider is crucial.
- Postpartum Support: Seek help from your partner, family, friends, or a healthcare professional if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Postpartum care
Vaginal pain
Genital tract trauma is obvious with spontaneous vaginal delivery. Depending on the severity of the vaginal tear, take over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain, sit on a padded ring, or cool the area with an ice pack to relieve the pain.
Vaginal bleeding/discharge
women should seek medical attention if heavy vaginal bleeding persists (soaking a pad or more in less than an hour). Women with heavy, persistent postpartum bleeding should be evaluated for complications such as retained placenta, uterine atony, rarely invasive placenta, or coagulation disorders. Endometritis may also occur, presenting as fever with no source, and may be accompanied by uterine tenderness and vaginal discharge. This usually requires intravenous antibiotics. This should also be explained, and advise the mother to seek immediate medical attention.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is beneficial for the mother and the newborn. These women are less likely to get breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and type 2 DM. Breastfeeding reduces the newborn’s risk for gastrointestinal tract infections, pediatric cancers, and atopic eczema. Breastfeeding should be evaluated at each postnatal visit. Shatavari Granules is the Best Ayurvedic medicine for those suffering from poor lactation. It is by Best Ayurvedic Product Manufacturers in India.
Nutrition and exercise
Women at higher risk for postpartum weight retention are those with higher gestational weight gain, black race, and lower socioeconomic status, which at the same time increase their risk of future obesity and type 2 diabetes. Women should take a variety of healthy balanced diets and resume their normal dietary habits. All breastfeeding mothers need to take an extra 500 calories per day. Avoid strenuous activities in the early postpartum period and take plenty of rest for the first 2-3 weeks slowly start with non-impact activities such as walking and a gradual return to previous activities is recommended. Shatavari Granules are best for postpartum fatigue by Leading Ayurvedic Product Manufacturers in India. You can also refer to our blog, World Womens Day & Ayurveda – Celebrating Holistic Wellbeing for the same.
Breast engorgement
Women may experience full, firm, and tender breasts after the delivery. Frequent breastfeeding on both breasts is recommended to avoid engorgement. Warm washcloths or warm showers or place cold washcloths between feedings to relieve the pain. For women who are not going to breastfeed, encourage them to use cold packs, use firm support of the breasts, take analgesics as needed, and mechanical extraction of milk.
Bladder and bowel function
Voiding must be encouraged and monitored to prevent asymptomatic bladder overfilling. Women are encouraged to use mild laxatives if defecation has not occurred within 3 days of delivery.
Sexual relations
Libido may decrease after delivery because of reduced estrogen levels. This may not return for as long as 1 year postpartum, particularly in women who are breastfeeding. Reassurance is usually appropriate. Advise women to wait for their perineal area to heal before resuming sexual activity, and it may take 4-6 weeks for the perineal tears to heal completely. Healthcare providers should be more comfortable discussing women’s sexuality during the early postpartum period. Address earlier return of sexual activity with contraception to avoid unintended, closely spaced pregnancy.
Contraception
The prenatal period is the best time to discuss postpartum contraception. For breastfeeding women, nonhormonal modalities are usually preferred. Intrauterine devices are typically best placed after 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Breastfeeding is not an effective contraceptive choice. The lactational amenorrhea method alone or other forms of contraception have a failure rate of 2%, but a specific criterion has to be fulfilled.
Education
Healthcare providers should provide essential education regarding newborn care, such as umbilical cord care, bathing, breastfeeding, and the importance of immunizations.
Miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal death
For mothers who experience any pregnancy loss, it is essential to ensure follow-up. Key elements are to provide emotional support and bereavement counseling; and referral, if appropriate, to counselors and support groups. Also, review of any laboratory or pathology studies related to the loss and counseling regarding recurrent risk and future pregnancy planning.
Remember: Don’t hesitate to seek help if you experience any concerning symptoms following childbirth. Early diagnosis and treatment can ensure a smoother recovery and a healthier you.
Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider regarding any postpartum concerns
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