Solution to Various Health Problems After Delivery
The first six weeks after childbirth is called the postnatal period. During this time, you can face many problems. As these problems have developed over a long time, they also have to be solved with patience and time. Let’s find out what problems mothers face at this time and what the solutions are.
Postpartum Vaginal Bleeding
Bleeding from your vagina can last up to a few days after delivery,In medical terms, it is called ‘lochia.’ In the beginning, the blood is somewhat profuse and bright red in color. Small blood clots can also accompany it and In about a week, the color of the lochia starts becoming brown or pink. However, while breastfeeding the baby, you can feel heavy bleeding like a stream of water rushing down the menstrual passage, which is quite dark red in color. This is related to the constriction of the uterus when nursing. There’s nothing to be afraid of.
After about two weeks, the color of the lochia starts becoming light brown or yellow. It usually goes away in about 6-8 weeks, However, this period can be a little longer for each person. Apart from this, you may also experience abdominal pain similar to menstrual cramps.
When to Go to the Doctor?
If delivery occurs at home, and you notice a large blood clot or bulge with blood post-delivery, definitely go to your nearest hospital on an emergency basis. Postpartum hemorrhage is defined as heavy, i.e., 500 ml or more of vaginal bleeding within 24 hours of giving birth and Bleeding can occur if the uterus does not contract properly after delivery.
Additionally, if the placenta does not come out completely, if the placenta is located towards the cervix, or if there is injury to the vagina or various blood diseases, it can also cause bleeding. To prevent this problem, Oxytocin is injected from the hospital on the advice of the doctor immediately after delivery, which helps in increasing the contraction of the uterus and expelling the uterus.
If you notice any abnormality in lochia after going home, contact the doctor immediately. Such as:
- After 24 hours or more, the bleeding begins to increase rather than decrease.
- Foul-smelling blood.
Vaginal Suture Care After Delivery
In a normal delivery, the pressure created on the way while the baby’s head is coming out can tear the part between the vagina and the anus. This is called ‘Perineal Tear.’ If the tear is small, it is sewn in the labor room. However, if the incision is wide or there is a lot of bleeding, the stitches are brought to the operating room.
To prevent this perineal tear, an incision is sometimes made in the vagina so the child’s head can come out easily. This cutting is called an episiotomy.
How to Care?
If an episiotomy or incision is made between your vagina and anus, how long it will take to heal depends on the size of the wound or incision. After returning home, you also have to take care of yourself in this area, So what you can do in this case:
1.Keep the stitching area clean in order to prevent infection. Once every day, wash the stitching area with warm water and soap and Wipe with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing or pressing against the stitching area.
- Take medicine on the advice of the doctor to reduce the pain: It is normal to have pain at the place of stitching. Usually, the hospital recommends the necessary painkillers. If you are breastfeeding your baby, you may be advised to take an over-the-counter painkiller (such as paracetamol or ibuprofen). Ask your doctor which painkillers are best for you, For additional comfort, you can apply ice to the wound with a pack of cold water or a clean cloth.
- Clean the wound properly after urination: During urination, bacterial infection may occur at the place of stitching. After each bowel movement, thoroughly cleanse the region with lukewarm water before wiping it down with a tissue or a clean, dry cloth. You can also take regular sitz baths. For this, you can place a bowl of clean hot water under a plastic toilet chair. The hot water vapor will reach your wound while sitting in that chair, providing some relief.
- Attempt to keep the feces soft: If the stool is hard, exerting pressure to the stitch during defecation may force it to emerge.Take the medication prescribed by your doctor to ensure that your feces are soft and Also, eat plenty of water and vegetables.
- Rest in a comfortable position: Stitching wounds may make it difficult to sit upright. You can sit on a soft pillow. If you find it difficult to feed the baby while sitting straight, try breastfeeding while lying on one side to reduce pressure on the seams.
Usually, the sutures used in these stitches disintegrate as the wound heals. However, in certain situations, they may have to be removed. So, see your doctor about it. If required, go to any local hospital to have your sutures removed.
If there is any discomfort in the stitching area, such as swelling, pus or blood coming out, or if the stitch opens, inform your doctor on an emergency basis.
Care of the Wound After a Cesarean
When you leave the hospital, the discharge letter or prescription will tell you how to take care of the abdominal sutures and wounds. Additionally, you can take care of the wound at home by:
- Cleaning the wound daily with soap and water and drying it with a clean cloth. Do not rub the sewing area hard.
- Wearing loose, comfortable, and cotton clothes as much as possible.
- Taking painkillers if there is pain in the wound, following the discharge certificate instructions. Paracetamol is often used in this case.
If the wound is normal, the sutures are normally removed after 5-7 days at a nearby health clinic and The length of time can vary by the severity of the wound. You will also be given instructions in this regard.
After opening the stitches, your wound will gradually become a scar. It is usually located just below the abdomen horizontally or parallel to the ground, with a length of 10-20 cm. In very rare cases (e.g., in pregnancy complications), a longitudinal incision may be made. The lesion is initially reddish, which may later become brown or white.
Infection at the Site of Sutures
If there is an infection in the stitching area, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor. If not treated on time, it can lead to serious complications. How to identify the infection?
- Unusual swelling at the site of suturing.
- Excessive redness or unusual color around the stitches.
- Pus and odor coming from the sewing place.
- The skin of the cut area not fitting properly even after stitching.
Breast Problems
Your breast milk will usually start to come out within 2-4 days after delivery.Initially, the milk is somewhat yellow, known as ‘colostrum.’ During this period, your breasts may feel painful, swollen, heavy, stiff, or uncomfortable. If you begin nursing your infant on a regular basis, these issues will progressively resolve themselves.
Learn how to breastfeed properly from your doctor, nurse, or nearby health worker. However, if your baby cannot breastfeed properly because your breasts are too tight, if your baby is not getting enough milk, or if there are other problems, consult a doctor.
If you choose not to or are unable to breastfeed, your milk supply will progressively diminish. Breast pain or edema often resolves within 7-10 days as milk production falls. During this time, applying ice or a cold water pack to the breast may alleviate swelling and pain.
Wear a bra made of soft fabric with good support. Consult your doctor if you are taking ibuprofen or paracetamol. Do not throw away the milk to reduce the pain, as this will stimulate your body to produce more milk.
Care of the Lower Abdomen
During pregnancy, the skin and muscles of your pelvis become stretched, needing time to return to their previous state. As a result, your abdomen can become very large after delivery.
To overcome this problem, you need a balanced diet and moderate exercise. Consult your doctor at the time of postnatal checkup to know what kind of exercise will be suitable for you according to the condition of your body.
To enhance your chances of losing weight after delivery, maintain a healthy weight and continue to consume nutritious foods while drinking enough of water and fluids. Breastfeeding your infant regularly might help you lose weight.
Urinary Problem
After a normal delivery, there may be pain or a burning sensation when urinating. Drinking more water can decrease the density of urine and reduce irritation. Inform your doctor if you have severe pain, burning sensation, or difficulty urinating.
Many people may develop piles or hemorrhoids after a normal delivery, causing pain during defecation and sometimes bleeding and It often resolves itself after a few days.
Inform your doctor, who can provide pain-relieving ointment for some relief during defecation. Eating more fruits, vegetables, salads, and fiber-rich foods can relieve constipation. Drink plenty of water.
If you have stitches in your vagina, there is no fear of opening or increasing the wound during defecation. However, placing a clean towel or tissue over the stitch might bring comfort. Do not apply too much pressure during defecation.
Contact your doctor if you have severe constipation. If stool leakage occurs unintentionally, inform your doctor.
Constipation is a common problem after childbirth. Sometimes laughing, coughing, or moving can cause urine leakage. Although not a major concern, it is better to inform the doctor at the next checkup. Pel
vic floor exercises or Kegel exercises can help retain urine.
Hair Fall Problem
Hair loss is a common problem after childbirth, usually occurring after 3 months. It is medically known as telogen effluvium. The shock your body experiences during delivery can cause hair to fall prematurely.
The condition is usually temporary and does not require treatment, After 3 to 6 months, hair loss stops, and new hair grows. Eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich foods and Drink more water to keep your hair healthy and nourished.
Inform your doctor if you have excessive hair loss or if hair loss continues for a long time. The doctor may prescribe vitamins and check the levels of iron and thyroid in your body.