Postpartum Care – Women’s Health Issues After Pregnancy
Things can change quickly after you’ve given birth to a little one. One can expect to have all of their time be spent in nappy changes, feeding, burping, soothing the baby and keeping them entertained.
Your doctor should do a good job of explaining the changes you might see in your body after birth. If not, we have compiled a list of things for you right here. All expectant mothers or mothers who have just given birth are recommended to give this article a read and careful consideration of all its suggestions.
Bleeding
Postpartum bleeding or lochia is very normal. It is bleeding that lasts for at least two days after delivery. Don’t be alarmed. It is your body’s way of getting rid of unnecessary tissues that aren’t required anymore from your uterus. This bleeding is going to be heavy with all the leftover blood clots from your nine months of pregnancy. It might appear dark or bright red in colour.
You should contact your doctor if the bleeding continues beyond three days after birth and you’re passing extremely large blood clots. Or when the bleeding is so heavy that you soak through an entire pad within an hour or so.
How are your periods going to be postpartum? Well, expect to miss a few periods postpartum. In fact, if you’re exclusively breastfeeding, your period might not return until around six months or even a year has passed. Isn’t that amazing!
Your first postpartum period will look very different than your regular period. It is going to be heavy with a lot of blood clots. Then, things will slowly and gradually go back to as they were in a few months’ time.
Urination
You might experience bladder issues after giving birth. This is because the growing baby inside your womb put a lot of pressure on your pelvic floor and other organs. The tissues and muscles become weak and stretched after pregnancy and childbirth.
It is advisable to start practicing Kegel exercises. Kegel exercises are simple tighten-hold-release exercises to strengthen your muscles and tissues after pregnancy. Take help from a doctor in finding your pelvic floor muscles and performing these exercises correctly.
Bowel movements
You’ve pushed two things out within a very short span of time- your baby and the placenta. Even pushing out stools may scare you. It’s might hurt a little bit, especially after all the strain your pelvic floor has already gone through pushing things out. Here’s a few things that might help you:
- Take stool softeners to help soften stools and push it out easily.
- Drink plenty of water to keep bowel movements smooth.
- Eat foods that are high in fibre, warm liquids, fibre cereals, etc.
- Use anti-bacterial wipes or if you have received a peri bottle from the hospital to clean after you’re done.
Diet and Exercise
Be active for at least 30 minutes every day. Do less impact activities such as walking or just simple chores around the house. Drink plenty of fluids and take care of your diet.
If you are breastfeeding, you need to sustain two bodies. So, eat well and also, get specific diet recommendations from your doctor.
Vaccines During Postpartum
You should do things as per your doctor’s advice and not wait to get certain vaccines. This is because it takes at least two weeks for you to develop anti-bodies.
If you didn’t receive vaccination during or before pregnancy, it becomes doubly important for you to get vaccinated immediately. If you are breastfeeding certain anti-bodies will also pass on to your baby through breastmilk. Judging on your condition, your doctor will recommend vaccines.
Looking after your baby is important, but you will be able to do that if you are healthy yourself. Take care of yourself, spend time doing things that you like, go out for a walk alone. For some relaxing time, leave your little one in Teddyy, the best disposable diapers for new-borns that absorb wetness, are gentle on the baby’s skin and keep you stress-free!
That’s it from us! If you want to know more about conceiving, pregnancy, delivery or things in between or after, keep checking this space. We will be happy to address your concerns, leave them in the comments section below.
