Guide On Post-delivery/Postpartum Problems That A Woman Goes Through

Postpartum Haemorrhage

Once the baby is delivered and the placenta successfully removed, it'll be followed by other vaginal discharges-fluids. The colour (bright red, pink, yellow, milky white, clear,etc), amount (heavy during the first few days and reduced flow later on) and odour (foul) will vary from menstrual bleeding.

This is perfectly normal and will start during the first 24 hours postpartum and last for about 2 weeks. Carry sanitary napkins or adult diapers with you and you should be good to go. If the discharge is excessive, it would be advised to talk to your doctor.

Infections

Ideally, the placenta should completely detach from the uterus post delivery. However, on rare occasions, a small part of the placenta can remain behind-retained placenta-and this can lead to uterine infections.

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Bladder infections post delivery are caused when the catheter is not changed regularly. And when this infection spreads to the kidney, a kidney infection can occur.

These infections can all be treated, so be on the lookout for any symptoms-high fever, frequent urination, rapid heart rate-and consult the doctor if they are severe.

Constipation

Another problem women might face during the first 24 hours postpartum is constipation. To ensure a smooth and regular movement of the bowel, it is necessary to have a fibre-rich diet. Drink coconut water; eat fruits and food rich in iron.

A Week Post Delivery

Cramps

During the first week post delivery, it is natural to still feel the vaginal contractions. The uterus, while returning to its pre-pregnancy state, starts to tighten. To help soothe the cramps, you can use ice packs.

Engorged Breasts

A few days post delivery, the breasts can become hard, large and feel sore. However, the pain will ease over time once a breastfeeding pattern is established. Meanwhile, for comfort from the pain, apply a nipple cream, use ice packs or warm water compresses on the breasts. It is also advised to wear comfortable and loose-fitting bras and not too tight ones.

Breast Infection

During the time of breastfeeding, bacteria from the baby's mouth can enter the mother's body, especially if her nipples are cracked. This infection is called mastitis and its symptoms are constant breast pain, redness, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and headache.

Report the symptoms to your doctor and take medication so you and your baby can stay fit and healthy.

Water Weight

A lot of the weight a woman gains during pregnancy is because of the fluids in her body. Hence, within a few days after delivery, she sweats a lot and urinates quite frequently. In the night, especially, the sweating is profuse, so it is recommended to sleep on a towel.

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Postpartum Depression

Becoming a parent comes with a lot of responsibilities, hormonal and physical changes and stress. Your whole life just completely gets changed. This realisation is sometimes out of the blue and is accompanied by depression and mood swings. This reaction in a nutshell is called postpartum depression.Those with a history of depression are more likely to be affected by postpartum depression.

The symptoms are getting negative thoughts quite often, not taking care of the baby and yourself, fear of not being able to care for your child and lack of interest in life and your baby. When you see these signs, talk to a doctor and get the right treatment, so you can enjoy this amazing new chapter in your life.

All these symptoms start within the first week and subside over the next 5-6 weeks. Some last only for 2-3 weeks. Then life with that perfect new addition begins and so does the roller-coaster ride of a lifetime!

Congratulations on becoming a new parent!

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