Postpartum Illness: Prevention and Care for New Mothers

Postpartum illness refers to the illness caused by external or internal injury that women experience within one month after childbirth (including miscarriage), and is the residual symptoms that are not cured during the postpartum period. Women are vulnerable to postpartum illness because their joints and bones are open, their bodies are weak, and they are susceptible to external influences. If they are exposed to cold wind, experience extreme anger or sadness, or engage in excessive sexual activities during this time, it can lead to postpartum illness. After giving birth, new mothers should take care of themselves while taking care of their babies. Postpartum recovery is extremely important for the health of new mothers, especially in preventing postpartum illness, and it should never be neglected.

1. Uterine prolapse:

Some mothers may experience lower abdominal discomfort or back pain after childbirth. This is due to the relaxation of the uterine ligaments and pelvic floor muscles after delivery, causing a change in the position of the uterus and downward displacement along the vaginal direction, leading to uterine prolapse.

Prevention measures: 1. Avoid prolonged standing, 2. Be cautious of constipation.

2. Back pain:

The pelvic ligaments of new mothers are still in a relaxed state immediately after childbirth, and the abdominal muscles become weak. The uterus has not fully returned to its original position. If new mothers do not pay attention and suddenly bend over to pick up things, or squat or sit for a long time, they may experience back pain.

Prevention measures: 1. Proper breastfeeding posture, 2. Avoid excessive bending, 3. Calcium supplementation, 4. Moderate exercise.

3. Mastitis:

The period of 1-4 weeks after childbirth is the peak period for acute mastitis. Due to poor drainage of breast milk, it accumulates in the breasts and causes bacterial infection. New mothers may experience breast pain, fever, and other symptoms.

Prevention measures: 1. Maintain smooth milk flow, 2. Prevent nipple cracks, 3. Pay attention to diet (avoid eating spicy foods).

4. Puerperal fever:

If a new mother develops a fever after giving birth to her baby, usually within 24 hours to 10 days, it is called puerperal fever. If the infection of puerperal fever is severe, it can affect the health of the new mother and even endanger her life.

Prevention measures: 1. Get plenty of rest, 2. Drink plenty of water, 3. Keep the wound dry, 4. Maintain a balanced diet, 5. Avoid engaging in sexual activities too soon.

5. Urinary retention:

Some new mothers may be afraid of pain from their wounds and therefore avoid urinating, or the long delivery process may compress the bladder, resulting in weak and insufficient urination, bladder distension, and difficulty urinating. This is called urinary retention.

Prevention measures: 1. Move around a bit, 2. Apply a warm compress.