Many mothers experience widespread discomfort after childbirth, which may indicate postpartum illness. Why does this occur?
Postpartum illness stems from hormonal changes following delivery,resulting in decreased elasticity and strength in muscles and tendons throughout the body. The tension in joint capsules and surrounding ligaments weakens, causing joints to become lax. In this state, if a mother engages in excessive household chores or carries the baby too much too soon, it can increase the burden on joints, tendons, and ligaments, easily leading to overuse pain in areas like the wrists and finger joints.
Common Postpartum Conditions
1. Mastitis: New mothers should focus on two key aspects for breast protection and prevention. First, milk stasis, as stagnant milk provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth and reproduction. Second, the delicate skin of the nipple is prone to damage, which can lead to bacterial infections.From the start of pregnancy through breastfeeding, women should regularly cleanse nipples and genital areas with a clean, damp towel to maintain hygiene and strengthen local skin resistance. This helps prevent bacteria from entering the mammary glands through cracks and causing infection. During breastfeeding, keep nipples clean to avoid damage and reduce infection pathways.Empty the breast completely during each feeding. If the baby cannot finish, use a breast pump to express the remaining milk. Milk left stagnant in the breast for too long can spoil and become a breeding ground for bacteria.
2. Uterine Prolapse Avoid heavy physical labor before the uterus has fully recovered, as this may cause uterine prolapse. Symptoms include a sensation of heaviness in the lower abdomen and back pain; severe cases may result in the uterus protruding from the vagina. Therefore, new mothers should rest in bed, avoid getting up too soon, and refrain from physical labor, long walks, or running.
3. Joint Pain: Significant hormonal changes after childbirth can reduce tension in joint capsules and surrounding ligaments, leading to joint laxity. Excessive household chores, frequent baby-carrying, or exposure to cold water during this period can overload joints, tendons, and ligaments, causing persistent hand joint pain.During the postpartum period, mothers must prioritize rest, minimize household chores, reduce strain on fingers and wrists, and avoid cold water exposure. 4. Reproductive Organ Infections Postpartum immunity is severely compromised, while vaginal and uterine trauma from childbirth remains unhealed. This creates high susceptibility to bacterial invasion into the bloodstream. Additionally, varying degrees of congestion and edema at the vaginal opening post-delivery increase the risk of tearing.Therefore, postpartum women must maintain perineal hygiene by regularly cleansing with warm water. Sexual intercourse may cause vulvitis, vaginitis, endometritis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine bleeding, or genital lacerations. Severe cases may lead to sepsis, hemorrhagic shock, or even life-threatening conditions. Thus, sexual intercourse is strictly prohibited during the postpartum period.Maintain overall cleanliness, especially in the lower body, on a daily basis. After childbirth, focus on nutritional intake, adequate rest, and strengthening bodily functions.
5. Vaginal Looseness Vaginal looseness stems from multiple factors, primarily involving the pubococcygeus muscle. As one of the most extensive muscles within the pelvic floor muscle group, it supports pelvic organs and maintains tension in the pelvic soft tissues. Intertwined with the proximal urethral wall sphincter, it also extends into the upper third of the vaginal sphincter.Therefore, it contracts the vaginal portion at the lower end of the rectum, governing bowel movements and vaginal "grip" function. Thus, preventing postpartum vaginal laxity hinges on strengthening the pubococcygeus muscle.
What to Do About Postpartum Illnesses
1. Early Detection and Treatment
During the postpartum period, any illness should be identified promptly and treated without delay.For instance, if a new mother experiences persistent fever postpartum, the cause must be identified. Be vigilant for potential infections within the body, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, endometritis, mastitis, inflammation at the episiotomy site, or cesarean section wound infection. Once diagnosed, effective anti-infective treatment should be administered promptly.If dismissed as a common cold and left untreated, the inflammation may spread or become chronic, prolonging the illness and potentially leading to persistent, difficult-to-treat conditions.Seeking unqualified practitioners, relying on folk remedies or secret formulas, or self-medicating based on assumptions may delay diagnosis and treatment, allowing illnesses to become chronic and persistent. If experiencing so-called "postpartum ailments" like back pain, comprehensive treatment under specialist guidance—combining medication, physical therapy, and exercise—is essential.
Precautions
Based on the causes of most postpartum ailments, the following precautions are summarized:
1. Sexual intercourse is strictly prohibited within one month postpartum, as it may endanger life. For safety, abstain until 100 days postpartum.
2. Maintain a positive mindset: avoid anger and irritability, cultivate an open heart, and minimize excessive thinking.
3. Avoid excessive activity during the confinement period. Refrain from prolonged standing or sitting to prevent chronic fatigue and potential health complications.
4. Maintain balanced nutrition during confinement. Avoid overeating or fasting. Do not consume raw, cold, or spicy foods. Limit portions of non-staple foods per meal. Do not restrict calories due to weight concerns.
5. Avoid wearing slippers, short-sleeved tops, or short skirts during confinement. Wear a hat when going out in spring, autumn, or winter. Always allow sweat to dry indoors before going outside. Never wash your face, hands, feet, or bathe with cold water (including during summer).