After childbirth, new mothers should pay close attention to their own changes, promptly identify any abnormal symptoms, and take appropriate measures. If you're a first-time mom, why not take a look at the basic principles of postpartum care and common abnormal symptoms summarized by our editor?
Basic Principles of Postpartum Care
Daily observation of lochia volume, color, and odor is essential.Any deviation from normal volume, color, odor, or duration is considered abnormal. First, abnormal volume: If bleeding increases immediately after delivery, it may indicate poor uterine contraction, birth canal lacerations, retained placental tissue, or coagulation disorders—termed "postpartum hemorrhage." This typically occurs in hospitals where medical staff can promptly intervene and avert danger.Another type involves increased bleeding, or even severe hemorrhage, occurring 2–3 weeks postpartum. This requires special attention from the mother. Often, after discharge, red lochia persists without clearing, then suddenly increases in volume. This may indicate poor uterine involution at the placental attachment site, retained placental tissue or membranes, or infection at the uterine incision site.Second, lochia volume may vary, appearing dark purple like rotten sauce or meat-washing color with a foul odor. This may be accompanied by fever, abdominal pain, and uterine tenderness, indicating puerperal infection. Even prolonged lochia lasting beyond the normal period, with minimal volume, no increase in flow, no color change, and no odor, is considered abnormal.This may indicate poor uterine involution, maternal qi deficiency due to poor constitution, or endocrine imbalance, warranting vigilance. Other rare causes include cervical erosion, cervical polyps, or even cervical cancer.
Differences in care between vaginal delivery and cesarean section. Due to surgical trauma, physical weakness, and an open wound on the uterus, cesarean delivery patients typically experience a longer duration of red lochia and greater postpartum blood loss compared to vaginal delivery.Furthermore, when considering causes of late postpartum hemorrhage, the focus differs between vaginal and cesarean deliveries. For vaginal births, the primary considerations are poor uterine involution, bleeding from detached blood clots at the placental attachment site, and retained placental or membrane fragments. For cesarean deliveries, the primary concern is bleeding due to infection at the uterine incision site.
Ensuring fresh air in the room is paramount for the health of both mother and infant, hence it is prioritized. However, moving air must never blow directly onto the adult or baby!When ventilating by opening windows, draw the curtains. Adjust the opening of doors and windows on the opposite side to achieve adequate airflow without noticeable drafts. Recommendations: Ventilate in the morning and early afternoon when air quality is generally better. The mother should maintain a positive mood, which aids her physical recovery and supports the baby's healthy development. Later on, she may watch television for a few minutes, but keep it brief. Avoid reading books or using computers.
Avoiding air conditioning during summer is impractical, but temperature control should follow this principle: err on the side of higher temperatures. Ensure occupants (excluding the new mother, who may sweat due to physical weakness) remain sweat-free during quiet indoor rest. Position vents away from people; if adjustment is impossible, hang a curtain over the airflow to block direct drafts.
Wear loose-fitting, 100% cotton clothing;Change and wash them frequently. Remove used clothing, diapers, etc., promptly to the outdoors to ensure fresh indoor air. However, absolutely avoid using chemical agents like air fresheners or mosquito coils! In a relatively closed indoor space, this is tantamount to poisoning!
Food and beverages for new mothers must be fresh and light. Vary the menu to ensure nutritional richness. No special dietary restrictions are needed, but avoid spicy foods.Fruits should be consumed daily, with two to three varieties per day. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible, avoiding off-season items (which often involve more chemical growth or ripening agents). The same principle applies to vegetables. Prepare relatives and friends in advance: avoid constant visits after childbirth. Allow the new mother ample rest and minimize opportunities for bacterial or viral infections.
Next, let's review common abnormal symptoms after childbirth.
Abnormal Postpartum Symptoms
Difficulty Urinating: The bladder and ureters may be injured during delivery. If this occurs, new mothers should drink water to prevent dehydration. Persistent inability to urinate requires medical attention.
Excessive Bleeding: If vaginal bleeding is heavy enough to require changing sanitary pads hourly and includes large clots the size of ping-pong balls, this may indicate uterine bleeding. Seek medical assistance immediately.
Fever above 38°C (98.6°F): Persistent high fever postpartum may indicate uterine or streptococcal infection, or breast infection. Immediate hospital evaluation is necessary.
Breast tenderness or lumps: If a new mother experiences persistent breast pain during breastfeeding and feels lumps upon palpation, it may indicate mastitis.Mastitis often causes low-grade fever, flu-like symptoms, pain, or weakness. If nipples crack and milk contains pus or blood, it may indicate a bacterial infection requiring immediate medical attention and cessation of breastfeeding.If the calf muscles behind the shinbone feel unusually soft, or if the painful area becomes red and hot, this could signal a blood clot forming. If the clot breaks loose and travels to the lungs or heart, it can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical attention if these symptoms occur. Persistent stomach or uterine pain: If a new mother experiences ongoing stomach or uterine pain after childbirth, it may indicate internal bleeding, infection, or other serious complications. Seek prompt medical care.
Infected Wounds: If a new mother underwent an episiotomy during delivery, and days later the stitches become abnormally red, swollen, soft, emit an unpleasant odor, or have discharge, it may indicate infection. For those who had a cesarean section, signs like the incision opening, emitting an odor, appearing red, or having discharge also signal infection.Both situations require immediate medical attention.
Shortness of breath: If a new mother suddenly experiences shortness of breath after delivery that isn't caused by overexertion, it may indicate lung or heart issues. Another cause could be emotional distress or depression. Both scenarios warrant a hospital examination.
Swelling: Though uncommon, some postpartum women may experience severe swelling—a symptom of preeclampsia, typically occurring within 7 days after delivery. Affected mothers exhibit pronounced swelling throughout the body, especially in the face and fingers, accompanied by headaches and blurred vision. Prompt medical intervention is crucial, as untreated cases can be life-threatening.
New mothers must prioritize proper postpartum care during the confinement period.