Childbirth is a special moment in every mother's life

Childbirth is a special moment in every mother's life, but it's not the end - rather the beginning of a stage where you need care and attention to your health. Most of the time, the postpartum period passes without problems, but in some cases, complications may occur ranging from minor issues that can be managed to others that require medical follow-up. In this article, you'll learn about complications that may appear after childbirth, when they're normal and when they require medical intervention, and how you can take care of yourself to avoid any health problems. Your health deserves attention just like your baby's health, so be aware of what might happen to your body after childbirth.

Childbirth complications:

Postpartum urinary and fecal incontinence:

Stretching of your muscles during childbirth may lead to temporary loss of bladder control, especially when laughing, coughing, or exerting yourself. In some cases, fecal incontinence may occur due to weakened muscles or injury during delivery. Fortunately, these problems improve with time, and you can practice Kegel exercises to enhance bladder control. If symptoms persist after the initial postpartum checkup, it's best to consult a doctor. You can use sanitary pads or period underwear to alleviate discomfort during this period.

Postpartum constipation:

It's common for the first bowel movement to be delayed for several days after delivery, and you might feel discomfort when trying to defecate. If it's bothersome, your doctor may recommend a mild laxative to facilitate the process. To naturally stimulate bowel movements, focus on eating fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and aim to drink 10 to 12 cups of fluids daily to support digestion. If you're suffering from hemorrhoids, topical creams or warm baths may relieve discomfort. If constipation persists for a long time, consult your doctor before using any laxatives or other medications.

Postpartum bleeding:

It's normal for women to experience bleeding after childbirth, typically lasting between two to six weeks. Bleeding starts immediately after delivery, whether vaginal or cesarean, and is initially heavy with bright red blood and some blood clots. In the following days, the bleeding should gradually decrease and become darker in color, possibly continuing for a few weeks. Temporary increases may occur during physical exertion or after breastfeeding, but it should decrease over time.

Consult your doctor if you notice:

• If bleeding remains heavy or you notice large blood clots 3-4 days after delivery
• If bleeding decreases then suddenly becomes heavy again or turns bright red after being dark or light
• If you experience severe pain or strong cramps accompanied by increased bleeding

In some cases, the cause may be simple like overexertion and can be resolved with rest. But sometimes, there may be a medical reason like retained placental tissue or insufficient uterine contraction, which may require medical intervention.

Breast engorgement after childbirth

You might feel fullness and heaviness in your breasts with warmth and firmness, known as breast engorgement. This occurs due to increased blood flow to the breasts as milk production begins or when skipping feedings. If you're not breastfeeding, you can relieve engorgement with cold compresses, wearing a comfortable supportive bra, and taking doctor-recommended pain relievers. If you are breastfeeding, it's best to nurse regularly or express milk to prevent engorgement. To relieve discomfort, try:

• Using warm compresses or taking a quick warm shower before feeding can help milk flow, but make sure to nurse or express milk immediately afterward to prevent worsening engorgement. Avoid staying in hot water too long as it may increase swelling.
• Applying cold compresses after feeding to reduce swelling
• Expressing a little milk before feeding to help your baby latch on more easily
• Taking anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen as directed by your doctor to reduce swelling

If engorgement persists and becomes painful or troublesome, it's best to consult your doctor or seek help from a lactation specialist. If you notice obvious redness in part of the breast, especially if the red area is swollen and extends toward the nipple, it might indicate infection, so see your doctor promptly.

Postpartum infections and perineal care

After delivery, you may experience some wounds or stitches, whether from natural tearing during vaginal birth or surgical incision in cesarean delivery. Vaginal tearing during childbirth is common, especially in first deliveries, and may occur in subsequent births too. This tearing happens when the baby passes through the vaginal opening, sometimes requiring stitches. In cesarean deliveries, the incision is closed with stitches or surgical staples.

How to care for the perineal area after childbirth

To maintain cleanliness of the area between the vagina and anus and reduce discomfort, follow these steps:

• After each bathroom use or pad change, use a bottle with warm water to gently spray the area from front to back to prevent bacterial transfer and reduce irritation
• Pat the area dry with toilet paper without rubbing to avoid irritating the wound
• Change sanitary pads regularly to maintain hygiene
• Continue this care for about a week postpartum or as needed
• If sitting is uncomfortable, using a donut-shaped cushion may help relieve pressure on the area
• Take sitz baths: Fill a bathtub with about 10-15 cm of warm water or use a special basin that fits over the toilet. Sit for 20 minutes, 2-3 times daily
• Use witch hazel pads to help reduce pain and inflammation. Preferably use them after perineal care or sitz baths to enhance comfort and speed recovery, but consult your doctor before use to ensure suitability for your condition

Some pain during wound healing is normal, but if pain suddenly intensifies, it might indicate infection. See your doctor if you notice:

• Increasing pain at the wound or stitch site over time
• Noticeable fever
• Redness or warmth at the wound site
• Abnormal discharge from the wound
• Burning sensation or pain during urination

If infection is detected early, antibiotic treatment is usually sufficient. But if treatment is delayed, the condition may become more complicated and require greater medical intervention. So don't hesitate to see your doctor immediately if you suspect infection.

Rare postpartum complications

Some women may experience rare postpartum complications that can sometimes pose health risks. Although uncommon, these complications are more likely in women with heart disease, obesity, or pregnancy-related high blood pressure. These include:

• Heart problems like cardiomyopathy that weakens the heart's pumping ability, or other circulatory disorders
• High blood pressure that may lead to serious health complications if uncontrolled
• Postpartum depression, a psychological disorder affecting the mother's mood and behavior after childbirth
• Amniotic fluid embolism, a rare condition where amniotic fluid or fetal cells enter the mother's bloodstream during or immediately after delivery, potentially causing severe body reactions affecting breathing, blood pressure, and circulation
• Sepsis, a serious infection occurring when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread, potentially affecting organs like kidneys, liver, and lungs, possibly causing organ failure if not treated quickly
• Anesthesia-related complications including allergic reactions or side effects on respiratory and circulatory systems

Although these complications are rare, it's important to monitor any abnormal postpartum symptoms and consult your doctor when needed.

Symptoms requiring immediate emergency care:

Many postpartum complications can be easily treated if detected early, but some serious symptoms require immediate emergency department attention, including:

• Chest pain accompanied by coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Seizures
• Heavy bleeding requiring more than one pad per hour plus egg-sized blood clots
• Delayed wound healing with abnormal discharge
• Leg swelling and redness with warmth or pain when touched
• Fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher
• Severe headache with vision changes unrelieved by pain medication
• Breast swelling and tenderness
• Painful urination or sudden urge to urinate
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

How to prevent postpartum complications?

Your health is a priority - don't neglect it or skip postpartum doctor visits; 40% of women miss follow-up appointments after delivery, potentially allowing symptoms to worsen into life-threatening conditions. You can reduce postpartum complication risks by following these tips:

• Keep all medical appointments even without symptoms to ensure regular health monitoring
• Be attentive to bodily changes and promptly report any abnormal symptoms to your doctor
• During prenatal visits, ask about potential complications and prevention methods
• Begin Kegel exercises at the appropriate time to strengthen pelvic muscles after consulting your doctor about timing
• Take prescribed vitamins regularly as directed regarding dosage and timing
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet during pregnancy and postpartum to support health and recovery
• Drink sufficient water daily to support bodily functions and circulation
• Engage in appropriate exercise after consulting your doctor about suitable activities

Regular postpartum doctor visits help address any complications safely before they worsen.

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In conclusion, maternal health after delivery remains an undeniable priority. Being aware of potential symptoms and complications while maintaining regular medical follow-ups is essential. Postpartum self-care isn't just about maintaining your health - it's crucial for your baby's wellbeing too. Remember that early care can help prevent complications and ease recovery, so always stay vigilant and listen to your body.