Postpartum meaning

Adjusting to everyday life after the birth of a baby has its challenges, especially if you’re a new mother. Although it’s important to care for your baby, you also have to take care of yourself. Most new mothers don’t return to work for at least the first six weeks after birth. This allows time to adapt and develop a new normal. Since a baby has to be fed and changed often, you may experience sleepless nights. It can be frustrating and tiresome. The good news is that you’ll eventually fall into a routine. In the meantime, here’s what you can do for an easier transition: 1. Get plenty of rest. Get as much sleep as possible to cope with tiredness and fatigue. Your baby may wake up every two to three hours for feeding. To make sure you’re getting enough rest, sleep when your baby sleeps. 2. Seek help. Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends during the postpartum period, as well as after this period. Your body needs to heal, and practical help around the home can help you get much-needed rest. Friends or family can prepare meals, run errands, or help care for other children in the home. 3. Eat healthy meals. Maintain a healthy diet to promote healing. Increase your intake of whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and protein. You should also increase your fluid intake, especially if you are breast-feeding. 4. Exercise. Your doctor will let you know when it’s OK to exercise. The activity should not be strenuous. Try taking a walk near your house. The change of scenery ...

• Afrikaans • العربية • Bosanski • Català • Čeština • Deutsch • Español • Euskara • فارسی • Français • Frysk • Galego • 한국어 • Hrvatski • Bahasa Indonesia • Italiano • עברית • Кыргызча • Lietuvių • Nederlands • नेपाली • 日本語 • Norsk bokmål • Norsk nynorsk • Oʻzbekcha / ўзбекча • ਪੰਜਾਬੀ • پښتو • Polski • Português • Shqip • سنڌي • Slovenčina • Српски / srpski • Srpskohrvatski / српскохрватски • Suomi • Svenska • தமிழ் • తెలుగు • Türkçe • اردو • Tiếng Việt The postpartum (or postnatal) period begins after In scientific literature, the term is commonly abbreviated to P x, where x is a number; for example, "day P5" should be read as "the fifth day after birth". This is not to be confused with the medical nomenclature that uses G P to stand for number and outcomes of pregnancy ( A woman giving birth may leave as soon as she is medically stable, which can be as early as a few hours postpartum, though the average for The postpartum period can be divided into three distinct stages; the initial or acute phase, 8–19 hours after childbirth; subacute postpartum period, which lasts two to six weeks, and the delayed postpartum period, which can last up to six months. Various organizations recommend routine postpartum evaluation at certain time intervals in the postpartum period. Acute phase [ ] Within about 10 seconds the infant takes its first breath and the caregiver places the baby on the mother's chest. The infant's condition is evaluated using the Subacute postpartum period [ ] The s...

Overview What is uterus involution? Uterus involution refers to the process where your pregnant uterus (womb) returns to the way it was before pregnancy. Your uterus goes through major changes when you’re pregnant. The lining of your uterus thickens, your blood vessels widen and your uterus grows several times its normal size. These changes transform your uterus into a space of nourishment and protection for a Once you no longer need these changes to support your pregnancy, your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy state. Why is uterine involution important? Uterine involution is a significant post-pregnancy change that allows you to regain some comfort and fertility. Your uterus shrinks during involution, lessening the pregnancy weight your body has to carry. In addition, involution is necessary for you to begin When does involution of the uterus begin? Involution begins as soon as the placenta is delivered. The placenta is the organ that allows the mother, or gestational parent, to share nutrients with a fetus. It’s attached to your uterus during pregnancy. The placenta is delivered shortly after your baby is born. What happens during uterine involution? During uterine involution, your uterus returns to the condition and (approximate) size that it was before pregnancy. After your provider delivers your baby, your uterus contracts to deliver the placenta. The repeated squeezing and relaxing in your uterus muscle wall compresses the blood vessels. The narrowed blood vessels...

Overview What is postpartum preeclampsia? Postpartum preeclampsia is a rare but serious condition related to high blood pressure after you give birth. It’s most common within 48 hours of delivery but can occur up to six weeks after your baby is born. Postpartum preeclampsia can lead to Postpartum preeclampsia is different than If you have symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia, you need immediate medical attention. Once diagnosed and treated, the prognosis for a full recovery is very good. When does postpartum preeclampsia start? Most people develop symptoms of postpartum preeclampsia within 48 hours of childbirth. However, the condition can develop up to six weeks after delivery. What are the risk factors for postpartum preeclampsia? Certain factors increase your risk of getting postpartum preeclampsia. If you have any of the following conditions, you may be at higher risk: • • • Family or personal history of preeclampsia or postpartum preeclampsia. • Being younger than 20. • Being older than 40. • Expecting • • Symptoms and Causes What are the signs of postpartum preeclampsia? There are several symptoms that people who have just given birth might experience if they have postpartum preeclampsia. These include: • High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher). • High levels of protein in your urine ( • • Changes in vision like blurred vision or light sensitivity. • Swelling of your face, hands, feet or limbs. • • Abdominal pain, usually near your ribs. • Decreased urination. • R...

If you had a vaginal tear during delivery or your doctor made an incision, the wound might hurt for a few weeks. Extensive tears might take longer to heal. To ease discomfort while you're recovering: • Sit on a pillow or padded ring. • Cool the area with an ice pack, or place a chilled witch hazel pad between a sanitary napkin and the area between your vaginal opening and anus (perineum). • Use a squeeze bottle to pour warm water over the perineum as you're passing urine. • Sit in a warm bath just deep enough to cover your buttocks and hips for five minutes. Use cold water if you find it more soothing. • Take an over-the-counter pain reliever. Ask your health care provider about a numbing spray or cream, if needed. • Talk to your health care provider about using a stool softener or laxative to prevent constipation. After delivery, you'll begin to shed the superficial mucous membrane that lined your uterus during pregnancy. You'll have vaginal discharge made up of this membrane and blood for weeks. The discharge will be red and heavy for the first few days. Then it will taper, become increasingly watery and change from pinkish brown to yellowish white. You might feel occasional contractions, sometimes called afterpains, during the first few days after delivery. These contractions — which often resemble menstrual cramps — help prevent excessive bleeding by compressing the blood vessels in the uterus. Afterpains are common during breastfeeding due to the release of the hormon...