Maternal discharge information (for delivery)

▶ What is the puerperium?

·         It is 6~8 weeks after delivery, when the body returns to its pre-pregnancy state

·         If you are not breastfeeding, ovulation may resume at this time, so contraception is required during sex

▶ Postpartum checkup

·         Initial: 4th day after discharge (wound and bleeding checked)

·         Review: 8 weeks after delivery (recovery level, gynecological checkup) — mobile phone  text call  from the hospital

▶ Perineal care

Objective: Pain relief and rapid healing methods of perineal wounds

1.      Sitz bath
 a.Method:- 2-3 times a day.40'C water (not enough temperature to burn)

                                          to the perineum                                                                                                                  

-Apply it for 15 minutes until it is submerged, and then let it dry naturally

b.Time Frame: 2-4 weeks or until pain is gone

2.Maintain vulva and anus cleanliness (wipe the anus front → back)

▶ Postpartum pain & Oro

·         Postpartum pain: -Pain caused by the uterus contracting to prevent postpartum   

                                        bleeding

                                       (It is worse in multiparous woman  and lactating mothers). It weakens over time and only occurs during lactation

 - postpartum pain is an indicator of good uterine contractions.

·         Oro: -Discharge of debris, blood, and tissue discharge in the uterus after childbirth
 -Red → gradually fades at first, then light yellow and colorless after 10 days
 -If it persists for more than 2 weeks or smells, it is suspected of poor uterine   contractions or endometritis, Need for medical examination

▶ Postpartum hemorrhage

·         If the bleeding that has been decreasing suddenly increases, there is a possibility of placenta residual, poor uterine contractions, or endometritis, so visit the hospital immediately

▶ When to consult a doctor

·         Profuse bright red bleeding or blood clots

·         High fever of 38 degrees or higher

·         Severe pain in the lower abdomen

·         If the breasts are hard and swollen

·         If perineal pain gets worse

·         Severe pain when urinating

·         Severe pain in the side

▶ Changes in urination and defecation

·         Tension urinary incontinence: Occurs in about 7%, most recover within 3 months
Pelvic muscle exercises (Kekel exercises) shorten the recovery period for urinary incontinence

·         Defecation:- Constipation may occur due to relaxation of the intestines and                         

Abdominal wall and decreased  bowel motility

- Intake of fluids and dietary fiber to prevent constipation (in severe cases, constipation medication is prescribed after visiting the hospital)

▶ Gestational Hemorrhoids

·         When the fetus compresses the birth canal during childbirth, the rectum is also compressed, resulting in blood circulation disorders.

·         It is relieved by sitz baths and constipation prevention, and hemorrhoids that occur during delivery improve within 2 months after delivery. Surgical care is required if it continues after 2 months

▶ Shower and bath

·         Shower: Available immediately after childbirth

·         Bath: Available 3 weeks after childbirth (after the aura is gone)

▶ Sexual life, menstruation, contraception

·         Sexual life: If there is no bleeding or perineal pain, it can be done 3 weeks after childbirth

·         Period recovery: non-lactating → 6~8 weeks, exclusive feeding → up to 18 months, mixed feeding → individual differences

·         Initiation of contraception: 3 weeks after non-lactation/mixed →feeding, 5 months after full feeding → 5 months
Contraception must be practiced regardless of menstruation. Unwanted pregnancy may occur if you try to start after menstruation

★ Health Recovery Tips

·         Weight management, nutrition management, and diet implementation

·         Light postpartum exercise

·         From the beginning of postpartum, secure at least 30~60 minutes of sleep time a day to exercise and rest, → faster recovery, prevent postpartum depression, and raise happy children.

·         Husband and family help and cooperation required