From the very beginning of pregnancy to childbirth, a woman has to go through a bundle of complications like vomiting, nausea, fatigue, excess weight gain, and many more. But delivering the baby is truly not the end of pregnancy complications that almost every woman has to experience. Rather, after childbirth, there comes another bundle of complications that are often referred to as postpartum complications. Managing postpartum complications is not as easy as it seems to be. It is really very much tough for a new mum to deal with postpartum complications and tackle her newbie. Therefore, it is necessary to be aware of some common postpartum complications beforehand so that you can manage everything well after your delivery. Let the most recommended baby scan clinic in Aylesbury discuss the 9 most common postpartum pregnancy complications in Today’s blog post!
Excessive vaginal bleeding: We all know that vaginal bleeding after child delivery is quite common. However, the bleeding should usually last for 2-6 weeks after delivery. Although this timespan varies from one woman to another. Some women experience vaginal bleeding immediately (in just a few hours) after giving birth to their babies. Contrarily, in some other cases, the vaginal bleeding starts after a few days or weeks after delivery. So, a woman needs to be prepared for this once she gives birth to her child.
Infections: Infections after childbirth can occur in the uterus (endometritis), urinary tract (urinary tract infections), or surgical incisions (wound infections) following caesarean delivery. However, the symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, foul-smelling vaginal discharge, pain or burning sensation during urination, and redness or swelling around the incisions. However, infections after giving birth to a child require urgent medical evaluation and treatment with antibiotics to avoid further serious complications.
Deep Vein Thrombosis: Deep Vein Thrombosis or DVT is the formation of blood clots in deep veins, commonly in the legs. After giving birth to a child, the risk of developing DVT increases due to hormonal changes and reduced mobility of the new mommy. The symptoms of DVT may include severe leg pain, visible swelling, warmth, or redness. Apart from that, in case, if a blood clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, it can cause a life-threatening condition called pulmonary embolism for the mum. So, one must seek immediate medical attention if DVT symptoms are present after childbirth.
Postpartum Depression (PPD): According to renowned doctors and the experts of a Private 4D Baby Scan clinic in Aylesbury, postpartum depression is a common mood disorder that mainly can occur within weeks or months after giving birth to a baby. However, it is commonly characterized by feelings of extreme sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion. Besides, the other symptoms may include loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, difficulty bonding with the baby, or thoughts of self-harm at any time.
Urinary Incontinence: urinary incontinence refers to the involuntary leakage of urine which can occur at any time after childbirth due to the stretching and weakening of pelvic muscles. Women who have recently given birth to their babies may experience stress incontinence (leakage during physical exertion) or urge incontinence (sudden strong urge to urinate). Pelvic floor exercises, lifestyle modifications, and, in some cases, medical interventions can help a woman manage urinary incontinence after childbirth.
Perineal Pain and Tears: Did you know that vaginal delivery can sometimes lead a woman to perineal tears or episiotomies (a surgical incision made to enlarge the vaginal opening)? However, these can cause utter physical discomfort, pain, and difficulty in sitting or moving. Proper postpartum care, including pain management techniques, sitz baths, and keeping the area clean can help a woman with healing and alleviate the bodily discomfort caused by perineal pain and tears after delivering her child.
Anemia: Postpartum anemia can happen due to blood loss during the time of delivery or childbirth. The symptoms of postpartum anemia may include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, pale skin, etc. A doctor or your healthcare provider can diagnose anemia through blood tests and may recommend iron supplements or dietary changes to address the deficiency of iron in your blood.
Mastitis: Mastitis refers to a breast infection that commonly affects breastfeeding women. However, mastitis causes acute pain in the breasts, redness, warmth, swelling, etc. Flu-like symptoms, such as fever (high body temperature) and chills, may also be present in mastitis. The treatment for mastitis often involves antibiotics, adequate rest, and continued breastfeeding or pumping to relieve breast engorgement.
Postpartum Pre-eclampsia: Postpartum preeclampsia is characterized by high blood pressure and signs of organ damage. It normally occurs within the first week after delivery. The major symptoms may include severe headaches, visual disturbances, swelling, and upper abdominal pain. Prompt medical attention is necessary to manage pre-eclampsia and prevent complications.
To conclude, note that this is not an exhaustive list of post-partum complications as there may be other postpartum complications too. If you experience any concerning symptoms after childbirth, it is much crucial to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Your doctor or even the experts of any renowned 4D Baby Scan Clinic in Aylesbury can evaluate your condition, provide the required treatment, and ensure the well-being of both you and your baby.