Signs of complications after childbirth. Exacerbation of skin diseases

The date: 03.04.2019

After the birth of the baby, all the woman's attention is focused on the newborn and she practically does not pay attention to herself. But after childbirth, the body goes through many changes in which complications are possible. Some of them can be life threatening. It is never possible to predict whether a particular woman will have complications or not. Therefore, it is important to know which potential dangerous complications may occur and how they manifest themselves.

Causes of postpartum complications

Causes postpartum complications are:

activation of the microflora inhabiting the human body
the entry of pathogenic microorganisms from the outside
exacerbation of existing diseases
features of the course of pregnancy
abnormal birth
inaccurate or incorrect actions of the medical staff.

postpartum preeclampsia

Preeclampsia usually occurs during pregnancy. However, there are cases when the disease appears after childbirth. It manifests itself as follows: pressure rises, a migraine appears, headache and pain in the upper abdomen, vision problems begin, etc. Another important factor is that there is a rapid weight gain (up to 1 kg per week).

In most cases, the symptoms in the postpartum period do not differ from the symptoms of preeclampsia during pregnancy. Having suffered such a disease, it is necessary to undergo a course of recovery. You should not hope that "after giving birth everything will pass." Unfortunately, the risk of complications, especially in the first 2 weeks after birth, remains high. Therefore, further treatment in the hospital is necessary, and then on an outpatient basis under the supervision of the attending physician.

postpartum depression

Sometimes women feel unusually sad or depressed after having a baby. If it doesn't last long, it's probably a single depressive episode. This is a common thing and everything goes by itself. If the feelings don't go away or get worse, it could be postpartum depression. Signs that postpartum depression may have include:

Feelings of extreme sadness that do not disappear.
Intense despair or anxiety.
Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
Feeling like you want to hurt yourself.
Feeling like you want to hurt your child.

Call your doctor if you experience strong feelings of sadness or anxiety in the weeks after birth.

Infectious diseases

Inflammation in the places of sutures and incisions

Inflammation can start when an exposed area of the body is exposed to bacteria. If you had a caesarean section, the stitches may fester. You can also become infected if you had a vaginal birth and had an episiotomy (a small incision) in your perineum. Signs of these types of infection include:

The incision does not heal.
Increased redness or swelling around the incision.
There is pus in the drain tube or stitches

endometritis

After the birth of a child, a woman may become inflamed endometrium - the mucous membrane lining the uterine cavity. This complication is called postpartum endometritis. main reason the onset of the disease is the entry of microorganisms into the uterine cavity. The inflammatory process can begin both after natural childbirth and after caesarean section.

With postpartum endometritis, the following main symptoms occur:

persistent aching pain in the lower abdomen;
mucopurulent vaginal discharge from scanty to profuse;
uterine bleeding.

The general condition is deteriorating. Body temperature is kept within 37.2–37.5 degrees. There is rapid fatigue, weakness. When diagnosing a disease, doctors prescribe antibiotics a wide range actions.

Postpartum endometritis is a very serious complication. If left untreated, the inflammation will spread to the deeper layers of the uterus, penetrate into the fallopian tubes and lead to infertility or sepsis.

Mastitis

Approximately 2–11% of women are diagnosed with mastitis after childbirth. Under this medical term, specialists understand the inflammation of the mammary gland, which began during the period of feeding the child. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in primiparous women 2-3 weeks after the birth of the baby.

The causative agents of postpartum mastitis are staphylococci, streptococci and other microorganisms. They penetrate through cracks in the nipples into the mammary gland from the baby's mouth, from contaminated linen. The likelihood of mastitis increases if a woman does not follow the rules for caring for the mammary glands, milk stagnation, poor emptying of the gland during breastfeeding.

Signs of postpartum mastitis include:

bursting pain in the chest;
high temperature body;
compaction of the mammary glands;
redness of the skin;
abscess formation under the skin.

On the initial stage diseases, experts recommend applying cold to the sore spot, completely emptying the mammary glands, applying the child to the chest as often as possible. Sometimes antibiotics are required. If suppuration is found, then the abscess is opened. Feeding the affected mammary gland is temporarily stopped.

If left untreated, the disease progresses. In very advanced cases, gangrene of the mammary glands begins. If treatment is started in a timely manner, then irreversible consequences can be avoided.

Bleeding

The most common postpartum complications in women are uterine bleeding. The reasons for their occurrence are:

benign tumors in the uterus (myomas, fibromas);
violation contractile function myometrium ( muscular membrane uterus);
excessive stretching of the uterus, which is observed in multiple pregnancies, polyhydramnios;
long and difficult delivery;
the use of drugs that help reduce the tone of the uterus;
mechanical damage uterus during childbirth;
poor blood clotting.

Blood loss of up to 0.5% of a woman's body weight is considered normal. If the woman in labor loses more blood, then experts regard this as pathological. postpartum hemorrhage. Symptoms such as pallor of the skin, tachycardia, arterial hypotension.

If you do not see a doctor in time, the outcome can be fatal.

What to Consider

Trust your instincts and feelings. If you feel unwell, do not hesitate to contact your doctor when you experience the above symptoms. You need to urgently call an ambulance or go to the emergency department yourself if the following symptoms in the first two to three weeks after childbirth:

Chest pain.
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
High blood pressure
Cramping pains in the lower abdomen
Thoughts of harming yourself or your child.

Questions to ask your doctor

Am I at risk for developing postpartum complications?
What symptoms should I look out for?
How do you know what kind of bleeding is normal after having a baby?
postpartum depression episodes and postpartum depression- what is the difference?

For nine months, a woman carries a child in her stomach. And now, finally, the contractions and childbirth are over, the newborn baby is sleeping sweetly, and it seems that all the worst is already behind. But the body is weakened, he had to endure serious stress, hormonal changes and now it's time to recover. What barriers can arise along the way and what complications can a woman face?

Complications after natural childbirth

Most frequent complications after natural childbirth are inflammatory diseases pelvic organs. They can appear during pregnancy or long before it, but the woman did not have time to cure them, and also immediately after childbirth, if the young mother did not follow the doctor's recommendations and did not pay enough attention to personal hygiene.

The most common of them:

Postpartum endometritis(inflammation of the mucous membrane of the uterus) occurs in 7%. To one degree or another, the uterus is damaged in all women after childbirth, but for most, healing takes place quickly. In the rest, endometritis proceeds in severe form, symptoms appear on the 2-4th day in the form of fever, dark discharge, chills and pain in the lower abdomen. A mild form of endometritis begins a little later. The disease also occurs in natural childbirth and caesarean section.
Postpartum bleeding. Blood discharge after childbirth - a normal phenomenon if they are plentiful only during the week. After this period, the amount of blood decreases, the blood turns from bright red to pale. Pathology can be suspected if blood stains continuously appear on sanitary pads or underwear for two weeks after birth and continue to have a rich color. Even more dangerous if the bleeding is accompanied by bad smell or purulent secretions. In this case, you need to urgently consult a doctor. The absence of bleeding after childbirth is also an unkind symptom: it can be a sign of a bend in the uterus or its slow contraction.
Chorioamnionitis is an inflammation of the membranes of the fetus and uterus. If the membranes of the fetus are ruptured ahead of time, the waters pour out earlier, therefore, the anhydrous period lasts longer than expected. In this condition, the uterus and fetus are more susceptible to infections, so the mother is more likely to develop endometritis, and there is also a risk infectious diseases at the baby.
Postpartum mastitis and lactostasis. Both of these complications are associated with lactation. The first is characterized by inflammation of the mammary glands, and the second by stagnation of milk. Their essential difference is that with mastitis, feeding and expressing milk cause strong pain, and with lactostasis, on the contrary, relief.
Inflammation of the urethra. Burning and pain during urination are allowed in the first days after childbirth. If after 7-10 days the symptoms persist, the body temperature rises, there are false urges and pain in the lower abdomen, radiating to the lower back, we can talk about inflammatory process. A doctor's consultation is required.

Complications after caesarean section

All of the above ailments can appear after a cesarean section. Special complications after surgery are called:

Spikes. Spikes are called fusion of the internal structures of the body with ropes or loops of connective tissue. They prevent the spread of inflammation, but if there are too many of them, dissonance occurs in the abdominal cavity. Adhesions can occur before and after childbirth. The most effective methods of control and prevention are physiotherapy and hirudotherapy.
Bleeding and hematoma in the suture area. Pathologies occur if the suture is applied incorrectly and with rough mechanical handling during dressing changes and processing.
Purulent-inflammatory phenomena. If an infection penetrates through the suture or insufficient treatment is performed, the nearest area is reddened, swells, the temperature rises, and a bloody-purulent substance is released from the suture.
Seam divergence. In rare cases, about 7-10 days after the operation, the suture may begin to unravel. Possible reasons- Infection or carrying heavy weights.
Ligature fistulas. Sometimes around the threads of the seam, the skin becomes compacted and fistulas form. Skin redden, lumps can be hot and painful, pus is released. If measures are not taken in time, an abscess may develop. In case of fistula formation, repeated suturing is required.
Hernia. It is rare, more often with a longitudinal incision or several pregnancies in a row, ending with an operation.
Keloid scar. An aesthetic complication that is characterized by an oversized, uneven scar.

Consequences of epidural anesthesia during childbirth

An epidural is the injection of an anesthetic into the spinal cord. It is done in a number of special cases (too young woman in labor, multiple pregnancy, anomalies), but the doctor must warn about possible complications and consequences.

A sharp drop in blood pressure;
The occurrence of an allergic reaction to the drug;
Injury to the nerve roots (with insufficient qualifications of the anesthesiologist);
Labored breathing;
Paralysis of the legs;
Heart failure;
If sterility is not observed during the puncture, an inflammatory process may occur, up to septic meningitis;
Intravascular intoxication occurs if an anesthetic is accidentally injected into a vein;
General malaise: headache and back pain, weakness, nausea, dizziness, "flies" in the eyes, tinnitus;
Stuck end of catheter in spinal canal.

Another unfortunate consequence is the lack of effect. With certain characteristics of the body, anesthesia may not work in fully or not work at all.

During the anesthesia procedure, there is a risk of the drug getting into the vessels, tissues spinal cord because of which the reaction of the body can be unpredictable. The consequence can be both general malaise for several days, and convulsions and hypoxia. Also, one should not forget about the possible negative impact on the child (intoxication, mental retardation and physical development, decreased activity).

Consequences of premature birth

Normally, the baby is preparing to leave the womb by the 40th week of pregnancy. If the contractions start earlier and the birth occurs before the due date, then something went wrong. preterm birth dangerous for both mother and baby. The most dangerous consequences:

Protracted deep postpartum depression occurs due to the fact that the mother begins to blame herself for what happened;
Weakly developed respiratory system the baby requires connection to special breathing apparatus;
A premature baby is often not yet able to feed itself, so a connection to an artificial feeding machine is required;
Chronic lung diseases in children;
Slow mental development, up to dementia;
Reduced immunity, a tendency to frequent infectious, inflammatory, chronic diseases;
Character traits: tearfulness, capriciousness, emotionality;
Delays in physical development. Premature babies, as a rule, later begin to crawl, sit, walk.

Some complications after childbirth cannot be predicted, while others, such as inflammatory diseases, can be prevented even at the stage of pregnancy planning. The birth of a child is the most pleasant and long-awaited moment in the life of every woman, so it is better not to let it be overshadowed by unpleasant consequences and take care of your health.

Specially for- Elena Kichak

Reading time: 8 minutes

woman's body after labor activity will no longer be the same as before, health problems may even arise. To prevent this from happening, it is important to be observed by a gynecologist, to respond in a timely manner to the first alarming symptoms. Not only the external curves of the figure change, but also the internal health of a woman after childbirth, and there is a number of evidence for this. It is especially dangerous if labor activity took place with pathologies. In such a case, the consequences for women's health can remind you of yourself for the rest of your life. It is necessary to talk about such unpleasant moments in more detail.

What is childbirth

It's a natural process female body, which gives rise to new life. Simply put, this is the logical conclusion of pregnancy with the long-awaited replenishment of a happy family. Physiologically, in the female body, the fetus and placenta are expelled from the uterus through the birth canal (through the cervical canal and vagina). Natural childbirth is accompanied not only by recurrent pain and specific discharge, more serious problems with health. Such moments are discussed with the obstetrician-gynecologist on an individual basis.

Which births are considered complicated

If in the process of labor activity there were certain difficulties on the part of the mother or child, such childbirth in extensive obstetric practice is considered complicated. The reasons why the pathological process progresses are revealed even during pregnancy or come as a surprise when a newborn is born. In any case, such pathologies require high professionalism and timely coordinated actions on the part of a team of specialists. The health problem can be conditionally classified as follows, highlight the following causes of pathological childbirth:

premature birth (presence of miscarriages and abortions in anamnesis, multiple pregnancy, cervical insufficiency and other pathologies of this important organ of the reproductive system);
weak labor activity (obesity future mother, large fetus or its incorrect presentation in the womb, overwork of the woman in labor during labor, previous inflammatory processes);
ruptures of soft tissues (severe ruptures of the perineum, walls of the vagina, cervix against the background of a large fetus, its incorrect presentation in the womb, serious medical errors);
a long anhydrous period (accession of a secondary infection during pregnancy, weakness of labor activity);
oxygen starvation or fetal hypoxia (premature placental abruption, excessive pressure on the fetal abdominal wall, entanglement is not yet born child umbilical cord with the need for an emergency caesarean section).

Can cause complications during childbirth in women anatomical features of the female body, among which the pelvis, which is narrow by nature, occupies a leading position. To avoid the development of such a pathology and serious consequences for childbirth, the leading gynecologist individually determines the ratio of the size of the pelvic ring and the size of the baby's head. With visible differences, a planned caesarean section may be required. In this way, you can minimize the risk of unpleasant consequences for the mother and child.

woman after childbirth

Immediately after the completion of labor, the representative of the weaker sex feels empty and overwhelmed, she really wants to sleep. So she enters the postpartum period, which can last from 6 to 8 weeks. All internal organs except for the mammary glands and hormonal system, gradually return to normal, restore their usual functions.

Immediately after childbirth, the uterus weighs up to 1 kg, but gradually it shrinks and decreases in size, reaching a weight of up to 500 g. It is important to clarify that with breastfeeding Pain in the lower abdomen may occasionally occur. This is normal: the uterus contracts, intense production of oxytocin predominates, causing especially strong uterine contractions. But these are not the only changes that a woman who has recently given birth notices in her own body:

For 5 - 6 weeks, among the consequences it is required to highlight bloody issues(lochia).
Six months after childbirth, there may be no stable menstruation, or a disturbed menstrual cycle predominates.
After delivery, the vagina gradually decreases in size, but does not always return to its prenatal form.
The mammary glands increase, since breast milk predominates in them during breastfeeding, and the concentration of prolactin increases.
In the first days after childbirth, colostrum is released from the breast, after a few days the milk acquires the fat content required for satiety of the newborn.
Among dangerous consequences there may be no urge to urinate, which is normal for the first 2 to 3 days, but not longer.
If a caesarean section was performed, fresh stitches continue to hurt for the first 2-3 weeks, regularly reminding yourself of yourself with extremely unpleasant sensations.

In the psychological state, radical changes are also observed, which can be conditionally called "from one extreme to another." At first, this feeling of euphoria from the long-awaited motherhood, but then the joy fades into the background, protracted bouts of blues and apathy begin to bother. This is how postpartum depression begins, from which some women cannot get out without the help and participation of a certified psychotherapist.

Consequences of childbirth in women

A woman does not always feel comfortable and calm after the baby is born, certain health difficulties may appear. The consequences of childbirth can be pathological in nature, cause urgent hospitalization recent birth. Do not ignore the prevailing problem if a woman has such changes in her body:

Since the volume of blood after the birth of a child in the female body decreases, at first signs of arrhythmia, tachycardia, and angina pectoris may prevail.
There is a high risk of the formation of blood clots and the subsequent development of thrombosis in the body of a woman.
In the postpartum period, intestinal motility is disturbed, and one of the consequences of such dysfunction is the development of chronic constipation.
It is not excluded the appearance and increase in size hemorrhoids that need to be shown to the proctologist on an individual basis.
After childbirth, bleeding may open, which provokes not only iron deficiency anemia, but also becomes a real threat to the life of the newly-made mother.
Complications of childbirth are accompanied by a sharp increase in temperature, which indicates an infectious or inflammatory process in the body of a woman.
If traces of specific secretions with an unpleasant odor appear on the underwear, this is a sign of thrush, with the treatment of which it is advisable not to delay.

Diseases

If a general state after childbirth is satisfactory, and the young mother experiences a sharp deterioration in general well-being, it's time to contact the local gynecologist. Otherwise, immediate hospitalization may be required, followed by drug treatment and temporary cessation of breastfeeding. Here are some diseases of the female body of a gynecological nature in question:

postpartum endometritis;
inflammation postpartum sutures;
cystitis and other infectious processes of the urinary tract;
mastopathy, mastitis;
chronic pyelonephritis;
accession of a secondary infection;
non-communicable diseases (joints, skin).

The consequences of rapid labor for the child

It is important not to ignore the prerequisites for childbirth, since the delay of the expectant mother can significantly harm the newborn, complicate the process of labor. At rapid labor The potential consequences for the new person are:

oxygen starvation (hypoxia), contributing not only to extensive pathologies of the brain;
anoxia, as one of the varieties of hypoxia, which is accompanied by extensive death of brain cells;
intoxication of the newborn with medications that are involved in the emergency delivery or caesarean section;
infection of the child during its passage through the birth canal;
syndrome sudden death newborn, which takes place in the first days of a baby's life.

The consequences of a difficult birth for a child

With complicated labor activity, a newborn may not survive or die suddenly in the first hours of his life. This is dangerous, so doctors should be especially vigilant about such clinical pictures, timely issue for the preservation of future mothers from the risk group. Difficult childbirth is a prerequisite for extensive pathologies of the newborn organism. Alternatively, these could be:

swelling of the brain;
hydrocephalus;
Down syndrome;
congenital heart defects;
complete muscle atrophy;
delay in physical and mental state in future.

Diseases that progress in childbirth, or become an extremely unpleasant consequence of birth trauma, are considered incurable. Almost always, such a child receives the status of a disabled person already in the first year of life, is in dire need of parental care and attention, and becomes independent late (if at all). Such complications of childbirth are not amenable to successful correction only by medical methods.

Recovery after a difficult birth

If labor activity was complicated, a young mother with a child is not discharged from the maternity ward after 2 to 3 days. The doctor observes the woman in labor for a week, after which he gives individual recommendations in terms of the postpartum period. It is important to understand that it will last much longer than the time after natural delivery. Here valuable advice competent specialists to avoid serious consequences for women's health:

First of all, bed rest and complete rest of the woman in labor are required, it is important to reduce the intensity of exposure to external stimuli.
It is important to set up breastfeeding in order to establish invisible contact with the newborn baby.
Need to avoid physical activity until the body is fully restored (this also applies to sports, especially after a cesarean section).
If bleeding occurs, it is important to call ambulance, because a woman can even die from profuse blood loss.
At first, you need to wear sanitary pads, control the amount of blood released, and avoid hemorrhage.
Kegel exercises will not be superfluous, which only strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor, help restore the size of the vagina.
Tablets, creams, ointments and other medicines can only be used on an individual doctor's prescription after childbirth.

Video

You have become the mother of an adorable baby. It would seem that all the difficulties are over ... However, childbirth is a serious test for the body. After them, complications can arise, which, fortunately, in many cases are easy to avoid. The first days you spend with your newborn baby are happy times. However, it is often overshadowed by various postpartum troubles, which, if left untreated, can cause serious complications. Postpartum, depending on individual features women, lasts six to ten weeks.

During this time, the internal organs and systems of the body, which have undergone changes during pregnancy, return to their previous state. And this process, alas, is not always easy and painless. The main group of complications of the postpartum period is pelvic inflammatory disease caused by infections of the genitourinary organs of the woman in labor, which were not treated during pregnancy. Other reasons for their development are a decrease in the immunity of the newly-minted mother and non-compliance with simple rules of intimate hygiene.

PATHOLOGICAL POSTPARTUM BLEEDING

By itself uterine bleeding after childbirth is not a symptom of the pathological process and until a certain time is considered a normal phenomenon, absolutely natural for the postpartum period. During the nine months of pregnancy, the uterus with the baby growing in it increases significantly in size, and at the time of delivery, its weight, as a rule, is about 1000 grams. Empty after the birth of a child, it shrinks, returning to its previous size. With uterine contractions, bloody discharge appears from the vagina, similar to heavy periods. These are lochia. Normally, they are plentiful, thick and bright red only in the first week after childbirth. Then they turn pale, become more scarce and normally stop after six to eight weeks. Moms who breastfeed their babies end up earlier. In women who have had a caesarean section, on the contrary, they last a little longer. But there are cases when uterine secretions may be pathological.

HOW THEY APPEAR

A young mother should be wary if the lochia, two weeks after the birth, is still plentiful, has a rich bloody color, has acquired a sharp unpleasant odor, become purulent, or if after bloody-mucous discharge, bloody has begun again. All this may be a sign of a developing complication, which in itself, without medical care won't pass. No less dangerous for a woman is the delay in postpartum discharge. This indicates the bending of the uterus and the slow rate of its contraction. In this case, a woman has a sharp decrease in the release of lochia, a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen and lower back, chills, fever.

IMPORTANT! Lead to the development of postpartum inflammation: blood loss during childbirth, anemia, beriberi, blood clotting disorders, placental remnants or membranes in the uterine cavity, surgical intervention in childbirth, severe course pregnancy, etc.

PREVENTION

Observe the hygiene of the genitals. The entire period of spotting, especially in the presence of postpartum stitches on the perineum, wash with cool clean water after every visit to the toilet. Change pads every 4 hours. It is important that the pad, especially in the first 5-7 days after childbirth, does not fit closely to the vagina: it is necessary to create an airing effect.

Inflammation in a woman in labor can be caused by microbes coming either from the vagina, or from foci of chronic infections inside the body. If a woman is at risk for such diseases, she can be placed in a specialized department for childbirth.

To avoid complications, it is necessary to promptly treat all possible infections, especially gynecological ones.

Do not use sanitary tampons - this Right way to infection in the uterus.

Lie on your stomach more often in the first week after childbirth in this position, the uterus will contract more actively.

Do not "stale" after childbirth. If the birth went without complications and your health allows, start moving as soon as possible.

Empty in a timely manner bladder and intestines.

POSTPARTUM ENDOMETRITIS

To date, endometritis (inflammation of the mucous membranes of the uterus) is the most common complication that women experience in the postpartum period. It occurs in 7% of women in labor, and more often this pathology occurs in mothers who have had a caesarean section. The inner surface of the uterus after the birth of a baby is an extensive wound surface. Its healing includes two stages: inflammation and restoration of the mucous membrane, due to which the inner surface of the uterus is cleansed. However, in the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, the inflammation process can become chronic.

HOW IT MANIFESTS

Endometritis varies in severity. Severe - manifests itself on the second or fourth day after birth, in mild form- for 5-12 days. A woman's temperature rises to 38 ° C, chills begin, pulse quickens. There is pain in the lower abdomen and in the lumbar region, which intensifies during the feeding period - it can be deaf, slight or intense, radiating to the stomach. Discharge from the uterus acquires an unpleasant odor, becomes brown, and later - purulent. At gynecological examination it is noted that the uterus contracts slowly, the height of its bottom does not correspond to the postpartum period.

It should be noted that a slight increase in temperature (up to 37.5 ° C) and a feeling of weakness in the first days after childbirth can be caused by the arrival of milk and not be a sign of the development of an inflammatory process.

REASONS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Endometritis develops due to the penetration of microbes into the uterus. This can happen for the following reasons:

As a consequence of hormonal or surgical correction with the threat of miscarriage.

If a woman has been diagnosed with infectious, including gynecological, diseases during pregnancy.

After caesarean section.

After examinations carried out by an invasive method, that is, with the introduction of medical instruments into the uterine cavity. In particular, amnioscopy (examination of amniotic fluid through abdominal wall) and amniocentesis (amniotic fluid sampling).

At prolonged labor. Especially if since the outpouring amniotic fluid more than 12 hours have passed before the birth of the baby (the so-called "anhydrous" period).

With complications in childbirth: weakness of labor, imposition obstetric forceps, in cases where the placenta is poorly separated, and parts of the placental tissue remain in the uterus.

If the baby was born large or with multiple pregnancy in these cases, the uterus is overly stretched, so it is difficult for it to contract after childbirth.

If a woman does not follow simple rules of intimate hygiene in the postpartum period.

PREVENTION

Timely and effective treatment infectious diseases during pregnancy and complications arising during labor.

Introduction medicines antibacterial action during and after surgery for high-risk women.

Prophylactic use (exclusively as prescribed by a gynecologist) of antibiotics with a relatively high risk of developing endometritis (for example, after a cesarean section).

For any ailments in the postpartum period, consult a doctor, do not self-medicate.

Isolated stay of the mother with the baby in the postpartum ward.

URINARY TRACT INFLAMMATION

If during the first days after childbirth a woman feels pain and burning during urination, this is quite normal. But if this discomfort persists even after 3-4 days, as well as after the healing of perineal tears or incisions, this may indicate the onset of an infection.

HOW IT MANIFESTS

Difficulties with urination, its soreness or the need for it without urine output (or with a slight excretion of it) are observed. Urine is usually cloudy and strong smell. The temperature is elevated, there is pain in the lumbar region on both sides.

PREVENTION

Drink more fluids. Unsweetened cranberry juice is especially good in this case - it has an antimicrobial effect due to the high concentration of tannin, which does not allow bacteria to attach to the walls of the bladder. But black coffee and sweet soda should be discarded (if your baby is breastfed, these drinks are prohibited for you).

Try to empty your bladder every 2 hours in the first days after childbirth.

Wash your face often, this will stimulate urination.

After visiting the toilet, wiping yourself with toilet paper, make movements in the direction from the anus - back.

When urinating, try to get all the urine out. To do this, while urinating, try to lean forward - in this position, the last drops will come out of the bladder.

REASONS FOR DEVELOPMENT

Introduction during the birth process of the catheter.

Injury of the bladder during natural childbirth.

Decreased bladder tone, especially after epidural anesthesia.

Injuries received during childbirth when applying obstetric forceps or a vacuum extractor.

POSTPARTUM MASTITIS

With such dangerous disease only a nursing mother can face. Its main causative agent is staphylococcus aureus, which penetrates into the breast tissue through nipple cracks and through the milk ducts.

HOW IT MANIFESTS

Postpartum mastitis is accompanied by fever up to 38.5°C and above, chills, weakness, headache. The mammary glands (or one mammary gland) become painful, the skin in the affected area turns red, the chest becomes hot, swells. During manual inspection, significant seals are probed in it. When breastfeeding a baby or expressing milk, a nursing mother experiences excruciating, acute pain.

The best prevention of such a dangerous postpartum disease as inflammation of the mammary gland, that is, mastitis, is regular expression of milk. Breast milk it is important to express completely, to the last drop, because the milk ducts with the drops remaining in them are the most favorable environment for the development of harmful bacteria that provoke infections.

CAUSES

Incomplete emptying of one or both mammary glands when feeding a baby.

Deep and non-healing nipple cracks.

It is equally important for the prevention of postpartum mastitis to properly attach the baby to the breast - this will ensure a good flask of milk and painless feeding.

Untreated lactostasis in a timely manner (stagnation of milk in the mammary glands). It is very important to distinguish lactostasis from mastitis in a timely manner. With lactostasis, expressing milk brings noticeable relief, redness and swelling of the skin are not observed, milk is released freely. After decanting, the body temperature returns to normal, the pain stops.

PREVENTION

Compliance with hygiene rules breastfeeding child: cleanliness of mother's hands and nipples.

Proper attachment of the baby to the breast: he must capture the nipple and halo.

Regular pumping (after each breastfeeding) to prevent stagnation of milk in the ducts.

Timely treatment of nipple cracks and lactostasis.

Air baths for the breast, the duration of which is 10-15 minutes after feeding.

POSTPARTUM PERITONITIS

Inflammation of the peritoneum, which leads to disruption of the work of all body systems. Most often it occurs as a complication after a caesarean section. Great importance also has the state immune system woman in labor, which is weakened by surgery, blood loss, stress. With peritonitis, there is a gradual "poisoning" of all body systems with toxins and a violation of their functions. For its treatment, complex therapy: surgical removal of the source of infection, as well as detoxification, that is, the removal of toxins.

HOW IT MANIFESTS

Symptoms appear early - by the end of the first or at the beginning of the second day after birth. There is an increase in temperature, bloating and pain in its lower part on both sides, nausea, vomiting. There is often scanty bloody discharge from the uterus.

CAUSES

Complications after caesarean section, in particular, wounds of the anterior abdominal wall.

An incision in the uterus during a caesarean section, a common consequence of which is bursting of blood and lymphatic vessels.

The presence of a suture on the uterus, which interferes with its normal contraction and outflow of lochia into postpartum period.

Penetration of infection into the ruptured suture on the uterus after caesarean section.

Adnexal disease.

Development of endometritis in the postoperative period.

Extragenital diseases of a woman (appendicitis, damage to the wall of the rectum or bladder).

PREVENTION

Timely and effective treatment of existing viral infections during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Stay isolated from other patients in the postpartum department of mother and baby.

Prophylactic administration (but only as prescribed by an obstetrician-gynecologist) of antibiotics with a high risk of developing an inflammatory process.

Compliance with personal (especially intimate) hygiene.

BLOODY ISSUES from the genital tract in the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth. As already mentioned, lochia is due to contraction of the uterus, which is rapidly returning to its previous size. How to help yourself. Do not forget about intimate hygiene, use pads with a high degree of absorbency. The use of tampons during this period must be abandoned.

INVOLVED URINATION. Occurs due to the lack of urge to empty due to an increase in the volume of the bladder after childbirth and the presence of free space in the abdominal cavity. The woman in this case does not feel the urge to urinate. Urinary incontinence most often occurs when laughing, coughing and sneezing. If incontinence does not go away within three to four months after giving birth, you should consult a doctor.

How to help yourself? Do daily exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor - Kegel exercises.

PAINFUL URINATION in the first days after childbirth. It may be due to the fact that urine gets on the seams from cuts or tears in the perineum. Pain during urination is also due to the introduction of a catheter into urethra during childbirth.

How to help yourself? Try to empty your bladder in a standing position, with your legs slightly bent at the knees wide apart - so urine will be less likely to fall on the damaged areas. It will also help to apply cold compresses to the perineum for 30 seconds after each washing.

CONSTIPATION. After childbirth, the uterus, which has not yet returned to its previous size, puts pressure on the intestines, the motor activity of which is still reduced, the abdominal muscles and perineum are weakened. All this, combined with the psychological stress of a woman who has become a mother, can cause constipation in the postpartum period.

How to help yourself? Actively include fiber-rich foods in your diet. The work of the intestines is stimulated by dried apricots, prunes, bread coarse grinding, buckwheat, oatmeal, durum wheat pasta, boiled beets. Drink enough fluids - breastfeeding mothers need at least 2.5 liters per day. And of course move more.

Swelling, heaviness in the chest. Milk comes approximately 2-4 days after the birth of the baby. With the advent of milk, the breast increases significantly, swells, becomes heavy, hot. Touch can be painful. You may feel lumps that disappear after pumping.

How to help yourself? Express regularly, breastfeed more often, use creams and ointments that relieve sore nipples.

GENERAL WEAKNESS. The woman's body has undergone a powerful hormonal stress during pregnancy, now he has to get used to the new state. This doesn't go unnoticed. And besides, the new mother has more worries with the baby. She needs time to recover, regain strength and energy.

How to help yourself? You just need to wait. The body will soon return to normal, because this is provided for by nature itself - you need strength to take care of the child. Try to get enough sleep at least occasionally, take a walk, take vitamins, and most importantly - smile more often and, despite all the difficulties, be glad that you are a mother.

KEGEL EXERCISES FOR "INTIMATE" MUSCLES

Perform each of them daily: 5 sets of 10 repetitions.

Tighten the muscles of the perineum, weakened after childbirth, hold them in this state for 3 seconds, then relax.

Slightly squeeze the muscles of the perineum for 3-5 seconds, then relax (as in the previous exercise). Then tighten your muscles a little harder for a few seconds. After each approach, relax gradually, holding a different degree of tension for 2-3 seconds.

Tighten and relax your intimate muscles as quickly as possible. After that, push, as in childbirth.

Childbirth is a difficult test for the female body, rewarded by the appearance of a child. And when, it would seem, everything painful is behind, another problem may arise. Inflammation of the uterus after childbirth can overshadow family joys, because it requires immediate attention and treatment.

Read in this article

Causes of postpartum organ inflammation

Main female organ has three layers. One of them or all at once can be exposed to inflammation. A process does not appear from scratch; several circumstances are needed to start it. Childbirth is one of the provoking factors, but not in all women the uterus becomes inflamed after them.

A complication occurs when:

In the process of obstetric care, the doctors violated the rules of antisepsis and asepsis. Microorganisms enter the sterile uterus, for which blood and mucus are a favorable environment.
The internal genital organs were injured. This also happens during natural childbirth, it becomes inevitable during a caesarean section.
Childbirth was difficult, with a long waterless period. In this case, more than 6 hours pass between the opening of the membranes and the appearance of the baby. During this time, bacteria have time to capture the uterine cavity.
Childbirth was accompanied by bleeding, as happens, for example, with placenta previa. In this case, there is immediately a set of factors favorable for inflammation.
After the completion of the birth process inner walls placental tissues remain in the uterus. If they are not detected and removed in time, they can begin to decompose.
In the initial postpartum period, a woman began to live sexually too early. Even with the absolute health of the partner, inflammation in the uterus is inevitable.

Symptoms and signs of a problem in a young mother

If the birth took place with violations of the rules of conduct, or unforeseen provocative circumstances arose, inflammation can develop immediately. Already on the second or fourth day, 40% of women feel worse.

In general, inflammation of the uterus after childbirth shows the following symptoms:

body temperature rises to 38 degrees;
the heart rate increases;
abdominal pain does not decrease, as is normal;
the organ does not tend to decrease in size, remaining spherical;
the amount of blood in the secretions remains at the same level, although it should normally decrease;
there may be a decrease in the volume of excreted lochia, the appearance of a pungent odor from them.

In addition to the above, some have other manifestations. Signs of inflammation of the uterus after childbirth are more pronounced than sharper process and large quantity layers of the body are affected by them:

pains from intermittently disturbing turn into permanent ones, they radiate to the lower back;
intoxication begins, depriving appetite, but causing a breakdown, nausea, headaches, chills;
the uterus is poorly reduced, which is obvious from the location of its bottom (the level is higher than it should be at this stage);
the level of leukocytes in the blood and ESR increase, and the concentration of hemoglobin decreases.

In some women, the signs of inflammation that have begun are so mild that they are mistaken for manifestations of normal recovery after childbirth, fatigue, and a cold.

To suggest that it is going unfavorably, supposedly causeless temperature fluctuations, which should be measured daily in this period, can. If you do not attach importance to them for a long time, do not ask for help, it is easy to get chronic inflammation with the development of adhesions in the pelvis.

Methods for diagnosing inflammation of the uterus

The inflammatory process is detected by its characteristic features. But for therapy, it is necessary to identify the cause of its occurrence, as well as the type of pathogen. Therefore, in addition to examining and interviewing a newly-made mother, the following methods are used:

A general blood test that detects the level of leukocytes. The amount of hemoglobin is also important, since its sharp decrease also indicates an inflammatory process.
Ultrasound of the pelvic organs, in order to have an idea of the particles of the placenta lingering in the uterine cavity, as well as the condition of the ovaries and fallopian tubes. Sometimes inflammation can capture them too. The organ in this pathology remains enlarged, dense and tense.
Examination of smears from the vagina for infections, bakposev and cytology.
In rare cases, with ambiguities with the diagnosis, when inflammation does not develop in the hospital, has erased signs, a hysteroscopy of the uterus may be prescribed. With the help of equipment, not only examine internal cavity organ, but also take tissue particles for histology.

Treatment of postpartum complications

Inflammation of the uterus after childbirth should be treated in different directions:

destruction of the infectious agent;
elimination of the inflammation process;
suppression of manifestations of the disease to normalize well-being;
fight against intoxication;
building up general immunity.

All this can be done only in a hospital, using a complex of drugs and methods:

antibiotic therapy. Drugs from this range are selected based on appropriate analysis. To overcome the infection, a combination of antibiotics is used, for example, Amoxicillin, Gentamicin, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime, along with Metronidazole. They are administered intravenously and intramuscularly.
Anti-inflammatory treatment. It is provided by taking "Aspirin", "Ibuprofen", "Diclofenac", which also give an analgesic effect.
Expansion of the cervical canal to facilitate the removal of secretions. Manipulation is done with a lochiometer. In any case, local elimination of the infection is also necessary with the help of abundant irrigation of the uterine cavity with chilled antiseptic and antibacterial solutions.
Treatment of the walls of the organ with enzymes, dissolving the particles of the placenta lingering on them. If this is not possible, traditional curettage is performed.
Stimulation of blood circulation and ridding the body of toxins. To do this, a woman is injected with a glucose solution or physiological solution using droppers.
Saturation of tissues with oxygen. The process is carried out using hyperbaric oxygenation (if the clinic has such capabilities), that is, the woman breathes in a special chamber with a composition with an increased content of this component. The procedure helps tissue healing, elimination of toxins, if done in several sessions. In the absence of these opportunities, a similar effect is obtained by taking Actovegin, Tivortin.
Stimulation of immunity. You can push the body's defenses to activity with the help of the drugs "Viferon", "Immunal", "Interal". You will also need vitamins A, E, C, folic acid, rutin.

Inflammation of the uterus in the period after childbirth often occurs through no fault of the woman. But it is in her power to detect pathology if, despite caring for the newborn, she pays a little attention to herself.

It is necessary to get rid of inflammation not only with medicines, but also with a diet, observance of sexual rest. And remember that it is important to bring the treatment to completion, otherwise gynecological problems will pester for a long time after.