- 5 common postpartum changes
- 1. Postpartum hemorrhage
- 2. Placental retention
- 3. Venous thrombosis
- 4. Pulmonary embolism
- 5. Hypovolemic shock
- What doctor to look for
After delivery, the woman must be aware of some symptoms that may indicate diseases that must be identified and properly treated by the doctor to ensure her health and well-being. Some symptoms that should not be ignored are fever, loss of large amounts of blood, discharge with a bad smell, fever and shortness of breath.
With the appearance of any of these symptoms, the woman must quickly go to the hospital to be evaluated and treated appropriately, as these symptoms can indicate serious problems, such as placental retention, thrombosis or embolism, for example.
5 common postpartum changes
Here we indicate the symptoms and treatments of some of the most common situations after childbirth. Are they:
1. Postpartum hemorrhage
The loss of large amounts of blood through the vagina usually occurs within the first 24 hours after the baby is born, however, this change can also occur up to 12 weeks after normal or cesarean delivery due to abrupt detachment of the remains of the placenta or uterine rupture.
Postpartum hemorrhage is characterized by the sudden loss of a lot of blood and intense vaginal bleeding, and it is necessary to change the pad every hour. See when to worry about postpartum bleeding.
What to do: You should immediately go to the doctor, as you must use drugs that promote uterine contraction. The doctor may also perform a vigorous massage on the uterus until it contracts completely and the bleeding is resolved. Learn more about postpartum hemorrhage.
2. Placental retention
After any type of delivery, small remnants of the placenta can remain glued to the uterus causing infection. In this case, there is a proliferation of bacteria inside the uterus, potentially serious, as these bacteria can reach the bloodstream and cause septicemia, a very serious situation that puts the woman's life at risk. Learn how to identify and treat the remains of placenta in the uterus.
Placental retention is characterized by the presence of a foul-smelling discharge, fever above 38ºC and loss of dark and viscous blood, even after it is already clearer and more fluid.
What to do: The doctor can prescribe medication for uterine contraction and use of antibiotics, but often the placental remains are only removed through uterine curettage, a simple surgical procedure that can be done in a doctor's office, but in this case, usually is done in the hospital. Understand what uterine curettage is and how it is done.
3. Venous thrombosis
The fact of lying for many hours, or in labor, and due to the presence of small emboli of blood or gases, there may be the formation of thrombi that prevent the correct passage of blood through the blood vessels of the leg. If the thrombus dislocates, it can reach the heart or lung causing further complications. Thrombosis is characterized by swelling in one of the legs, pain in the calf, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. Learn how to identify thrombosis.
What to do: The doctor may recommend the use of anticoagulant drugs to facilitate the passage of blood such as Warfarin and Heparin, for example.
4. Pulmonary embolism
Pulmonary embolism occurs when an embolus or clot reaches the lung, compromising its irrigation. With the decrease in blood circulation, this organ is compromised and symptoms of shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, chest pain, increased heart rate, low pressure and fever appear. Understand what pulmonary embolism is.
What to do: The doctor may prescribe painkillers and anticoagulants to facilitate the passage of blood and use of an oxygen mask and in some cases it may be necessary to resort to surgery. See how the treatment for pulmonary embolism is done.
5. Hypovolemic shock
Hypovolemic shock, also known as hemorrhagic shock, is a consequence of postpartum hemorrhage, as this condition occurs when the woman loses a lot of blood, the heart being unable to properly pump blood throughout the body.
This type of shock is characterized by palpitations, dizziness, sweat, weakness, very strong and persistent headache, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, in addition to putting the woman's life at risk. Find out what are the first aid measures for hypovolemic shock.
What to do: Requires blood transfusion to replenish the amount of blood needed to maintain the function of all organs and systems. It may take more than 1 transfusion, in addition to using iron supplements for a few weeks. After the blood count indicates the presence of hemoglobin and ferritin in normal values, treatment can be terminated.
What doctor to look for
The doctor best suited to treat changes after delivery is still the obstetrician but the most important thing is to go to the hospital as soon as you notice any of these symptoms, informing when they appeared and their intensity. The doctor may order tests such as blood tests and transvaginal ultrasound, for example, to identify the cause and thus start treatment.
The woman must bring a companion and it may be easier to leave the baby at home with the nanny or someone else who can take care of him until she can return home to be able to take care of him.
