The care given to a woman after the birth of her child.
The medical care of mother and newborn in the first few days to six weeks after birth. In a normal birth, this is the period in which bonding takes place between infant and mother (and father), starting immediately after the birth. After one or more days, the baby usually is able to go home with the parents. But if the baby was premature, was of low birth weight, or had special “medical problems, he or she may have to be placed in a neonatal intensive care unit (N1CU). Then parents may need to make special arrangements to go to the hospital to be with the child for bonding. For the mother, the main medical hazards in the postpartal period are possible infection or hemorrhage, along with possible postpartum depression. The baby’s health and development are monitored by a series of well-baby examinations. Care offered in the first 28 days after the birth may also be called perinatal care.
The maternal care period extending from childbirth to approximately six weeks afterward.
Following childbirth, the mother’s temperature, pulse, and blood pressure are closely observed, particularly in cases involving a caesarean section or if complications like pre-eclampsia or bleeding have arisen.
The duration of the hospital stay is contingent upon the presence or absence of complications. In the past, women would typically stay in the hospital for up to a week following childbirth, yet in modern times, the duration of stay after an uncomplicated delivery could be as short as 48 hours or even less. Throughout the hospitalization, a daily assessment is conducted to detect any indications of puerperal sepsis (infection of the genital tract after childbirth), including the examination of lochia (vaginal discharge following childbirth). In cases where a woman has undergone an episiotomy or experienced vaginal tissue tearing, the wounds are scrutinized on a daily basis.
Encouragement is provided for the woman to start walking shortly after giving birth, aiming to lower the risk of thrombosis (unusual blood clotting). If needed, assistance is offered in mastering feeding techniques. Additionally, guidance might be provided on a range of abdominal exercises and pelvic floor exercises that aid in restoring muscle tone.
Typically, a concluding postpartum evaluation is scheduled around six weeks after childbirth. During this visit, the obstetrician or general practitioner might assess the woman’s blood pressure, weight, breasts, hemoglobin levels, and emotional well-being. They could also examine the positioning of the uterus and bladder to ensure proper alignment, check for urinary incontinence, conduct a smear test, and verify the proper healing of any wounds. Additionally, guidance regarding contraception might be provided.