Pregnancy is a stage in which multiple changes occur in the woman’s body that continues after giving birth. These changes are both physiological and psychological and help the body to recover after delivery. On some occasions, these changes can cause discomfort and even some complications. Do you want to know what the essential postpartum care is during this period? We will tell you about them below.
The postpartum or puerperium
It comprises the stage of a woman’s life after giving birth, either by vaginal delivery or cesarean section and ends when the body has recovered practically all its pre-pregnancy physiological characteristics. Although the duration of this stage is unique in each case, it usually comprises about 6 weeks, ending when menstruation appears again, although in women who choose to breastfeed it can be longer.
During this stage, in addition to taking care of the new member of the family, hormonal, psychological, and physiological changes can cause insecurities, fatigue, or worries, which are totally normal in this period. Choosing the new mother nursing products is essential there.
Changes and care in the postpartum
Next, we are going to explain different changes that happen during this stage, looking at some tips to avoid their discomfort.
Changes in weight: What about diet and exercise?
One of the first changes a woman sees in her body after giving birth is weight loss. Only after delivery, 5 kilos are usually lost, corresponding to the baby, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid. This continual decline after delivery and the rate at which weight is lost depends on many factors, including the weight gained during pregnancy.
Many times you want to regain normal weight in a short time, however, it is not advisable to perform certain diets or exercises to try to accelerate this process. It is important to follow the guidelines that the specialist gives us.
As for food, it is recommended to continue with a varied and balanced diet, which provides all the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals, which are especially rich in iron and calcium, necessary for the mother. Unlike the baby room, the food acquires a relevant role, even more so, if the mother breastfeeds since the composition of breast milk will depend exclusively on the foods that the mother consumes. In the latter case, it is convenient to know that certain foods can alter the flavor of milk such as garlic or asparagus and it will also be necessary to consult with the specialist the daily amount of certain products such as coffee that can be taken. During pregnancy, alcohol consumption is harmful, since it passes into the baby’s body through milk.
You also need to be cautious with vitamin supplements. You should consult with the specialist if it is necessary to continue with the same supplements, since in some cases the recommendation will be to suppress them and in others, it may be necessary to modify the supplement so that, for example, it is rich in iron and calcium.
Conclusion
Regarding physical exercise, mobilization is recommended at 12 hours if it is a vaginal delivery, and at 24 hours if it has been performed by cesarean section, thus trying to avoid urinary, digestive, and vascular complications and favoring the drainage of the lochia, which we will describe later.