The document provides information on care after delivery, including: - The uterus will shrink rapidly in the first few weeks as it contracts back to its normal size, which can cause afterpains that can be relieved with painkillers. - Bleeding is normal for 2-6 weeks as the uterus shrinks and will change color from bright red to white. - Exercises like Kegels can help bladder control and decrease risks like prolapse. Bowel function may resume after 2-3 days and eating a healthy diet is important for recovery. - For c-sections, activities should be gradually increased over weeks and the incision site kept clean as it heals over 6-8 weeks

1. CARE AFTER DELIVERY
DR.SHELLU KARNAWAT

6. CHANGES IN THE
UTERUS
Your uterus was stretched to
accommodate your baby
during the pregnancy Now it
has to contract and reach its
normal size
In the first few days after
delivery you might feel a hard
round lump in the lower part
of your abdomen This is the
uterus which has contracted
to half the size it was just
before your delivery The
uterus will shrink rapidly in
the next few weeks

7. AFTERPAINS is the term used to describe the
pains that you experience as the uterus shrinks The
cramps can be relieved by a painkiller. A hot water
bag can also be used

8. BLEEDING
It is normal to have vaginal bleeding for 2-6 weeks
after the delivery. The discharge from the vagina
after a delivery is called lochia. The amount of
bleeding may vary from day to day. The colour will
change from bright red to watery red to pink.
After a few weeks it will change to a clear white
colour.

10. BLADDER FUNCTION For months the uterus was
pushing the bladder. During delivery too there would
have been pressure on the bladder .This can cause the
bladder to lose sensation or to become NUMB. You
might not always have the sensation that the bladder is
fulleven though it is. It is important for you to pass
urine every 2-3 hours ,Drink plenty of fluids.

11. ATONIC BLADDER Sometimes the bladder becomes so
numb after the delivery that it might keep filling up without
your realizing it.After a few hours your bladder migh be
overdistended. You might have to have a catheter
inserted.The best way to avoid an overdistended bladder is
to make sure that you pass urine within 6 hours after your
delivery and then at least every 2-3 hours after that.

12. KEGEL S EXERCISES It is a specific type of exercise for the
muscles that support the vagina rectum and urethra.
Strengthening these muscles can help bladder control after a
vaginal delivery and decrease the risk of getting a prolapse.
You can start doing these exercises anytime anywhere
.Squeeze the pelvic muscles for 10 seconds and repeat 20-30
times .You can do this three times daily.

13. BOWEL FUNCTION You might have your first bowel
function 2-3 days after your delivery. You might be scared
that it might be painful because of the episiotomy. There
is nothing to be worried about,
Take foods high in fibre
Drink plenty of water

14. HAEMORROIDS OR PILES
In pregnancy it is common to develop haemorroids Due to
the pushing during delivery they may become bigger or
painful
HOT SITZ Bath will help
Take stool softeners
Use a local an anesthetic ointment

15. EATING HEALTHY AFTER A DELIVERY
In INDIA there are a lot of
misconceptions about the food that can
be eaten after a delivery .It is
important to remember that there are
no dietary restrictions after a delivery.
Eat from food groups that contain
plenty of iron calcium and proteins
Drink enough fluids
Continue your prenatal vitamins and iron
supplements

16. RESUMING NORMAL ACTIVITY You can start
moving around as soon as you feel upto it. You can walk
upto the bathroom and have a bath the very next day
after a delivery
You might feel tired and exhausted . Rest whenever the
baby rests
Once you are at home you can resume normal activity
gradually

17. FLUID RETENTION It is normal to see an increase
in the swelling in your legs during the first one or two
weeks after delivery,Remember that the body can retain
upto 6 litres of water during a pregnancy.After delivery
this might tend to collect in your legs .In a few weeks
this swelling will come down by itself.

18. SEXUAL INTERCOURSE It is usually safe
to resume intercourse 6 weeks after birth.

19. CONTRACEPTION

21. AFTER A CAESAREAN SECTION:
WHILE YOU ARE IN HOSPITAL
 You will be encouraged to get up
and and do deep breathing
exercises after 24 hours
 Urinating after the catheter is
removed can sometimes be
uncomfortable
 You might feel pain at the incision
site
 Soon you will be able to stroll n
your room Walking helps in
relieving the gas pain that you
might experience

22. AFTER YOU GET HOME Your activity level should be
gradually increased In the first week after you get home you
can walk around the room and take care of your baby .Over
the net week you can start walking around the house .In the
third week you can resume small domestic chores like
cutting vegetables and making coffee and tea.A month after
you are home you can resume your normal work including
cooking and washing .It is important not to lift heavy objects
till 6 weeks after the surgery.

23. CARE OF THE INCISION The incision should be kept clean
and dry.
You may wash the incision with soap and water after the
dressing is removed.
Wear a cotton underwear and no tight fitting clothing.
The incision will heal in a few days but it takes 6-8 weeks
for the complete healing of all the layers of the abdomen
and uterus that were cut.

24. BATHING
You can bathe every day. Gently apply soap and water
over the wound. There is no need to apply any lotion or
cream over the wound.

25. EXERCISE After 4-6 weeks you may begin to exercise

32. POST PARTUM PERIOD: An excellent
opportunity for HPV Vaccination

34. REASONS
*You should not have a fever after you get home . If
you have fever of more than 100 F for more than 24
hours.
*Sudden onset of pain in the abdominal area
accompanied by pain or tenderness

35. *Foul smelling vaginal discharge
*Sudden onset of pain over the incision area along
with redness or discharge Burning urination or
*blood in the urine which may indicate a urinary
infection

36. Extremely heavy bleeding or passage of clots.
A Sore red painful area over the breast that may be
accompanied by fever

37. A swollen red painful area in the leg.
Severe headache that begins right after birth not
lessening in intensity

39. THANK YOU