The period of time after childbirth during which the woman’s uterus and genitals return to their prepregnancy state.
The period which elapses after the birth of a child until the mother is again restored to her ordinary health. It is generally regarded as lasting for a month. One of the main changes to occur is the enormous decrease in size that takes place in the muscular wall of the womb. There are often AFTERPAINS during the ?rst day in women who have borne several children, less often after a ?rst child. The discharge is bloodstained for the ?rst two or three days, then clearer till the end of the ?rst week, before stopping within two or three weeks. The breasts, which have already enlarged before the birth of the child, secrete milk more copiously, and there should be a plentiful supply on the third
day of the puerperium. (See also PREGNANCY AND LABOUR.)
Management The mother should start practising exercises to help ensure that the stretched abdominal muscles regain their normal tone. There is no need for any restriction of diet, but care must be taken to ensure an adequate intake of ?uid, including at least 580 ml (a pint) of milk a day.
Milk, as already stated, appears copiously on the third day, but this is preceded by a secretion from the breast, known as colostrum, which is of value to the newborn child. The child should therefore be put to the breasts within 6–8 hours of being born. This also stimulates both the breasts and the natural changes taking place during this period. Suckling is bene?cial for both child and mother and encourages bonding between the two.
n. the period of up to about six weeks after childbirth, during which the mother’s body returns to its prepregnant state and her uterus returns to its normal size (i.e. involution takes place).
Lochia is the discharge which takes place during the ?rst week or two after childbirth. During the ?rst four days it consists chie?y of blood; after the ?fth day the colour should become paler, and after the ?rst week the quantity should diminish. If the discharge becomes smelly, it may indicate an infection and immediate investigation and treament are necessary. (See also PUERPERIUM.)... lochia
n. inflammation of the *endometrium due to acute or chronic infection. It may be caused by foreign bodies, bacteria, viruses, or parasites. In the acute phase it may occur in the period immediately after childbirth (puerperium) but the chronic phase may not be associated with pregnancy (as in tuberculous endometritis). Chronic endometritis in women with IUDs may be responsible for the contraceptive action.... endometritis
the number of deaths due to complications of pregnancy, childbirth, and the puerperium per 100,000 live births (see also stillbirth). In 1952 concern about maternal mortality resulted in Britain in the setting up of a triennial *confidential enquiry into every such death to identify any shortfall in resources or care. The first triennial report was published in 1985. Since 2014 reports have been produced annually by MBRRACE-UK (Mothers and Babies: Reducing Risk through Audits and Confidential Enquiries Across the UK). Levels of *maternal deaths are currently low: a report published in 2017 (covering 2013–15) counted 202 obstetric-related deaths (8.76 per 100,000 live births). Thromboembolism was the commonest direct cause of death (30 deaths, 1.13 per 100,000 live births), while heart disease was the commonest indirect cause of death (54 deaths, 2.34 per 100,000 live births).... maternal mortality rate
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