Postpartum care begins immediately after delivery and the postpartum period may last between 6-8 weeks. It is a critical time for nursing mothers and their infants. The journey begins at the hospital and ends at home.
The first 24 hours after delivery are critical in the life of the mother as she is under intense observation for changes in condition. In this period, while in this hospital, hospital staff and doctors rally around to prevent mortality by watching out for the following.
1. Monitoring and observation
If general anaesthesia was used during delivery, the doctors must monitor and observe the patients for at least 24 hours for any negative anaesthetic effects. They also monitor the pulse rates, heart rates, and body temperature. In monitoring and observation, intravenous fluids may be given to weak mothers. All of these are done to increase the new mother’s chances of survival.
2. Postpartum bleeding
Controlling bleeding to the barest minimum is a major concern after delivery. Naturally, a woman loses 1 pint of blood during vaginal birth or 2 pints of blood during a cesarean session. Periodic massage of the abdomen aids uterine contractions. Uterine contractions prevent excessive bleeding.
In cases where contractions are difficult, oxytocin is administered intramuscularly or intravenously until uterus contraction is achieved. These contractions help in the closure of blood vessels until healing occurs.
Women who lose large amounts of blood during and after delivery can be transfused. Although, before a blood transfusion is done, the PCV (packed cell volume), should be checked for the severity of anaemia.
3. Postpartum urination
New mothers are encouraged to pee at least every 4 hours after delivery. During birth, there might be a temporary non-sensation to urinate. However, after delivery, there should be a normal sensation of urinating. Voiding of urine every 4 hours prevents the bladder from overfilling and reduces the chances of bladder infection. The minimum amount of urine that can be expelled per time should be at least 250mls; a lower volume may indicate dehydration.
To resolve this, enough fluids should be given either intravenously or orally. There are situations where a new mother experiences difficulty urinating naturally. A urinary catheter or an indwelling catheter is inserted and used to collect urine.
4. Genital care
After birth, the area around the vagina is sore and swollen. Episiotomy repair is a contributor to vagina swelling. Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes every 2 to 4 hours helps relieve soreness and swelling. In the absence of an ice pack, anaesthetic sprays or creams can be applied to reduce soreness, swelling, and pain.
5. Vaccination
Maternal vaccination after delivery depends on health history and vaccination schedule. Ideally, most vaccines are administered before or during pregnancy. However, if the new mom has not been vaccinated, it is advisable she gets some shots of either or all of these before being discharged.
● Chickenpox vaccine
● Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine
● Hepatitis B vaccine
6. Anti-D Immunoglobulin injection
Blood samples are collected from the mother and her baby shortly after birth. The aim is to know if both have the same rhesus group. For instance, if a mum is rhesus negative and the baby is rhesus positive, the mother will be given an Anti-D immunoglobulin injection.
Anti-D immunoglobulin protects against antibodies and suppresses the mother’s immune system against the next pregnancy. Failure to receive this injection increases the chances of rhesus disease in subsequent pregnancies.
READ ALSO: Prenatal Care: A Guide for Expectant Women
Conclusion
The first 24 hours after birth are crucial for both mothers and newborns. The procedures and treatments are essential to prevent long-term complications. As an expectant mother, you must be informed about these procedures and treatments so that you are prepared.
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