When should the uterus contract after childbirth? Useful video on the topic: Why do you need to tie up your belly after childbirth and how to do it. Benefits of the Queen Tagging Process

The article will allow a woman to find out what uterine involution after childbirth is, how long the uterus will contract and what to do to make it happen faster.

The female uterus is an amazing organ, the main function of which is to ensure the intrauterine development of the fetus from conception to childbirth. The womb is the first, most comfortable and reliable cradle for a new life.

It is also an amazing organ because during pregnancy it is capable of enlarging significantly and increasing its weight, and after childbirth it can return to its “pre-pregnancy” size.

What does the uterus look like after childbirth? Dimensions of the uterus after childbirth

After the baby is born and the placenta is expelled, the woman enters a difficult postpartum period.

The uterus of a non-pregnant woman.

IMPORTANT: Normally, a woman’s postpartum period lasts from 6 to 8 weeks.

During the nine months of her “interesting situation,” multiple complex changes occurred in her body. In particular, the uterus grew, gained weight, stretched, and rose. And now that the pregnancy is over, its involution begins.

IMPORTANT: Involution of the uterus is the return of the organ to its place in the pelvic cavity and to its normal size.

The uterus of a woman who has just given birth looks like this:

1. Organ size – approximately 38 cm by 24 cm, transverse dimension – 25 cm
2. The weight of the uterus immediately after birth is 1-1.5 kg
3. The volume of the organ cavity is about 5000 ml
4. The fundus of the uterus is located approximately between the womb and the navel of a woman
5. Inside the organ there is a continuous open wound, the most damaged area is the one where the placenta was attached
6. Remnants of the fetal bladder and thickened blood may remain inside the uterus
7. Cervical diameter – 10-14 cm

How long after childbirth does the uterus contract?

Uterine contractions begin immediately after birth. Their reasons:

• effusion of amniotic fluid
• fetal expulsion
• expulsion of the placenta
• changes in a woman's hormonal levels

Over the next few weeks, the uterus will cleanse itself, restore its mucous layer (endometrium), contract and decrease in size.

IMPORTANT: Postpartum contractions of the myometrium (the muscular layer of the uterine body) are regulated at different levels: at the level of the central nervous system, humoral (in particular, by the posterior lobe pituitary hormone oxytocin), at the molecular level. What is surprising is that the uterus returns to its “pre-pregnancy” size not by reducing the number of muscle cells, but by reducing their size.

In general, during the postpartum period the uterus changes as follows:

1. During the first three days, the organ is cleansed of remnants of the amniotic sac and blood clots. Bloody, rather copious discharge and lochia are observed from the genital tract. The cervix closes and can only allow 1-2 fingers through
2. On days 3-5, the lochia become scarcer, lighter and more smeared. They will be like this in the next 3-4 weeks, during which the endometrium is restored. A week after birth, the weight of the uterus is already about 0.5 kg, the size is halved
3. Most often after 6 weeks, but sometimes after 8 weeks, the placenta is completely healed. The uterus returns to normal size and is only slightly different from the uterus of a woman who has not given birth. Its dimensions are again 8 cm by 5 cm, weight - from 50 g to 80 g. The cervical canal of a woman who has given birth takes on a slit-like shape

IMPORTANT: How long it takes for the uterus to contract after childbirth is a purely individual question. But it is known that in women who breastfeed, involution occurs faster.

Why does the uterus contract painfully after childbirth?

IMPORTANT: In the first days after childbirth, and sometimes throughout the entire postpartum period, a woman may feel stretching in her lower abdomen, especially when she is breastfeeding. These are uterine contractions. But if the sensations are very unpleasant and painful, you should consult a doctor. Perhaps the restoration of the uterus after childbirth occurs with pathology.

Such pathologies include:

• accumulation of lochia in the uterine cavity
• infection
• inflammation of the endometrium (endometritis)
• other

Why doesn't the uterus contract after childbirth?

Obstetricians and gynecologists know situations when, after childbirth, a woman’s uterus contracts more slowly (uterine subinvolution) than expected, or does not contract at all.
Thus, slowing down the involution of the uterus is possible for the following reasons:

• multiple pregnancy
• large fruit
• features of the location of the placenta (low attachment)
• complicated pregnancy
• difficult childbirth
• disorders of the nervous and endocrine systems of women
• decreased physical activity of women after childbirth

IMPORTANT: If there are neoplasms or inflammatory processes in the uterus and appendages, the uterus is severely injured during childbirth or there is a bend in it, the woman has impaired blood clotting, and also due to some other circumstances, the uterus may not contract at all.

What to do to make the uterus contract after childbirth?

To ensure that the uterus contracts well, immediately after childbirth a woman:

• put the baby to the breast to stimulate the production of oxytocin
• put cold on the lower abdomen
• additionally inject oxytocin

• breastfeed the baby
• lie on your stomach
• move more, but as far as your well-being allows
• Avoid overfilling the bladder and bowels

If the uterus contracts slowly, you can promote the process by taking herbal preparations.

RECIPE: Nettle decoction
Needed: dry crushed nettle leaves – 3-4 tbsp. spoons, water – 500 ml.
Pour boiling water over the nettle and wait for the product to infuse and cool. Drink 100 ml three times a day.
RECIPE: Infusion of white clasp in cold water
You need: dry white clamyria flowers – 2 tbsp. spoons, boiled and cooled water – 500 ml.
The flowers are soaked in water overnight, in the morning the infusion is drained through gauze or a sieve, and 100 ml is drunk 4 times a day.
RECIPE: Infusion of blood-red geranium in cold water
Needed: dry blood-red geranium herb - 2 teaspoons, boiled cooled water - 500 ml.
The herb is soaked in the evening, and in the morning the infusion is filtered, divided into 4 servings and drunk during the day.

Exercises to contract the uterus after childbirth

In order for the muscles of the uterus, pelvic floor and abs to return to normal faster after childbirth, you can start doing exercises after 4 days.

IMPORTANT: Even simple gymnastics during the postpartum period must be obtained from a doctor.

Before gymnastics, it is necessary to breastfeed the child, empty the bladder and intestines (if necessary). You need to perform the exercises smoothly. At the same time, the room should not be too hot.

EXERCISE #1: The woman lies on her side, her body from the top of her head to her pelvis is a straight line, her knees are slightly bent. The hand that is located below supports the head. The second hand rests on the floor (or bed, this exercise can also be done in bed). As you exhale, resting on your hand, the woman slightly raises her pelvis, lingers in this position for 2 seconds, and then returns to the starting position. The exercise is performed 5 to 20 times on each side.
EXERCISE #2: You will need a fitball for this. A woman just needs to sit comfortably on it and make circular movements with her pelvis in both directions.
EXERCISE #3: The woman lies on her back, her hands are on the diaphragm, that is, on the ribs under the chest. As she inhales, slowly and deeply, she draws air into her lungs so that only her chest inflates, not her stomach. The woman exhales through her mouth, while trying to suck in her stomach.

How does the uterus contract after the second birth?

As a rule, after the second birth, the uterus contracts faster, which can cause discomfort to the woman, including intense pain. In this case, the doctor prescribes painkillers to the woman.

How do you know if the uterus has contracted after childbirth?

A woman will find out how well the uterus has contracted at her first appointment with a gynecologist, which usually takes place 6 weeks after birth.

The doctor feels the woman's abdomen to assess the location, size and consistency of the uterus.
Also, she can have an ultrasound, which will show:

• how well the uterine cavity has recovered, are there any blood clots left there?
• Has the uterus contracted enough?
• did any complications arise during the postpartum period?

IMPORTANT: If the birth occurred by cesarean section, the uterus contracts somewhat more slowly. To monitor this process, a woman is recommended to visit a gynecologist within a week after being discharged from the maternity hospital.

VIDEO: Woman after childbirth. How does recovery happen?

It is considered a unique organ. Its tissues are very elastic, since during gestation the fetus increases in size many times over. However, after childbirth he returns to his previous state. The process of uterine contraction lasts a certain amount of time, but in some cases this process may be inhibited.

Condition of the uterus after childbirth

In general, it is very difficult to describe in detail the state of the uterus after labor without many anatomical aspects. First of all, you need to understand that childbirth is a very traumatic process that affects not only the organs of the reproductive system, but also the entire body.

The most severe damage occurs to the area of ​​the uterus to which the placenta was attached during gestation. This is due to the large number in which the obstruction is disrupted, and as a result, stagnation of blood occurs in the tissues. In addition, remnants of the placenta remain in the uterus, mixed with blood clots and other waste organic substances.

The most intense contractions of the uterus occur in the first 5 days after labor. It is necessary directly in order to remove everything unnecessary from the organ cavity, as described above.

Subsequently, in the absence of any pathologically affecting factors, active disinfection of tissues begins through the process of phagocytosis. Because of this, women experience postpartum, which at first have a bright color, but later become lighter and thinner. This process can last up to 6 weeks and, as a rule, the cessation of self-cleaning indicates that the uterus has shrunk to its optimal size.

An important question for many women is how long it takes for the uterus to contract after childbirth. In late pregnancy, the uterus can stretch up to 15-20 cm. After birth, healing of epithelial tissue begins, which lasts up to 6 weeks. The absence of any discomfort, pain, or other pathological manifestations in the patient after this period indicates that the contraction was normal and there is absolutely no threat to health.

Contraction of the uterus is a natural process aimed at restoring the organ after the birth of the child.

How the process works

Restoration of the organ after childbirth can be accompanied by a number of symptoms. In some cases, they can be quite unpleasant and seriously alarm a woman. That is why you need to know what signs of uterine contractions are normal and how long they last.

With rapid contraction, all residual biological materials do not leave the uterine cavity. The organ may contain blood clots, particles of dead tissue, remnants of damaged blood vessels, placenta, and even the baby’s first waste products. All this undergoes a process of decay and provokes, which are extremely dangerous in the postpartum period.

Read also:

What is erosion in women: types of disease, causes of its occurrence and clinical symptoms

Against the background of this disorder, lactation disorders may also occur. Women who experience early contractions have a significantly reduced milk supply. In addition, pathology also affects the composition. There are often cases when a child even completely refuses feeding due to the fact that the milk tastes unpleasant.

In order for recovery to proceed at a natural pace, you need to follow the rules, which are generally mandatory for any woman who has recently given birth.

These include:

• compliance with the bottom regime
• maximum possible amount of sleep
• walks in the air
• no stress
• proper nutrition

Accelerated contraction of the uterus after childbirth does not require special treatment. It is especially not recommended to use any unconventional methods. They are not always effective. In addition, the constituent components of various folk recipes negatively affect the quality of breast milk.

Accelerated uterine contractions are not normal and can cause complications.

Slow contraction

Pathology associated with a slow reproductive organ may be indicated by the presence of severe symptoms 8 weeks after the end of childbirth. This pathology requires special treatment, which can be prescribed by a gynecologist taking into account the main characteristics of the patient.

Therapeutic procedures can be prescribed as early as the first week after childbirth. Treatment is carried out if during this period the first symptoms of contraction do not occur - the appearance of discharge or pain.

The main treatment method is the use of Oxytocin. This is an artificial hormone, the action of which is aimed at stimulating the activity of uterine tissues. In addition, this remedy allows you to avoid severe blood loss.

Oxytocin is taken by injection. If the patient’s body is excessively weakened after childbirth, an IV is placed using this medicine. This method is often used after a caesarean section.

In some cases, Oxytocin is prescribed in combination with various auxiliary components. This is necessary to enhance or weaken the effect of the medicine. The drugs are prescribed in the form of tablets and injections, depending on a number of factors.

It is of no small importance. The use of such drugs is necessary to activate the body's own resources. This allows you to provoke uterine contractions naturally, without the use of hormonal agents.

After the birth of a child, recovery processes occur in the female body. All organs of the reproductive system undergo changes. The uterus is very traumatized after childbirth.

The uterus looks like an inverted pear. It is a hollow organ that consists of smooth muscles. It stretches due to the interweaving of muscle fibers and the action of hormones during pregnancy.

The hollow organ consists of a body, which in the prenatal state is about 5 cm, and a cervix - 2.5 cm in size. When a child is born, the tissues stretch and grow along with the fetus.

Restoration (involution) of female organs after childbirth is a natural process. If the delivery was natural, the uterus recovers and shrinks within 2 months.

The postpartum period happens:

1. early – 2 hours after the birth of the placenta;
2. late – up to 8 weeks after delivery.

Scarring on the uterus after childbirth is normal. Severe damage is located in the area where the placenta is attached. This zone contains the most thrombosed vessels.

Epithelization (regeneration of endometrial tissue) occurs 10–12 days after birth. And the scar at the placenta insertion site heals by the end of the first month.

The uterus after childbirth is a sterile organ. Over the course of 3–4 days, processes such as phagocytosis and proteolysis take place in the hollow organ. During them, bacteria located in the uterine cavity are dissolved with the help of phagocytes and proteolytic enzymes.

The first days after the birth of a child, the hollow organ is too mobile due to sprains and insufficient tone of the ligamentous apparatus. This is noticeable when the bladder or rectum is full. The tone is acquired in a month.

How long does the uterus contract after childbirth?

Contractions of the uterine cavity feel like contractions. In the first days after delivery, they do not have an aching character.

The release of the hormone oxytocin during breastfeeding causes muscle spasms. During muscle tissue contraction, blood and lymph vessels are compressed, and some dry out and become obliterated.

The tissue cells that appeared during pregnancy die and are resorbed, while the rest decrease in volume. This helps restore the uterus after childbirth.

Change in organ mass:

• after childbirth – 1 kg;
• after 7 days – 500 – 525 grams;
• after 14 days – 325 – 330 grams;
• at the end of the postpartum period – 50 – 65 grams.

To speed up contractions, immediately in the delivery room, after the birth of the placenta, ice or a cold heating pad is placed on the stomach.

Postpartum uterine parameters:

• the length of the organ is 15–20 cm;
• its transverse size is 12–13 cm;

The bottom of the hollow organ drops sharply after the birth process, not reaching the navel by 2.5 cm, and the body tightly touches the abdominal wall. The uterus has a dense structure and often shifts to the right.

Due to contractions, it drops by 1 cm every day. At the end of the first week, the bottom reaches the distance between the navel and the pubic area. Already on the 10th day the uterus is below the pubis.

The cervix recovers more slowly: 12 hours after birth, its diameter will be 5–6 cm. By the middle of the second week, the internal os closes, and the external one is formed at the end of the second month after birth.

The pharynx is not restored to its original appearance, since the tissue fibers are too stretched. Based on this sign, a gynecologist can determine whether a woman has given birth or not.

Initially, the pharynx has a round hole. After childbirth, a transverse gap remains on it. The shape of the cervix changes: if previously it looked like a cone, now it looks like a cylinder. Gradually all organs return to normal.

Recovery after caesarean section

Since surgical delivery involves disruption of the integrity of the uterus, it recovers more slowly. Infections and complications can slow down contraction. Recovery of the uterus after childbirth may be slow due to large blood losses.

Atony and hypotension

The hollow organ needs recovery after childbirth; the uterus cannot always contract on its own. Some women experience this situation.

In these cases, medical intervention cannot be avoided. This condition is called uterine atony. If the contractions are very weak - hypotension.

Common causes of atony:

• second birth;
• first pregnancy;
• multiple pregnancy; Read more about multiple pregnancy→
• large weight and size of the child;
• various complications;
• trauma to the canals or appendages.

The bending of the uterus after childbirth or the pathology of its development may contribute to the absence of contractions.

How to speed up uterine contractions after childbirth?

The speed of recovery depends on the following factors:

• hormonal background;
• woman's age;
• child parameters;
• number of previous pregnancies;
• type of labor activity;
• polyhydramnios;
• inflammation of the genital organs.

Nature has thought out the female body down to the smallest detail. Restoration of the hollow organ occurs according to the standard dimensions of 1–2 cm daily. But if minor deviations from the norm begin to be noticed, you can resort to accelerating the reduction process.

Restoring the uterus after childbirth involves the following steps:

• If the uterine fundus is soft, then the uterus will contract more slowly. An effective method is to massage the surface of the abdominal wall from the outside.
• To shrink the organ after childbirth, a cold heating pad or ice is applied to the abdomen. Medications that stimulate spasms may be used.
• Maintain genital hygiene. The penetration of infections and various complications affect the ability to contract.
• Active walking.
• The bladder and rectum should not be allowed to fill.
• Lactation. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which causes uterine contractions. Breastfeeding mothers restore the uterus faster.
• Postpartum exercises that stimulate contraction of the uterine muscles.

Restoration of the uterus must take place under the strict supervision of a physician. Any deviation from the norm is a pathology and requires surgical intervention.

Postpartum discharge

Blood in the uterus after childbirth is formed due to wounds on the surface. The discharge is called lochia. The secretion for 3-4 days is red. At this time, lochia has a sweetish smell of blood.

They consist of 20% fluid from the uterine glands, and the rest is unchanged blood. Restoration of the uterine mucous tissue begins immediately after delivery.

If the discharge continues longer than the specified period or has an unpleasant odor, be sure to consult a doctor.

This may happen for the following reasons:

• bending of the cervix;
• weak contractions in the uterus;
• blockage of the pharynx with blood clots.

This condition is dangerous, as it may indicate an inflammatory process. If lochia ends in the fifth week or lasts longer than the ninth, you need to consult a gynecologist.

Process flow without deviations:

1. Vessels burst in the cavity, as a result of which the bloody discharge has a bright red color for 2–3 days.
2. During the first 7 days, the remains of the placenta and atrophied endometrium come out - discharge with clots.
3. After 7 days, liquid lochia has a pinkish tint.
4. Mucus gradually comes out - the result of the activity of the fetus inside the womb. They stop within a week.
5. After a month and a half, the lochia disappears and spotting appears.

What complications may arise?

After the birth process, various complications can occur.

Postpartum hemorrhage

It can begin immediately after delivery. Bleeding is not accompanied by pain and can be very severe. Without surgical intervention, a woman's life may be at risk.

Causes of bleeding:

• disturbances occurred during the separation of the placenta and membranes;
• trauma during childbirth;
• uterine contraction is impaired.

Medicines and donated blood are used for treatment. Due to the risk of bleeding, the woman is always left in the delivery room for several hours.

Subinvolution of the uterus

As a result of delayed postpartum discharge, the organ contracts poorly. Often this disease appears on days 6–7: clots in the uterus after childbirth or part of the fetal membrane block the cervical canal.

Endometritis

Inflammation of the uterus is called endometritis. It appears due to infection of the cavity.

INthe occurrence may be due to the following factors:

• difficult labor process;
• the placenta separated incorrectly during childbirth;
• diseases of the genital organs during pregnancy;
• decreased immunity.

Symptoms of endometritis:

• heat;
• after childbirth the uterus hurts;
• rotten smell of postpartum discharge.

To make an accurate diagnosis, an ultrasound of the uterus is performed after childbirth. In case of endometritis, the contents of the cavity are removed, washed or scraped out. After surgery, antibiotics are prescribed.

Prolapse

It may happen that after childbirth the uterus prolapses. This occurs as a result of injury to the muscle tissue of the pelvic floor. Women carrying a second child are often susceptible to this complication.

Normally, the uterus after childbirth is located in the navel area when the placenta comes out. The bottom drops 1–2 cm daily.

Any deviations from the norm are considered pathology. In severe forms, the uterus may prolapse into the vagina and come out after childbirth.

It is necessary to treat prolapse in a timely manner so as not to be at risk of infection or prolapse of the internal organs of the urinary system. When the uterus prolapses, sexual activity is prohibited.

To identify possible pathologies, it is recommended to visit a gynecologist 6–9 weeks after birth. Even if you feel good, there is no pain or discomfort.

Restoration of the uterus after childbirth

All women are interested in what the uterus looks like after childbirth. Its cavity decreases from 40 to 20 cm, and is restored by 1–2 cm daily. In order for contractions to be normal, it is necessary to periodically be examined by a gynecologist. There are many techniques for restoring the uterus.

Traditional medicine

Nettle has a good effect on uterine contractions. Three tablespoons of the plant are infused in 0.5 liters. boiling water Let it brew and cool. Drink 1/2 glass 3 times a day.

You can buy water pepper tincture at the pharmacy. It also promotes uterine contractions.

Flowers and grass of the white claret are used in a decoction and help restore the hollow organ. The decoction does not cause an increase in blood pressure. You can drink it for hypertension.

The shepherd's purse plant helps with bleeding. You can use 3-4 tbsp of tea per day. spoons of herbs per 400 ml of boiling water.

Red geranium also helps with profuse bloody lochia. Drink iced tea from 2 teaspoons of dry plant to 2 cups of boiling water. The liquid should sit overnight. Drink in small portions throughout the day.

May birch leaves help speed up postpartum cleansing. Three tablespoons of leaves are brewed in 600 ml of boiling water. Add a pinch of soda and drink 200 ml 3 times every day. The product is effective from the 12th day after the birth process.

Physical recovery methods

Feeding your baby releases oxytocin, which influences uterine contractions.

From the first day you can do light physical exercises - postpartum rehabilitation exercises. Charging should be carried out in a well-ventilated area at an optimal temperature of 18 to 20 degrees.

If pain is felt, physical exercise should be stopped or another set of activities should be chosen.

All complex measures aimed at restoring the female body must be carried out within 10–12 weeks. It is recommended to go to the toilet before training. Gynecologists do not recommend exercising with a full bladder. Exercise should also be done after breastfeeding.

If there were complications, surgery or childbirth after uterine rupture, physical exercise must be coordinated with a gynecologist.

To avoid complications during childbirth, you should regularly visit a gynecologist during pregnancy. The recovery period is different for each woman, but if there are deviations from the norm, you need to consult a doctor.

Useful video on the topic: Why do you need to tie up your belly after childbirth and how to do it

I like!

During pregnancy, a woman’s body changes, and after childbirth, its recovery takes from a couple of months to several years, and some features remain for life. The most important change that is noticeable to everyone around is the large, rounded belly of the expectant mother. The skin, muscles and uterus are stretched to make the baby more comfortable inside. The birth of a child is a great stress for the mother’s body. An important component of overall recovery is the normal contraction of the uterus after childbirth.

Unfortunately, this period does not always pass without complications. In the first two months after birth, medical supervision is necessary to assess the contraction process and stimulate it in case of complications.

After childbirth, while the uterus contracts, blood and lymph vessels are compressed. They partially dry out, and the bleeding gradually goes away. The muscle tissue increased due to the growth of the fetus decreases in size, and some cells die and are resorbed.

The inner layer of the uterus after the birth of a child is one large bleeding wound. Most of the damage is in the area where the placenta is attached; there are many vessels in which blood clots gradually form. The entire internal surface consists of blood clots and remnants of the fetal membrane. Pain occurs due to contraction of the uterus - a natural and normal process.

When the postpartum period passes without complications, the uterine cavity is sterile for 3-4 days after the birth of the child. Cleansing occurs through phagocytosis, a process during which white blood cells engulf and dissolve bacteria. Proteolytic enzymes formed from the breakdown products of blood cells also play an important role.

How long does it take?

Many new mothers often have concerns about how long the uterus contracts after childbirth. If there are no complications, it will take about 6 weeks. During this period, the weight of the uterus decreases from 1000 to 60 grams, the most intense changes occur in the first 6-10 days.

The uterus recovers more slowly in the cervical area. The process of its reduction lasts throughout the entire postpartum period. The diameter of the internal uterine os after the baby is delivered is 10-12 cm, which allows you to manually remove parts of the placenta. Within 24 hours it is significantly reduced, becoming passable for 2 fingers, and after 3 days for 1. After three weeks, it closes completely.

How long the uterus will contract after childbirth depends on the characteristics of pregnancy and childbirth. On average, the process lasts 1.5-2 months, but can be completed in 4 or 10 weeks. Such terms are a variant of the norm.

Reasons for non-contraction of the uterus

The timing of uterine contractions after childbirth may increase for several reasons:

• pregnancy and childbirth with complications (preeclampsia, ruptures, low location of the placenta, etc.);
• high fetal weight;
• twins or triplets;
• characteristics of the woman’s body, concomitant diseases;
• caesarean section (incision into the uterine cavity). Read more about uterine restoration after cesarean section →

All these factors are taken into account when a doctor monitors the recovery process. So, with multiple pregnancies, the normal duration of uterine recovery increases by several weeks. In such situations, medication support may be prescribed.

In some cases, the uterus does not contract at all. Such a complication is possible with high-water pregnancy, uterine bending, inflammation in the pelvic organs, fibroids, benign neoplasms, serious injuries to the birth canal and disorders of the blood coagulation system.

What to do if the uterus contracts poorly?

What to do to make the uterus contract after childbirth? Immediately after delivery, women place a heating pad with ice on their stomach. Reducing the temperature constricts blood vessels, helps reduce bleeding and speeds up uterine contractions.

Over the next few days, while the young mother is in the maternity hospital, the doctor checks daily how the recovery process is going. If upon examination it is discovered that the fundus of the uterus descends slowly and remains soft, then a conclusion is made about a reduced ability to contract. According to the doctor's decision, special drugs can be administered that stimulate this process (Oxytocin, prostaglandins), as well as a course of massage through the abdominal wall.

In many maternity hospitals, special attention is paid to breastfeeding: when a baby suckles, a woman’s body releases hormones that help shrink the uterus.

Discharge from the maternity hospital is made after the doctor is convinced that the process of uterine contraction is proceeding normally. In the next 1.5-2 months, you will need to regularly visit the gynecologist on an outpatient basis. If during the examination it is revealed that the pharynx is clogged with blood clots, or that lochia or part of the placenta remains in the uterine cavity, a cleaning will be prescribed.

What should be normal?

You can determine whether the uterus contracts poorly after childbirth or normally by looking at several symptoms.

If the recovery period passes without complications, then the woman experiences:

• some tenderness in the mammary glands;
• in the lower abdomen - discomfort;
• bloody, and after a while yellowish vaginal discharge;
• pain in the perineum;
• diarrhea for 1-4 days after the baby is born.

The uterus contracts most intensively in the first 10 days after birth, it is during this period that symptoms are pronounced. At the end of 6 weeks they almost completely disappear.

Most often, discomfort in the postpartum period is tolerable, but some women have a reduced sensitivity threshold and need medical help. To reduce the pain accompanying uterine contractions, you can take No-shpa, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and use Diclofenac suppositories.

What to do to make the uterus contract faster?

It will be useful for every woman to know how to speed up uterine contractions after childbirth.

1. Breastfeed your baby. When nipples are irritated during this period, hormones are produced, including prolactin, which promotes uterine contraction. The earlier feeding starts, the better.
2. Do not go on bed rest and move as much as possible: walk, do housework, care for the baby. However, if the birth was complicated, the possibility of physical activity should be discussed with your doctor.
3. Sleep on your stomach, especially during the day.
4. Take care of genital hygiene: wash yourself several times a day (and at first after each visit to the toilet), treat wounds.
5. Empty your bladder at the first urge, even if it causes discomfort. The more often, the faster the uterus will contract.
6. Gymnastics after childbirth to contract the uterus is based on contraction of the abdominal muscles, perineum, vagina, as well as movements of the diaphragm using breathing.

There are cases when all these methods do not help, since the uterus is prevented from contracting by lochia or the remains of the placenta after childbirth; only a cleansing procedure can help. It is performed under general anesthesia using a special instrument that looks like a spoon with a hole. You should not be afraid of these manipulations; without them, the development of inflammation of the uterus and nearby organs is inevitable.

Contraction of the uterus after childbirth is the basis for the restoration of the entire body. This process should occur independently, within 1.5-2 months. But with complications accompanying pregnancy and childbirth, as well as with a woman’s poor health, the uterus remains stretched and enlarged for a long time. In these cases, medical attention is necessary. You can speed up recovery by establishing breastfeeding, observing hygiene rules and performing feasible physical activity, including special gymnastics.

Useful video about what happens to a woman after childbirth

Home Health Pregnancy Uterine contraction after childbirth

Pregnancy and the birth of a baby are always a long-awaited and important time in the life of any woman. What happens to a young mother’s body after childbirth, and how soon will the uterus return to its prenatal state? Let's look into this issue.

How much does the uterus contract?

During the process of childbirth, there are 3 states of the uterus: the period of dilation, expulsion of the fetus and postpartum. The latter normally lasts no more than half an hour. During this time, the afterbirth is separated, in place of which a wound is formed. Then mucus and blood clots, called lochia, begin to emerge from the uterus, which are first bloody in color, and then they become serous-sanguineous. The discharge ends completely after 6 weeks. During this time, the endometrium is completely restored.

During the same 6 weeks, the uterus completely returns to its prenatal size and shape. Recovery is most active in the first few days after the baby is born. During this period, the cervix closes and its weight decreases, decreasing by 20 times.

If some kind of pathology develops, then the process of organ contraction proceeds very slowly, or even stops altogether. This condition is very dangerous for a woman’s life and can lead to death if medical assistance is not provided on time.

Why does the uterus contract poorly after childbirth?

The process of returning the uterus to its prenatal state is influenced by many reasons. These include:

• Possible complications during pregnancy. For example, a pregnant woman had hypertension or nephropathy.
• Multiple pregnancy.
• The attachment of the baby's place inside the uterus is too low.
• The baby was very large.
• Severe exhaustion of the mother's body.
• Labor contractions were not active enough.

The reduction process is largely influenced by the behavior of the young mother after childbirth. If you spend all your time in bed and are inactive, the organ will contract weakly.

In some cases, the reduction does not occur at all. This is caused by various pathologies that arise during pregnancy and childbirth. For example, inflammation, bending of the uterus, ruptures and cracks in the birth canal, polyhydramnios, the presence of a benign tumor or poor blood clotting.

What to do to make the uterus contract

A young mother must be examined by a doctor several times after labor is completed to determine how well the uterus is contracting. Monitoring is carried out regularly throughout the entire time that the woman is in the maternity hospital. If insufficient contraction of the organ is detected, the woman will have to stay there longer. In this case, all measures will be taken to help the uterus decrease in size.

To improve the process, the woman is prescribed medications that facilitate this process. For example, oxytocin is administered. For the same purpose, a uterine massage is prescribed, which is performed externally.

It is very important for good contraction of the organ to frequently breastfeed the baby, then oxytocin is formed naturally in the woman’s body and accelerates the process of returning the uterus to its original state. It is also important to maintain personal hygiene. It is necessary to wash and treat stitches in a timely manner if they have been applied. The uterus immediately after birth is an open wound and is very susceptible to infection.

In some cases, lochia remaining in the organ cavity due to poor contraction can clog the uterine os. As a result, an infection develops, the presence of which is indicated by the characteristic smell of discharge. In this case, for the health of the young mother, she has to clean out the uterus. If, despite all the efforts of doctors, contraction of the uterus does not occur, then a decision will be made on surgical intervention. In especially severe cases, the organ is even removed.

Exercises to contract the uterus after childbirth

To speed up the process of restoring the tone of the uterus, it is recommended to do special gymnastics.

1. The breathing exercise is best done while lying on the floor. In a supine position, bend your knees slightly. Now inhale deeply and slowly through your nose, while your stomach should inflate. Exhale also slowly, but through your mouth. Now do the same, but when you inhale, your chest should rise. Make 5 breathing movements with your chest and stomach.
2. The next exercise is the well-known Kegel exercise. It is necessary to squeeze and unclench the vaginal muscles alternately. This exercise is useful not only for the involution of the uterus, but also for the vagina. With its help, you can significantly reduce the width of this organ and generally return the vagina to its prenatal state. The good thing about the Kegel exercise is that you can do it anywhere, anytime, without anyone around you noticing.
3. The last exercise is aimed at the abs. Of course, such an exercise cannot be performed in full, but it is necessary to begin preparation. It is performed from a supine position. Inhale and rise up and lean on your bent arms. Exhale and return to the starting position. This exercise must be repeated 5 times.

Childbirth is always a huge stress for a woman’s body. And it does not immediately return to normal. Gradually, the functioning of the organs returns to the prenatal state. The uterus especially undergoes changes throughout pregnancy. After all, it increases approximately 500 times. And to restore it, you need not a day or two, but much more time, plus proper care and observation by a gynecologist.

The postpartum period (6-8 weeks after childbirth) is a very difficult moment, there is a physical and emotional restructuring.

All organs and systems of the body undergo reverse restoration and there are signs by which one can distinguish a woman who has not given birth from one who has given birth. For example, the cervix of the uterus in a woman who has given birth is slit-like, while in a woman who has not given birth it is round. After childbirth, the uterus is stretched and its volume is increased, it also contracts and lochia - postpartum discharge - comes out of it. Which in the first days are very similar to menstruation, and then lighten and their number gradually decreases.

How quickly does the uterus contract?

It will take 1-1.5 months for the uterus to return to its usual size. It contracts most strongly in the first days after birth, losing about half of its weight within a week.

Immediately after birth, the diameter of the cervical pharynx is 10-12 cm, which makes it possible to perform a manual examination and remove the remains of the placenta. At the end of the first day you can insert 2 fingers, and on the third day only one. After birth, its approximate weight is 1 kg, length 15-20 cm and transverse size 12-13 cm. The rate of recovery of the uterus depends on the particular course of labor and pregnancy.

Why doesn't the uterus contract?

Doctors identify several reasons that affect uterine contraction in the postpartum period.

• features of the course of pregnancy and childbirth
• how many fruits were there
• location of the placenta
• baby's weight
• woman's health condition

For example, if a woman had a multiple pregnancy, complicated by gestosis and low attachment of the placenta, plus the woman was weakened and the baby was born large, then the contractions of the uterus will be very weak and it will take more time to recover.

Also, the uterus may not contract at all after childbirth if there was:

• polyhydramnios pregnancy
• bend of the uterus
• treated or existing inflammatory processes of the pelvic organs
• uterine fibroma, benign tumors, nodes
• bleeding disorder
• birth canal injuries.

The process of uterine contraction is checked in the maternity hospital. Immediately after childbirth, cold is placed on the woman’s stomach to stop bleeding and speed up contractions. If the uterus does not contract on its own, then the woman in labor is additionally prescribed medications that will speed up this process (oxytocin, for example), and you can also massage the fundus of the uterus.

If the contractions are very painful, then painkillers or antispasmodics are used. In the first days, genital hygiene (washing, cleaning sutures) plays an important role, which will prevent the occurrence of infection in the uterus, which after childbirth is very susceptible to them.

It is very important to establish lactation, feed on demand, lie on your stomach and move a lot - this improves the contractile activity of the uterus. If the uterus contracts poorly and postpartum discharge and placenta remains are retained in its cavity, this will lead to an inflammatory process, which in turn may result in cleansing. And sometimes it may even require surgery or even removal of the uterus.

In any case, if you notice that the discharge has become suddenly abundant, an unpleasant odor has appeared, or has suddenly stopped altogether, contact a gynecologist you trust.

In the first few hours after birth, the woman in labor experiences bleeding, which is a consequence of the release of the baby's place. Under the influence of the uterus, all excess should come out, which normalizes the process of restoration of the female body.

It is the contractile activity of the uterus that doctors observe until discharge from the hospital. And if there are violations, the woman may be hospitalized for further treatment.

Why is full uterine contraction so important?

If a woman experiences weak contractions of the uterus or its complete absence, this may indicate pathology. Within a few days after birth, all remaining placenta and blood clots should be released so that the uterus can return to its original size. Weak contractile actions are a condition that threatens a woman’s health - remaining pieces of the baby’s place can lead to an inflammatory process or the development of infection.

Reasons for the absence of uterine contractions

• Hypotension. A sharp decrease in uterine tone and weak contractile actions are called hypotension. This disease is easily treatable. To do this, the woman is given special drugs based on oxytocin, which, acting on the uterus, cause its active contraction.
• Atony. With uterine atony, weak contractile activity and severe bleeding are observed. The muscular system of the organ is in a state of paralysis. The drugs have no effect and the woman is indicated for surgical intervention. Fortunately, this disease is extremely rare, and doctors have learned to deal with it using methods that are friendly to the female body.

The atonic and hypotonic state of the uterus is caused by several factors:

• Complicated childbirth, leading to complete exhaustion of the body. The immune system and organs begin to work to restore strength, leaving the uterus at rest.
• Hypertension before and during pregnancy, severe gestosis.
• Rapid or prolonged labor that required the use of oxytocin.
• Previa, placental abruption or low location.
• Overdistension of the uterus due to polyhydramnios or multiple pregnancies.
• Pathologies of uterine development, the presence of scars after abortion, removal of fibroids and other formations.

The listed reasons are responsible for the contractile activity of the uterus after childbirth, and if several pathologies are observed in the complex, then a complete absence of contraction is possible even with the administration of drugs.

Symptoms of lack of contractile activity

As mentioned earlier, in the first four hours after childbirth, a woman experiences quite heavy bleeding. During the specified period of time, a young mother can lose up to 500 ml of blood. Immediately after the birth of the child, a heating pad with cold water is placed on the woman’s stomach, which helps not only to narrow the blood vessels to stop bleeding, but also to reduce uterine contractions.

Over the next few days, the uterus continues to contract, returning to its pre-delivery size. If this does not happen, then heavy bleeding begins, which causes anemia and even shock. At this stage, the woman requires immediate assistance from specialists to prevent severe blood loss.

The contraction of the uterus in the first few days is felt especially clearly during breastfeeding. At the same time, blood clots are released, which is normal.

Prevention of complications

The intensity of uterine contractions in the maternity hospital is monitored by a doctor. After being discharged home, a woman should follow several important rules that will help prevent complications that begin with bleeding.

1. Do not lift heavy objects and try to rest more for the first two weeks. Of course, with a small child this is quite problematic, but household responsibilities should be assigned to a spouse or other assistants.
2. Carry out regular thorough hygiene of the genitals. If an infection gets into the uterus, which immediately after birth resembles a bleeding wound, contractions may weaken. The body's forces will be aimed at suppressing the source of the disease, and not at removing the remains of the child's place.
3. Sanitary pads must be changed every three hours, and they must be made with a natural base. This also applies to underwear. It is unacceptable to wear synthetic panties, which can cause serious complications after childbirth.
4. Be sure to process the seams according to the instructions of a specialist.
5. Breastfeed your baby for a long time. Lactation causes the uterus to contract, so it should last at least two months.

Stimulation with folk remedies

• Alcohol tincture of water pepper perfectly stimulates the contractile activity of the uterus.
• A decoction of dried herbs.
• A decoction of shepherd's purse.
• Decoction of dead nettles.

The listed traditional medicines are recommended for use if the uterus does not contract after childbirth, but the discharge remains within normal limits. Consultation with a specialist is advisable, but the herbs listed have virtually no contraindications and are prescribed by gynecologists to speed up the release of placental remnants.

Useful gymnastics

As a preventive measure, a woman can do special gymnastics, which speeds up the recovery process and improves overall well-being. But before starting classes, you need to familiarize yourself with important rules:

1. Exercises should begin on the second day after birth and continue until 12 weeks. It would be a good idea to continue exercising to improve your immunity.
2. The room should be cool. It is recommended to pre-ventilate the room so that it is not stuffy.
3. You need to do the exercises regularly, every day, an hour after meals.
4. You should only wear loose clothing that will not restrict movement.
5. Pre-feed the child so that he does not ask to eat during classes, and the woman is not bothered by swollen breasts.

The exercises themselves are varied. But most of it should be done on the stomach, which helps to contract the uterus. In this case, you need to slowly raise your legs, then your torso. You can’t do abdominal exercises - you won’t achieve anything other than increased bleeding.

An excellent exercise to improve the contractility of the uterus is walking. In this case, you need to stand up on your full foot.

When medical attention is needed

If a woman experiences weak contractions of the uterus, then drug treatment is indicated for her. Cleaning is often required to mechanically remove any remaining placenta or blood clot. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and is practically not felt by the woman. After 2-3 hours she is allowed to go home.

After cleaning, the young mother can return to a full life. Of course, you shouldn’t start dealing with the mess right away. It is necessary to spend several days at rest so that the body can rest from the next stress suffered.

More often, uterine contractions are enhanced with special preparations containing a large dose of oxytocin. They are not contraindicated during lactation and do not have a negative effect on the child. The drugs are administered intramuscularly until the uterus is completely restored.

It is not difficult to determine that you need specialist help. If a woman experiences severe bleeding, in which the pad is not enough for one hour, then she should immediately call an ambulance. The woman in labor will be taken to the hospital, where she will undergo an ultrasound examination, tests and a visual examination.

First aid is aimed at stopping bleeding. If the blood loss is severe, a blood transfusion may be required to save the woman's life. Further treatment depends on the reasons that caused the postpartum complication and is aimed at restoring contractile activity. As a rule, a woman spends about 10 days in a hospital, after which drug therapy at home is indicated.

Contraction of the uterus is an important process that should accompany every woman in labor. If abnormalities occur in the body, the woman faces complications. Timely consultation with a specialist and observation by a gynecologist during the first two weeks after birth will prevent very unpleasant consequences for the body.

Useful video about uterine contractions after childbirth

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are a very difficult time in a woman’s life. The female body undergoes dramatic changes and requires special attention to itself and maximum accumulation of strength for recovery. What can we say about the uterus, which, during pregnancy, increases tens of times.

Now, a woman has given birth and the restoration of the body begins, this includes weight balancing and hormonal changes, and contraction of the uterus after childbirth. Questions arise about what is happening to the uterus, what difficulties may arise. What if the uterus doesn't contract? Or uterine prolapse has occurred. How to help yourself recover faster. Let's try to figure it out together and find answers to your questions.

____________________________

1.

2.

3.

Uterus after childbirth, video

Changes in the uterus after childbirth. Contraction of the uterus. How much does the uterus contract after childbirth?

The postpartum period is approximately 1.5-2.5 months. During this period, the uterus is also restored. The uterus is the organ in which the embryo is located and the fetus is born, so it is not surprising that it is very stretched. After childbirth, the uterus contracts quite intensively. Contraction of the uterus after childbirth occurs most rapidly in the first week after birth. During this period, she will lose about half of her weight, which is about 1 kg. Contraction of the uterus is accompanied by discharge called lochia.

In the first days after birth, they resemble menstruation, but gradually lighten and become watery. Their volume also decreases. The uterus after childbirth has a completely different photo than that of a nulliparous woman. So, in the first case, the uterus is slit-shaped, in the second it is round. How long does the uterus contract after childbirth? The process of restoring the uterus to its usual state is a purely individual matter, depending on the woman’s health, the course of pregnancy and childbirth, but in general it takes from 1 to 1.5 months. The lining of the uterine cavity is restored by the end of the postpartum period.

Prolapse of the uterus after childbirth. Causes of the problem and ways to solve it

One of the most common postpartum problems is prolapse of the uterus after childbirth. For the correct positioning and retention of the uterus, ovaries, vagina, etc. The pelvic muscles are responsible. Thus, when these muscles are stretched or damaged, the uterus moves from its natural (usual, natural) location down towards the genital slit.

This problem can manifest itself either immediately after childbirth or years later. Possible causes of uterine prolapse: - direct muscle injury. During pregnancy, muscles are subject to increased stress, including due to a large fetus and polyhydramnios. Also during difficult childbirth, when using medical forceps and other things.

Such injuries cause uterine prolapse after childbirth.;

- heaviness. Carrying weights is strictly prohibited for women. This applies to both women in labor and other women. Lifting heavy weights increases the risk of uterine prolapse, and in many cases is the underlying cause;

- constipation. It is very important to maintain proper nutrition and drink enough water to avoid constipation, which affects the functioning of the pelvic muscles and can cause uterine prolapse;

- heredity. Like any disease, uterine prolapse can be a consequence of poor heredity.

Depending on how much the uterus is prolapsed, this disease can be combated by preventing constipation, preventive and therapeutic exercises, special ointments, as well as surgery. In any case, a decision regarding the method of prevention and treatment should be made only after consulting a gynecologist.

What to do if the uterus does not contract after childbirth?

It also happens that the uterus does not contract after childbirth, or contracts slowly. This may be due to the individual functioning of the body, the course of pregnancy and childbirth. What should you remember? Postpartum personal hygiene is very important, since the uterus during this period is very susceptible to infections. Washing after each visit to the toilet, cleaning sutures and monitoring for lochia are mandatory. Any sudden changes (increase in the volume of discharge, its cessation, return to the previous shade) are a reason to be wary and consult a doctor!

If the uterus contracts poorly, some “experts” advise applying cold to the lower abdomen. In turn, many experts prohibit the use of this method, since it can stimulate diseases of the pelvic organs.

And so that increase contractile activity of the uterus, you can do:

1. Massage of the uterus. It is carried out externally, massaging the abdomen from the middle to the bottom in the area of ​​the uterus. Movements should be gentle and soft, without effort.

2. Breastfeeding. In this case, nature took care of everything. Well-established lactation and feeding at the baby's request have a very good effect on uterine contractions after childbirth.

3. When resting, it is advisable to lie on your stomach, which promotes contractile activity of the uterus.

4. As soon as possible, during the postpartum period, you should move as much as possible. Activity and minimal housework will only be beneficial.

5. Medication assistance. If simple methods do not help and the uterus does not contract after childbirth, the doctor decides to help the woman with special medications that stimulate uterine contractions.

Self-attention and care, timely observation by a specialist will help you stay healthy. No matter how difficult it may be during the postpartum period, remember that this time will pass and the wonderful joy of motherhood will remain.

The first month after childbirth is often called the tenth month of pregnancy, thereby emphasizing its importance for the woman’s body. Strictly speaking, the first month after childbirth is only part of the postpartum period, the duration of which is the first 6-8 weeks after childbirth. The postpartum period begins from the moment of birth of the placenta and continues until the end of involution (i.e., reverse development) of all organs and tissues of the woman’s body that have undergone changes during pregnancy. During the same period, the formation of the function of the mammary glands occurs, as well as the formation of a sense of motherhood and associated fundamental changes in the psychology of a woman.

What happens in the body

In the postpartum period, the normal tone of the cerebral cortex and subcortical centers is restored. Pregnancy hormones are removed from the body, and gradually the function of the endocrine system returns to normal. The heart takes its normal position, its work becomes easier, as the blood volume decreases. The kidneys are working actively, the amount of urine in the first days after childbirth is usually increased.

The changes are most significant in the reproductive system. The uterus contracts and decreases in size every day; during the postpartum period, its weight decreases from 1000 g to 50 g. Such a significant and rapid contraction is due to several mechanisms. Firstly, contraction of the uterine muscle, both constant tonic and in the form of postpartum contractions. In this case, the walls of the uterus thicken, it takes on a spherical shape. Secondly, contracting muscles compress the walls of blood and lymphatic vessels, many of them collapse, which leads to a decrease in the nutrition of muscle elements and connective tissue, and as a result, the hypertrophy of muscle tissue that occurred during pregnancy disappears.

These processes are called involution of the uterus and are most accurately expressed by the height of its fundus. By the end of the first day, the fundus of the uterus is at the level of the navel, then daily it drops by approximately 1 cm. On the 5th day it is already in the middle of the distance between the womb and the navel, by the end of the 10th day it is behind the womb. By the end of the 6-8th week after birth, the size of the uterus corresponds to the size of the non-pregnant uterus.

Along with the reduction in the size of the uterus, the formation of its cervix occurs. The formation of the pharynx occurs due to contraction of the circular muscles surrounding the internal opening of the cervical canal. Immediately after birth, the diameter of the internal pharynx is 10-12 cm; it will completely close by the end of the 10th day, and by the end of the 3rd week, the external pharynx of the uterus will also close, acquiring a slit-like shape.

The inner wall of the uterus after separation of the placenta is an extensive wound surface; there are remnants of glands on it, from which the epithelial cover of the uterus, the endometrium, is subsequently restored. During the healing process of the inner surface of the uterus, postpartum discharge appears - lochia, representing wound secretion. Their character changes during the postpartum period: in the first days, lochia is bloody; from the 4th day their color changes to reddish-brown; by the 10th day they become light, liquid, without any admixture of blood. The total amount of lochia in the first 8 days of the postpartum period reaches 500-1400 g, from the 3rd week their number decreases significantly, and by 5-6 weeks they stop altogether. Lochia has a peculiar musty odor, which gradually decreases. With slow involution of the uterus, the release of lochia is delayed, and the admixture of blood lasts longer. Sometimes there is a partial retention of discharge in the uterine cavity.

In the first days after birth, the mobility of the uterus is increased, which is explained by stretching and insufficient tone of its ligamentous apparatus. The uterus easily moves to the sides, especially when the bladder and rectum are full. The ligamentous apparatus of the uterus acquires normal tone by the 4th week after birth. As the uterus involutions, the fallopian tubes also return to their normal position, and their swelling disappears. The ovaries also undergo significant changes. The regression of the corpus luteum, which was formed at the very beginning of pregnancy, ends, and the maturation of the follicles begins. For most non-breastfeeding women, menstruation begins in the 6th to 8th week after childbirth; more often it comes without the release of an egg from the ovary. However, ovulation and pregnancy may occur during the first months after birth. For breastfeeding women, the onset of the first menstruation after childbirth may be delayed for many months.

The tone of the pelvic floor muscles is gradually restored. The tone of the vaginal walls is restored, its volume is reduced, and swelling disappears. Abrasions, cracks, and tears that occurred during childbirth heal. The abdominal wall gradually strengthens, mainly due to muscle contraction. The stretch marks on the skin are still purple, they will lighten by the end of the first year after giving birth.
Unlike most organs, which undergo reverse development after childbirth, the mammary glands, on the contrary, reach their peak. Already during pregnancy, they begin to secrete a thick yellowish liquid containing protein, fat, and epithelial cells from glandular vesicles and milk ducts. This colostrum, which the baby will eat for the first couple of days after birth. It is rich in proteins, vitamins, enzymes and protective antibodies, but has fewer carbohydrates than milk. On the 2-3rd day after birth, the mammary glands become engorged and painful, and under the influence of the lactogenic hormone of the pituitary gland, the secretion of transitional milk begins. The process of milk formation largely depends on the reflex effects associated with the act of sucking. From the second to third week after birth, transitional milk turns into “mature” milk, which is an emulsion of tiny droplets of fat found in the whey. Its composition is as follows: water 87%, protein 1.5%, fat 4%, carbohydrates (milk sugar) about 7%, salts, vitamins, enzymes, antibodies. This composition may vary depending on the nature of the mother’s diet and regimen.

Feel

Immediately after childbirth, almost all new mothers report severe fatigue and drowsiness. And already from the second day, with the normal course of the postpartum period, the woman feels good. Body temperature is usually normal. In the first days, pain in the area of ​​the external genitalia and perineum is possible, even in the absence of ruptures. This is due to the strong stretching of tissues during childbirth. Usually the pain is not very intense and goes away after a couple of days, in case there were tears or cuts in the perineum, up to 7-10 days. If a caesarean section was performed, there will be pain in the area of ​​the postoperative sutures.
Uterine contractions occur periodically, feeling like weak contractions. After repeated births, the uterus contracts more painfully than after the first. Contractions intensify during breastfeeding, this is due to the fact that when the nipple is stimulated, the level of a substance that promotes uterine contractions, oxytocin, increases in the blood.
On the first day after childbirth, a woman does not feel the urge to urinate. This is due to a decrease in the tone of the abdominal wall, swelling of the bladder neck as a result of its compression by the fetal head. A psychological block plays a certain role when a woman is in a horizontal position, as well as an unpleasant burning sensation when urine comes into contact with the area of ​​tears and cracks. To stimulate the bladder, you need to move more, sometimes the sound of water flowing from a tap helps. If there is no urination within 8 hours, it is necessary to empty the bladder using a catheter.
In the first days after childbirth, a woman may experience constipation. Their cause is most often relaxation of the abdominal wall, limitation of physical activity, poor nutrition and fear of the sutures in the perineum coming apart. There's no reason to worry about seams. You just need to move more and adjust your diet.
From the second or third day after birth, there is a sharp increase in the amount of milk in the breast. At the same time, the mammary glands enlarge, harden, become painful, and sometimes the body temperature rises. Sometimes the pain radiates to the axillary region, where nodules are felt - swollen rudimentary lobules of the mammary glands. To avoid severe engorgement, it is recommended to limit fluid intake to 800 ml per day from the third day after birth and try to feed the baby more often. Within 1-2 days, with proper attachment and feeding regimen, engorgement gradually disappears.

Psychology of the postpartum period

Could anyone be happier than a woman who gives birth, feeds and kisses her baby? Why do we so often see tears of despair on the faces of young mothers who have been waiting for their baby for so long? Why are they depressed, irritable and exhausted? Let's try to figure it out. During pregnancy, the level of female sex hormones reaches its maximum values ​​in a woman's entire life. Immediately after the birth of the placenta, the level of these substances decreases significantly. A drop in hormones in a woman’s blood is observed every time before the onset of menstruation, “thanks to” this, many women monthly have a mini-depression in the form of the so familiar premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Now let’s multiply PMS ten times (in comparison, this is how much hormone levels drop after childbirth) and we get “postpartum blues” - the psychological state of a new mother. It is not surprising that 70% of women after childbirth report irritability, a feeling of unreality of what is happening, devastation, unrelenting anxiety about any reason, and sleep disorders. These phenomena occur on the third or fourth day after birth and reach their apogee on the fourth or fifth day and disappear without any medical intervention after two weeks. In 10% of women, these phenomena drag on and become painful.
It is impossible to prevent the occurrence of postpartum depression. The most important thing is to remember that this will soon pass. The worst advice that can be given in this situation is the advice to “pull yourself together.” There is no need to fight with yourself, much less blame yourself for being a bad mother. Your body has done a lot of work, you are physically and mentally exhausted and have every right to rest. No need for parental feats! Let the baby sleep on the balcony, and the sink is overflowing with dishes, use any extra minute to sleep. Accept any help from your loved ones, do not pay attention to the fact that they will do something not exactly the way you read in a respected magazine or book. Everything will gradually get better. Be sure to find minutes to clean yourself up and chat with your husband on topics not related to the child.
If symptoms of depression persist for more than two days, this may be a sign of a disease for which it is better to seek professional help. Signs that depression is getting out of control include:
– acute feeling of fear, fear of the next day;
– apathy, refusal to eat, desire for complete loneliness;
– constant hostile attitude towards the newborn;
– insomnia, recurring nightmares;
– a constant feeling of one’s own inferiority, a feeling of guilt in front of the child.
For such severe depression, drug therapy may be needed. And in mild cases, the best medicine is love. Love for your baby, in whose eyes the whole world is reflected for the mother

Possible deviations from the norm

Unfortunately, the first month after childbirth does not always go smoothly. Situations may arise when medical assistance is necessary. Monitor your health and regularly measure your body temperature, as an increase in temperature is most often the first sign of complications in the postpartum period. All complications of the postpartum period can be divided into several groups:

1. Complications from the uterus.

The most dangerous complication of the first day after birth is postpartum hemorrhage. They begin immediately after childbirth, are not accompanied by any pain and are very abundant, so they can pose a danger to a woman’s life. The causes of bleeding are various injuries during childbirth, disturbances in the separation of the placenta and membranes, as well as disturbances in uterine contraction. To treat bleeding, various surgical interventions, medications and donated blood products are used. In order to monitor the woman, she is left in the maternity ward during the very dangerous first couple of hours after giving birth. In the following days, the risk of bleeding decreases, but other problems arise.
Subinvolution of the uterus– decreased rate of uterine contraction due to retention of postpartum discharge in the uterus. The disease most often occurs 5-7 days after birth, due to the closure of the cervical canal by a blood clot or a piece of membranes, as well as kinking of the uterus due to relaxation of the ligamentous apparatus.
Infection of the contents of the uterus can lead to inflammation of the uterine mucosa - endometritis. Predisposing factors for the occurrence of endometritis are difficult childbirth, disturbances in the separation of the placenta during childbirth, genital tract infections during pregnancy, immunity disorders, and abortions. Symptoms of the disease are: increased body temperature, unpleasant odor in lochia, aching pain in the lower abdomen. To clarify the diagnosis, an ultrasound examination and, if necessary, surgery are performed, during which the contents are removed from the uterine cavity (washing or curettage of the uterus). After surgery, antibiotics are required.

2. Complications from the mammary gland.

Lactostasis– stagnation of milk in the mammary gland. In this case, the breast swells and becomes painful, pockets of compaction appear, and a short-term rise in body temperature is possible. Lactostasis itself is not a disease, requiring only careful pumping of the breast, limiting fluid intake and frequent feeding of painful breasts. However, when an infection attaches, it turns into lactation mastitis, requiring immediate medical attention, antibiotic therapy, and sometimes surgery. The question of the possibility of breastfeeding during mastitis is decided individually, depending on the stage of the disease.
Another complication of the breast is the appearance cracked nipples. The main reason for their appearance is improper attachment of the baby to the breast, when the baby grasps only the nipple, and not the entire areola. Such a grip is very painful for the mother - and this is the main danger signal. Feeding your baby shouldn't be painful. Breastfeeding consultants provide good advice and practical assistance for lactostasis and cracked nipples. Treatment of cracks involves treating the nipple with wound-healing preparations.
Hypogalactia– insufficient milk production. In order to increase the amount of milk, a mother needs to increase the frequency of feedings, not skip night feedings, offer the baby both breasts at one feeding, drink more, eat well and sleep a lot.

3. Complications from the tissues of the cervix, vagina and skin.

Inflamed wounds of these tissues are called postpartum ulcers. When infection occurs, these wounds swell, become covered with purulent plaque, and their edges are painful. For the purpose of treatment, they are treated with various antiseptics, sometimes requiring surgical treatment.

4. Complications from the venous system.

Hemorrhoids (varicose veins rectum) also cause pain. When pinched, they enlarge, become swollen, tense and painful. Careful hygiene (showering after each visit to the toilet) and applying ice to the perineum helps reduce pain. Some medications can be used as prescribed by your doctor.
Thrombophlebitis– a venous disease characterized by inflammation of the venous wall and thrombosis of the vein. After childbirth, thrombophlebitis of the pelvic veins most often occurs. This disease usually occurs in the third week after childbirth. The symptoms are very similar to endometritis, but require different treatment. Surgeons treat complications from the venous system.
Complications after childbirth require immediate treatment, as they can lead to generalization of the process - postpartum peritonitis or sepsis. Therefore, if anything bothers you about your condition, be sure to consult a doctor.

Behavior rules

During the first week after birth, while the woman is in the hospital, she is monitored daily by a doctor and midwife. They assess the general condition of the postpartum woman, measure pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, determine the condition of the mammary glands, uterine involution, and the nature of lochia. In most cases, after a normal birth, you can do without medication; only with very painful contractions is it possible to use painkillers. In case of complications in the postpartum period, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment. The postpartum woman is discharged on the 5-6th day after an uncomplicated birth.
One of the most important rules a new mom needs to follow is getting enough sleep. Its total duration should be at least 8-10 hours a day. This amount of sleep will allow you to recover after childbirth and give you strength to care for your baby. Naturally, it is impossible to ensure long sleep at night, because you will have to feed the baby repeatedly, so try to devote any free minute to sleep during the day.
People are asked to get out of bed after a normal birth within six hours of delivery. At first, get out of bed carefully, avoiding sudden movements, otherwise you may feel dizzy. Already on the first day after birth, you can do breathing exercises and help contract the uterus using self-massage. To do this, you need to lie on your back, relax your stomach as much as possible, carefully feel the bottom of the uterus (just below the navel) and gently stroke from the sides to the center and up. It is better to sleep and lie down for the first 2-3 days after birth (before the milk arrives) on your stomach. Periodic application of a heating pad with ice to the lower abdomen also helps with contraction. To avoid hypothermia, the heating pad should be wrapped in a diaper and kept for no more than 20 minutes at a time.
On the second day after birth, you can proceed to therapeutic exercises. Perform gentle exercises to squeeze and relax your pelvic floor muscles daily and often. This will help get rid of involuntary urination and promote the healing of sutures in the perineum. To train your abdominal muscles, alternately lift and abduct your feet, as if pressing the pedals of a bicycle. Exhale and draw in your stomach, holding your breath; then relax. You need to perform these simple exercises several times every hour when you are awake. They are also recommended for women who have had a caesarean section. From the second week, expand the set of exercises, adding turns, bending the torso, and by the end of the month, abdominal exercises.
It is very important to carefully observe the rules of personal hygiene. You are still too weak to resist the microbes around you well, so get rid of them constantly. It is necessary to wash yourself with soap, especially if there are stitches on the perineum, after each visit to the toilet. Twice a day, the seams are additionally treated with special antiseptics. It is necessary to ensure the cleanliness of the gaskets. Best suited for this period special postpartum pads, in extreme cases, ordinary ones, but with a cotton surface. In the maternity hospital, you cannot use pads with a top layer of synthetic material. Regardless of how full it is, it is necessary to change the pad every 2-3 hours. Be sure to take a shower 2 times a day, and then wash the mammary gland with soap. There is no need to wash your breasts after each feeding; just leave a drop of milk on the nipple and let it dry in the open air. You should not take a bath in the first month after giving birth. Underwear and bed linen should be cotton. We change underwear daily, bed sheets at least once every three days.
Stool should be present within the first three days after birth. If there are stitches on the perineum, the first voiding causes fear that the stitches may “come apart”. This fear is completely unfounded, but during defecation you can hold the suture area with a napkin, which will reduce tissue stretching and defecation will be less painful. To facilitate this process, include dried apricots and prunes in your diet, and drink a glass of mineral water without gas or kefir on an empty stomach. If there is no stool on the 4th day, then you need to use a laxative or give a cleansing enema.
The diet of a nursing mother should be high in calories (2500-3000 kcal). In the first 2 days after birth, food should be easily digestible. From the 3rd day, a regular diet with a predominance of lactic acid, cereals, fruits and vegetables is prescribed. Spicy, fatty, smoked foods, canned food, alcohol and potential allergens for the child should be excluded from the diet. The amount of protein should be about 100 g, mainly from animal proteins, fats 85-90 g, of which a third are vegetable, carbohydrates - 300-400 g. Try to drink milk or kefir (at least 0.5 l) every day. there is cottage cheese (50g) or cheese (20g), meat (200g), vegetables, fruits (500-700g each), bread and vegetable oil. With established lactation, you should drink an additional 1.5-2 liters per day of pure water.
Sexual activity after childbirth can be resumed after 6 weeks. By this point, the woman’s body has already completely returned to normal. During the same period, you must undergo a medical examination at the antenatal clinic or with your doctor. You will be weighed, your blood pressure taken, a urine test taken, and your breasts examined. A vaginal examination will be performed to determine the size and position of the uterus, check how the stitches have healed, and take a smear from the cervix. The doctor will advise you on contraception.
To fully recover after childbirth, at least two years must pass before the next pregnancy.