

Zhang Lu

About me
Graduated from the 7-year program in Clinical Medicine at Shandong University School of Medicine.
Proficient in diseases
Common obstetric diseases and various difficult miscellaneous diseases. For example, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, fetal abnormalities, placental implantation, complications of twin pregnancies, gynecologic malignant tumors. Working at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, a national key discipline.

Voices

How many days does postpartum bleeding lochia last?
Postpartum lochia refers to the need for the contents of the uterine cavity to be expelled over a certain period of time after childbirth. Postpartum lochia generally lasts about six to eight weeks and is divided into three stages: bloody lochia, serous lochia, and white lochia. The first stage, known as bloody lochia, primarily involves the expulsion of accumulated blood in the uterine cavity. Postpartum bleeding lochia generally lasts about one week after childbirth. During this week, the amount of bleeding gradually decreases, and the color changes from bright red to dark red and then to black. Generally, it is believed that postpartum bleeding lochia should not exceed two weeks. If bleeding lochia persists beyond two weeks, an ultrasound should be conducted to determine whether there are any remnants in the uterine cavity, along with a vaginal examination to check for any abnormalities in the cervix and vaginal walls.

Postpartum hemorrhage refers to excessive bleeding following childbirth.
Postpartum hemorrhage refers to vaginal bleeding exceeding 500ml shortly after childbirth, or vaginal bleeding exceeding 1000ml within 24 hours after childbirth. Postpartum hemorrhage is a critical situation in clinical practice and is the leading cause of maternal death. For postpartum hemorrhage, it is essential first to identify the cause. Common causes of postpartum hemorrhage include uterine atony, retained placenta or membranes, trauma to the birth canal, and coagulopathy. In cases of postpartum hemorrhage, treatment should start with addressing the cause, such as using drugs that promote uterine contraction, massaging the uterus, and paying attention to cleaning the uterus and suturing any tears. Simultaneous symptomatic treatment should also be administered, which involves the transfusion of blood products to improve circulating blood volume and prevent the onset of hemorrhagic shock.

Can pregnancy swelling of the feet cause varicose veins?
After pregnancy, many women experience swollen feet, which can be due to pathological or physiological reasons. However, swollen feet can often lead to varicose veins. Swollen feet generally indicate local retention of water and sodium or obstructed venous return. When a large amount of blood accumulates in the veins, it can easily cause varicose veins. However, during pregnancy, the duration of foot swelling is not very long, generally lasting about one to two months. After childbirth, the swelling of the feet quickly alleviates. Therefore, even though swollen feet may cause varicose veins, the severity is usually mild and it will alleviate after childbirth.

Can you go to the bathroom if the membranes rupture early?
Premature rupture of membranes, as the name suggests, refers to the rupture of the amniotic sac before labor commences, leading to intermittent discharge of amniotic fluid from the uterine cavity. After the membranes rupture prematurely, whether choosing to deliver or attempting to prolong the pregnancy, bed rest is required, and one should not get up to use the toilet. If one needs to use the toilet, it must be done on the bed. Standing up to use the toilet like a normal person can bring about the following risks: 1. It can cause excessive loss of amniotic fluid, leading to low levels of amniotic fluid, which can cause fetal hypoxia in the uterus. 2. Standing up to use the toilet can lead to cord prolapse or placental abruption, which can cause acute fetal hypoxia within the uterine cavity. Therefore, with premature rupture of membranes, one should not stand up to use the toilet.

What tests are done for endometrial polyps?
Endometrial polyps are common among women, and the size and number of these polyps vary from person to person. Small polyps can range from 1 to 2 mm, while large polyps can range from 1 to 2 cm. The number of polyps can be one or two, or about ten. The following methods are mainly used to examine endometrial polyps: First, it is important to inquire about symptoms. Most endometrial polyps do not present clinical symptoms, but some can cause increased menstrual flow or abnormal vaginal discharge. Second, the most important method to examine endometrial polyps is to perform an ultrasound. By observing the echo of the endometrium through ultrasound, a judgment can be made. Third, endometrial polyps can be examined through hysteroscopy. This method allows for direct visualization of the endometrium, providing a definitive role in diagnosing endometrial polyps. After confirmation, electrosurgical resection can be performed for treatment at any time.

Is it serious if the membranes rupture prematurely at 39 weeks of pregnancy?
At 39 weeks of pregnancy, if the membranes rupture suddenly, this condition is not serious. Membrane rupture at 39 weeks is also a sign of impending labor, and 39 weeks is already considered a full-term pregnancy. At this stage, the fetus is relatively large and mature, already considered a full-term baby, therefore, it is completely possible to give birth normally. For membrane rupture at 39 weeks, it is advisable to give birth as soon as possible. If natural labor contractions can be initiated, then one can wait to give birth on their own. If after observing for four to six hours, there are still no contractions, drugs can be used to induce labor to deliver the baby. In the vast majority of cases with membrane rupture at 39 weeks, the baby is fine, so the situation is not serious.

Premature rupture of membranes occurs at how many weeks?
Premature rupture of membranes, as the name implies, refers to the rupture of membranes before labor, leading to intermittent leakage of amniotic fluid from the uterine cavity. It is a common cause of miscarriage, premature birth, and fetal hypoxia in the womb. Premature rupture of membranes can occur at any time during pregnancy, generally after 12 weeks of pregnancy when the fetus is already formed and there is a clear presence of amniotic fluid in the amniotic cavity. Therefore, it can occur from after 12 weeks of pregnancy until before childbirth. However, most cases of premature rupture of membranes occur in the late stages of pregnancy, generally after 30 weeks of pregnancy. At this time, the uterus is relatively large and the fetal weight has increased, which increases the stimulation to the amniotic cavity and makes it easily susceptible to external pressure, causing premature rupture of membranes.

Precautions for Premature Rupture of Membranes
Premature rupture of membranes is a common condition during pregnancy, and the following aspects should be noted for premature rupture of membranes: First, it is essential to confirm the diagnosis of premature rupture of membranes. Women who experience abnormal vaginal discharge should seek medical examination at a hospital to determine if there is premature rupture of membranes, as missed diagnoses that delay treatment are common in clinical practice. Second, it is crucial to follow standardized treatment for premature rupture of membranes. Depending on the gestational age, decisions on whether to attempt to preserve the pregnancy should be made. Generally, if the condition is stable before thirty-four weeks without fetal hypoxia or infection, it may be appropriate to prolong the pregnancy. After thirty-four weeks, since the viability of the fetus is generally higher, excessive prolongation of the pregnancy is not usually recommended. Third, it is important to prevent infection in cases of premature rupture of membranes. Once the membranes rupture, the amniotic cavity is exposed, making it easy for vaginal bacteria to enter and cause an intrauterine infection. Fourth, attention should be paid to rest in a recumbent position after premature rupture of membranes, as standing or being active might lead to prolapse of the umbilical cord.

How to prevent premature rupture of membranes
Premature rupture of membranes is a common condition during pregnancy, which can easily lead to premature birth and intrauterine infection of the fetus. Prevention should be the primary focus for premature rupture of membranes. Firstly, the most common cause of premature rupture of membranes is infection. For instance, conditions like vaginitis or cervicitis can lead to chorioamnionitis, which in turn can cause the membranes to rupture spontaneously, resulting in the leakage of amniotic fluid. Secondly, excessive pressure within the amniotic cavity can also cause membrane rupture, such as in the case of excessive amniotic fluid. Therefore, during pregnancy, it is important to manage inflammation and control the amount of amniotic fluid. This can help lower the risk of premature rupture of membranes and prevent premature birth and intrauterine infection.

Does postpartum urinary incontinence require rest?
Necessary. During pregnancy, as the uterus enlarges, it compresses the pelvic floor. Combined with injuries to the pelvic floor during a vaginal birth, this can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, which increases the risk of conditions like uterine prolapse, bladder prolapse, and urinary incontinence. The more childbirths a woman has, the more severe urinary incontinence may become. Postpartum urinary incontinence can be improved through adequate rest and adjunctive therapies. 1. Adequate rest by scheduling fixed times to urinate and increasing the frequency of urination can help reduce residual urine. 2. Performing Kegel exercises at home can help strengthen the sphincter muscles, helping to prevent further worsening of urinary incontinence. 3. If the above methods are ineffective, pelvic floor electrical stimulation therapy can be considered.