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Postpartum hemorrhage
Causes of postpartum hemorrhage
The causes of postpartum hemorrhage can be summarized into four main reasons: First is related to the placenta; second is lacerations in the soft birth canal; third is coagulation dysfunction; fourth is uterine atony, among which uterine atony is the most common cause. So, how can one determine if postpartum hemorrhage is caused by uterine atony? Clinically, after the placenta is delivered, examination of the soft birth canal is conducted. Upon examining the uterus, if it is found that the outline of the uterus is unclear and pressing on it results in a lot of blood and blood clots flowing out from the uterine cavity, then the uterus becomes firm when pressed and softens when not pressed. This situation indicates uterine atony. Other injuries, such as lacerations in the soft birth canal, are generally detected during an examination. There are also factors related to the placenta and coagulation dysfunction, which are the four main causes of postpartum hemorrhage.
Postpartum hemorrhage patient care
During the process of postpartum hemorrhage, there are several considerations for the care of patients with postpartum hemorrhage. First, during the patient care process, it is necessary to closely monitor whether the contraction of the uterus is good, monitor the height of the uterine fundus, and the specific vaginal bleeding situation. Moreover, it is also necessary to provide a light and nutritious diet, avoiding spicy and irritating foods. Due to the massive bleeding caused by the surgical process, patients are generally weak, so it is recommended to rest more, avoid excessive fatigue, and also avoid looking after the newborn again to prevent various body disorders.
Is it normal to have ovulation bleeding during postpartum breastfeeding?
During the postpartum breastfeeding period, it is normal for mothers to experience bleeding during ovulation. Most women who bleed during ovulation are affected by fluctuations in hormone levels in the body. The bleeding usually occurs midway between two menstrual periods, and the amount of blood is relatively small and light in color. It usually returns to normal within one to two days, so there is no need to worry when ovulation bleeding occurs. It is important to rest, avoid overwork, enhance nutrition, keep warm, and avoid getting cold. During breastfeeding, it is essential to observe the amount of vaginal bleeding. If menstruation resumes, it is crucial to pay attention to contraception.
How long is the critical period for postpartum hemorrhage?
Postpartum hemorrhage generally occurs within 24 hours after giving birth, and sometimes it can occur 1-2 weeks postpartum. It is important to pay special attention during this time to see if there is an increase in vaginal secretions or bleeding. Generally, after giving birth, it is necessary to observe in the delivery room for two hours; if there is no bleeding within those two hours, the patient can be moved back to the ward. The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage include poor contraction of the uterus, retained placental tissue, abnormalities in the coagulation function of the woman's blood, and tears in the birth canal.
Can there still be heavy bleeding one year after childbirth?
Under normal circumstances, postpartum hemorrhage is one of the serious obstetric complications that can endanger the life of the mother. It is most commonly due to poor uterine contraction after childbirth, causing bleeding, and generally occurs within 24 hours after childbirth or as late postpartum hemorrhage occurring more than ten days after childbirth. If a year has passed since childbirth, there generally will not be instances of severe hemorrhage. It is advised to undergo an ultrasound examination within 42 days after childbirth to confirm whether the recovery of the uterus and its appendages is satisfactory. If the uterus has recovered back to its normal pre-pregnancy state, it generally will not cause severe hemorrhage.
Methods of assessing postpartum hemorrhage
There are several methods to assess the approximate amount of bleeding when postpartum hemorrhage occurs. Normally, a curved dish can be placed at the vaginal opening after childbirth. By collecting blood in this curved dish, you can understand the specific amount of bleeding. Alternatively, the gauze method can be used, estimating the amount of bleeding based on the specific area of each piece of gauze. Another method involves monitoring changes in the patient's vital signs and using the specific timing of shock indices to determine the amount of bleeding. However, it is crucial to promptly implement hemostasis to avoid severe consequences.
How long will postpartum bleeding last until it stops?
Generally, in normal childbirth or after cesarean section surgery, there is usually a small amount of vaginal bleeding, which typically subsides completely within about a week. If there is heavy bleeding after delivery, it is crucial to closely monitor the vaginal bleeding to rule out the possibility of delayed postpartum hemorrhage. If the uterus contracts well and there is no retention of placental fragments, the area will generally be clean within about a week, albeit with some bloody discharge. Therefore, if there is abnormal vaginal bleeding postpartum, it is recommended to promptly re-examine to exclude the possibility of late bleeding, so as to avoid endangering life.
Can postpartum hemorrhage be treated?
Postpartum hemorrhage refers to bleeding exceeding 800 or 1000 milliliters within a short period after childbirth. It is currently the leading cause of maternal mortality in clinical practice. With the improvement of clinical treatment levels and the enhancement of diagnostic capabilities for postpartum hemorrhage, the vast majority of such cases can be well-managed. The keys to addressing postpartum hemorrhage effectively are early diagnosis and early intervention, which can lead to favorable outcomes. The main causes of postpartum hemorrhage include uterine atony, retained placenta and membranes, injuries to the soft birth canal, and coagulation disorders. When significant postpartum bleeding occurs, it is crucial to carefully investigate these four aspects to identify the cause and intervene accordingly, often leading to successful treatment outcomes.
How long does it take to recover from postpartum hemorrhage?
Postpartum hemorrhage is a relatively common and serious complication clinically, but how long does it take to recover from postpartum hemorrhage? This depends on the physical condition of the mother. Typically, recovery takes about 4-6 weeks after delivery. Women with weaker constitutions may take longer to recover. When postpartum hemorrhage occurs, appropriate measures should be taken based on the cause. If there are lacerations in the birth canal, timely suturing is necessary. Additionally, if there is weak uterine contraction, medications that stimulate uterine contraction should be used to promote contraction and stop the bleeding.
Does postpartum hemorrhage affect appetite?
Postpartum hemorrhage can be significant, leading to anemia, which in turn affects appetite. After anemia occurs, the blood supply to the gastrointestinal tract is reduced, causing relative hypoxia and impacting the function of the gastrointestinal tract, thereby affecting appetite. If the postpartum bleeding is minimal and consists only of normal lochia, it generally does not affect appetite. Furthermore, whether postpartum hemorrhage affects appetite also greatly depends on individual differences. Regardless of its impact on appetite, postpartum recovery requires comprehensive and adequate energy intake to ensure physical recovery and milk secretion. Therefore, it is important to eat more and include a diet rich in protein and nutrients for better recovery.