Need to see a doctor if the postpartum discharge is abnormally long

This is an automatically translated article.

Postpartum discharge is a normal phenomenon because the mother's body needs to get rid of the discharge from the vagina and it will clear up within a few weeks. However, many women feel worried because they do not know how long this discharge will be and when is it abnormal?

1. How long does postpartum fluid last?

Immediately after childbirth, whether vaginal birth or cesarean section, the discharge will go from the highest level to the lowest level and stop.
The fluid includes clots and thin blood flowing from the lining of the uterus, especially from the placenta, fragments of ectopic endometrium, products, and epithelial cells of the cervix and vagina are degraded and shed. . The color of the discharge will change from bright red to red-brown for 1 week, then it will turn yellow or white about 10 days later, because then the main component in the discharge is white blood cells and endometrial cells.
Postpartum discharge usually lasts from 2 to 4 weeks and depends on the body characteristics of each mother and how to take care of the mother after giving birth also affects the time of delivery. Usually, women who have given birth or are breast-feeding will have a faster discharge due to the faster contraction of the uterus.
In some mothers, the discharge can last up to 45 days, which is about 6 weeks postpartum. But if after this time, still have vaginal discharge, the mother should go to the hospital to be checked, because this is an abnormally long postpartum postpartum phenomenon.

2. Identify abnormally prolonged postpartum discharge

The discharge usually has a fishy smell but no bad smell, it is dark red at first, then fades, usually lasts about 20 days, a few women can last from 40-45 days and the amount will also decrease. clearly. However, many women after giving birth have abnormal signs of discharge. Here are a few unusual signs that pregnant women need to be aware of in order to have timely interventions:
Normal discharge will not have pus, but when it flows through the vagina, the discharge loses its sterile nature and may be infected with pathogenic bacteria such as staphylococcus, bacilli, etc., so the product will have a fishy odor and an alkaline pH. If the discharge has a bad smell, you have an infection; After giving birth about 4 days, the discharge is still bright red with a large amount; There are too many blood clots, one bandage can see more than 50 clots; Signs of fever over 38 degrees Celsius Vaginal discharge with an unpleasant odor; Irregular heartbeat; Excessive bleeding, constantly changing tampons, feeling dizzy and wanting to pass out. This could be postpartum haemorrhage, which needs to be treated promptly. All of the above phenomena show that the mother's postpartum discharge has an abnormality, the mother should see a doctor for direct advice. If the examination is delayed, the mother may have an infection, which is dangerous to her health and life. In the case that after giving birth not long after giving birth, but the discharge is gone, the body is healthy and nothing has changed, it can still be considered as normal, but if the discharge is gone too quickly but the abdomen is still swollen and painful, the mother needs to see a doctor. doctor for immediate examination.

3. Causes of abnormally prolonged postpartum discharge

Due to the process of bleeding or inflammation: The reason is that during the doctor's examination of the vagina, the sterilization of instruments is not clean or the mothers themselves do not maintain proper hygiene, causing the postpartum discharge to last any longer. often. Affected before and during pregnancy: It is possible that pregnant women have had previous infections or diseases of anemia, unstable blood pressure, plus during childbirth, there is heavy blood loss, causing vaginal discharge. excessive bleeding or bleeding after delivery. Uterus can not contract, placenta left: Uterus or vagina is torn, anemia can lead to postpartum hemorrhage in pregnant women. Not paying attention to health care: This is a major cause of abnormal discharge. 24 hours after giving birth, the mother should get out of bed to exercise, which will help the uterus return to its normal state quickly, which is very beneficial for the secretion of secretions. In addition to the abnormal discharge, pregnant women often have fever, abdominal pain, more serious, women may have peritonitis, even blood infection.

4. Note during postpartum discharge

Avoid using tampons for the first 6 weeks or more because it can accidentally introduce bacteria into the uterus. Because the uterus is still recovering after giving birth and thereby causing an infection.. Change the tampon every hour or two for the first few days, then dilate for about 3-4 hours. Frequent urination will help empty the bladder, reducing resistance to uterine contractions. However, after giving birth, mothers will often temporarily lose the sensitivity to tell when the bladder is full. Always wash your hands before and after changing tampons and using the toilet. Shower once a day to keep the body clean and comfortable.

During the postpartum period, you should choose loose, old clothes because sometimes the discharge stains may not be washed and you have to throw them away. Staying active and walking after giving birth will create good conditions for the uterus to recover to its original size, and at the same time promote the contraction of the uterus, leading to the fluid being removed from the body faster. Avoid excessive abstinence while on abstinence. Pay attention to unusual signs such as bleeding, abdominal pain or fever... these signs are all dangerous complications. The product is the glass that reflects the health status of the pregnant woman. When the postpartum fluid shows abnormal signs, it is necessary to promptly go to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment, to avoid unfortunate cases.
In order to help customers detect gynecological diseases, Vinmec International General Hospital has a basic gynecological examination and screening package, helping customers to detect early infectious diseases for easy treatment, inexpensive. Screening detects gynecological cancer (cervical cancer) early even when there are no symptoms.
Basic gynecological examination and screening package for female customers, has no age limit and may have the following symptoms:
Abnormal vaginal bleeding Having menstrual problems: irregular menstrual cycle, irregular menstrual cycle Irregular vaginal discharge (smell, different color) Vaginal pain and itching Female clients have several risk factors such as poor personal hygiene, Unsafe sex, abortion,... Female customers have other symptoms such as: Abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, pain in the private area, abnormal vaginal bleeding.

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