Episiotomy is a cut given in the perineum when a woman has crowned during labor to make baby come out easily and also to prevent possible tears or complications. It’s not a routine. Should only be done when it’s very necessary with a woman’s concern.
Healing will depend on the degree of tear and also the care given to the wound
With no infection or complications, it should heal fast. Some can heal within two weeks. Others can take a month to six weeks
If you realise it’s gapping, having offensive discharges, Stiches coming out, bleeding and too painful, you should report back for further examination
Remember the Stiches will be absorbed and should not ne coming out. Most episiotomies use the absorbable Stiches unless your doctor stated other wise
Also take your nutrition, Selfcare and Exercise serious to help heal faster.
This is to some extent expected. The baby puts on most of its weight in the third trimester. This weight puts pressure on the perineum . It can be painful since it’s stretching and the nerves there are sensitive
To reduce the pain and discomfort you feel in your perineum, don’t assume one position for a long time. Change your position frequently. It helps a lot.
If the pain in the vagina or perineum is extreme, report to the hospital for further investigations .
The placenta with nourishes the baby with nutrients and oxygen during pregnancy is supposed to be located in the upper part of the uterus. If it is in the lower segment, we call it placenta previa
In placenta previa the location of the placenta is low and it comes with risk.
Some of the risk include
1. It can lead to bleeding during pregnancy and at birth. The placenta can detach pre maturely because it’s not in the right position
2. It can lead to preterm birth
3. It can affect the growth of the baby since the placenta is not in the right position
A scan can help diagnose placenta previa. If it is diagnosed, your doctor can help you go through the pregnancy with ease.
Your birth should be planned and the hospital you give birth should at least have a theatre and blood bank in case you need it.
In severe forms of placenta previa, your activity level will be limited and a cesarean section will be the mode of delivery. You will also be monitored closely throughout the pregnancy.
Our pregnancy class will help you go through your pregnancy with ease
Many women believe there is wound literally in the stomach or abdomen after birth, they resort to so many preparations and concoctions to heal this wound that is left in the stomach after birth. Sometimes trying to heal this wound rather bring them more issues since the stomach does not really play a part during labor. Is it the uterus they call stomach or this is to help new mum take good care of themselves.?Let’s learn
During birth the baby is actually in the uterus/womb and attached to the mother via the placenta. The placenta is what connects mum and baby. After baby is born in the 2nd stage of labor as shown in the diagram, the 3rd stage follows which is the birth of the placenta.
After the birth of the placenta the uterus continues to contract which makes it smaller, the smaller it becomes the more bleeding is also prevented. So literally we are more concerned about the place where the placenta detached to heal properly and regain its strength.
Within the next six weeks after birth contractions will continue and the uterus will continue to become smaller. The uterus sheds of all the left over blood gradually over time and it’s called lochia. It is a natural process and will cleanse itself. The tips you will need to make sure you are safe and free from infection include
Strict personal hygiene, bath twice daily
Change pad frequently and wear clean cotton panties
Take prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection
Eat nutritious meals rich in vitamins and minerals to promote healing
Passive exercise, like walking, and deep breathing exercise
Report immediately if you have severe bleeding, pain or offensive discharge
Remember, breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract after birth. Breastfeed baby
Rest is also medicine. Get people to help you so you can have enough rest
These basic things will keep you healthy, there is literally no #wound in your stomach. You only need to take care of your self after birth. If you feel sick talk to your midwife/doctor . #Share to help someone. #MidwifeSally#maternityleave health #yemkro
WHY DO WE PASS A CATHETER DURING BIRTH/ CESAREAN SECTION?
During birth, women are encouraged to empty the bladder. This helps the baby’s head to descend or come down. A full bladder can slow the progress of labor.
If you can urinate freely you will be encouraged to do so. But if not your midwife will empty the bladder with a catheter
If you have to go through a caesarean section, it’s usually mandatory to have a catheter in place. A full bladder can cause injury to the bladder. The bladder is close to the uterus so if not emptied when the doctor is performing the operation, he/She may cause injury to the bladder
Always cooperate with your doctor or midwife for the best outcome
Some times you wonder why you are still shouting, having all the pains and your midwife is still asking you to hold on!
She checks and says, it’s only 1 cm dilated.
After a long wait or 4 hours, she rechecks and says it just 3cm.
You feel it’s been too long and the pain is unbearable so you should push your baby out.
This is why you should cooperate with your doctor or midwife.
The cervix which is the opening of the cervix should open from 1cm to 10 cm to allow the baby’s head to be birthed followed by the body.
Cervix should not be felt any more when your doctor or midwife performs vaginal examination.
If it’s still felt and you push through it, you can tear your cervix which is difficult to repair and requires special skills. Bleeding can also be severe.
Only push when your doctor or midwife has confirmed that you are fully dilated. (10 cm and no cervix can be felt on vaginal examination)
This is a home remedy that is believed to prepare the uterus for birth. It enhances normal uterine contractions It may help to prevent post date and post maturity. Incidence of caesarian section, artificial rapture of membrane and forceps delivery may be reduced.
The best time to start taking it is around 30 weeks of gestation. Start with a cup a day. See how it works for you. The maximum is 4 cups a day.
Just like any other herb has pharmacological effects kindly note these points if you are taking it
If your false contractions becomes strong stop taking it.
Use the tea prepared from the leaves not its fruits
Its not really needed if you have given birth many times successfully vaginally
Do not start it within the first and second trimester
If you have done a previous caesarians section, you cant use it. Avoid it.
Do not use it if you are expecting twins, breech presentation and also have hypertension.
Mums with history of preterm birth, placenta previa should not use it.
during pregnancy and at birth. The placenta can detach pre maturely because it’s not in the right position
Strict personal hygiene, bath twice daily
If your false contractions becomes strong stop taking it.