MUMMY’S HEALTH
Pregnancy Health Conditions That Will Go Away After Childbirth
Infection
Postpartum infections occur after delivery, whether it is through vaginal or caesarean birth. While it seldom happens, it may be serious if it does. Clinically, the most dangerous infection would be endometritis – infection of the endometrium or inner lining of the uterus. Symptoms varies depending on the extent of infection. They may include fever, enlarged and tender uterus, anaemia due to excessive bleeding from the vagina, and in extreme cases, severe sepsis may even lead to multi-organ failure. Fortunately, endometritis can be treated successfully with a simple procedure where the uterine cavity is cleaned (evacuation of the uterus) and antibiotics.
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Caesaerean incisions are wounds that usually heal with little or no problem, but it can be infected if the wound does not heal properly. Infection occurs if the skin around the wound is not cleaned properly or if the skin is sensitive to the wound covering. If infected, the skin around the wound will appear red, swollen and painful. Wound infections can cause fever and you should contact your OBGYN if the symptoms appear.
Mastitis This is a condition when bacteria enter the breast while breastfeeding. Nipples may become cracked or sore from breastfeeding. Cracked nipples are common in the early days of breastfeeding if mummy is not latching
Mount Alvernia Hospital Mother & Child Guidebook
the baby well on her breasts. Ensure your baby latches well to prevent sore nipples. Applying many layers of breastmilk after feeds helps to soothe the pain and heal the nipples. Mummies with mastitis may develop a fever, chills, cold and flu-like symptoms with body aches. It is advisable to consult a lactation nurse or see your OBGYN for antibiotics that are safe for lactating mothers. Mummies with mastitis can continue to breastfeed their babies. If left untreated, it will develop into a breast abscess, which will require further intervention by a breast surgeon to drain the pus.
Gestational Diabetes If you have gestational diabetes during your pregnancy, there is a high chance the condition will go away immediately after the childbirth. This condition is only true if your diabetes was controlled with a strict meal plan and regular exercise during pregnancy. You should continue to check your blood glucose levels for at least several days to make sure your sugar level is within normal range. Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia One of the biggest risks of gestational diabetes is developing preeclampsia, a condition that raises the blood pressure. It could develop into eclampsia which causes seizures. It is only by delivering your baby that you can eventually recover from preeclampsia. Your doctor will be able to perform the necessary tests to detect the presence of these complications and determine the baby’s well-being and advise you on the appropriate course of treatment to be undertaken before childbirth.