Abdominal pain in the puerperium | Puerperium

Abdominal pain in the puerperium

Abdominal pain in the puerperium is very common and often caused by the birth itself. During a vaginal delivery, the mother’s muscles performed at their best and had to work very hard to transport the baby through the birth canal. In addition, the pelvis was stretched very much, the cervix was greatly dilated and the entire pelvis was very strained.

Therefore, it is not unusual that women in the postpartum often still feel pain in the abdominal area. However, this pain subsides with time. The afterpains after birth, which occur at irregular intervals for a few days and serve to reduce the uterus, can also be responsible for abdominal pain during this period.

If the abdominal pain is very severe and even increases in intensity, an infection must also be considered. Frequently in this context is the inflammation of the uterus itself. The uterus is particularly susceptible to inflammation in the puerperium, as the cervix is still slightly open and germs can therefore rise particularly easily and enter the uterus.

Through the wound surfaces within the uterus, the pathogens can easily settle there and cause an infection. If there is an obstruction to the outflow of the lochia, this additionally accumulates in the uterus and creates an optimal environment for the growth of various pathogens. The inflammation can reach the ovaries and even the abdomen. Abdominal pain in the puerperium should therefore be taken seriously and further medical clarification should be obtained so that an adequate therapy can be initiated.

Postpartum depression

Postpartum depression is estimated to occur in 10-20% of women who have had a child. It manifests itself through low moods, a feeling of inner emptiness, insensitivity, lack of energy, feelings of guilt, fluctuating feelings towards the child and many other symptoms. It is not uncommon for anxiety and panic attacks as well as concentration and sleep disorders to occur in addition.

In its mildest form, postpartum depression is also known as “baby blues”. It usually occurs within the first weeks after birth and subsides after a few weeks. In contrast to the baby blues, which only lasts for a short time due to its mild course, a manifest postpartum depression lasts for several weeks.

However, its intensity varies greatly from woman to woman, i.e. it can manifest itself through only slight listlessness and sadness as well as through severe depressive states up to suicidal thoughts and attempts. For this reason every woman with signs of postpartum depression should be examined and clarified.In pronounced forms, temporary medication may be necessary. Psychotherapeutic consultations are also offered to help stabilize the affected woman.

Good social support and backing from family and partner have a protective effect, as the woman does not feel alone and less quickly overtaxed with the care of her child. Severe postpartum depression is sometimes accompanied by a disturbed bond between mother and child, as the mother may have problems emotionally accepting her child as such. These problems in mother-child bonding are also often caused by the mother’s great fear of making mistakes and feeling guilty.

Accordingly, the treatment of postpartum depression also aims to stabilize the mother-child relationship. Overall, the prognosis for postpartum depression is good. Most women recover fully from their illness.