Category: Postpartum Care

PPH: Understanding Primary Pulmonary Hypertension for a Healthier Life

JiangRuoan

– Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is severe bleeding after giving birth.
– PPH usually occurs within 24 hours of childbirth but can happen up to 12 weeks postpartum.
– PPH is when total blood loss is greater than 32 fluid ounces after delivery or when bleeding is severe enough to cause symptoms of too much blood loss or a significant change in heart rate or blood pressure.
– There are two types of PPH: primary (within the first 24 hours after delivery) and secondary or late (24 hours to 12 weeks postpartum).
– PPH occurs when contractions after delivery aren’t strong enough to stop bleeding (uterine atony) or if parts of the placenta stay attached to the uterine wall or if the reproductive organs are damaged during delivery.
– Approximately 40% of PPH cases occur in women without any risk factors.
– PPH is a serious and potentially fatal condition that can cause a sharp decline in blood pressure leading to restricted blood flow to the brain and other organs. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.

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Exploring Lochia: An Indepth Understanding of Postpartum Bleeding

JiangRuoan

– Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after giving birth
– It contains a mix of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue
– Lochia has a stale, musty odor similar to menstrual period discharge
– It can last several weeks and gradually subsides in flow
– Lochia is a normal part of the postpartum healing process and usually doesn’t cause complications
– The color and volume of lochia progress over time, starting as dark or bright red blood before transitioning to whiteish mucus, then pinkish brown, and finally creamy yellowish-white
– Lochia has three stages: Lochia rubra (dark or bright red blood, lasts 3-4 days), Lochia serosa (pinkish brown discharge, lasts 4-12 days), and Lochia alba (yellowish white discharge, lasts 12 days to 6 weeks)
– Lochia is made up of blood, uterine tissue, amniotic fluid, bacteria, microorganisms, leftover fetal membranes, and cervical mucus
– Practicing good hygiene is important to manage lochia
– Extremely foul or fishy discharge could indicate an infection and should be reported to healthcare providers
– Lochia typically lasts about six weeks, but can last up to eight weeks in some cases
– Lochia and menstrual blood are similar in terms of smell and initially being dark red and heavy
– Both types of discharge subside before stopping, but lochia lasts much longer
– A typical period lasts about one week, while lochia lasts about six weeks in most cases.

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