How to identify and prevent postpartum infection?

Puerperal infection refers to the symptoms of infection that occur during the recovery period after childbirth. It is common within 6 to 8 weeks after delivery and may affect the mother's uterus, puerperal tract, urinary system, breast and other parts. Puerperal infection may cause discomfort and complications to the mother, such as uterine infection, mastitis, urinary tract infection, etc. Early identification of puerperal infection and timely treatment are very important to avoid the progression of serious complications and promote maternal recovery. Mothers should pay attention to maintaining personal hygiene, proper rest, a proper diet, and regular follow-up examinations to prevent and deal with puerperal infection. This article will carry out popular science from the aspects of symptoms, identification methods, and preventive measures of puerperal infection to help mothers and their families better understand and prevent puerperal infection.

1. Symptoms of puerperal infection

The puerperium refers to the 6 to 8 weeks of recovery after childbirth. It is an important period for the mother's body to gradually return to its pre-pregnancy state. Puerperal infection is a common complication during this period. Timely identification of these symptoms is crucial for early treatment, which can alleviate the condition and reduce the occurrence of complications. Therefore, mothers and their families should understand how to identify the symptoms of puerperal infection and seek medical attention in a timely manner when suspected symptoms of infection occur. Common symptoms include:

1. Fever. A persistent high fever (over 38 degrees Celsius) may be a sign of infection.

2. Abnormal vaginal discharge: abnormal odor, color change (yellow, green), or accompanied by blood.

3. Pelvic or abdominal pain: Abnormal and severe pain after childbirth may be a sign of infection.

4. Frequent, difficult, or painful urination. This may indicate a urinary tract infection.

5. Breast redness, swelling and pain. Symptoms of breast infection or mastitis.

6. Weakness and fatigue. Infection may cause systemic symptoms.

If a mother experiences the above symptoms, she should see a doctor as soon as possible. The doctor will conduct examinations and tests for further diagnosis. The key to preventing puerperal infection is to maintain personal hygiene, get enough rest, eat a proper diet, and pay attention to wound care after delivery. Timely identification and treatment of puerperal infection can reduce the risk of complications and promote rapid recovery of the mother.

2. How to identify puerperal infection

1. Carefully observe the mother's physical condition, including body temperature, lochia, and whether any discomfort symptoms such as lower abdominal pain occur.

2. Have regular postpartum check-ups and consult your doctor promptly.

3. If the mother has unexplained fever, abnormal lochia, etc., go to the hospital for examination in time.

3. How to prevent puerperal infection

1. Eat a healthy diet. Mothers should eat a variety of nutritious foods, including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meat, fish and beans. At the same time, mothers need enough protein, vitamins and minerals to promote wound healing and cell regeneration. In addition, mothers should maintain a proper amount of water intake. Drinking more water helps promote detoxification and milk secretion. Avoid eating spicy and irritating foods, and limit caffeine and alcohol intake to reduce the burden on the body. A healthy diet helps strengthen the immune system, improve body resistance and prevent puerperal infection.

2. Take a proper rest. During the postpartum period, mothers need to pay special attention to take a proper rest and avoid overwork. Adequate rest can help the body recover and enhance immunity, which helps prevent the occurrence of postpartum infection. Mothers can arrange appropriate rest time, avoid standing or sitting for a long time, reasonably allocate time for housework and taking care of the baby, keep a happy mood, and avoid excessive fatigue. Proper rest not only helps the body recover, but also improves immunity and reduces the risk of infection. It is an important factor in preventing postpartum infection.

3. Pay attention to personal hygiene. Mothers should pay special attention to personal hygiene, keep the vulva clean during the postpartum period, change sanitary pads, underwear and bedding regularly, and avoid overwork. Wash the vulva regularly every day, keep it dry, and avoid using irritating lotions. Good personal hygiene habits can reduce the risk of infection and promote physical recovery. In addition, maintaining a balanced diet, adequate nutrition, and adequate rest are also important factors in maintaining personal hygiene. Paying attention to personal hygiene can help prevent postpartum infection and promote rapid recovery of mothers.

4. Regular follow-up. Through regular follow-up, the mother's physical recovery can be monitored in time, and potential infection risks can be discovered and dealt with. Regular follow-up usually includes temperature measurement, lochia inspection, and maternal physical condition assessment. The mother should follow the doctor's advice, go to the hospital for follow-up on time, and report any discomfort symptoms in time. Regular follow-up can detect signs of puerperal infection early so that timely treatment can be provided to ensure the health and safety of the mother.

In short, puerperal infection is a postpartum complication that cannot be ignored. Mothers and their families need to understand the symptoms it causes, pay attention to personal hygiene, eat a proper diet, get enough rest, and have regular checkups to effectively prevent the occurrence of puerperal infection. If a mother has possible symptoms of infection, she should seek medical attention and receive professional treatment in a timely manner. I hope every mother can spend the puerperium in health and happiness, and regain all the beauty of daytime life. (Luo Xiaojing, Lingshou County People's Hospital, Shijiazhuang City, Hebei Province)