Knowledge on preventing puerperal infection

introduction

The puerperium refers to the recovery period of about 6 weeks after childbirth, when the mother's body is still recovering and is vulnerable to infection. Puerperal infection refers to a series of infection symptoms caused by pathogenic microorganisms during the recovery period after childbirth.

1. Maintain personal hygiene

Generally, doctors recommend that mothers start bathing 24 hours after delivery, and choose warm or cool water, and avoid using overheated water, because overheated water may cause bleeding in cesarean section or birth wound. Mothers should wash their hands before changing sanitary napkins, and gently clean the external genitalia every time they change sanitary napkins, keeping the genitals dry and clean to prevent bacterial infection. At the same time, be sure to choose sanitary napkins that are suitable for you, avoid sanitary napkins that are too acidic or use antibacterial materials that may cause irritation to yourself, clean your hands before and after going to the toilet, and use running water and soap to wash your hands as much as possible, and dry your hands. In addition, if the mother needs to use other utensils, such as delivery beds, cushions, etc., they must be kept clean and disinfected. Used utensils can be soaked in 2% bleach or disinfected with boiling water. When breastfeeding, you should also pay attention to changing the breast pad to keep it dry and hygienic.

2. Avoid sexual intercourse

During the puerperium, especially in the first few weeks after delivery, the resumption of sexual life needs to be treated with caution to avoid infection or other complications. It is very important to communicate fully with your partner during the recovery period. Both parties can discuss each other's feelings, the mother's physical recovery, and sexual activities during the recovery period, and then wait for the right time to decide when to start sexual life under the guidance of the physician. Normally, a postpartum review is required 6-7 weeks after a normal delivery. If the review is normal and the lochia has stopped, you can have sex, which is about six weeks after delivery. Try not to have sex before the lochia stops to ensure that the mother can fully recover. For women who have a caesarean section, it is recommended to have sex after the puerperium, that is, 42 days. If some mothers have not fully recovered, it is recommended to delay sex.

3. Warm up regularly

During the puerperium, regular warm-up can promote blood circulation, improve the body's immunity, and help prevent infection. According to the doctor's advice and personal physical condition, choose moderate exercise, such as some light aerobic exercise, such as walking, yoga, postpartum recovery training, etc., to help promote blood circulation and metabolism, or do some deep breathing and relaxation training every day, which can help reduce physical stress and anxiety and promote physical and mental relaxation. Wear comfortable clothes, add a thin blanket or use an electric blanket to keep warm in a colder environment, but avoid excessive heat. In addition, avoid staying in bed for a long time, because lying in bed for a long time may cause poor blood circulation and increase the risk of infection. The mother can sit up, turn around, and move appropriately to promote blood circulation and muscle activity.

4. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet is very important during the postpartum period, which can help mothers provide adequate nutrition and energy, promote wound healing and immune function recovery, and prevent infection. Mothers can consume different types of food to ensure the intake of various nutrients, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein sources, low-fat dairy products, etc. Protein is very important for wound healing and tissue repair, so it is necessary to ensure that the right amount of protein is consumed every day. Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help maintain physical health and immune function, and can provide fiber to help the digestive system function normally. Healthy fats can provide essential fat-soluble vitamins and energy. Mothers can choose foods rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, olive oil, avocados, etc. In addition, drinking enough water helps maintain the body's water balance, and controlling salt intake can help control edema and blood pressure, while reducing the risk of infection.

5. Pay attention to emotional regulation

Emotional stability is closely related to the function of the immune system. The postpartum period is a stage for new mothers to recover physically. Rest and relaxation are very important for the balance of body and mind. Therefore, mothers need to try their best to arrange their time, give priority to rest, and find a way to relax that suits them. If you have negative emotions or stress, find a suitable way to express them, communicate and share with family, friends or professionals, and seek their support and understanding. During this period, participating in some activities you like, such as reading, painting, writing, sports, etc., can help distract attention and improve your mood. You can also learn some relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, etc., which can help you calm down when you are nervous or anxious.

Conclusion

Postpartum infection is a common but preventable condition. It can be effectively prevented by maintaining personal hygiene, eating a healthy diet, paying attention to the disinfection of wounds and daily necessities, and having regular prenatal checkups. However, if a mother has abnormal symptoms, such as fever or foul-smelling discharge, she should seek medical attention immediately and inform the doctor of the details of her postpartum condition so that she can receive targeted treatment.

Author of this article: Li Yi Guangxi International Zhuang Medicine Hospital