Postpartum or the first six weeks after pregnancy are very hard for every mother. Your body goes through a lot of changes as it returns to the condition it was in before pregnancy. However, just like pregnant women have to take care of themselves, women with newborn babies have to take care of themselves and their babies. Here are some post-pregnancy tips.
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Use pads instead of tampons
This is because your uterus is going through a process known as lochia. It is a period-like discharge where the uterine lining is shedding and passing out of your vagina. This lasts for about six weeks and you are susceptible to infection at this time. To prevent an infection from occurring, you must use pads instead of tampons.
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Use Analgesics like Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a type of drug used to relieve minor aches and problems such as common colds and headaches. During various pregnancy stages, certain aches develop. To ease the pains developed at the various pregnancy stages, ibuprofen is very helpful and should be used.
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Use icepacks around your vagina
Pregnant women develop a lot of pain in the vaginal area during pregnancy. Icepacks are useful to help relieve the pain. Wrap the ice pack in a soft towel to prevent direct contact with the vagina.
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Cleanse yourself with warm water
Sometimes it is painful to clean yourself around your perineum (the area between your vagina and rectum) with toilet paper as the area is painful and tender. It is important to prevent an infection in this area. It is best to gently wash with warm water after passing stools rather than using toilet paper.
READ: Early Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression
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Try a sitz bath
A sitz bath is when you sit in a few inches of warm water. This is especially helpful after bowel movements. If you sit in a sitz bath after each bowel movement or even three times a day, it helps relieve pain and soreness around the vagina.
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Use ice compressors
Haemorrhoids may develop with the straining during labour or preexisting hemorrhoids can get exacerbated and painful. To ease the pain, you can try ice compresses in the area near your vagina.
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Eat healthy with a lot of fibre
Your body has gone through the stress of labour and delivery and you need to be healthy to take care of your newborn baby. Therefore, you must prevent problems like constipation by eating foods rich in fibre. High-fiber foods include whole grain products, bran, fresh fruit and leafy greens.
READ: 5 Exercises for a Flat Belly Post Pregnancy
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Drink a lot of fluid
Adequate fluids mean that you are less likely to be constipated.
Finally, you need to get professional advice at your regular checkups for any health-related issue.
