The weather is so hot, can mothers in the puerperium period have some air?
Autumn is here, but the weather is still very hot. I feel like I can’t stay in a room without turning on the air conditioning.
But some people really don’t turn on the air conditioner or open the windows. They stay in the room for ten or even dozens of days. They are new mothers who have just given birth to a baby. them. Not seeing the wind and not exercising are the traditional customs of confinement.
According to media reports, not long ago, the People's Hospital of Linzi District, Shandong Province received a patient with heat stroke (the most serious type of heat stroke) who had just given birth. Although doctors tried their best to rescue him, the patient's body temperature reached 40°C when he was admitted to the hospital, and the functions of multiple organs were damaged, and he eventually died.
(News photo) [1]
With the improvement of living conditions, the probability of heat stroke among the general population (non-high-temperature workers) has greatly decreased. However, due to tradition, the concept that "you cannot see the wind while confinement" is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Almost every summer, hospitals will treat pregnant women with heat stroke caused by confinement. [1]
So, how to sit during confinement?
(Traditional confinement taboos) [2]
Confinement, on the one hand, is to promote the physiological recovery of the mother, on the other hand It is to protect the psychological health of the mother.
Physiologically, it generally takes 6 weeks from the time the placenta is delivered to the time when all organs in the mother's body (except the breast) return to normal. This period is called the puerperium. Women in the puerperium period have special symptoms in each system.
Can’t take a bath during confinement? wrong!
The biggest physiological change in women during the puerperium is the reproductive system.
After childbirth, the volume of the uterus gradually shrinks and the endometrium of the uterus continues to regenerate; during pregnancy, the decidua formed on the endometrium degenerates, necroizes, and falls off, and is discharged from the vagina. This is lochia. ). [3]
Lochia must be cleaned in time, otherwise it may cause infection.
In the past, living conditions were poor, there was no centralized water supply, wooden buckets were often used for bathing, and sitz baths were the main method, which increased the possibility of infection. Therefore, if you live in the old times, you cannot take a bath during confinement. It makes some sense.
However, now that cities have clean running water and showers are the main form of bathing, this problem no longer exists. Bathing properly and keeping clean are more beneficial to the mother's health.
Can’t see the wind or wash hair during confinement? wrong!
The second change in women during the puerperium is the change in the circulatory system.
The changes in the circulatory system are divided into two parts.
Part of it is the change in blood content. Pregnant women feed two people with one mouth. It must not only ensure its own needs, but also provide nutrients to the fetus. Therefore, during pregnancy, the body will produce a large amount of blood to supply the uterus.
After delivery, as the uterus shrinks and recovers, the excess blood flows into the mother's systemic circulation. Within 72 hours after delivery, the maternal circulating blood volume will increase by 15% to 25%.
In order to expel this excess blood, the mother will secrete a large amount of sweat, which is often called puerperal sweat. If not cleaned in time, it may also cause infection. Therefore, it is necessary to wash your hair and take a bath, as well as proper ventilation to help the mother dissipate heat and perspire.
Do you have to stay in bed and cannot exercise during confinement? wrong!
Another part of the change in the circulatory system of women during the puerperium is the change in blood status.
Although giving birth to a child is a physiological process, it is inevitably accompanied by trauma.
During prepartum and early postpartum period, the maternal blood will be in a hypercoagulable state and is particularly prone to coagulation. In this way, when the placenta is stripped and a wound appears, the blood will quickly coagulate at the wound, which will reduce postpartum bleeding and thus Ensure maternal safety.
However, blood in a hypercoagulable state is also prone to thrombosis. Therefore, postpartum women are encouraged to exercise and avoid lying down for long periods of time. Moderate and gradual exercise can promote blood circulation and effectively reduce thrombosis.
Generally, 1 to 2 days after delivery are mainly rest. After that, you can consult a doctor to formulate a reasonable exercise plan, such as walking on time, etc.; 6 weeks after delivery, check the physical recovery Depending on the situation, adjust the amount of exercise appropriately. [4]
Is it best to drink soup during confinement and not eat raw or cold seafood? wrong!
The third change in puerperal women is the digestive system.
During pregnancy, the gastrointestinal motility of pregnant women will be reduced in order not to disturb the baby. Gastrointestinal activity gradually resumes 1 to 2 weeks after delivery. However, due to less exercise and loose abdominal muscles, constipation is easy to occur.
During the puerperium period, the mother’s body needs a lot of nutrients to recover and secrete milk.
Therefore, a scientific diet plan must be formulated.
1 to 2 days after delivery, the mother often feels thirsty due to changes in osmotic pressure, and can give appropriate liquid food;
After that, on the one hand, fresh vegetables and fruits should be provided, Ensure vitamins and promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. On the other hand, prepare sufficient high-quality protein, such as milk, fish, chicken, etc.
Provide psychological counseling and beware of postpartum depression
Giving birth is a natural process, but changing the role from a pregnant woman to a new mother is not easy. Postpartum mental health is a widespread but often ignored issue. Whether it is the mother herself or her family and friends, they must pay attention to communication, create a good living atmosphere, and maintain a good mood.
(Diagnosis and treatment of postpartum depression)
In short, giving birth to a child is a big event, and confinement is also a big thing. In big things, you must believe in science. Some readers may think that regarding the tradition of confinement, it is better to believe that it exists or not, and that it is harmless if you believe it, and what if you don’t believe it. Unfortunately, that’s not how science works. Diseases have their own laws. Unclean lochia will cause infection; insufficient nutritional supplements will affect lactation. Speaking of tradition, diapers were used thirty years ago, but now they mainly use diapers, right?
---------------------------------------
References
1 A mother in Shandong died of heatstroke after being asked to cover herself with a quilt and not turn on the air conditioner during confinement - maternal heatstroke in confinement and puerperal quilt - Social News - Oriental Net [EB/OL]. [2017-08-05]. The signed articles published on this website only represent the author's views and have nothing to do with this website. If there is any infringement, the author will be solely responsible.
Author: Mr. Tadpole