After giving birth, the woman enters a recovery period, during which the healing of abrasions and sutures, the formation of the cervix and the reduction of the uterus. The last process is most important. However, it happens that the uterus does not contract after delivery.
Extended uterus after childbirth - reasons
After delivery, the uterus gradually returns to normal size (involution). In the first hours after the birth of the child, the inner surface of the uterus is, in fact, a bleeding wound. Uterine contractions contribute to clogging of blood vessels and prevent the development of postpartum hemorrhage.
If the uterus cavity is expanded after childbirth and does not hurry to shrink, it can be very dangerous for the life of the woman. Causes of hypotension of the uterus, when her muscles contract more slowly than necessary, can be:
- the age of the woman and the number of births (the more of them, the weaker the uterus shrinks);
- cesarean section;
- Rapid or vice versa, prolonged, difficult births;
- gestosis or high blood pressure during pregnancy ;
- placenta previa or low attachment;
- large fruit, polyhydramnios, several fruits;
- underdeveloped, small uterus after birth, fibroids, abortions or inflammations.
How to strengthen uterine contractions?
To improve uterine contractions after childbirth in maternity homes, the following activities are practiced:
- Putting a bladder with ice on the bottom of the abdomen;
- regular emptying of the bladder and intestines;
- performing postpartum gymnastics;
- before applying the baby to the breast, feeding on demand ;
- The puerperist needs to lie more often on her stomach for 15-20 minutes.
In the absence of effect, a woman is prescribed oxytocin in the form of an injection or a dropper. In severe cases, the uterus is cleaned under general anesthesia. With the development of bleeding, threatening the life of the parturient woman, the uterus is removed.