www.womanthismonth.com April 2016 68 LIFESTYLE | wellbeing The birth of a baby is a milestone event in a woman’s life, and a much celebrated one at that. A great deal of information is available on the stages of pregnancy and the actual episode of birth; but, thereafter, the spotlight (in general) is mainly on the baby’s wellbeing, leaving new mums and the niggles they face in a grey area. Dr Vandana Kumar, obstetrics and gynecology specialist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital, feels we often fail to acknowledge the colossal adjustments the woman and her family have to make in the period after birth and the profound psychological, social and domestic changes that occur in this critical period. She says: “Childbirth can affect a woman both physically and psychologically. Physically it is a period of intense ‘labour’ and most definitely results in fatigue and body, pelvic and perineal pain, which resolves within a few days. The uterus, which has grown exponentially during pregnancy, takes about six to eight weeks to come back to its pre-pregnancy size. Perineal tears and lacerations tend to heal rapidly in the two to three weeks postpartum.” Dr Vandana goes on to say that the pressure of the baby’s head on the bladder, urethra and the nerves in the pelvic area can cause some disturbances in the function of bowel and bladder for a few days to weeks. She adds: “After vaginal childbirth, there can be soreness and discomfort from the episiotomy or perineal tears, even in those with an intact perineum. These will heal in three to four weeks. The bleeding and discharge (lochia) can continue for a few weeks, too.” After childbirth, the body slowly gathers itself to get back to normal. The high levels of pregnancy hormones begin to nosedive, putting the body through many changes. A very common complaint new mothers have is about their crowning glory. “Women claim that their hair becomes thinner, frizzier and coarser after childbirth. The explanation for the thinness, at least, is that the changes in hormonal levels cause hair loss more rapidly once you've given birth,” says Dr Vandana. “During pregnancy, extra oestrogen elongates the growth cycle of your hair, causing less hair to fall out. Hair is fuller and most lustrous After the Stork It is not only during pregnancy and labour that a woman faces physical and emotional challenges. Behnaz Sanjana asks some pertinent questions related to postpartum care. To avoid infections, you need to eat well and eat right during this period. Stay hydrated
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy Mjk0MTkxMQ==