What should I do if my uterus does not contract well after childbirth?

The recovery of the uterus after childbirth requires a process. It is impossible to return to its original state immediately. Generally, it takes about two weeks to recover, and it can only return to its original state after six weeks. If the uterus does not recover well after childbirth, it must be properly conditioned in time, especially to observe the discharge of lochia. If there are still some residual substances in the uterus, it must be treated in time.

Uterine massage accelerates uterine contractions

The mother puts her hands around her belly button and touches to find the location of the uterus. If she cannot feel a round hard lump in her abdomen, she needs to do a circular uterine massage to accelerate the contraction of the uterus. As the uterus contracts, lochia will be discharged from the body. Since the hardening of the uterus indicates good contraction, women who give birth naturally should be massaged at any time within 24 hours after delivery, and the massage cannot be stopped until the uterus becomes hard.

Observe lochia to determine the recovery of the uterus

If there is still residual placenta or fetal membrane tissue in the uterus, or the uterus contracts poorly, it will affect the speed of uterine recovery. The recovery status of the uterus can be judged by observing the color, amount and smell of lochia discharge. Under normal circumstances, the amount of lochia will become less and less, the color will become lighter and lighter, and it will end in about 3 weeks. Excessive lochia is abnormal.

If the amount of bloody lochia increases significantly and lasts longer (more than 3 days), or the lochia has an odor, or even seems to be endless, and the original color has turned light and then red, the mother must seek medical attention immediately. After examination, if there is still residual material in the uterus, it needs to be treated. If it is simply poor uterine contraction, oral (injectable) uterine contraction drugs will be given, and the mother will be taught to massage the uterus and encouraged to continue breastfeeding to promote uterine contraction and increase uterine recovery.