Postpartum problems

1. Big picture

The postpartum period, also called the puerperium, is the period after delivery during which the maternal body returns toward the non-pregnant state and adapts to breastfeeding, wound healing, contraception, and psychological changes. It is usually considered the first 6 weeks after birth, but some risks, especially thromboembolism and mental health problems, may extend beyond this period.

For the final exam, postpartum problems are best approached clinically:

Postpartum woman with a complaint
        ↓
First ask: bleeding, fever, pain, dyspnoea, headache, mood symptoms?
        ↓
Decide: haemorrhage / infection / thromboembolism / hypertensive emerge