What are the methods for postpartum self-examination for new mothers?

Having a physical examination during pregnancy is the most important step, so do new mothers know that postpartum physical examinations are also necessary? Below, experts will tell you the method of postpartum self-examination. > >> Introduction to Self Testing Methods for Female Breast Health

Self examination 1: Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure is a routine test that is often misunderstood as a "routine" and cannot be taken seriously by new mothers. In general, changes in blood pressure can have serious and multifaceted effects on the body. Long term elevated blood pressure can easily lead to systemic vascular spasm, reducing effective circulating blood volume, while ischemia and decreased oxygen carrying capacity may harm organs and tissues throughout the body. Regular blood pressure measurement can take timely measures to control postpartum blood pressure elevation, prevent the occurrence of the above risks, grasp the fluctuation pattern of blood pressure, and reduce the health hazards caused by blood pressure changes.

Self examination method:

New mothers can purchase a pressure gauge to measure at home, follow the instructions of the pressure gauge, preferably observe once a day, and try to ensure that the same arm is fixed at the same time, in the same position, and on the same side. After each measurement, make a note with a notebook.

Precautions:

New mothers must be in a quiet state when measuring blood pressure. If they have just done light activities, they should rest for 10-15 minutes. Otherwise, immediately measuring blood pressure will cause the blood pressure reading to be artificially high. It is best not to eat or hold urine for half an hour before pressure measurement. It is also advisable to avoid situations such as tension, anxiety, coldness, and overheating, as these factors can affect the accuracy of the measurement.

Self examination Part 2: Weight Measurement

Weight is a basic indicator of human health status, and being overweight or underweight is an abnormal manifestation. After giving birth to a baby, the weight of a new mother will undergo periodic changes, and under normal circumstances, it will gradually return to pre pregnancy levels within 2 months. But due to our habit of "sitting for a month", postpartum "big supplements" and less activity often lead to weight gain instead of loss for new mothers. Pregnant mothers should not take "postpartum weight gain" for granted, as exceeding the limit can bring many health risks. Weight measurement can monitor the nutritional intake and physical recovery status of new mothers, constantly reminding them to prevent imbalanced nutritional intake and inconsistent activity levels from harming their health. Self examination method: Measuring weight is very simple, and new mothers can use a foot scale to measure themselves at home. When measuring, it is important to compare the measured weight value with the pre pregnancy and pre pregnancy weight. During the postpartum confinement period, which is one month after delivery, the weight should remain relatively stable, with an appropriate increase or decrease of no more than 2 kilograms. After 2 months postpartum, the weight drops, and under normal circumstances, it should decrease by 5-8 kilograms, approaching the pre pregnancy weight value. If the weight does not decrease but increases rapidly, it is important to adjust the diet appropriately and increase physical activity; If the rate of weight loss is too fast, attention should also be paid, on the one hand, to strengthen nutrition, and on the other hand, to consider checking the metabolic system.

Precautions: The best time to measure weight is about two hours after lunch, when the measured weight value can best reflect the physical condition. In addition, as postpartum weight checks do not measure individual numbers, it is crucial to keep the weight values before and after pregnancy.

Self examination 3: Breast Physical Examination

Postpartum mothers' breasts are very "delicate" and often suffer from problems such as breast swelling, breast pain, and blockage. In severe cases, they may be infected with mastitis, threatening breast health and affecting the lactation system. The milk secreted by the breasts directly affects the health of the baby. Therefore, having a breast examination is not only a protection for new mothers, but also a guarantee for the healthy growth of the baby. Self examination method:

Observe the surface of breast skin, mainly checking for color, edema, superficial vein distension, skin wrinkles, etc.

Observe the nipple and areola to see if there are any abnormalities, elevation, retraction, indentation, erosion, or shedding of the nipple. The color of the areola is preferably pink.

To observe nipple discharge, it is necessary to check whether the nipple is leaking and whether it is self overflowing or overflowing after squeezing, unilateral or bilateral, and the nature of the discharge.

Precautions:

Pay attention to breast cleanliness before examining the breasts. Clean breasts with cotton balls soaked in water or baby oil, and try to avoid using alkaline cleaning solutions as alkaline substances can also wash away natural oils on the breasts. These oils are useful for protecting the skin from dryness and cracking. After cleaning, do not dry vigorously, gently pat and let it air dry naturally. If any adverse symptoms are found in the breasts, you should immediately consult a doctor and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Self examination four: Uterine examination

When the baby leaves the mother's uterus, the uterus quickly deflates like a deflated ball. The uterus is an organ formed by thick muscles, and of course, it cannot be restored to its original state all at once. This contraction naturally requires a process, usually taking about 6 weeks to recover to pre pregnancy size. Therefore, every new mother should undergo a check-up around 42 days postpartum to understand the condition of uterine contractions. Self examination method: Generally speaking, on the first day after delivery, the uterine fundus can descend to the navel. From then on, the uterine fundus descends approximately 1-2 centimeters per day until it enters the pelvic cavity 2 weeks later, and above the pubic symphysis, the uterine fundus can no longer be reached. New mothers can manually measure the height of the uterine floor at the same time every day to understand the daily process of uterine involution. Before measuring the blood, urinate first, then massage the uterus to make it contract, and then measure the distance between the upper edge of the pubic symphysis and the uterine floor.