Sanitary Napkins For Post Pregnancy

Postpartum recovery and care of the mother is important following the birth of a baby. When a woman tries to do too much she can prolong the healing process, which includes the shedding of remaining tissues and fluids from the womb. Sanitary napkins or feminine pads are a convenient way to make this shedding as hygienic as possible.

Significance

Postpartum bleeding, called lochia, is a normal part of recovering from childbirth. Whether a woman has a cesarean delivery or a vaginal delivery the body will still need to shed the excess materials from the womb. This process begins with the delivery of the placenta after the baby is born and continues for several weeks.

Time Frame

Sanitary napkins are worn shortly after the placenta is delivered at the birthing facility or at home if a home birth was carried out. Pads are changed frequently during the first four to 10 days because the blood flow is generally heavier at this time. Small grape-sized blood clots may be found in the napkin, states the American Pregnancy Association. The lochia will take on different colors and become lighter as time passes, but a woman can expect to need sanitary napkins for four to six weeks after birth.

Characteristics

The bleeding during this time is usually bright red and may consist of small clots of tissue. The uterus may contract, not nearly as forcefully as labor contractions, periodically to help expel the tissue and fluids. Contractions like this can lead to small gushes of fluids. A woman may notice this when she stands up, laughs or even while breastfeeding as this nipple stimulation naturally triggers uterine contractions. The American Pregnancy Association points out that after four to 10 days of red blood the lochia will change slowly to a yellowish-white color. It is made up of mucus and tissues from the womb. Over time the lochia can turn brown, pink or even white. Towards the end of the four to six week period the discharge may be light and infrequent.

Types

Various types of sanitary napkins are available for a woman to choose from. At the hospital or birthing facility an over-sized pad may be provided with special mesh underwear. These pads are generally very thick, wide and long. Wings may fold over the center area of the undergarments for added protection. Regular menstrual pads that are made for heavy flow or overnight protection can be purchased for home use to make cleanup and hygiene more convenient.

Warning

Foul-smelling discharge, the presence of a 100.4 F fever or passing of clots larger than a golf ball are all abnormal characteristics of lochia that require medical attention, explains MayoClinic.com. These side effects may indicate an infection. Postpartum hemorrhaging, or excessive bleeding, can occur in some cases and is evident when bright red bleeding is saturating a menstrual pad within an hour. Bright red blood that persists more than seven days or returns after seeming to have ended may also indicate a problem that requires medical attention. The use of sanitary napkins after birth can help a woman monitor the lochia and report potential problems right away.