A scar on the uterus is an inevitable consequence of a cesarean section. Contraction of the uterus after childbirth

A caesarean section is an incision into the uterus to remove a baby, which is often performed in emergency situations to save lives. But often surgical intervention is planned, due to certain factors and the course of pregnancy. Question, how long does the uterus contract after caesarean section , occurs primarily in young mothers, since it is generally accepted that natural childbirth contributes to a faster recovery. However, this statement is inaccurate and lacks validity.

Uterine contraction is one of the main indicators when a woman in labor is discharged from the hospital. The parameter signals recovery, as well as the condition of the uterus - the presence of blood clots and fetal membranes in it. A woman’s uterine deposits come out within almost two months, but they don’t stay in the maternity hospital for that long. In the first days after birth, doctors at a medical institution only monitor the rate of contraction, which determines the state of the body and its readiness for independent recovery. If the uterus contracts slowly, the woman may be prescribed additional medications, promoting faster recovery. In particularly difficult cases, the woman in labor is subjected to medical intervention - specialists begin to “clean” the reproductive organ using instruments. To avoid such problems, you should use the recommendations of specialists and in effective ways to restore the uterus after the birth of the baby.

Few women know that during pregnancy the uterus increases 500 times, so full recovery to the previous size requires quite long time– more than 2 months. In the first days after childbirth, lochia emerge from the cavity of the genital organ - bleeding. They can be stimulated a little so that emptying occurs faster, because the clots separated from the walls deliver painful sensations and discomfort.

After even natural birth The uterus is one bleeding wound, the healing of which requires careful treatment and certain procedures. What can we say about the organ after cesarean section? Here, in addition, there is also an incision, accompanied by damage to cells and tissues. During natural delivery, the weight of the organ is about 1 kg, after two weeks - no more than 0.5 kg, and only after 2 months - 350 g. normal sizes the organ arrives only after 3-4 months. The created suture after a cesarean section interferes with the normal contraction of the uterus, so additional stimulation is required. Doctors advise resorting to simple recommendations in the absence of complications and use medications in case of extremely slow recovery.

This is important: Why is it necessary to stimulate contractions of a woman’s uterus after a cesarean section? The increased size and the presence of clots in the organ significantly slow down the healing of the suture, and this provokes pain.

Reasons for slow recovery

It is impossible to give an exact answer to the question of how long the uterus contracts after a cesarean section. The uterus is restored due to individual factors - it is impossible to determine the exact timing. The timing of full restoration of the size of the organ before pregnancy is influenced by the following factors:

multiple pregnancy;
complications during pregnancy or after the birth of a child;
large size of the fruit;
exhaustion of a woman’s body before and after childbirth;
weak labor activity;
passive behavior of a woman after the birth of a child - lack of body movements.

There are factors that provoke and complete absence contractions of the uterus both after natural childbirth and after caesarean section. An organ may not contract at all if there is:

inflection of the uterus;
injuries birth canal resulting from difficult childbirth;
inflammation in the organ and the entire reproductive system;
benign tumor in the organ cavity;
polyhydramnios during pregnancy;
problems with blood clotting and other prerequisites.

This is important: In the first days after the birth of the child, the woman in labor is observed by doctors, who set the rate at which the uterus contracts. If there are problems, the woman is given recommendations for stimulation, and a course of treatment is prescribed to eliminate developed diseases.

Symptoms of normal recovery

Understand that the uterus is shrinking completely acceptable standards possible based on the following criteria:

The woman has cramping pain in the lower abdomen, which is tolerable but unpleasant.
Periodically after childbirth, characteristic chest discomfort is felt - the so-called sharp hot flashes. breast milk, which has a well-founded name. Yes, with a sharp contraction of the uterus, stimulation of milk occurs rapidly - the concentration of hormones responsible for lactation in the body increases sharply.
There is a constant secretion of lochia - at first with the presence of bloody streaks, later they acquire a transparent appearance with a yellow tint.

The period of uterine contraction reaches 6-8 weeks. At this time, the woman must have discharge and other symptoms. At abrupt cessation manifestations of symptoms that the uterus is contracting, it is necessary to use methods for stimulation.

Stimulation methods

If you notice slow uterine contractions, you should consult a doctor. The specialist, after conducting an examination using ultrasound, will assure the woman that there are no problems or tell her how to contract the uterus after a cesarean section.

Required Methods

You should start stimulating the uterus so that it begins to contract within normal limits from the very first days after delivery. Here the young mother must independently use the following methods:

First, you should start breastfeeding. As mentioned above, the flow of breast milk is directly related to uterine contractions. Therefore, you should put your baby to the breast as often as possible - this will stimulate milk production in the quantities required for the baby, which will make him eat up and become calmer. Moreover, after each feeding, the mammary glands begin to rapidly begin producing milk, and this contributes to a rapid and equally rapid contraction.
After a caesarean section, the woman in labor is allowed to lie down only for the first few hours until the anesthesia wears off. Subsequently, women are lifted out of bed and forced to move. Elementary actions for personal care after childbirth must be performed independently - movements also stimulate the reduction of the organ. The uterus begins to contract faster when the young mother herself monitors her child from the first days of his life. After discharge, the woman should not be lazy to walk with the baby.
Even if there is a scar, a woman in labor is recommended to sleep on her stomach. If this is not possible due to pain in the abdomen or chest, you should at least lie down on it periodically. It is recommended to carry out the presented actions at least 3 times a day for 20 minutes.

After a caesarean section in women, the risk of developing adhesions increases not only fallopian tubes, but also the intestines. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor the frequency of bowel movements and even Bladder. Surprisingly, these factors also directly affect how quickly the uterus will contract.

Gymnastics

A woman in labor, even after a cesarean section, should not avoid activities that will help the uterus contract. One of the most effective exercises is cycling - it is recommended to do it without fanaticism and, if possible, in a medical facility immediately after the birth of the child.

In a standing position, it is recommended to sit down “half-crouched”, bending your knees together.
When sitting or lying down, it is recommended to raise your legs a little so as not to provoke strong abdominal tension, and tense your feet, and then immediately relax them.
While standing, you should perform breathing exercises - breathe deeply using the abdominal wall. During breathing exercises a woman should run her palms over her abdomen to increase blood circulation.

Young mothers should use effective Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic muscles - this will ensure normal bladder and bowel movements.

Massage

In the absence of diseases of the uterus and other complications after a cesarean section, the woman in labor is prescribed a massage performed only by a specialist. The massage is carried out through the abdominal wall, without causing discomfort to the young mother. At home, a young mother can only gently stroke her belly clockwise, stimulating blood circulation and corresponding contraction of the organ.

Medications

Immediately after a caesarean section, a young mother is prescribed medications to stimulate uterine contractions. Oxytocin is used here, which is administered intramuscularly or intravenously. It is used only for 3 days after birth. In the future, if the uterus does not recover, the woman is prescribed the following drugs:

Hyfotocin - recommended for those giving birth due to its natural origin. The drug stimulates muscles and preserves blood vessels internal organs intact.
Demoxytocin – protects a woman from the development of mastitis and other diseases of the internal organs. Promotes uterine contraction.
Pituitrin - in addition to stimulating recovery, has a vascular strengthening effect.

It is important: Independent use medicines after childbirth is strictly prohibited. A woman should definitely consult a doctor.

In addition to medications, a woman in labor can use folk remedies to stimulate contraction of the organ - their use is also discussed with the gynecologist. Using folk remedies It is important to monitor the baby’s condition, since this increases the risk of developing allergic manifestations, colic and others unpleasant diseases The child has. You can buy a special one at the pharmacy royal collection, where the composition includes shepherd's purse grass. Its effect is aimed at muscle contraction, which has a positive effect on the reduction of the reproductive organ. After natural birth and cesarean section, the uterus should contract - this happens over the course of several months. During this time, the young mother should experience unpleasant, but quite tolerable symptoms. If they are absent, it is important to immediately consult a doctor, since this may signal the development of inflammation and other pathologies that doctors did not detect immediately after birth.

Childbirth greatly influences reproductive system women and primarily on the uterus. And in order to fully recover, a lot of time must pass. After childbirth, the uterus may resemble a stretched sac, but over time it and all other organs will return to their previous shape. But do not forget that recovery may end in 1-2 months, and in some cases it even takes several years. Therefore, it is worth adding to the list of your rules visits to the doctor, daily hygiene, and of course good mood. But there are cases when childbirth takes place by caesarean section. Today it has become quite common and this operation is classified as a lung operation. But after such a birth, a woman’s uterus takes much longer to recover.

Uterus after cesarean section

After labor is over, the uterus will resemble a large bleeding wound. But it continues to contract weakly at first, and then intensively, and this affects the process of its healing and reduction. But in women who gave birth through surgery, the uterus heals even more slowly. Also, over several weeks, or even months, you can observe bloody issues- lochia. Slow contraction after cesarean section is largely influenced by fiber and vascular damage. In some cases, a woman may be prescribed medications that will help the suture heal faster and should also help the uterus begin to contract.

Also, women after a caesarean section are in most cases left in the maternity hospital a little longer. And when mom gets home, she has other problems. It hurts her to walk and turn over on her side. Coughing or sneezing also causes severe pain. As a rule, this is not yet full list. And all this together becomes one huge problem during breastfeeding, when it is very difficult to find a position.

Complications after caesarean section

The first complication may be blood loss, which during a caesarean section can reach one liter. And if with a small loss during natural childbirth the body copes with the loss on its own, then in the case of surgery this option is impossible. That's why doctors administer solutions that can replace blood.
Also, do not forget that a caesarean section is also an operation. And it is characterized by integrity violations abdominal wall, adhesions may occur. And this may end not only severe pain when moving, but even with inflammation of the uterus. Inflammatory processes can also occur due to the fact that during the operation the surface of the uterus comes into contact with air. And it is, as a rule, not very sterile. No woman is immune from weak contractions. In such cases, the mother expects at least five days of therapy.

Restoration of the uterine walls after surgery

After childbirth, the suture is treated with antiseptics daily. Also, in most cases, ice is applied to the uterus. This helps the uterus begin to contract faster. You cannot do without painkillers and medications to stimulate contractions.
Mom must remember that a strong scar must form on the uterus. And therefore you should forget about sex life for 2-3 months, and next pregnancy and even for several years. It is generally accepted that the scar is already quite strong a year after childbirth, but to make sure of this you need to go to the doctor, have an ultrasound, and also take the necessary tests.

Suture after caesarean section

Today, doctors use three methods of cutting the uterus during a caesarean section. In most cases, this is a 10-12 cm long incision that is located in the lower part of the uterus. It is considered the safest. It also does not affect future pregnancies at all, and you will be able to give birth on your own. Also important point there is a seam. It can be single-row or double-row. But under no circumstances should it be interrupted.
After surgery, you should also ask your doctor about exercises that will help your uterus get back into shape faster.

recovery after caesarean section can be divided into two stages: recovery from cesarean section in the hospital and recovery from cesarean section after discharge.

If natural childbirth poses a danger to the mother or child, the fetus is removed through surgery. This process is called a caesarean section. Caesarean section is quite frequent operation and happens as planned, recommended by the supervising doctor due to anatomical features or the presence of certain diseases and contraindications to natural childbirth in a woman, or emergency, in the event of a certain danger to the health of the mother or baby. Rehabilitation period in the case of such an intervention will be longer than in the case of natural childbirth. Many women who have gone through this difficult process want to know how to recover faster after a cesarean section.

After an unnatural birth, the first days are the most difficult. Mom’s body is very weakened, initially she needs special care.

Recovery after cesarean section in the maternity hospital

In order to recover as quickly and easily as possible after a cesarean section, most experts recommend that, within a few hours after the operation, you begin to slowly turn over in bed, while lying down, carefully move your arms and legs, doing a short warm-up. After the anesthesia wears off, you need to get up gradually and slowly. You should sit down, get out of bed, and especially walk no earlier than 6 hours after the operation, when your doctor allows it. Lifting heavy objects and especially straining the abdominal muscles is strictly not recommended in order to avoid seams coming apart. In the first few days, the nurse will treat them with brilliant green or a solution of potassium permanganate, and then apply a sterile bandage. After a week, the threads will either gradually dissolve on their own, or they will be removed by a doctor. A bandage is applied to the area to prevent mechanical impact from the seams of the linen. The scar usually forms around the end of the first week, and it will take at least two or three more for it to heal completely.

Eating after surgery

On the first day after anesthesia, you should not eat solid food. Microelements and vitamins are administered through a dropper. You are only allowed to drink still water with lemon juice. On the second day you need to eat foods that contain a lot of protein. It is very important not to consume foods that cause fermentation or gas formation and those that can harm the baby. On the fourth day, you can switch to a regular diet for new mothers.

Example of a menu after a cesarean section in the maternity hospital

Recovery after discharge

In order for the pelvic organs and uterus to return to their previous shape as quickly as possible after the birth of the baby, it is required at least six or eight weeks. Caesarean section is performed by cutting uterine cavity, from where the fetus is then removed, after which the doctor applies stitches. Unlike natural childbirth, the vagina and cervix remain the same in this case as before childbirth.

Periods of suture recovery after caesarean section

However, the presence of stitches imposes some restrictions and requires a more careful and attentive attitude of the young mother to her health. At the same time on the skin recovery processes occur noticeably faster, while healing of a suture placed on the uterine tissue requires at least two months. In order to maximally protect a woman’s body from the attack of various infectious pathogens, she is given antibiotics both during the operation itself and for some time after it, usually after 12 hours and after 24 hours. You should not refuse the course of antibiotics that many doctors prescribe over the next few days. Painkillers selected by a specialist taking into account your characteristics will help you cope with unpleasant sensations in the first days.

During the entire period after the operation, it is important for a woman not to forget about the importance of hygiene, to carefully wash the genital area after each urination. A variety of drugs and products antibacterial effect can be used at this time to reduce the likelihood of penetration of various pathogens.

Wearing a bandage after a caesarean section

To quickly and easily restore weakened abdominal muscles, it is necessary to use a special support bandage immediately after surgery for at least a month. Light, durable and elastic fabric has an excellent tightening effect and is worn over a sterile bandage. This helps minimize the risk of postoperative hernias, fixes the position of the uterus and other internal organs. In addition, the bandage helps reduce unpleasant, painful sensations in postoperative period, securely fixing the applied sutures.

If you want to get back into shape faster after a caesarean section, it is better to postpone the start of physical activity for a while. Classes are contraindicated. You can walk and walk more with your child, do simple exercises, while trying not to strain the abdominal muscles, since this increases the likelihood that the seams will simply come apart. After a couple of months, you can see a doctor who will check how the healing is progressing and recommend the most suitable exercises to restore your previous shape. After receiving your doctor's approval for physical activity, you can use this training program:

Complications after caesarean section

Constipation

Constipation after cesarean section a very common phenomenon. After such an operation, there are much more problems with constipation than after natural childbirth. Since there is a strong relaxation of the intestines. Negative Impact gives antibiotics. All this disrupts the intestinal microflora. For recovery, special medications are prescribed. Laxatives after cesarean section should include probiotics. These include suppositories, tablets, powders. When breastfeeding, laxatives can only be used as prescribed by a specialist. Such drugs are addictive, so they need to be alternated.

Umbilical hernia

It doesn't happen often. In some cases, they encounter it during repeated dissection abdominal cavity or in a longitudinal section. The only way to completely get rid of this problem is to surgically. Other methods only heal for a certain time.

Niche after caesarean section

The most common pathology is niche after caesarean section. This is an incorrectly formed scar at the site of the uterine incision. This problem usually appears after reoperation and may threaten miscarriage. When identifying a niche, you need to constantly monitor the condition of the scar using special diagnostics.

Period of uterine contraction after cesarean section

After a cesarean section, the uterus recovers more slowly than after a normal birth. Because blood vessels are damaged, muscle fibers and nerve endings. The uterus itself has a scar; in order for it to heal, it takes some time and care.

How long the uterus contracts after a cesarean section depends on many factors. Basically, it will take about two months for the uterus to reach a satisfactory condition. In the absence of complications, the contraction process occurs on its own. In some cases, medications are prescribed to stimulate uterine contractions.

Lactation after caesarean section

Breastfeeding a child after surgery is a very real process. But surgical intervention provokes large blood loss. Because of this, colostrum and milk may not come immediately after a cesarean section. At this time, the child needs to be fed additionally so that he does not lose weight. In some cases, milk needs to be expressed; this is best done using a breast pump. This device reduces pumping time and stimulates lactation. If you experience pain in your nipples, you should consult a doctor.

Having a cesarean section requires a certain period of time for the body to recover. It is very important to follow all doctor’s recommendations and take care of your health. You need to devote your time to restoring your own strength and establishing breastfeeding.

Features of recovery after cesarean section- video

Features of recovery after cesarean section

A long-awaited pregnancy and collecting a dowry for a baby are always a crucial moment in a woman’s life. In order for everything to proceed smoothly, it is necessary to obtain answers to many questions in advance. One of them is how quickly does uterine involution occur and why does the uterus in some cases not contract after childbirth?

During pregnancy, a woman's entire body undergoes changes. First of all, they concern the reproductive organs: the mammary glands and the uterus, the volume of which increases approximately 50 times. In the postpartum period, it returns to its original state. But it happens that the uterus does not contract after childbirth. What causes the development of the pathological condition? What to do? Let's try to figure it out.

There are 3 periods in the birth process:

period;
period of expulsion of the fetus;
succession period.

Normal first period labor activity takes from 12 to 14 hours for primiparous women and 6-8 hours for multiparous women. The second period lasts from 15 to 45 minutes. The third period takes up to 30 minutes if there is no bleeding. If the succession period is accompanied by bleeding, then measures to stop it are taken immediately, without waiting for a half-hour interval.

In the afterbirth period, the placenta, or placenta, is separated, the size of which is on average 20-25 cm in diameter. A wound surface forms at the site of the separated placenta.

The postpartum period is characterized by the release of clots of mucus and blood from the uterine cavity. Typically, cleansing occurs within 72 hours after the baby is born. Main role In cleansing the uterine cavity, phagocytes and proteolytic enzymes play a role in breaking down postpartum residues.

Lochia is bloody in the first 3 days, then becomes serous-sanguineous. By the end of the 3rd week they lighten, and after 6 weeks they disappear.

Restoration of the endometrium occurs in 21 days, and at the site of attachment of the placenta - in 6 weeks.

How many days does the uterus contract after childbirth?

Complete (return to the original size) of the organ occurs in 6-8 weeks. The uterus most actively decreases in size in the first postpartum days.

The cervix after birth has a dilatation of 10-12 cm. After 24 hours, this size is 3-4 cm, after 72 hours - 1-2 cm. Complete closure of the pharynx occurs 21 days after birth.

The uterus undergoes the greatest changes in the postpartum period. The weight of the uterus immediately after birth is about 1000 grams. After a week the organ will be reduced in size by half, and after 8 weeks it will return to its size. original value(50 g), decreasing by another 20 times.

With the development of a pathological condition, the uterus does not contract after childbirth or its contraction occurs very slowly. This is dangerous due to postpartum complications, which if not provided in a timely manner medical care can lead to death due to large blood loss.

The uterus does not contract: what is the reason?

There are a number of reasons that can lead to the development of a pathological condition:

low attachment or ;
pregnancy complicated by concomitant pathology;
weakness of labor;
immobilization of a woman in the early postpartum period;
anatomical features, such as its bending or underdevelopment;
injuries of the birth canal;
history of inflammatory diseases of the uterus or ovaries;
blood diseases, including decreased clotting ability.

Dynamics of uterine contraction in the normal postpartum period

During the examination, the fundus of the uterus is detected at the level of the navel. Every day it drops within 1.5-2 cm. By the 6th day, the bottom is 4-5 cm above the womb.

If uterine contractions lag behind normal by 24 hours or more, this is a pathology and requires medical intervention.

If the uterus contracts slowly

In this case, a manual examination of the organ cavity is performed to remove remnants of membranes and blood clots. Additionally, uterotonic drugs are prescribed, such as oxytocin, methylergobrevin.

On the 3rd day after childbirth, the woman undergoes an ultrasound of the pelvic organs, which may show expansion of the cavity due to:

accumulation of blood clots in it;
remnants of membranes or placenta;
early closure of the uterine os.

As treatment, it is necessary to perform curettage of the uterine cavity. In cases where contraction of the organ cannot be achieved, surgical intervention is resorted to.

If the uterus contracts slowly, you can follow simple recommendations:

breastfeed (during lactation, oxytocin is produced, which promotes uterine contractions);
physical activity;
timely emptying of the bladder;
maintaining hygiene, which reduces the risk of infection;
lie down and sleep on your stomach.

Causes of uterine subinvolution

Subinvolution of the uterus is a decrease in the ability of the muscular lining of the organ to contract.

Among the reasons that can lead to pathological condition, highlight:

Hormonal disorders.
Anatomical reasons.
Infectious agents.

Hormonal disorders

Among hormonal reasons leading to subinvolution, the main one is prolactin deficiency.

Prolactin is a hormone that determines the production of milk by a woman’s mammary glands. Normal level hormone leads to the production of oxytocin, which is responsible for uterine contractility. It has been proven that prolactin production is higher in women for whom pregnancy and a child are desired.

If there is not enough prolactin produced, then the level of oxytocin decreases, and the uterus contracts worse after childbirth.

Anatomical reasons

For anatomical reasons, subinvolution may occur due to:

the presence of remnants of membranes or placental lobules;
inflection of the uterus;
blockage of the external pharynx with clots;
premature closure of the cervix.

If there are remnants of the placenta or fetal membranes in the uterine cavity, they prevent normal contraction of the organ due to the lack of possibility of blood vessel thrombosis.

The bend of the uterus helps to delay the release of blood clots and mucus to the outside due to their accumulation at the site of the bend.

If the closure of the external pharynx occurs prematurely, the discharge of the uterine cavity, unable to empty itself, accumulates and stretches the walls of the organ.

Infection

The first option for an infectious lesion is infection during childbirth or the addition of an infection in the early postpartum period in the absence of sterility. But most often infectious causes uterine subinvolutions are associated with the presence of the disease during pregnancy.

Postpartum endometritis is a continuation of chorionitis, or inflammatory process in the fetal membranes. The uterus, affected by infection, is a flabby organ that does not respond to the administration of uterotonic drugs.

From the inside, the uterus is a huge wound, and it is most damaged in the area where the placenta was attached, which is where a large number of thrombosed vessels. In addition, on the inner surface of the uterus there are remnants of the fetal membrane and blood clots.

Normally, the uterine cavity should clear out within the first 3 days. In this process, a significant role is played by phagocytosis (phagocytes are leukocytes that are capable of dissolving bacteria) and extracellular proteolysis (dissolution of bacteria using proteolytic enzymes).

Thanks to these processes, wound secretion (lochia) is released from the uterus. In the first days, lochia appears as a bloody discharge; on the 3-4th day it becomes serous-sanguineous with high content leukocytes, by the end of the third week the uterine discharge should be liquid and light and disappear completely by the sixth week.

Moreover, if we say about the restoration of the epithelium of the uterine cavity(inner membrane), then it occurs after about 3 weeks, the placenta attachment site is restored closer to the end postpartum period.

How long will it take?

Typically, uterine contraction takes on average from one and a half to two and a half months. In this case, the most active decrease in the volume of the uterus occurs in the first days after birth.

So, immediately after birth, the size of the uterine pharynx in diameter is about 12 cm and this allows, if necessary, to insert a hand into the uterus to remove the remnants of the placenta.

However, after the first day, the entrance to the cervical canal narrows to the point that only two fingers can enter it, and on the third day – one. The external uterine os will close completely around the third week.

Moreover, if immediately after birth, the weight of the uterus is 1 kg, That after 7 days it will be approximately 500 g, after 14 – 350 g and by the end of the postpartum period, i.e. after 2-3 months, the uterus will reach its prenatal size with a weight of approximately 50 g.

It is worth considering that the process of uterine contraction is accompanied by small cramping pain in the lower abdomen, and they are most pronounced and intense after repeated births.

If these contractions are very painful, then after consulting a doctor, you can use certain painkillers or antispasmodics to reduce pain, but it is better to do without them.

However, it happens that in some women in labor the uterus does not contract after childbirth (atony) or it contracts, but extremely slowly (hypotonia).

Both options are dangerous for women's health, as they can cause a number of other complications.

The uterus does not contract: what is the reason?

Among the most common factors, affecting the slowdown of uterine contractions after the birth of a child, gynecologists identify:

the number of fetuses a woman bears;
location of the placenta;
difficulties encountered during pregnancy or childbirth;
heavy weight of the child;
woman's health status, etc.

So, for example, Uterine contractions occur more slowly in women whose pregnancy was:

or complicated (hypertension, nephropathy, etc.);
if there was low attachment of the placenta;
the fruit was quite large in size;
the mother's body was severely exhausted;
labor activity was weak;
After giving birth, the woman behaved very passively and practically did not move.

Don't shrink at all after childbirth, the uterus may:

its inflection;
injuries of the birth canal;
its underdevelopment;
inflammatory processes in the appendages and the uterus itself (including in the past);
fibroma (benign tumor);
bleeding disorders, etc.

If the uterus contracts slowly

Immediately after the baby is born A cold heating pad is applied to the new mother’s belly, this helps stop bleeding and speed up uterine contractions.

Over the course of several days, which the woman in labor will be in maternity hospital, doctors will constantly check the condition of the uterus and the level of its contraction.

Install low ability uterus to contract The gynecologist can, during a routine examination, check the condition of the fundus of the uterus (in this case it will be soft).

Moreover a woman should not be discharged from the maternity hospital until the doctor is sure that the uterus is contracting at a normal pace.

If the gynecologist sees that the uterus cannot contract on its own, he prescribes special drugs to the woman that enhance her contractile activity ( prostaglandins or oxytocin), and also, if necessary, external massage the fundus of the uterus, which is carried out through the anterior abdominal wall.

The main impulse to accelerate uterine contractions is breast-feeding, so we advise you to start breastfeeding your baby as soon as possible.

It is also recommended to move a lot (if possible) and lie on your stomach more often, or even better, sleep on it. The rules of personal hygiene should not be neglected, namely regularly washing, treating wounds, etc.

A significant influence on the level of uterine contraction has emptying your bladder regularly. Women often do not pay due attention to this fact, especially since if after childbirth they were imposed on, because then urination brings a lot of painful sensations. However, despite the pain, you should try to go to the toilet as often as possible.

Usually, after childbirth, the uterus actively contracts and in those women who did not avoid small physical activity. Therefore, we advise you to go for walks as often as possible during pregnancy. fresh air, do simple homework and do .

If all of the above methods did not have the desired effect and the uterus still does not contract, a solution may be. The fact is that lochia may remain in the uterine cavity ( postpartum discharge) either part of the placenta or the uterine os may be blocked by the resulting blood clots.

Without cleansing, all this will inevitably lead you to the development of an inflammatory process, perhaps not only in the uterus itself, but also outside it. If this does not help, unfortunately, the consequences for the woman become even more serious: she will have to undergo surgery or, in the worst case, even remove the uterus.

But, fortunately, healthy women, following all the recommendations of doctors, as a rule, does not arise serious problems with contraction of the uterus after childbirth. So take care of yourself and be healthy!

Expert commentary

The delay in contraction of the fetal receptacle organ is called subinvolution of the uterus. Usually the uterus contracts to baseline by the end of the sixth week postpartum period. In non-breastfeeding women - by the end of the eighth week.

The most rapid contraction of the organ occurs immediately after the birth of the child. The average length of the fruit is 40-50 centimeters. In utero, the child is in a folded state: the legs are pressed to the body. The length of the uterus before birth is 35-38 centimeters, and after childbirth it instantly shortens. Instead of two-thirds of the fetal growth, the size of the uterus becomes comparable to the head of a newborn.

Changes hormonal background women. The production of growth hormones stops. Instead, substances are synthesized aimed at restoring the body.

The human body is undoubtedly unique. But in relation to other mammals. The main processes are typical reactions, and the postpartum period is no exception.

Uterine contractions are an indicator of the course of the postpartum process. Only by the size of the uterus can one judge general condition postpartum women. When the uterus contracts normally, then everything goes as it should. If there is a delay in uterine contraction, you don’t need to do expensive tests to understand that the postpartum period is going through serious problems. Both immune and hormonal.

After delivery by Caesarean section the contractility of the uterus is significantly lower than after childbirth through the natural birth canal.

Therefore in Lately mothers who have undergone Caesarean section, It is recommended to get out of bed as early as possible as soon as they leave side effects from anesthesia. Movement promotes contraction, and inaction leads to lethargy. Including the muscular layer of the uterus.

Dynamics of uterine contraction in the normal postpartum period

After the placenta has passed, the height of the uterine fundus is determined at the level of the navel. Each subsequent day of the postpartum period, the fundus of the uterus drops by 1.5-2 cm. By the time of discharge from the maternity ward - on the sixth day - the height of the uterine fundus should be no more than 4-5 cm from the womb.

A delay in uterine contraction for at least one day is considered a pathology.

Causes of uterine subinvolution

The reasons for delayed uterine contractions may be hormonal disorders, anatomical defects, infectious agents.

Hormonal disorders

Prolactin deficiency– a hormone responsible for milk production. Even in postpartum women who are not breastfeeding, the initial levels of prolactin, the main parental hormone, remain at a fairly high level in the first days of the postpartum period.

The production of prolactin leads to an immediate release of oxytocin, a hormone that contracts the muscles of the uterus. Prolactin is produced reflexively when the nipples are irritated. Therefore, in nursing mothers, uterine contractions occur much faster.

Prolactin deficiency leads to a decrease in uterine contractility. Great importance has central regulation of the cerebral cortex. When a child is desired, prolactin production is significantly higher.

Anatomical reasons

Remnants of the placenta attached to the wall of the uterus, prevent its reduction. Just as a person cannot move his arm in a cast, the uterus cannot contract completely, constrained by the attached lobule of the placenta.

Blockage of the external os of the cervix, flexion of the uterus and other wisdom relates more to theory. With normal contractility, these factors have no significance. A person exhales air with equal success, regardless of whether he has his own jaw or a false one. Likewise, the contents of the uterus freely leave its cavity when the muscles contract.

Infection

Postpartum infection is often a continuation of a process that began during pregnancy. Infection under sterile conditions is impossible.

Postpartum endometritis develops after suffering chorionitis - inflammation of the membranes. Stricken by inflammation inner surface the uterus does not respond to stimulation with oxytocin. The uterus becomes flabby, contractions become sluggish.

Causes of uterine subinvolution are revealed in maternity ward and are treated in a hospital setting.