Giving birth to a new life is the world's best experience that a mother receives in her life. This experience cannot be matched. It gives a mother a feeling of beyond happiness. However, several health complications are associated with this. A mother also experiences severe pain, discomfort, and risk of death. These health complications do not last after the birth of the baby but remain for the next few weeks. Some women may experience these health complications for more than a few weeks, depending on the severity of their health conditions. They feel pain while performing normal activities, such as walking, sitting, and bathing. They also experience mental challenges. This period is called the postpartum period.

 

Perineal Trauma 

 

The physical discomfort and mental illness that a mother experiences during her postpartum period mainly happens due to perineal trauma or perineal lacerations. This is a viginal tear that occurs in the perineum while giving birth. It is very common, especially in women who experience pregnancy for the first time. To assess its severity and the healing process, a REEDA scale is used.

 

This viginal tear can occur naturally or through a clinical procedure when the vigina is unable to stretch enough for the baby's head to come out. This involves viginal skin and muscular tissue in the perineum. 

 

There are four types of perineal trauma a woman may experience during childbirth, including:

 

First Degree- First-degree perineal trauma only includes perineum skin and the tissue just beneath the skin. It is the least severe perineal trauma and may include mild pain. A mother can overcome first-degree perineal trauma in just a couple of weeks without stitches or with stitches. 

 

Second-Degree- Second-degree trauma includes both skin and muscle of the perineum and it might get deep into vigina. Stitches are necessary in this case. It takes a few weeks to get healed. 

 

Third-Degree- Third-degree trauma is a tear that extends to the anus muscle. It requires surgery with anesthesia in the operating room. It might take more than a few weeks to get healed.

 

Fourth-Degree- Fourth-degree perineal trauma is the most severe. It extends to the anal sphincter and mucus membrane. It requires clinical surgery with anesthesia. A mother may take more than 2 months to completely recover.

 

REEDA Scale

 

REEDA scale is a clinical healing assessment method used to assess the wound healing process in women with perineal trauma. This scale works based on the assessment of five elements, including Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and approximations. 

 

Using a REEDA assessment method, doctors give a numerical score to the patient that describes the severity and healing process of perineal trauma in the patient. The score given to the patient could be anywhere between 1-15. 

 

The Ways to Reduce Postpartum Health Complications 

 

The health complications a woman experiences during the postpartum period reduce the comfort and quality of life. However, you can reduce them and speed up the healing process using the methods given below.

 

While sleeping or resting, expose the perineum area to the air for a while. Make sure not to forget to place a towel or pad under you to protect the bed or furniture you are resting on. Avoid standing or sitting for a long as these positions put pressure on the perineum.Pour lukewarm water over the perineum to take the sting out during peeing.Take sitz baths, or use a bathtub with warm water to take a bath.Use ice packs to relieve pain. 

 

To know more about REEDA assessment, perineal trauma, and other health conditions, visit Medical Algorithms: one of the best health information providers that you can rely on. 

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