Introduction

In this study session you will learn about the normal postnatal changes that occur to women during the six weeks after childbirth. The postnatal period is also known by doctors, nurses and midwives as the puerperium. It includes the normal processes of physical and psychological adjustments during this period. Here we focus in detail on the normal adjustments during the puerperium, in particular the changes that occur in the reproductive system and in other body systems.

Some women in your postnatal care may not understand all of the normal changes which they experience after childbirth. They may become alarmed about changes that are perfectly normal, or ignore symptoms that are really danger signs. Some women find mothering a new baby very easy and natural; for others the mothering role may be difficult. As a health professional working in the community, you have a unique opportunity to assist mothers and their families to cope with the adjustments during the postnatal period.