Within the maternal and child health services spectrum, postnatal care is considered as one of the most critical services necessary for the prevention of complications that could ensue from child birth. It involves the systematic assessment of the woman and baby alongside suitable guidance provided to the woman during postpartum period. The postnatal period is the time just after delivery upto 6 weeks after birth. This period is vital to the health preservation and survival of a woman and her infant. It is especially important just after child birth to the first week after child birth.
The utilization of early, integrated postnatal care significantly reinforces the linkages between maternal and child health. Consistent PNC visits by health staff aid the women and their children maintain contact with the various health services to promote good health.
A routine post-natal care visit assesses the following:
For the woman, an assessment on the following is carried out:
Temperature, anaemia, bleeding and infections.
The woman also receives Vitamin A supplementation and tetanus vaccination and is counselled on breastfeeding and family planning options. A referral is suggested in case of infections, bleeding or depression.
Danger signs for the woman:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe abdominal pain
- Severe headaches
- Blurred vision
- Foul smelling vaginal discharge
- Excessive fatigue
- Fever
- Chills
- Swollen hands, face and legs
- Painful, sore breasts
As for the child, an assessment on temperature level, weight and feeding practices is performed. An eye examination is also performed and the presence of complications assessed.The child is referred for routine immunizations, registration and treatment in case of infections.
Danger signs for the infant:
- Convulsions
- Low body temperature (below 35.5°C)
- Lack of movement or movement only when stimulated
- Improper feeding
- Fast breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute)
- Fever –more than 38°C
- Low-birth weight- baby less than 1.5 kgs or born prematurely- two months early
In our next post, we will cover the importance of post-natal care.