The puerperium or postpartum is an especially sensitive stage for the new mother, in which she experiences numerous physical and emotional changes. There are some uncomfortable truths in this period, but there is one that happens immediately after giving birth that nobody tells you about , or at least nobody told me and I had a really bad time.
Agitation, chills, teeth snapping and uncontrollable tremors are quite common after delivery, and can occur either after a cesarean or vaginal delivery, and although it is bothersome, it does not pose any risk to the mother and they pass on their own. the few hours.
What is the cause of tremors in childbirth?
It is not due to a cause, but to a conjunction of factors that occur at the time of giving birth:
- Decreased blood flow at the peripheral level produced during childbirth, which causes paleness and cold and which tries to be compensated by trembling.
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Hormonal changes : a woman experiences a hormonal revolution in childbirth, including adrenal hormones, which may be responsible for postpartum tremors.
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Epidural anesthesia: anesthesia produces a drop in blood pressure or hypotension, which is also compensated by tremors. In my case, I am sure that this has been the cause of my trembling like a leaf after my second delivery, since in the third I asked for the dose of anesthesia to be lighter and I did not feel tremors.
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IV fluids : IV fluids are colder than body temperature, so it can make you feel cold and shiver.
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Amniotic fluid microembolisms : Small amounts of amniotic fluid can leak into the bloodstream during surgery and cause chills or tremors.
The tremors can be accompanied by burning, cramps, pain and pale skin, but they are variable phenomena from one woman to another and can last minutes or up to a couple of hours after delivery.
It is a perfectly expected symptom, but one that probably no one will warn you about . If it happens to you, it is good to know in advance that it is something normal, so try to relax, breathe and that this temporary discomfort does not prevent you from enjoying your baby during his first hour of life.
In Babies and more | Take care of your pelvic floor: how to combat the five most common postpartum disorders, Gas after cesarean section: how to alleviate this frequent postpartum discomfort
