Physiological changes in the postpartum period

Abstract

Postpartalno razdoblje obuhvaća niz intenzivnih fizioloških promjena koje započinju odmah nakon poroda i traju do šest tjedana. Tijekom tog razdoblja dolazi do involucije maternice, hormonalnih prilagodbi, uspostave laktacije, promjena u mokraćnom, probavnom i lokomotornom sustavu, kao i do prilagodbe dojki na dojenje. Pravilna i pravovremena zdravstvena skrb, osobito od strane medicinskih sestara i primalja, ključna je za uspješan oporavak žene. U svrhu pisanja rada provedeno je istraživanje s ciljem ispitivanja pripremljenosti žena za porod, najčešćih fizioloških promjena u postpartalnom periodu i kvalitete podrške medicinskog osoblja. Istraživanje je bilo u potpunosti anonimno i provedeno je putem Google Docs obrasca od travnja do lipnja 2025. godine. U istraživanju je sudjelovalo ukupno 206 žena. Najveći broj sudionica, njih 97 (47,1%), imalo je dvije trudnoće, dok je njih 166 (80,6 %) rodilo vaginalno. Kontakt “koža na kožu” ostvarilo je 163 žene (79,1%). Kao najčešće fiziološke promjene nakon poroda žene su navele bol u dojkama – 99 (48,1%), krvarenje – 97 (47,1%), poteškoće s mokrenjem i stolicom – 52 (25,2%), te bolove u leđima ili zdjelici – 46 (22,3%). Njih 97 (47,1%) izjavilo je da su se srednje teško nosile s tim promjenama. Iako je njih 136 (66,1%) pozitivno ocijenilo podršku medicinskog osoblja, 48 (23,3%) izjavilo je da im je nedostajalo informacija i pomoći, a njih 17 (8,3%) da nisu imale nikakvu podršku pri uspostavi dojenja. Rezultati upućuju na potrebu za dodatnim ulaganjem u edukaciju trudnica, pomoć u uspostavi laktacije i sustavnu individualiziranu zdravstvenu skrb usmjerenu na fiziološke izazove postpartalnog razdoblja.The postpartum period involves a range of intense physiological changes that begin immediately after childbirth and last approximately six weeks. During this time, the body undergoes uterine involution, hormonal adjustments, the establishment of lactation, and changes in the urinary, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems, along with breast adaptations for breastfeeding. Timely and appropriate healthcare, particularly from nurses and midwives, is essential for successful maternal recovery. A study was conducted as part of this paper to examine women’s preparedness for childbirth, the most common physiological changes in the postpartum period, and the quality of support provided by medical staff. The survey was completely anonymous and was conducted via a Google Docs form from April to June 2025. A total of 206 women participated in the survey. The largest group of respondents, 97 women (47.1%), had experienced two pregnancies, and 166 women (80.6%) had vaginal deliveries. „Skin-to-skin“ contact was reported by 163 women (79.1%). The most frequently reported physiological issues were breast pain reported by 99 women (48.1%), bleeding by 97 women (47.1%), difficulties with urination and defecation by 52 women (25.2%), and back or pelvic pain by 46 women (22.3%). A total of 97 women (47.1%) stated that they coped moderately well with these changes. While 136 participants (66.1%) rated medical staff support positively, 48 women (23.3%) reported insufficient guidance and help, and 17 women (8.3%) indicated they received no breastfeeding support at all. The results highlight the need to improve prenatal education, provide early lactation support, and strengthen individualized healthcare focused on the physiological challenges of the postpartum perio