The National Maternity Hospital Postnatal Booklet

How will I know if my wound is infected?• Fever greater than 38 o C or 101 o F for 2 readings taken 4 hours apart or• Increased pain or swelling of the wound or• Your wound oozes blood stained fluid, yellow fluid or becomes smelly or• Redness spreads to the skin around the wound or• Your wound appears to be opening• If you have questions, concerns or urgent needs, call the hospital at(01) 637 31 00 or your GP.The midwife’s checkThe midwife caring for you will carry out a daily postnatal check. They willwant to know:• How you are feeling• If you are in pain• If you are experiencing any difficulties with your baby• How much you are bleeding vaginally (lochia)• That you are passing urine without too much discomfortThe midwife will also check your breasts, your tummy and, if you havestitches your perineum. She will ask you if you have pain especially in yourlegs and she may need to check your haemoglobin (iron) level by taking ablood sample.If you were taking any medication, for example, blood pressure tabletsbefore the birth, then you should continue to take these while in hospital,check with the midwife. During this daily check the midwife will give youinformation and advice about taking care of yourself. She will happilyanswer any questions you may have.Before you leave hospital, the midwife will also discuss various methods ofPage 11