Collapse after Childbirth

Causes

• Severe blood loss during childbirth
• Exposure to cold during childbirth

Pathology

• Deficiency of Qi
• Deficiency of Blood
• Stasis of Blood

Identification of patterns and treatment

Collapse of Qi with deficiency of Blood: Flaccid Syndrome

• Clinical manifestations: profuse bleeding after childbirth, sudden vertigo, pale, white complexion, palpitations, fainting, cold limbs, sweating.
• Tongue: Pale, Short
• Pulse: Fine, Scattered
• Treatment principle: Rescue Qi, nourish Blood

Blood stasis: Tense Syndrome

• Clinical manifestations: retention of lochia or scanty lochia after childbirth, abdominal pain that is worse with pressure, a feeling of fullness under the heart, chest pain, cough, fainting, mouth closed, dark complexion.
• Tongue: Purple
• Pulse: Wiry
• Treatment principle: Invigorate Blood, eliminate stasis, pacify the Penetrating Vessel, subdue rebellious Qi.

Prognosis and Prevention

The prognosis for collapse after childbirth is generally good with timely and proper treatment. To prevent this condition, it is important to avoid excessive blood loss during childbirth and to keep the mother warm to prevent exposure to cold.

Western Viewpoint

In Western medicine, collapse after childbirth is often referred to as postpartum syncope. It is typically treated with measures to restore blood volume and prevent further blood loss, such as IV fluids and medication to improve blood circulation. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.