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The puerperium and its complications
Abstract
The puerperium is defined as the period which extends from the end of the third stage of labour until the complete return of the genitals to the non-pregnant state. Its length is from 6-8 weeks. However, there is never an absolute return to the exact pre-pregnant state, for there are permanent changes in the uterus, cervix and perineum. In common usage the puerperium refers to that period of readjustment and rest after the birth of the baby which extends over the first 2-3 weeks.
