O90: Complications of the puerperium, not elsewhere classified

The puerperium refers to the period following childbirth when the mother's body, including hormone levels and uterus size, returns to a non-pregnant state. During this time, various complications may occur, grouped under the term 'Complications of the puerperium, not elsewhere classified'. These complications can be related to different body systems, including the cardiovascular, respiratory, endocrine, urinary, and reproductive systems. They often present with varying symptoms depending on the affected system, such as elevated blood pressure, fatigue, breathlessness, excessive bleeding or changes in urination. Causes can be multifactorial and may include physical trauma during childbirth, infection, pre-existing health conditions or complications during pregnancy and labour. The progression of these conditions often varies greatly depending on the individual woman's health status and the nature of the underlying condition. These disturbances typically only last for a few weeks after childbirth but may extend beyond this period in some cases.