MATERNITY PADS

MATERNITY PADS

PRIMARY USES

1. Postpartum Lochia Management Following Vaginal Delivery or Caesarean Section
Primary Use: Provides high-absorbency protection for postpartum lochia (vaginal discharge containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue) which can last up to six weeks after childbirth, with specially designed pads that are longer, thicker, and more absorbent than regular menstrual pads to accommodate heavier postpartum flow .
How it helps: For the obstetrician, midwife, and postpartum nurse, educating patients about appropriate postpartum bleeding management is essential for recovery and prevention of complications. Postpartum bleeding is often much heavier than a typical period, especially for the first 10 days . Standard menstrual pads are inadequate for this level of flow. Maternity pads are designed with absorption capacities between 150-300mL , featuring extra length and width (approximately 10 x 30 cm) with additional coverage at the back to prevent leakage when lying down . For the postpartum patient, this means reliable protection during the initial heavy flow days, reducing anxiety about leakage and allowing focus on newborn care and maternal recovery.

2. Perineal Comfort and Protection Following Episiotomy or Perineal Tears
Primary Use: Features soft, breathable, cotton-like covers that are gentle on healing perineal tissues, reducing friction and irritation against sutures, episiotomy sites, or natural tears following vaginal delivery .
How it helps: For the obstetrician and midwife, patients who have experienced perineal trauma during delivery require extra care to prevent wound breakdown and infection while managing lochia. Maternity pads are constructed with soft, non-woven covers that provide a gentle touch against sensitive, healing skin . The breathable design allows air circulation to the perineal area, which promotes healing and reduces the risk of infection . Some maternity pads also feature ThermoControl™ technology that draws moisture away from the body to keep the skin dry and comfortable . For the postpartum patient, this means reduced pain and irritation during pad changes and daily activities, supporting proper healing of perineal wounds.

3. Prevention of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH) Complications
Primary Use: Enables accurate monitoring of postpartum blood loss, serving as an early warning indicator for postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) – a life-threatening condition where blood loss exceeds 500mL within 24 hours of delivery – through visual assessment of pad saturation .
How it helps: For the obstetrician and midwife, PPH remains a leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide, with approximately 20% of cases occurring without identifiable risk factors . Clinical studies have demonstrated that specialty-designed maternity pads can absorb up to 600mL of blood, with blood absorption rates of 55-85 mL/min . Healthcare providers can use pad saturation as a visual early warning indicator: if a pad becomes fully saturated within 15-30 minutes, this suggests a bleeding rate of approximately 13mL/min or higher, indicating potential PPH requiring immediate medical intervention . For the postpartum patient, timely recognition of abnormal bleeding through pad monitoring can be lifesaving.

4. Post-Caesarean Section Wound Protection
Primary Use: Provides extended length and soft construction that can be positioned to protect caesarean section incisions from friction and moisture while managing lochia, without the need for internal products that are contraindicated after delivery .
How it helps: For the obstetrician and post-operative nurse, patients who have undergone caesarean section have both a healing abdominal incision and vaginal lochia to manage simultaneously. Maternity pads can be positioned to protect the perineal area while avoiding contact with the abdominal incision. After birth, patients may have tears or cuts in or around the vagina, and using internal menstrual products like tampons or cups increases infection risk . Maternity pads provide external protection that is safe for all delivery types. The pads’ flexibility and soft construction conform to body movements without causing additional discomfort . For the post-caesarean patient, this means managing both delivery-related bleeding and surgical recovery with one appropriate product.

5. Extended Protection During Late Postpartum Period (Week 2-6)
Primary Use: Provides slim, discreet maternity pad options designed specifically for weeks 2-6 postpartum when lochia flow has decreased but still exceeds regular menstrual flow, offering comfort and confidence as patients return to daily activities .
How it helps: For the midwife and postpartum care provider, patients need appropriate protection throughout the entire 6-week lochia period, not just the initial heavy days. Specialised “stage 2” maternity pads are designed for use from week 2 postpartum, when bleeding starts to reduce but still requires higher absorbency than regular sanitary pads . These slimmer options feature advanced liquid cores, adhesive backs with wings for secure positioning, and breathable, dermatologically tested materials for tender skin . For the postpartum patient, this means continued protection without bulk as they become more active, return to work, or resume daily responsibilities.

SECONDARY USES

1. Post-Gynaecological Procedure Bleeding Management: For patients recovering from procedures such as dilation and curettage (D&C), endometrial biopsy, cervical biopsy, colposcopy, LEEP, cone biopsy, hysteroscopy, or other gynaecological surgeries, maternity pads provide appropriate heavy absorbency for post-procedural bleeding with soft, non-irritating materials that are gentle on sensitive tissues. Sterile options are available for use immediately following surgical procedures to minimise infection risk .

2. Late Pregnancy Leakage Protection Prior to Delivery: For expectant mothers in their third trimester who experience light bladder leakage due to fetal pressure, or as a precaution during travel to the hospital after their water has broken, maternity pads provide absorbent protection without the need for internal products that are contraindicated during pregnancy .

3. Perineal Cold Therapy Delivery (Padsicles): For postpartum patients experiencing significant perineal swelling and discomfort, specially designed “padsicles” infused with aloe vera and witch hazel can be frozen and applied on top of a standard maternity pad to provide cooling relief to the perineal area for up to 20 minutes . These herbal-infused pads conform to the body even when frozen, are suitable for sensitive skin with no added fragrance, and are gynaecologically and dermatologically tested .

4. Reusable Maternity Pad Option for Eco-Conscious Patients: For patients seeking environmentally sustainable menstrual and postpartum protection, reusable maternity pads made from cotton or bamboo are available and can be washed and reused for at least 200 washes (several years of use). These pads are chemical-free, more breathable than disposable options, and have press studs for secure positioning rather than adhesive strips . Patients report they are more comfortable with reduced chafing and can hold equal or greater amounts of blood than disposable maternity pads.

5. Emergency and Humanitarian Setting Maternity Care: For healthcare providers working in refugee camps, humanitarian missions, or low-resource settings, standardised maternity pads (non-sterile, non-deodorised, unscented) are available through humanitarian supply catalogues (MSF standard PHYPMHMAPMN). These pads meet essential specifications for postpartum care in emergency situations, with absorption capacity between 150-300mL and packaging by 20 or 50 pieces for efficient distribution .