**1. Introduction**

Puerperium is the time following delivery during which pregnancy-induced maternal anatomical and physiological changes return to the nonpregnant state. Its duration is understandably inexact, but is considered to range between 4 and 6 weeks. By popular use, however, the meaning usually includes the six subsequent weeks of delivery.

The word puerperium is derived from Latin—puer- child andparus bringing forth.

The postpartum period is associated with much tradition and superstition because the health of a new infant is very important to the survival of any family. Puerperium begins as soon as the placenta is expelled and lasts for approximately 6 weeks when the uterus regress almost to the non pregnant size.

Puerperium can be divided into:

a.immediate – within 24 hours.

b.early – up to 7 days.

c. remote – up to 6 weeks.
