A peri pad, often called a maternity or postpartum pad, is a specialized, highly absorbent dressing designed to manage the unique bleeding and discharge (lochia) that occurs after childbirth. Lochia is heavier and distinct from typical menstrual flow, requiring a product with greater capacity. The pad provides comfortable and secure absorption for several weeks as the body recovers from delivery, whether vaginal or via C-section. Its construction focuses on high-volume fluid retention and gentle contact with the sensitive perineal area.
Unique Design and Cooling Function
The physical construction of a peri pad differs significantly from a standard pad, prioritizing maximum coverage and soft materials for the healing body. They are typically longer, wider, and notably thicker to accommodate the heavy volume of lochia, which includes blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. The highly absorbent core uses a fluid management system that rapidly draws moisture downward and disperses it evenly to prevent leakage. This soft, non-woven top layer is gentle against the skin, offering cushioning and reducing friction, which is important when stitches or perineal tears are present.
A unique therapeutic function is the inclusion of cooling relief, often referred to as a “padsicle” feature. Some peri pads are manufactured as integrated cold packs, containing a substance that creates an instant chemical cooling sensation when activated. Others are designed to be paired with medicated liners infused with soothing ingredients like witch hazel or aloe vera. These liners, or the entire pad, can be chilled before use, providing localized cold therapy to reduce swelling and numb the discomfort associated with postpartum recovery.
Practical Application and Usage
Peri pads are used immediately following delivery and are necessary for the duration of lochia, which lasts four to six weeks. The heaviest flow typically subsides within the first seven to ten days. In the initial days, a pad change is required every two to four hours to maintain hygiene. Internal menstrual products like tampons or cups must be avoided during recovery, as they increase the risk of infection at the site where the placenta detached.
A common practice involves combining the peri pad with other aids for comprehensive perineal care. After using the restroom, the area is gently cleansed using a peri bottle filled with warm water to avoid the irritation of wiping. A fresh cooling pad or liner, often containing witch hazel, is then placed on top of the peri pad for continuous soothing and anti-inflammatory relief. This routine addresses both heavy absorption needs and the therapeutic requirement for pain and swelling management.
Why Standard Menstrual Pads Are Different
The primary difference between peri pads and standard menstrual pads lies in their capacity and material design to handle the volume and composition of lochia. Postpartum bleeding is significantly heavier than typical menstruation, especially in the first week, and contains tissue and clots. This requires a pad with a much deeper, higher-capacity absorbent core. While a standard menstrual cycle involves a blood loss of about 60 milliliters, lochia can result in a loss of up to a quart of fluid over the postpartum period.
Standard pads are designed mainly for liquid absorption and often have plastic backings or synthetic top sheets that can trap moisture and irritate sensitive, healing skin or stitches. Peri pads feature softer, more breathable materials and are free of irritating fragrances or dyes. They prioritize gentle contact with the vulnerable perineum. Their extra length and width ensure comprehensive front-to-back coverage, which is necessary because a recovering person is often resting, increasing the risk of leakage that a smaller pad cannot prevent.