'Baka Mabinat ka!' Doctor Explains What Binat After Childbirth Really Means

A mom who has just given birth will almost always hear it at least once: ‘Baka mabinat ka!’ If you ask what it is, no one can give you a direct answer. 

In Smart Parenting’s How Po Series Episode 3, entitled The New Normal In Pregnancy And Childbirth (Part 2), Childbirth doula Ros Padua of the Pinay Doula Collective and Dr. Maynila Domingo, M.D., obstetrician-gynecologist specializing in maternal-fetal medicine at ManilaMed in Manila City, discussed that exactly is binat.

What is binat 

“Ang binat usually ina-associate siya [sa] anything na naramdaman na hindi maganda ng nanay lalo na dun sa una o pangalawang linggo pagkatapos manganak,” Doula Ros shares. It could be anything from fever, fatigue, bleeding, or nausea. 

Dr. Domingo agrees that it’s anthropologic, so it’s something unique to the Filipino culture. “[Binat] 'yung tawag natin in general sa mga 'di kainais-nais na pakiramdam after manganak,” she explained. 

According to our experts, there is no specific scientific term, medical condition, or disease that directly translates to binat. However, it should not be ignored. Since binat refers to any unpleasant symptoms a new mom experiences after birth, doctors usually refer back to possible postpartum complications. 

Binat may mean postpartum complications

One of the most common symptoms that is referred to as binat is postpartum hemorrhage. “During pregnancy, bumababa talaga yung pula ng dugo niya. So baseline anemic ka na kapag pregnant ka,” Dr. Domingo explained.  “After you deliver at nag-lose ka pa ng blood more than the expected, lalo kang magiging anemic, manghihina ka, mamumutla,” she added. 

Bleeding after giving birth can last from at least six to eight weeks. Still, some women continue to experience light bleeding until 12 weeks postpartum. It starts out heavier than your average period, but it should eventually taper off. (Read more about postpartum bleeding here.)

According to Dr. Domingo, pregnant women are prone to infection, either an infection in the uterus, breast (mastitis), or wound for moms who gave birth via C-section. Infection may be the reason for having a high fever.

Having seizures or convulsions may be a result of high fever or electrolyte imbalance in the blood. After giving birth, it could also be high blood pressure, which can happen even if there were no complications during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. (Read more about postpartum preeclampsia here.)

How to prevent binat

Doula Ros stressed that the best course of action is to prevent these complications. How? Moms who have just given birth should really take the time to rest. Let others do the chores and focus on breastfeeding and taking care of your newborn. 

“Remember to take care of yourself after you deliver because your body again is not yet back to normal-normal. Marami pa ding pwedeng mangyari, marami pa rin tayong binabantayan,” Dr. Domingo cautions.

It’s crucial for moms to be healthy, not only during pregnancy but also during the postpartum period. She also emphasized the need to consult a doctor when they experience any symptoms that are not normal.

“Kasi honestly, 'yung ibang nanay, kapag nanganak na, di na magpapakita sa doctor unless CS kasi itse-check 'yung sugat,” she shared. “It’s important for us to identify the cause so that we can give you the appropriate management,” Dr. Domingo added.

Watch them discuss binat below:

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