Chapter 12 Flashcards
involution
the process through which the uterus cervix and vagina shrink and or return to the non-pregnant state
puerperium
postpartum period- subdivided into three categories. the immediate postpartum period which covers the first 24 hours the early postpartum period or 1st week, and late postpartum period which refers to weeks 2 through 6.
grand multiparity
5 or more pregnancies
boggy uterus
soft and spongy rather than firm and well contracted
lochia
blood mucus tissue and white blood cells compose the uterine discharge during the postpartum period
lochia rubra
occurs during the 1st 3-4 days is of small to moderate amount is composed mostly of blood is dark red in color and has a fleshy odor
lochia serosa
occurs during days 4 to 10 decreases to small amount and takes on a brownish or pinkish color
lochia alba
occurs after day 10 and becomes white or pale yellow because the bleeding has stopped and the discharge is now composed mostly of white blood cells
__________ stimulates the uterus to contract
Oxytocin
_____ ______ stimulates oxytocin release from the woman’s posterior pituitary glad
breast feeding
afterpains
can be quite severe
are less severe than that of the multipara
the release of oxytocin increases the duration and intensity of afterpains for both the primipara and multipara
cervix
during labor it thins and dilates
kegel exercises
help to increase the tone and enhance sexual enjoyment
dyspareunia
painful intercourse
colostrum
the anti-body rich breast secretion that is the precursor to breast milk is normally excreted by the breasts in the last week of pregnancy and continues to be excreted in the first few postpartum days
