module 10 Flashcards
Postpartum fungus positioning tone hemostasis
midline and at umbilicus (directly postpartum) firm
involution
the movement of the uterus back to the pre pregnancy position occurs at a rate of 1 cm per day. contractions allow for this to happen
subinvolution
when the uterus does not recede back to its pre pregnancy position
could be the result of the bladder not being emptied
what causes the uterus to deviate up and to the right
a full bladder. this can even cause the uterus to be boggy
what is the role of oxytocin postpartum?
oxytocin helps with hemostasis. it allows for the vessels that were once attached to the placenta to clamp off. oxytocin is released from the pituitary gland
what is the sequence of lochia
lochia rubra from day 0 to day 3 lochia serosa from day 4- day 10 lochia alba from day 11-day 14 the lochia should move in a very specific sequence and should not move backward pads should be changed every 2-3 hours
postpartum vagina and perineum
- the vaginal rugae or folds in the vagina will be different. they allow for stretching during labor
- the introitus is the opening to the body at the vagina. it may be red and swollen. there may be lacerations or an episiotomy(standard practice is moving away from this and it is typically only used with a vacuum or forceps) there can also be a hematoma
- there may be painful sex
- and overall dryness
pelvic muscular support
supportive tissues of the pelvic floor torn or stretched during childbirth
may require 6 months to regain tone
kegel exercises encourage healing
postpartum endocrine system
- pituitary hormones play a role in ovarian function
- the timing of ovulation is influenced by lactation patterns
- throughout pregnancy, the placenta is the major producer of hormones however after the placenta is delivered, it takes 2 weeks for placental hormones to drop and for the pituitary to take over.
the urinary system postpartum
- glomerular filtration rate and renal flow increase for diuresis. within 12 hours diuresis begins increasing urine output. diaphoresis often occurs at night for the first 2-3 days postpartum
- the risk of infection of UTI if catheterization was necessary. voiding sensations will be affected and the first void should be within the first 6 hours after birth
postpartum diuresis
- large amounts of intravenous fluids given during labor
- decreasing antidiuretic effect of oxytocin as its level declines
- buildup and retention of extra fluids during pregnancy
- decreasing production of aldosterone-the hormone that decreases sodium retention and increases urine production
Gastrointestinal system postpartum
- relief from the pregnant uterus
- sluggish bowels related to hormonal changes
- constipation is no longer due to pregnancy but due to fears of pushing. a colace and reassurance are important.
- hemorrhoids are varicosities that are due to straining
- avoid suppositories with rectal sutures from lacerations
musculoskeletal changes postpartum
binder can be used for support
integumentary system adaptation
- pigmentation fades
- stretch marks fade to silvery lines and to lighter brown in women of color
- temporary hair loss
- vascular abnormalities, spider angiomas, palmar erythema, and epulis regress with rapid decline in estrogens
- spider nevi persist indefinitely for some
respiratory system
tidal volume, minute volume, vital capacity, and functional residual capacity, return to prepregnant values within 1 to 3 weeks of birth
immune system
- the immune system is mildly suppressed during pregnancy, but it returns to a prepregnant state
- rebound of the immune system can cause flare-ups of some autoimmune diseases such as lupus erythematosus and multiple sclerosis
thermoregulation postpartum
- uncontrollable shaking chill immediately following birth. this is physiologic: there is a large cascade occurring in the body
- could possibly be due to nervous system response, vasomotor changes, shift in fluids, and or work of labor
- normal unless accompanied by elevated temperature
- nursing intervention: reassurance is key: this is a normal response to birth can also give a warm blanket