Module 6 Postpartum Canvas Flashcards
Describe PP uterine involution, including where the fundus is expected by day.
Return of the uterus. Fundus descends at a rate of 1cm per day.
Immediately PP, the fundus is at the umbilicus
By day 10-14, the uterus is no longer palpable abdominally
Over what time period does involution occur?
The uterus involutes by approximately 50% in the first 24-48 hours PP and then gradually diminishes to the nonpregnant size over the next 6-8 weeks.
At what time frame PP is the uterus no longer palpable abdominally?
By 10-14 days, the uterus is no longer able to be palpated abdominally
What is the normal length of time we expect lochia postpartum?
Begins Immediately at birth and continues for approximately 4-8 weeks.
mean total duration- 33 days
Describe lochia rubra and when it is expected?
primarily blood, red or brownish-red in color.
3-5 days PP
Describe lochia serosa and when it is expected?
primarily wound exudate and leukocytes with some blood
pinkish brown color
mean duration is 22 days
Describe lochia alba and when it is expected?
primarily leukocytes
white or yellowish-white in color
thru day 33-ish
What is eschar bleeding and when is it expected?
transient increase in bleeding from the placental scab
day 7-14
How dilated is the cx at 1 week PP?
1 cm
How much of a drop in Hgb and Hct is expected from a 500 cc blood loss?
Hgb: 1 pt
Hct: 3%
When does the H&H return to prepregnant values?
4-6weeks PP
Why is PP physiologic diureses so crucial?
It returns the body to normal cardiovascular function
When does ovulation return PP for non-lactating women?
ovulation returns sometime between PP day 45 and 94
many women may be fertile prior to their 1st PP visit (a 6-week visit)
What is lactogenesis?
the ability to secrete milk
Describe lactogenesis 1.
secretory initiation
starts during the second half of pregnancy
by the 2nd & 3rd trimesters, veins become increasingly visible on the skin surface of the breast
By 16-18 weeks GA, colostrum leaking from nipples
Describe lactogenesis 2.
secretory activation- Onset of COPIOUS milk production
occurs in the first PP days
triggered by the drop in hormones once the placenta is expelled
approx 3-40hours after birth, rapid milk volume increase
What hormones does neonatal suckling affect?
suckling = increase prolactin = increase milk secretion
suckling = increase oxytocin = contraction of myoepithelial cells = milk ejection
What can cause a delayed onset of lactogenesis 2?
obesity
diabetes
PCOS
and other biologic conditions associated with increased androgen levels
cesarean birth,
retained placental fragments
hypothyroidism
certain types of breast surgery
severe maternal anemia
Prematurity & Newborn Illness
Newborns with ineffective or weak suck, palate abnormalities, tongue-tie, and congenital heart defects
Describe lactogenesis 3.
lactation is fully established- Ongoing Milk Synthesis
nipple stimulation via infant suckling = prolactin release= hypothalamus increase oxytocin
milk removal stimulates milk synthesis (supply and demand )
when milk is not removed, milk production slows
Describe lactogenesis 4.
mammary gland involution that occurs when breastfeeding ceases
no infant sucking = decrease in prolactin levels
milk production ends
mammary epithelial cell apoptosis
Involution take approximately 6 weeks after milk removal ceases
the human breast never fully returns to a prepregnant condition
What is the fourth stage of labor?
the 1st hour after the placenta is expelled
How often should the uterus be evaluated immediately PP?
evaluate the uterus for position and tone q 5 - 15 min immediately after birth
How can a patient improve afterpains postpartum?
empty bladder
heating pads
lying prone (on the stomach) with a pillow or blanket roll under the lower abdomen
NSAIDS for 48-72 hours
What causes afterpains?
caused by the continuing sequential contraction of the uterus.
Note: painful cramping more common in multips
When do the majority of PPH occur?
In the 4th stage of labor. Key evaluate bleeding every 5-15m
When should the bladder be assessed for distention and urinary retention PP?
30m PP
What is first lime treatment for PP hemorrhoids?
Increase fiber (25-30 mg/day)
Drink more water (6-8 glasses a day)
Mild Stool Softener
Don’t strain
Don’t spend too long on the toilet
Warm water spray or sitz baths
Ice packs
Cold sitz baths
Warm water compresses
OTC ointments: Preparation H, etc.
Witch Hazel compress (Tucks pads)
Hydrocortisone suppository
What RX can be given for PP hemorrhoids?
Topical corticosteroids
Rx products containing Hydrocortisone
Adodan-HC 10 mg rec supp or 0.5%/0.5% ointment
Anusol HC 25 mg rec supp or 2.5% cream
Local anesthetic
Lidocaine/xylocaine jelly 1.00 mm 2%
What vital signs are considered abnormal PP?
greater than 38 degrees C or 100.4
higher than 140/90 or lower than 85/60
higher than 100 bpm
How does ibuprofen help with PP pain?
NSAIDs are anti-prostaglandin (prostaglandins cause cramping)
Why should we be cautious with codeine and hydrocodone for breastfeeding moms?
individuals with polymorphism of CPY2D6 are ultra-rapid metabolizers and we dont know who these patients are
4-5% in the US are
Describe the assessment for diastasis recti.
midline separation of the rectus abdominus muscle
palpate by placing 1 or 2 fingers parallel to the abdominal midline
ask the woman to lift her head while lying supine (on her back)
At what point PP is the uterus no longer palpable abdominally?
By approximately 2 wks PP, the uterus can no longer be palpated abdominally
What is subinvolution?
when the uterus doe not return to its prepregnant size and position within the expected time frame (typically complete by 6w PP)
What can cause subinvolution?
retained placental fragments
leiomyomas
infection
When can most women resume regular exercise?
by 6 wks PP, most women can resume regular exercise routines
women should get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week
How do nutritional needs change PP for BF women?
lactating women use 500-700 calories more per day than nonpregnant women
AAP recommends that breastfeeding women supplement if their diet is deficient in DHA (or eat 2 servings of fish/week)
What supplementation is needed for BF babies?
all breastfed infants need oral supplement of vitamin D 400 IU per day
How does kegels benefit women PP?
promotes long-term perineal comfort and strength
reduces stress urinary incontinence
increase circulation to the area
promotes healing
restores
What are the PP warning signs for the mother?
Sudden HA, vision changes, epigastric pain
Fever/chills
Redness, heat, firmness/pain in one breast
Increased abd or vulvar pain
Calf pain/heat/swelling
Marked changes in mood
What are the PP warning signs for the newborn?
Feeding problems
Yellowing skin
Fever
Inability to console
Insufficient wet/dirty diapers
>6stools per 24h/bloody or watery stools
Listless behavior, not alert when awake
Resp. problems, turning blue
What limitations are associated with PP phone assessments/calls when assessing a newborn?
Limitations of PP phone calls include the inability to directly screen for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia and excessive weight loss
When is it recommended for PP women to resume sexual activity?
wait until the birthing person feels comfortable and ready to resume sex
On average, when do non-lactating women resume ovulation?
39 days
When can an IUD be inserted?
Varney p. 1196, “Insertion of an IUD may be performed safely after delivery of the placenta, although expulsion rates are higher than if insertion is performed later than 4 weeks PP.
Delayed insertion (after 6-8 weeks) = lower expulsion rates
Discuss IUD insertion immediately PP after delivery of the placenta.
After vaginal delivery, IUD insertion can be accomplished manually or with a ring or Kelly forceps.
The IUD is removed from the inserter and the strings are cut to 10 cm.
The wings of the IUD are grasped gently with a ring forceps, and the IUD is passed through the cervix and placed at the fundus.
Ultrasonographic guidance may be used.
In the setting of cesarean delivery, the IUD is inserted after removal of the placenta and after the uterus has become hemostatic.
After initiating closure of the uterine incision, the IUD is placed at the fundus with the inserter, manually, or with a ring forceps, and the string gently placed manually or with ring forceps into the cervix.
After this is accomplished, hysterotomy closure can be completed.
Immediate postpartum insertion is contraindicated among women in whom peripartum chorioamnionitis, endometritis, or puerperal sepsis is diagnosed