OB-Exam 2 Flashcards
Physiological change of uterus postpartum
Shrinks down back to pre-pregnancy state
-Goes from the size of a watermelon back to about a lemon or orange
-Placenta removed (7cm wound on the inside) needs to heal
-contractions help the uterus heal, help stop bleeding
where is fundus found immediately after delivery etc.
found slightly below the umbilicus, and within one hour goes up to the level of the umbilicus
-from there shrinks down one finger a day
When would the uterus be back to the pelvic cavity
around day 9-10, and you can no longer palpate.
What can assist uterine involution
Breastfeeding (releases oxytocin -> causes contraction)
Ambulation (gravity helps bring uterus down)
What can slow down uterine Involution
Having multiple fetuses (twins triplets), having repeated births, and excessive narcotics (analgesics)
What is the cervical os
the opening between the cervix and the upper part of the uterus
Physiological changes postpartum for Cervical os
Nulliparous cervix - has not given birth, little circle
Multiparous cervix- has given birth , wider hole.
Hormones after birth
-progesterone and estrogen decrease right after birth.
-As you breastfeed those hormones will fluctuate as you feed (oxytocin and prolactin)
Around how soon after birth will FSH elevate and what will it cause
around 12 days, and this will return the menses
If you are breastfeeding how soon will menstruation return
4-6 months and if not breastfeeding 6-10 weeks.
When can contraceptives be discussed
after postpartum
Lacogenesis 1
16 weeks gestation process that creates colostrum
Lactogensis 2
triggered by birth, once the baby and placenta are delivered, an increase in oxytocin helps start creating and producing more colostrum
Lactogensis 3
- around day 10 milk supply will strat to stabilize
-the more the mom puts baby on the breast the more stimulation the more milk will be produced
(supply and demand)
Lactogenesis 4
involution- baby will strat weening ff
What could low and high BP postpartum indicate?
-Low BP: if she lost a lot of blood she could be hypovolemic, and she might need a transfusion
-High Bo: 140/90 could be developing pre-eclampsia (check urine for protein)
Postpartum maternal assessment
-slight temp increase due to dehydration
-pulse slightly decreased for about 1 week (due to decreased pressure on the vena cava)
-BP should return to pre-pregnancy BP
-Pain increases after birth
Maternal Assssment Postpartum
(Breast)
-Colostrum present during first 1-3 days ( normal)
-Milk production 3-5 days (supply and demand
-engorgement is common and normal (breast will feel full, tender, and heavy)
Maternal Assssment Postpartum
(Uterus) what are the three things you assess for?
consistency, location, and fundal height
Treatment and Education for breast engorgement
Keep breastfeeding every 2-3 hours or on demand, if the baby skips a feeding you should pump
-warm shower, supportive bra, massage breast, cold compress after feeding to decrease inflammation (no heat causes already increased blood flow)
Engorgement can lead to -> Mastitis (explain)
Infection of the milk duct due to bacteria
-encourage good hand hygiene, keep breasts clean
-cracking and bleeding from nipples could be a source of infection
-make sure the baby has a good latch.
-Make sure antibiotics ordered
If mom does not plan to breastfeed what education can you offer?
Wear a tight supportive bra, avoid any nipple stimulation, use a cold compress, and take analgesics to help with discomfort.
Explain the different assessments of the uterus postpartum
Consistency: Firm (Hard) or Boggy (soft)
location: usually found midline (if deviated to L or R could be due to full bladder)
Fundal Height: document in relation to umbilicus -> measured in fingerbreadths or centimeters
explain different ways of writing where the uterus is located
Number and then U (3/U) how many above the umbilicus
u/u at the umbilicus
u then number (u/1) how many below the uterus
Fundal Exam- postpartum
Mom should be supine laying flat for proper feeling
Lochia postpartum
-bloody discharge after birth
-asses with color, amount, odor, consistency
If the fundus is not firm and mom is actively bleeding what is something you could actively do in that moment?
Fundal massage, if it doesn’t work call for help think hemorrhage
How many mLs of blood is normal after vaginal and C-section delivery and what’s considered a hemorrhage
Vaginal: should be less than 500 mLs anything over is considered hemorrhage.
C-Section: should be less than 1000 mLs anything over = postpartum hemorrhage
Explain different types of lochia
Lochia rubra: bright red blood, 1-3 days postpartum
Lochia Serosa: pinkish brownish 4-10 days postpartum
Lochia alba whitish can last up to 6 weeks after birth
Measuring the amount of lochia
Scant: less than 2.5 cm
Light: 2.5cm - 10cm
Moderate: >10cm
Heavy: One pad saturated in 2 hours
Excessive: One pad saturated in 15 minutes (check for hemorrhage)
Perineum assessment postpartum
Could be edematous (swollen with fluid), tender, ecchymosis (bruising), tearing
Offer Car and comfort, witch hazel pad, numbing spray, and hydrocortisone cream for hemorrhoids.
types of tears
1st degree- tear through skin and epithelium
2nd degree- tear through fascia and muscle
3rd degree- fascia + muscle and anal sphincter
4th degree- fascia + muscle and internal and external anal sphincter
Bladder assessment postpartum
encourage frequent urination
-If they had a foley make sure they urinate within 6 hours ( a full bladder can cause the uterus to deviate and not contract properly)
Postpartum bowels
Increase fiber and doffer stool softener. Avoid straining
If they have hemorrhoids hydrocortisone cream can be given to help.
Cesarean section nursing care postpartum
-Incision site: could be closed with staples, steri-strips, dressing, or glue.
-Measure output with Foley and make sure they can void,
-Make sure to have DVT prophylaxis
encourage them to try to stand and walk
-Require pain management IV toradol for the first 24 hours
surgical site: note any redness, swelling, pus, etc,
-Auscultate for bowel sounds and make sure they are passing gas
Education for C-sections for moms
make sure the incision stays clean and dry
no harsh or scented soaps
pain management
education on signs of infection
Rho(D) immune globulin (RhoGAM)
Rh+ has Rh antigen on the surface
Rh- does not have antigen
If mom is Rh - and Bbay is Rh + it could cause complications
-If mom is Rh- she is gonna get RhoGAM during her pregnancy as well as any procedures that could mix her blood with babies blood
-automatically get it at about 26 weeks
- Postpartum if the baby is Rh+ then she’ll get RhoGam again after delivery within 72 hours
Postpartum Maternal Attachment
Bonding
should happen immediately after delivery for both mom & dad
-make eye contact, touching baby, looking at the baby, feeding the baby
Phases of Maternal Adjustment
Taking in: focused on her own needs but excited, talking
Taking hold: focused on maternal role, wants to take charge, wants to learn and practice, hands-on
Letting go: family starts to settle into their roles, settling into family life
Postpartum blues
A huge shift in hormones
-It is normal for a mom to start crying within the 1st-2 weeks but should subside