objective 5 Flashcards
6 weeks following childbirth
often referred to as the 4th trimester of pregnancy
postpartum
what are the physiological changes of the breasts?
Full but soft for the first 2-4 days, then firm anf fuller as blood flow increases & milk production begins
Engorgement may occur; the breast is hard, erect & very uncomfortable
The non-nursing mothers breasts return to normal size in 1-2 weeks
what are the physiological changes of the uterus?
Return to prepregnancy size & wt. Uterus prepregnancy size by 5-6 weeks
what are the physiological changes of the uterine lining?
shed with placenta
when are after pains felt?
48 hrs PP
Vaginal discharge after delivery, composed of tissue, blood and lymph
lochia
red blood, last 3-4 days after birth
lochia rubra
pinkish or brown, starts about 4th day and lasts for 2-3 weeks after birth
lochia serosa
clear/colorless, white or yellow, can last up to 4-6weeks
lochia alba
what should women report in regards to lochia?
Foul-smelling lochia (with or without fever)
Lochia rubra lasting longer than the 4th day
Unusually heavy flow of lochia
Lochia that returns to a bright red color after it has progressed to serosa or alba
what are the physiological changes of the cervix?
Regains muscle tone but never closes as tightly as prepregnant state
what are the physiological changes of the vagina?
Within 6 weeks regains most of its form but not to pre-pregnancy size
what are physiological changes of the perineum?
Often edematous, tender, & bruised
Episiotomy or lacerations may have occurred
what is REEDA?
Redness: without pain (pain=infection)
Edema: slight
Ecchymosis: bruising, slight
Approximation: no separation of episiotomy
when does menstruation resume?
7-9 weeks if not BF
6-12 months if BF