Post-Partum

Question 1

What does lochia tell us?

Answer 1

if involution is progressing normally or not

Question 2

Lochia Rubra

Answer 2

consists almost entirely of blood; days 1-3

Question 3

Lochia Serosa

Answer 3

blood decreases causing color to change to pink or brown-tinged; days 4-11

Question 4

Lochia Alba

Answer 4

white, cream, or light yellow discharge; days 12-20

Question 5

Scant Lochia

Answer 5

less than a 1 inch stain; 10 cc or less

Question 6

Light Lochia

Answer 6

1-4 inch stain; 10-25 cc

Question 7

Moderate Lochia

Answer 7

4-6 inch stain; 25-50 cc

Question 8

Heavy Lochia

Answer 8

saturated pad

Question 9

Excessive Lochia

Answer 9

saturated in ~15 minutes

Question 10

Estimated Blood Loss: Vaginal Birth

Answer 10

~500 ml

Question 11

Estimated Blood Loss: Cesarean Birth

Answer 11

~1,000 ml

Question 12

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Answer 12

more than 50 ml in 15 minutes

Question 13

What is the fundus?

Answer 13

the top part of the uterus where the placenta is attached

Question 14

Is the fundus supposed to be soft or hard?

Answer 14

hard/firm

Question 15

Where should the fundus be immediately after birth?

Answer 15

midway between the symphysis pubis and umbilicus

Question 16

Where should the fundus be 12 hours after birth?

Answer 16

at the level of the umbilicus

Question 17

Where should the fundus be by the 14th day?

Answer 17

inside the pelvic cavity and not able to be palpated

Question 18

What is the rate that the fundus descends at?

Answer 18

~1cm or 1 finger breadth per day

Question 19

In what cases would the fundus be slightly higher than normal?

Answer 19

In multipara’s or women with over-distended uteruses