Post Partum Flashcards
post partum period
6 weeks post birth
palpation of fundus
following delivery, the fundus can be palpated 1-2cm below the umblicus
12hrs after: 1cm above umbilicus
10 days after: below symphysis pubis
uterine nectroic tissue
takes 3 weeks to slough off after birth
there is NO scarring
Uterine Bleeding
rubra: day 1-3
serosas: day 4-9
alba: day 10-4 weeks
cervix and vagina post partum
vagina regains elasticity in 3-6 weeks
cervix has fish mouth appearance
abdomen assessment
flabby pouch, as if 3 month pregnant
takes about 6 months to lose the weight with routine exercise
cardiovasular system post partum
around 50bom.
bradycardia for 24-48 hours
takes a long while to regain blood volume
Hemoglobin and Hematocrit post partum
usually goes back to normal values within 5-7 days
most pts get iron supplements
weight loss post partum (total and breakdown)
total: 20-22lbs
fetus: 8lbs
placenta: 2lbs
amniotic fluid: 1 lb
diuresis: 4lbs
discharge: 4lbs
colostrum
fatty milk secreted for 3-4 days after birth
Homans Sign
assess for pain in the calf of each leg
do not rub or massage the leg
Reva Reubens
Assumption of the maternal role
