Postnatal Care Flashcards
When is the postnatal period?
First 6 weeks after the baby is born
->can also be referred to as puerperium
How often does a community midwife visit the postpartum mother?
A couple of times in first 9-10 days
What happens in the postpartum midwife visits?
Observe for signs of abnormal bleeding
Observe for signs of infection
Mental health
Debrief events around birth- especially if emergency CS
Wound care- e.g. perineal stitches, CS wounds
When do patients require a postnatal GP visit?
6wks postpartum
What is discussed in the 6wk postnatal GP visit?
Contraception
Mental health/ general wellbeing
What are some of the common postnatal problems?
Problems with infant feeding
Problems with bonding
Social issues- partner, other children, financial issues
After the midwife visits, babies and mothers are referred to which team?
Health visitor- they see all prescholl age children
->Auntie Gill
How quickly after giving birth can a woman fall pregnant again?
21 days after giving birth
Women should be advised regarding the benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and baby but supported whatever their feeding choice.
What are some of the potential complications of breastfeeding?
Mastitis
Blocked milk ducts
Difficulty feeding/baby latching
Skin irritation - ‘cracked nipples’
->breast abscesses can occur further down the line
List a few of the key postnatal complications you have to be aware of.
Postpartum haemorrhage
Venous thromboembolism
Sepsis
Psychiatric disorders of the puerperium
Pre-eclampsia
Primary postpartum haemorrhage?
Blood loss >500ml within 24hrs of delivery
Secondary postpartum haemorrhage?
Blood loss >500ml from 24hrs-6wks
What the four T’s which can cause PPH?
Tone
Trauma
Thrombin
Tissue
->these usually cause primary PPH, secondary may be due to retained tissue, endometritis or tears (trauma)
Why may tissue be a cause of PPH?
Retained tissue, retained placenta, retained membrane can all cause excessive bleeding
What kind of trauma may be a cause of PPH?
Perineal tears