Postpartum Flashcards
top of uterus, 12 hours after birth located at level of umbilicus over first few days go down 1 cm per day, end of 10 days not felt
fundus
deep-red mixture of mucus, tissue debris, blood occurs for 3-4 days after birth
lochia rubra
brown and is expelled 3-10 days postpartum, primarily contains leukocytes decidual tissue, RBC, and serous fluid
lochia serosa
discharge white or light brown and consists of leukocytes, decidual tissue, reduced fluid content, occurs from 10-14 but can last 3-6 weeks postpartum in some women and still be considered normal
lochia alba
pool of blood
hematoma
top of uterus collapses, uterus turning inside out
uterine inversion
allows for excessive bleeding, does not firm up
uterine atony (aka boggy uterus)
uterus returns to its normal size through gradual process, involves retrogressive changes that return to its nonpregnant size and condition
involution
contains protein and carbohydrate but no milk fat, liquid gold
colostrum
onset of milk secretion
lactogenesis
inflammation of the breast, infection if milk not excreted
mastitis
postnatal physiologic painful condition in which distention and swelling of breast tissue occurs as a result of increase in blood and lymph supply as a precursor to lactation
engorgement (breasts)
hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland involved with lactation and reproduction
prolactin
1st- involves only skin and superficial structures above muscles
2nd- extends through perineal muscles
3rd- extends through anal sphincter muscle
4th- continues through anterior rectal wall
perineal laceration (1st-4th)
mild depressive symptoms, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, tearfulness, increased sensitivity and fatigue
postpartum “baby” blues
