Postpartum Flashcards
How long does postpartum last?
6 weeks
What is involution?
the process of the uterus returning to non-pregnant size
3 Retrogressive Processes of Involution
- Contraction
- Catabolism
- Regeneration
Contraction Stage of Involution
Contraction of the muscle fibers of the uterus
Catabolism Stage of Involution
Myometrial cells undergo a reducing
Regeneration Stage of Involution
Regeneration of uterine epithelium form the lower layer of the decidua after the upper layers have been sloughed off and shed during lochial discharge
What is the function of a contraction?
To reduce hemorrhage
Assessment of the uterus includes what 3 aspects?
- Tone
- Placement
- Location
Tone of uterus
Should be firm (boggy is bad); by day 10 it should not be palpable
Placement of uterus
Left, right, midline (should be midline)
Location of uterus
Uterus descends at a rate of 1 cm per day in reference to umbilicus
What is lochia?
Sloughing of decidua after birth
3 Stages of Lochia
- Rubra
- Serosa
- Alba
Rubra
Red; lasts 3-4 days
Serosa
Red-tinged; (3-10 days)
Alba
Creamy white; it occurs from days 10-14 but can last 3-6 weeks postpartum in some women and still be considered normal
Lochia odor
Lochia has a “fleshy” smell; an offensive odor usually indicates infection
Lochia interventions
- One pad 1st hour
- One pad every 2-4 hr after
- By 8 hours compare to normal menses
* May gush when standing to ambulate
Cervix Appearance Postpartum
Gradually closes by week 6 but never returns to pre-pregnant appearance
Vagina Appearance Postpartum
Returns to pre-pregnancy state in 6-8 weeks as ovarian function returns although it is somewhat larger than before pregnancy
Perineum Appearance Postpartum
Returns to normal in 4-6 months
Postpartum Blood Pressure
Falls mostly in the first 2 days, then increases 3-7 days after childbirth, and returns to pre-pregnancy levels by 6 weeks