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
Postpartum Blood Components
- Early PP, Hct/Hgb decrease slightly then rise slowly over a couple of weeks
- WBC are elevated PP, return to normal 4-6 weeks
PP Clotting Factors
Increased clotting factors from pregnancy place at increased risk for thromboembolic conditions
- Remains elevated for 2-3 weeks
PP women can experience bradycardia for how long?
Up to 2 weeks
Causes of PP diuresis
- Large amounts of IV fluid during labor
- A decreasing effect of oxytocin as levels decline
- The buildup and retention of extra fluids during pregnancy
- A decreased production of aldosterone
PP Urinary Retention
- Could be related to anesthesia or oxytocin
- Will cause uterine displacement and uterine atony
How long can PP diuresis last?
12 hours - 1 week
How long can it take for the PP mom’s respiratory system return to normal?
1-2 weeks
* SOB and rib pains resolve
PP Endocrine System
- Hormone rapidly decline
- Menses return 7-9 weeks if not breastfeeding
- If breastfeeding, menses might not return (not effective birth control)
- Progesterone undetectable by day 3
Rubin’s Maternal Role Framework
- Taking in
- Taking hold
- Letting go
Taking In
Dependent on someone else to help with care; recounts labor experience
Taking Hold
Start to figure out balance with addition of new baby but still requires assurance that she is doing well as mother
Letting Go
Mom reestablishes relationships with other people; mom relinquishes the fantasy infant and accepts the real one; the baby is not just her’s anymore
Partner Adaptation
- Engrossment
2. “Try-on stage”
Engrossment
- The partner perceives the newborn as attractive, pretty, or beautiful
- The partner has a desire to touch or hold the newborn
- Perception of the newborn as perfect
- The partner focuses all attention on the newborn when they are in the room
- Awareness of distinct features of the newborn
- The partner feels a “high” after the birth of baby
- The partner feels proud, “bigger”, more mature, and older after the birth of his/her child
Try-On Stage
- Partner has preconceptions about what home life will be like with a newborn
- Reality check when partners realize that their expectations are not realistic
- Then, the partner makes a conscious decision to take control and be at the center of baby’s life regardless of preparedness
Mastitis
inflammation of the breasts
- Causes related to milk stasis
Metritis
Inflammation of the uterus
- Involves the endometrium, decidua, and adjacent myometrium of the uterus
- Prophylactic antibiotics are given before C-sections to prevent this
Type of PP Infection Complications
- Mastitis
- Metritis
- UTI (most common cause of fever in PP women)
- Incisional
Incisional Infection Complications in PP women
From c-section, episiotomy site, and genital tract lacerations
- Symptoms may not show up until 24-48 hours after birth
Mastitis Treatment
- Emptying the breasts
- Antibiotics
* Can continue breast feeding if no abscess is present
Normal PP blood loss
- Vaginal birth: 500 mL
- C section: 1000 mL
Diagnosis of PP hemorrhage
The diagnosis is any amount of bleeding that causes hemodynamic jeopardy
Early PP hemorrhage
Within 24 hours of delivery
Late PP hemorrhage
24 hours - 6 weeks after delivery
Causes of PP hemorrhage
- Uterine atony
- Retained tissue (placental fragments)
- Uterine inversion
- Subinvolution
- Trauma
- Coagulation disorder
Uterine Atony
Loss of tone (never contracts)
- Due to bladder distention
Subinvolution
Less than ideal involution
- Failure to return to normal size
- Uterus contracts, but not enough
When does the secretion of milk begin?
4-5 days PP
Contraceptives for breast-feeding women
- Can’t use combined hormonal contraceptive because of risk for VTE
- Can’t use diaphragm or cap until 6 weeks PP
- Can take “mini” pill while breastfeeding (it only contains progesterone, NOT estrogen)
Baby Blues
- Peaks 4-5 days
- Can last hours or days
- Resolves by day 10
Symptoms of baby blues
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity
Depression
Occurs gradually and evident within first 6 weeks PP
Symptoms of PP depression
- Restlessness
- Worthlessness
- Moody
- Sad
- Hopelessness
- Low energy level
- Negative bonding
- Disinterest in caring for children
PP Psychosis
- Surfaces within 3 months
- Considered a psychiatric emergency
- Different from blues and depression because this is a break from reality
- At risk for infanticide and child abuse
Symptoms of PP Psychosis
- Not logical
- Delusional
- Hallucinations
- Mood lability - swift/rapid
- Disorganized thinking