Postpartum Care Flashcards
Postpartum Period
Birth to about 6 weeks after
Return of reproductive organs to pre-pregnancy state
4th Trimester
Puerperium
Uterus Weight Full Term
11x bigger than per-pregnacny!!
6weeks - 80 grams
Subinvolution
Failure of uterus to return to original state
Hemorrhage is a BIG Problem
Most common cause: Retained placental fragments and infection
Oxytocin
Released by posterior pituitary
Promotes homeostasis
Prevents hemorrhage
Causes contractions- compresses blood vessels
Helps uterus get smaller
Breastfeeding within 1-2 hours also helps!
Afterpains
Contractions after birth
More common with 2+ child
Lochia Rubra
Red discharge
Birth to about 4 days
Lochia Serosa
Pink discharge
Day 3/4 until about 10 days
Lochia Alba
White/ Yellow discharge
Can continue up to 4-8 weeks after delivery
Flow is normally until 6 weeks
Menstrual Cycle
Not breastfeeding will return around 4-10 weeks
Breastfeeding will return around 3 months or cessation of breastfeeding
Fundus Movement
Decreases 1cm a day
Hemorrhage
1 pad per hour
>500 ml vaginal deliver
> 1,000 ml c-section
Fluid Change
Diuresis 12 hours after birth
Decreased bladder sensitivity- may cause over distention of the bladder
Diaphoresis is very common- especially at night
May lose up to 5lbs in first few days
1st Degree Laceration
Only the skin of the perineal area
2nd Degree Laceration
Skin and the perineal muscle
3rd Degree Laceration
Skin, perineal muscle, and part of the anal sphincter
4th Degree Laceration
Skin, perineal muscle, complete tear of anal sphincter and involves tissue lining the rectum
Extensive repair
Bowel Function
May take up to 3-4 days From lack of food during labor, fear r/t lacerations STOOL SOFTENERS! Should be passing gas NO SEX 6 WEEKS
Breast Changes
Little change in 1st 24 hours 72-96 hours breast milk comes in (3-4 days) Become fuller and heavier Warm, full and tender Cant pump away inflammation Progesterone DROPS
Not Breastfeeding Measures
Tight, supportive bra
Avoid stimulation- hot shower
Breast Binder
Ice packs
Ovulation
Not breastfeeding- 7-9 weeks
Breastfeeding- 2-18months depending on exclusivity
Blood Changes
Increased clotting factors and fibrinogen
Hypercoaguable state
High risk for thromboembolism, especially after c/s
150,000 platelet count= LOW < = Pre-eclampsia
Skin Changes
Face, nipples and line down center of stomach get darker from increased estrogen
Striae Gravidarum
Stretch marks
darker pink/ red/ purple in white women
2/3 get them
10% of black women get them- appear lighter
