Puerperium Flashcards
Puerperium is the time period after delivery of placenta until __ weeks, during which the genital organs revert to the almost normal or near normal state both anatomically and physiologically
6 weeks
Fall in oestrogen levels causes what changes in the lower genital tract in the puerperium
- Rapid decrease in size
- Decrease in vaginal lubrication
What happens in the lower genital tract during puerperium to accommodate rapid healing?
There is an increased blood supply
What is involution?
Contraction and reabsorption of uterine muscle
How long does the internal os of the cervix take to close in puerperium
Largely closed by 48 hours
Will only admit finger tip by 2 weeks
How long does the external os of the cervix take to close
Return to slit like state by 6 weeks postpartum but may admit a finger for months post after delivery
What is lochia
Heavy blood flow immediately following birth that slowly diminishes
What is the duration of lochia
Duration is variable, 1/10 will still have bleeding 6 weeks postpartum
____ is/are abnormal in lochia
Clots - indicative of pathology
Falling levels of ___ and ___ in the puerperium , results in ligament laxity slowly resolving
Progesterone and relaxin
The recti usually separate at least ___ cm during pregnancy
2cm
Factors that affect resolution of recti seperation
- Pre-pregnancy laxity
- Parity
- Level of activity post-partum
Which lung measurement returns to normal 1-2 weeks postpartum
functional residual capacity - as uterus involutes
How long does gastric emptying take to return to normal postpartum
2-3 days
How many women are affected by post-natal depression
10-15%
