The periuperium and breastfeeding Flashcards
what is the definition of the puerperium
The time after childbirth lasting approx.6-8 weeks
what does the puerperium include
- includes physical and anatomical changes particularly to the reproductive, urinary and cardiovascular systems
- adjustments to parenthood and its roles and responsibility as well as psychological adjustments
what are the key hormonal effects and physiological changes
Involution of the uterus
Characteristics of lochia
Haematological changes
Cardiovascular changes
Respiratory and metabolic
changes
Renal function, urinary structures and H2O metabolism
Changes in GIT, neuromuscular, and integumentary systems
Lactation & Breastfeeding
when can the fundus not be palpitated
Fundus cannot usually be palpated from 10 days following delivery as it has reduced in size to below the symphysis pubis
what is the process of involution
Involution is the process by which the uterus is transformed from pregnant to non-pregnant state
describe how involution take place and how long it takes
- Usually lasts about 6 weeks
- Involves changes to the myometrium and endometrium
by what processes does the myometrium return to its normal thickness
- ischaemia
- autolysis
- phagocytosis
describe how ischaemia causes the myometrium to return to its normal thickness
- Contraction of empty uterus and apposition of uterine walls applying pressure to placental site
- reduction of blood supply to uterus
- resulting in de-oxygenation & ischaemia
describe how autolysis causes the myometrium to return to its normal thickness
Self-ingestion of myometrial cells by proteolytic enzymes resulting in reduction in size
Removal of redundant muscle fibres and cytoplasm
describe how phagocytosis causes the myometrium to return to its normal thickness
Phagocytes engulf and remove waste products which are eliminated by the kidneys
what are the changes to the endometrium
- the basal layer adjacent to the myometrium remains intact and is the source of the new endometrium
- the decidua which is the superficial layer becomes necrotic and is sloughed off in the locia
what does the locia consist of
Consists of red cells, leucocyte, shreds of decidua and organism
describes how the locia varies in duration amount and colour
Lochia Rubra (Red) Up to 3 days
Lochia Serosa (Pink) Up to 10 days
Lochia Alba (Yellowish-white) Diminishes over 3-6 weeks
what are the haematological changes that take place after birth
Haemoglobin & haematocit concentrations fluctuate during the 1st few days postpartum
Increase in white blood cells mainly due to granulocytes
Withdrawal of oestrogen
results in gradual reduction in plasma volume returning to normal 1 week after delivery.
what are the cardiovascular changes that take place after Birth
Reduction in plasma volume = to non-pregnant state by 7-10 days
Reduction in cardiac output, heart rate and stroke volume to pre-labour value after 24 to 72hrs declining to non-pregnant value by 10-14 days
Decrease in progesterone leads to removal of excess tissue fluid resulting in tissues returning to normal vascular tone by 2 weeks.
what respiratory changes take place after birth
- no shortness of breath
- less oxygen demand as reduction in cardiac work and circulatory volume - no more hyperventilation
- all respiratory parameters return to non pregnant valves within 6 weeks postpartum
how long does it take for respiratory changes to take place after birth
6 weeks postpartum
what are the renal changes that take place after birth
- Dilatation of renal tract resolves and renal organs return to their pre-pregnant state
- Displaced bladder, dilated ureters and renal pelvis return to normal size within 8 wks.
- Increased diuresis (physiological diuresis) occurs between the 2nd & 5th day following pregnancy for the excretion of broken down products placing extra work on kidneys
what happens to the GIT after birth
These gastrointestinal changes revert to non-pregnant state within 6 weeks although the mechanical effects of the gravid uterus on stomach resolve within a few days.
what happens to the neuromuscular and integumentary systems after birth
Increased sensitivity of the central and peripheral nervous system although not fully understood is thought to return to normal after 36hrs postpartum.
The hormone relaxin is responsible for both the generalized ligamentous relaxation and the softening of collagenous tissues causing lordosis during pregnancy. It can take up to 5 months to return to normal
Abdominal wall & ligaments and hyperpigmentation of certain parts of the body such as the face, neck, and midline of the abdomen, require about 6wks to return to non-pregnant state
what prevents lactation during pregnancy
High levels of oestrogen and progesterone prevent lactation during pregnancy by inhibiting milk synthesis
what happens once the placenta is delivered
Once the placenta is delivered the body quickly returns to it’s pre pregnant hormonal state.
- There is a reduction in the production of the oestrogen, progesterone and prolactin