Postpartum Adaptations Flashcards
What does involution mean?
It describes the rapid reduction in size of the uterus and it’s returned to a condition similar to its non-pregnancy state
What is one of the most important aspects of involution
Exfoliation
What is exfoliation?
The sloughing off of tissue
It prevents scarring and allows for future pregnancy
What are some factors that slow involution?
Anesthesia
Prolonged labor
Difficult birth
Grandmultiparity
Incomplete expulsion of placenta or membranes
Infection
Over distention of uterus
What are some factors that speed involution
Uncomplicated labor and birth
Early ambulation
Complete expulsion of membranes and placenta
Manual removal of placenta during C-section
Breast-feeding
What is colostrum
Thick creamy early milk that is full of vitamins, minerals and proteins. It also contains immunoglobin and antioxidants
How to breast feed a baby?
Latch with most of the areola covered by babies mouth and nipple directed to roof of mouth.
Chin should touch breast and nose should be clear of breast
Define lochia?
The debris remaining in the uterus after childbirth, emptied as a discharge from the vagina
What are the different types of lochia
Rubra
Serosa
Alba
What is lochia rubra?
Dark red, lasts 2-3 days after delivery
What is lochia serosa
Pinkish, lasts from about day 3- day 10 postpartum
What is lochia alba
Creamy white/yellow for another 1-2 weeks after lochia serosa
Why are kegel exercises useful?
Help improve tone of the pubococcygeus muscle which helps support the uterus and bladder and can prevent or diminish problems such as stress incontinence or uterine prolapse
Which mom is more likely to have a quicker return of ovulation and menses?
Moms who are not breast-feeding
However, breast-feeding is not considered a reliable method of contraception
