Module 3A Flashcards
Puerperium
Begins after delivery of placenta and last approx 6 weeks.
“4th trimester”
Involution
Retrogressive changes that return uterus (organ) to nonpregnant size and condition
What are the 3 retrogressive processes for uterine involution?
- Contraction of muscle fibers to reduce those previously stretched during pregnancy
- Catabolism, which shrinks enlarged individual myometrial cells
- Regeneration of uterine epithelium from the lower layer of decidua after upper layers have been sloughed off and shed during lochial discharge
Approx 1 week after birth how much does the uterus shrink, end of 6 weeks??
During first 12 hours postpartum the fundus is at the level of?
The uterus typically descends from the level of umbilicus at rate of ______per day?
end of 1st week - 50% &1lb, end of 6 weeks 2oz
Umbilicus
1cm/day
*by end of 10 days cannot be palpated bc descended into true pelvis
What are factors that inhibit involution?
Prolonged labor, difficult birth, incomplete expulsion of amniotic membranes and placenta, uterine infection, overdistension of uterine muscles (multiples, hydramnios, large fetus), a full bladder, anesthesia, close childbirth spacing
Lochia
Define
Results from
Immediatley after childbirth -
Alkaline/acidic
Each day lochia should be
1.Vaginal discharge that occurs after birth and usually continues approx 4-8 weeks.
2. Results from involution during which a superficial layer of decidua basalis becomes necrotic and is sloughed off
3. bright red, consists mainly of blood, fibrinous products, decidual cells and red and white blood cells
4. Lochia from uterus is alkaline, becomes acidic from vagina
5. Each day should be less and color lighter
What is the primary mechanism preventing hemorrhage from placental site
Uterus begins to contract, constricting intramymetrial vessels and impeding blood flow
“afterpains”
*usually respond to oral analgesics
What will inadequate myometrial contractions result in
atony which will result in early postpartum hemorrhage
Why are afterpains stronger during breastfeeding?
Because oxytocin is released increasing the contractions
Immediately after vag birth what does cervix look like?
Extends into vagina, partly dilated, bruised and edematous
*returns to prepregnant state at 6 weeks.
*internal cervical os closes and returns by 2wkes
**External cervical os no longer a circle but a slit opening
How is vagina after birth?
Edematous, relaxed, thin with few rugae
As ovarian function returns and estrogen returns mucosa thickens and rugae return approx 3 weeks
What are comfort measures for swollen hemorrhoids
Ice pack
Pour warm water over area
which hazel pads
anesthetic spray
sitz bath
Cardiovascular system adaptations after birth
How is
Cardiac output
Blood volume
Hematocrit?
-C/o remains high few days then declines w/in 3 months
-Blood volume -Prepregnant w/in 4 weeks
-Hematocrit - relatively stable might even increase, reflecting loss of plasma
Why would a woman have a elevated temp up to 100.4 in the first 24hrs postpartum?
Due to dehyrdation.
Might also have a slight decrease in BP
The decrease in C/o is reflected in—– for how many weeks?
Bradycardia
first 2 weeks
What would tachycardia in post partum indicate?
hypovolemia
dehydration
hemmorhage
What changes affect BP after birth
Falls in first 2 days
increases 3-7 days
Returns to normal by 6 weeks
What could decreased bp postpartum indicate?
infection
hemorrhage
What places post partum women at increased risk for blood clots?
Hemostatsis that favor coagulation, reduced fibrinolysis, pooling and stais of blood
What can increase the risk of coagulation disorders?
SMoking, obesity, immobility, infection, bleeding, emergency surgery (c-section)
What happens to hemoglobin and hemotacrit in first 24 hrs post partum
decrease slightly
Over next 2 weeks rise slowly
When does urinary system return to normal post partum?
6 weeks
What is a major cause of uterine atony?
Urinary retention
What does urinary retention and bladder extension cause?
Displacement of uterus to the right and can inhibit contractions which increases risk of postpartum hemmorhage