post-partum (unit 2) Flashcards
uterus involution
•uterus returns to pre-pregnant size/shape
•causes sharp afterpains (ct.)
•lowers 1 cm/day
•by PP day 10, uterus within pelvis and non palpable
*WNL at 4-6 weeks pp
lochia-discharge
- Rubra- birth-PP 3
- Serosa- PP day 4-10
- Alba (yellow)- PP day 11-wk 6
Why might a patient
“gush” blood upon
standing up from a
supine position?
- blood may have pooled in the vaginal vault while the patient rested in a supine position
- also have some clots
- As long as the increased flow resolves and the patient’s uterus is firm and ML, she is ok
cervix PP
- immediately post SVD, wide enough for hand
- after 1 wk- pencil eraser
- external os from round to slit
- possible lacerations
vagina PP
- immediately post SVD- edematous w/ rugae
- after 6 wk- pre-preggo size
- atrophic until menses resumes
- lacerations possible
dyspareunia
- dryness and itching of vagina
- r/t declining estrogen levels b/c diminishes lubrication
- esp. common in BF b/c prolactin antagonizes estrogen
perineum PP
- edema/bruising
- lacerations (1-4 degree)
- episiotomy
- lacerations
1st degree perineal laceration
•extends thru skin/structures to superficial muscles
2nd degree perineal laceration
•extends thru muscles of perineal body
3rd degree perineal laceration
•extends thru anal sphincter muscle
4th degree perineal laceration
- involves anterior rectal wall
- rare
- require more intervention
perineum discomfort tx
- ice for first 48 hrs
* then sit baths bid
estimated blood loss (EBL)
•lose 500cc blood SVD
•lose 1000cc blood C/S
•also lose blood volume when diaphoresis/diuresis PP
*orthostatic hypotension common
what does declining estrogen levels PP cause
- no lubrication of vagina
* diaphoresis
why don’t mom’s go into hypovolumetric shock during delivery?
- blood flow to placenta diverted during delivery
* rapid reduction in uterine size
cardiac output PP
- elevation of pulse, SV, and CO for first hr
- gradual decrease to prepreggo
- brady common 1-2 days PP b/c dec. blood volume (trying to maintain CO)
- if tacky check for infection
- baseline by 8-10 wks
coagulation PP
•hypercoagulated in pregnancy and PP for 2-3 wks b/c have increased fibrinogen
**risk for DVT for up to 6 months
labs PP
•elevated WBC (25,000) for 2 wks •H&H hard to assess and only addressed if hct <18 and symptomatic -dizzy -pallor -weak
GI PP
•constipation
•BM incontinence if operative vaginal birth
•hunger
•thirst
*keep NPO until sounds, then clear liquids until flatus
why constipation PP
- inc. progesterone slows peristalsis
- long NPO
- painful BM from trauma
why hunger/thirst PP
- long NPO
- large energy expenditure
- early diuresis
urinary system PP
•excessive diuresis w/in 2 days (3000cc/day) •r/o distended bladder d/t -dec. tone -trauma -diuresis -anesthesia (epidural -> retention) *high risk for UTI/postpartum hemorrhage
musculoskeletal PP
- aches/pains/fatigue
- relaxin WNL w/in few days, but can cause early hip pain
- diastasis recti possible
musculoskeletal 6-8 wks PP
- joint return to normal
- feet permanently enlarged
- muscle tone restored b/c progesterone dec.