Postnatal Care Flashcards
(31 cards)
Define lochia
PV bleeding as endometrium breaks down and returns to normal
Dark red colour, turns brown then becomes lighter
Should settle within six weeks
Define lactational amenorrhoea
Absence of periods related to breastfeeding
When does fertility return after childbirth?
21 days postpartum
Contraception isn’t required up to this point
When can the POP and implant used?
Safe in breastfeeding
Started any time after birth
When can the COCP be used?
Avoid in breastfeeding
After six weeks
When can the copper coil or IUS e.g. Mirena be used?
Within 48 hours of birth
OR
> 4 weeks after birth
Presentation of endometritis?
Foul-smelling discharge
Bleeding
Lower abdo/pelvic pain
Fever
Sepsis
Define retained products of conception
Pregnancy related tissues e.g. placental or fetal membranes
Remain in the uterus after delivery
Risk factor: placenta accreta
Presentation of retained products of contraception
PV bleeding
Abnormal discharge
Lower abdo or pelvic pain
Fever
How do you confirm RPOC?
USS
Overview of evacuation of retained products of conception
Surgical procedure under GA
Cervical dilation
Vacuum aspiration and curettage
Ashermans Syndrome
Adhesions within the uterus
Due to endometrial curettage
When are iron infusions contraindicated?
Active infection
Iron can cause proliferation of pathogen and worsening of the infection
Define Baby Blues
50% of women 1/52 after birth
Mood swings, low mood, anxiety, irritability and tearfulness
No tx needed, often resolves w/in 2/52
Three features of postnatal depression
Low mood
Anhedonia (lack of pleasure in activities)
Low energy
Define Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
Assessment of how mother has felt over the past week
Screening tool for postnatal depression
Max 30 - score =>10 suggests postnatal depression
Define Puerperal Psychosis
Rare but severe illness
Often onset between 2-3 weeks after delivery
Women experience full psychotic symptoms
Name four features of puerperal psychosis
Delusions
Hallucinations
Depression
Mania
Name four treatment options for puerperal psychosis
Admission to mother and baby unit
CBT
Medications e.g. antidepressents, antipsychotics or mood stabilisers
ECT
Which service should mothers with pre-existing mental health be referred to in pregnancy?
Perinatal mental health services
Define mastitis
Inflammation of breast tissue
Common complication of breastfeeding
w/ or w/o infection
What are the two causes of mastitis?
Obstruction in ducts and accumulation of milk
Bacteria causing inflammation and infection e.g. staph aureus
What are the key features of mastitis?
Unilateral breast pain and tenderness
Erythema in focal area
Local warmth and inflammation
Nipple discharge
Fever
Which antibiotic is used in bacterial mastitis?
Flucloxacillin
Erythromycin in penicillin allergy
Encourage continued breastfeeding
