Postpartum Period Flashcards
(20 cards)
What are the physiological changes that occur in the woman in the postpartum period?
Uterine involution: The uterus shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size.
Lochia: Vaginal bleeding and discharge that occur as the uterus sheds its lining.
Hormonal changes: Decrease in progesterone and estrogen, with an increase in prolactin (especially for breastfeeding).
Cardiovascular: Blood volume and cardiac output return to normal.
Musculoskeletal: Relaxin levels drop, allowing ligaments and joints to return to normal.
What is the role of the midwife in postnatal assessments, including involution of the uterus?
Monitor uterine involution by palpating the uterus to ensure it is firm and contracted.
Assess lochia for quantity, color, and odor, which can indicate potential complications.
Perform regular checks of vital signs and monitor for signs of complications such as infection or excessive bleeding.
Provide emotional support and education on self-care during recovery.
What are common major maternal complications following birth?
Postpartum hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding after birth.
Infection: Endometritis or urinary tract infections.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Blood clotting that can lead to pulmonary embolism.
Psychological complications: Postpartum depression or anxiety.
What are the main features of postnatal education for women, including emotional, mental, and physical changes following birth?
Physical changes: Recovery from childbirth, perineal care, and exercise.
Emotional changes: Addressing mood swings, baby blues, and mental health support.
Breastfeeding education: Latching, feeding positions, and recognising hunger cues.
Infant care: Safe sleeping, basic hygiene, and newborn care routines.
What is normal newborn behavior in the first few days of life?
Feeding: Frequent breastfeeding, often every 2-3 hours.
Output: Newborns should pass meconium within the first 24-48 hours, followed by regular urine and stool output.
Basic care: Regular diaper changes, keeping the baby warm, and establishing a sleep routine.
Hygiene: Gentle cleaning, especially of the umbilical stump.
What does a daily check of the newborn involve, and what are expected normal findings?
Weight: Newborns lose 5-10% of their birth weight in the first week.
Skin: Check for jaundice, rashes, or any abnormal markings.
Reflexes: Normal findings include rooting, sucking, and grasp reflexes.
Feeding and output: Assess breastfeeding patterns and urine/stool output.
Temperature: Maintaining a normal body temperature (36.5-37.5°C).
What is the routine ongoing care of women and infants after discharge from the hospital?
Postnatal visits: Check for uterine involution, lochia, and general recovery.
Breastfeeding support: Assess latch and address any challenges.
Mental health support: Screening for postpartum depression or anxiety.
Newborn care: Immunizations, growth monitoring, and addressing any concerns regarding feeding or sleeping.
ow can you demonstrate beginning skills in physical assessment of labor and birth
Palpating the abdomen: Assessing fetal position and contractions.
Vaginal examination: Assessing cervical dilation and fetal descent.
Observing vital signs: Monitoring maternal blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature.
Monitoring fetal heart rate: Using a Doppler or CTG to assess fetal well-being.
ow can you demonstrate developing clinical and communication skills
Clinical skills: Building proficiency in assessment techniques (e.g., monitoring uterine tone, bleeding, and fetal heart rate).
Communication skills: Effectively communicating with the woman and her family about the birth process, interventions, and care options.
Teamwork: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide holistic care.
Patient education: Providing clear, supportive information to new mothers regarding self-care and infant care.
What are signs of postpartum infection and how are they managed?
Signs: Fever, chills, foul-smelling lochia, abdominal pain, and signs of mastitis (red, painful breasts).
Management: Antibiotics, supportive care, and sometimes surgical intervention depending on the severity.
What are normal signs of maternal adjustment after birth?
Physical: Fatigue, vaginal bleeding, and uterine contractions.
Emotional: Mood swings or mild anxiety, especially in the early days.
Cognitive: Forgetfulness, concentration difficulties (often called “baby brain”).
What are common newborn complications that may be observed in the first days of life?
Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin, often due to bilirubin buildup.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar, especially in premature or small-for-gestational-age babies.
Respiratory distress: Difficulty breathing due to underdeveloped lungs or other complications.
How should newborn jaundice be managed?
Phototherapy: Exposing the baby to special blue light to break down bilirubin.
Feeding: Encourage frequent breastfeeding to promote bilirubin excretion.
Monitoring: Regular blood tests to measure bilirubin levels.
What is the importance of bonding and attachment in the postpartum period?
Emotional health: Promotes maternal well-being and reduces the risk of postpartum depression.
Infant development: Supports emotional security and helps in forming healthy attachment patterns.
Breastfeeding: Encourages successful breastfeeding through the release of oxytocin during skin-to-skin contact.
How can you assess the maternal perineum in the postpartum period?
Visual inspection: Look for any lacerations or tears, swelling, or hematomas.
Palpation: Gently palpate for tenderness or abnormalities.
Healing: Check for proper healing of episiotomies or perineal tears.
What is the significance of assessing maternal mental health postpartum?
Early identification: Catching signs of postpartum depression or anxiety early allows for timely intervention.
Support: Provide emotional support and refer to counseling or therapy if needed.
Screening tools: Use validated questionnaires (e.g., Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale).
How should a midwife support breastfeeding in the immediate postnatal period?
Positioning and latch: Ensure proper positioning and latch to prevent nipple pain and ensure effective feeding.
Education: Teach mothers about feeding cues and how to recognize a good feeding session.
Support: Offer assistance with expressing milk or using a breast pump if needed.
What does the baby’s first physical exam typically involve?
Head: Checking for fontanelle size and shape, and any swelling or bruising.
Chest and abdomen: Listening to heart and lung sounds, checking for abdominal distention.
Extremities: Checking for normal muscle tone, reflexes, and symmetry.
Genitalia: Examining for any abnormal signs such as congenital defects.
What is the role of the midwife in managing postnatal hemorrhage?
Early recognition: Identifying the signs of excessive bleeding (e.g., saturated pads in a short time).
Immediate intervention: Administering uterotonics, massaging the uterus, or performing manual removal if needed.
Monitoring: Continuously monitoring the woman for vital signs and blood
How should the midwife support maternal nutrition postpartum?
Balanced diet: Encourage a diet rich in iron, protein, and fluids to support healing and breastfeeding.
Hydration: Ensure the mother is drinking plenty of fluids, especially if breastfeeding.
Supplements: Advise on continuing prenatal vitamins, especially iron if needed, to combat postpartum anaemia
