Puerperium Flashcards
What is the puerperium?
Period of repair and recovery when there is return of tissues to a non-pregnant state
Takes about 6 weeks
How long does blood stained discharge last for following birth?
10-14 days
What % of women experience baby blues?
50%!
This is a brief period of emotional instability usually occurring within a few days of birth and lasting for up to a week
How are baby blues managed?
Support and reassurance
How does puerperal psychosis present?
Presents within the first few weeks of delivery
sleep disturbance, confusion, irrational ideas, mania
What % of women who experience puerperal psychosis go on to later develop bipolar disorder?
25%
What is the risk of recurrence recurrence of puerperal psychosis without treatment?
50%
How common is postnatal depression?
Occurs in 10% of women
How does postnatal depression present?
Occurs several weeks after birth and lasts for weeks to months
Tearful, anxious, anhedonia, poor sleep, weight loss
Concerns about the baby
Suicidal ideation
What is the risk of recurrence of postnatal depression?
25%
What are some of the advantages of breastfeeding for mothers?
Reduces the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
Reduces the risks of postnatal depression
Acts as a natural contraceptive
What are the recommendations for breastfeeding in HIV +ve mothers?
Recommended to avoid breast feeding
If they do breastfeed they are recommended to do so exclusively and only when they are on medication that keeps their viral load low or undetectable
What is the purpose of colostrum, the first milk produced?
Colustrum contains high levels of immune proteins and so helps to colonise the baby with normal bacterial
Laxative effects help the baby to pass meconium
Describe the pathway for milk release
Baby suckles
Sensory impulses from nipple to brian
Prolactin is released
Milk is produced
What is mastitis and how is it managed?
Red inflamed breast
Should advise the mother to feed frequently and to express milk between feeds
