Recovery after birth

Question 1

How long does it take the uterus take to shrink post partum?

Answer 1

It shrinks 1cm per day for the first 4/5 days then 50mm each day. It usually not palpable 10 weeks post partum

Question 2

How does lochia change after birth?

Answer 2

For the first 4-5 days it should be bright red, then it turns pink then serous

Question 3

What are the important things to ask in a 6 week check?

Answer 3

Maternal wellbeing
Lochia
Feeding problems?
Bladder function?
Contraception?
Mental health
Immunisations?

Question 4

What are the 4 key things to check post partum?

Answer 4

Recovery: Bleeding, pain
Breastfeeding: painful nipples, engorgement, undersupply
Mental health:baby blues, post-natal depression, ptsd, puerperal psychosis
Contraception: not protected by breastfeeding unless baby <6months, continuous breast feeding, no periods

Question 5

Which contraception can be used while breastfeeding?

Answer 5

Everything except cocp which can’t be used for first 6 weeks

Question 6

How long does WHO recommend you breast feed?

Answer 6

6 months with no solids, then start to wean

Question 7

What is the baby blues?

Answer 7

Hormone related feelings of sadness usually within the first 3-5 days post-partum, lasting 1-2 weeks

Question 8

What are the risk factors for post natal depression?

Answer 8

Baby loss
Difficult birth
Previous depression/anxiety
Poor social support

Question 9

Who is at greatest risk of peurperal psychosis?

Answer 9

Women with pre-existing health problems