Postpartum Period & Complications Vocabulary

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions, complications, assessment tools, and terminology from the postpartum nursing lecture notes.

Puerperium (Postpartum Period)

The first 6 weeks after delivery during which the maternal body undergoes physiological adaptations to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

A major postpartum complication defined as cumulative blood loss $\ge 1,000\,mL$ or blood loss accompanied by signs and symptoms of hypovolemia occurring within 24 hours after birth.

Hypovolemia

A condition characterized by abnormally low circulating blood volume, which can lead to altered vital signs and decreased tissue perfusion.

4 Ts of PPH

A mnemonic representing the primary causes of postpartum hemorrhage: Tone (uterine atony), Trauma (birth canal injury), Tissue (retained placenta), and Thrombin (coagulation defects).

Uterine Atony

A state of weak or absent uterine muscle tone in which the uterus fails to contract effectively after delivery, leading to increased bleeding.

Subinvolution

The failure or impaired return of the uterus to its normal nonpregnant size and state.

Hematoma

A collection of blood within tissue that can conceal postpartum bleeding and cause severe perineal or rectal pain.

Placenta Previa

A condition in which the placenta is abnormally implanted over or near the cervical os, creating a risk for significant hemorrhage.

Placenta Accreta

A condition marked by abnormal adherence of the placenta to the uterine wall, preventing normal detachment after delivery and risking severe hemorrhage.

Fundal Massage

An abdominal intervention of massaging the uterine fundus to stimulate contraction and maintain uterine firmness to control bleeding.

Lochia

Postpartum vaginal discharge following birth that progresses sequentially through rubra, serosa, and alba stages.

Lochia Rubra

Dark red postpartum vaginal discharge present during the first 3 days after delivery, composed of blood, small clots, decidua, and mucus.

Lochia Serosa

Thin, pinkish-brown postpartum vaginal discharge present from approximately day 3 to day 10, composed of white blood cells, serous exudate, and cervical mucus.

Lochia Alba

Yellowish-white postpartum vaginal discharge lasting from around day 10 to day 14 (and up to 6 weeks), rich in epithelial cells, white blood cells, fat, and bacteria.

Afterpains

Intermittent uterine contractions occurring after delivery that aid in controlling bleeding and facilitating uterine involution.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

A thromboembolic disorder characterized by the formation of a thrombus (blood clot) within a deep vein, most commonly in the lower extremities.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A life-threatening complication occurring when a dislodged thrombus travels through the circulation and obstructs the pulmonary artery in the lungs.

Fibrinolytic System

The physiological mechanism responsible for breaking down blood clots, which is suppressed during pregnancy, resulting in a hypercoagulable state.

Endometritis

An infection and inflammation of the inner uterine lining (endometrium), often manifesting within 36 hours postpartum with fever $\ge 38^\circ\text{C}$ ($100.4^\circ\text{F}$), uterine tenderness, and foul-smelling lochia.

Mastitis

An infection of the breast tissue, typically unilateral, presenting with sudden flu-like symptoms, high fever $\ge 39^\circ\text{C}$ ($102.2^\circ\text{F}$), and a localized red, hot, tender breast area.

REEDA Assessment

An acronym and evaluation method for assessing perineal trauma and wound healing: Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation.

Orthostatic Hypotension

A temporary drop in blood pressure (by 15–20 mmHg) upon moving from a lying to a sitting or standing position, caused by reduced vascular resistance in the pelvic vessels post-birth.

Diastasis Recti

The separation of the longitudinal rectus abdominis muscles that can occur during pregnancy and typically resolves by 6 weeks postpartum.

Lactational Amenorrhea

The suppression of ovulation and menstruation resulting from elevated prolactin levels produced during continuous breastfeeding.

Engorgement

Postpartum vascular congestion and excessive fullness of the breasts, causing them to feel firm, tender, hot, and taut, typically occurring 3–5 days postpartum.

Reverse Pressure Softening

A manual technique used to displace edema fluid in the areola inward, softening the tissue to enable proper infant latching during breast engorgement.

Ankyloglossia

A congenital anomaly characterized by a unusually short or tight lingual frenulum ("tongue-tie") in an infant, which can hinder latching and cause severe maternal nipple pain.

Galactagogues

Medications or herbal preparations (such as metoclopramide or fenugreek) utilized to stimulate or increase breast milk production.

Plugged Milk Duct

A localized blockage within a breast milk duct resulting in a tender, swollen area that fails to soften after feeding, typically presenting without fever or systemic symptoms.

Pyelonephritis

An infection of the kidney and upper urinary tract occurring around postpartum day 3–4, characterized by high fever, chills, flank pain, and costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness.