Key Takeaways Unit 3: Postpartum Period

What two hormone levels rapidly decrease after the expulsion of the placenta that triggers many anatomical and physiological changes in the puerperium?

Estrogen and progesterone

How many weeks after birth does the majority of physiological changes during pregnancy go back to non-pregnancy state?

6 weeks after birth

What are three factors that predispose a woman to venous thromboembolism?

Hypercoagulability, vessel damage, and immobility

What are the common nursing interventions in the postpartum period?

• preventing excessive bleeding, bladder distention, and infection

• providing nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic relief of discomfort associated with the episiotomy, lacerations, or breastfeeding

• instituting measures to promote or suppress lactation

What are the two major causes of obstetric morbidity and mortality throughout the world?

Postpartum hemorrhage and infection

When can a hemorrhage also occur that is not during birth or placental separation?

it can occur after the placenta has been expelled/delivered

What are some causes for hemorrhage after the placenta is expelled/delivered?

often due to uterine atony, subinvolution of the uterus, infection, retained placental fragments, or coagulopathy.

How is early recognition and treatment of PPH done?

• risk assessment during pregnancy, intrapartum, and postpartum periods

• accurately quantifying blood loss

• evaluating uterine contractility

What’s all included in the initial medical management of PPH?

• firm uterine fundus massage, expression of clots, elimination of bladder distention

• continuous IV infusion of oxytocin, and administration of other uterotonic medications