Postpartum and Newborn Care

A comprehensive set of flashcards for postpartum and newborn care topics, key terms, procedures, assessments, and complications relevant for exam preparation.

BUBBLE-LE

A framework for postpartum assessment: Breasts, Uterus, Bowel, Bladder, Lochia, Episiotomy, Lower extremities, Emotional status.

Engorgement

Breast swelling that typically occurs 3-5 days postpartum when milk comes in.

Mastitis

Infection of the breast tissue characterized by pain, redness, and flu-like symptoms.

Involution

The process by which the uterus returns to its prepregnancy size.

Lochia

Vaginal discharge after childbirth that progresses through three stages: rubra, serosa, alba.

COCA

An acronym used for lochia assessment: Color, Odor, Consistency, Amount.

Lochia Rubra

Dark red, fleshy odor discharge that lasts 1-3 days postpartum.

Lochia Serosa

Pink/brown, serosanguineous discharge that lasts 4-10 days postpartum.

Lochia Alba

Yellow/white discharge containing mucus and leukocytes that lasts from 10 days to 6 weeks postpartum.

Diuresis

Increased urine production that can occur postpartum.

Uterine Atony

Failure of the uterus to contract effectively, a key cause of postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

Significant bleeding (1,000ml) or any blood loss with signs of hypovolemia within 24 hours postpartum.

The Four T's of PPH

Tone, Trauma, Tissue, and Thrombin—causes of postpartum hemorrhage.

Prolactin

A hormone that stimulates milk production in breastfeeding women.

Oxytocin

A hormone that strengthens uterine contractions and triggers milk let-down during breastfeeding.

Postpartum Blues

Mild sadness that resolves within 10 days after childbirth.

Postpartum Depression

A more severe condition characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest lasting longer than 10 days.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Formation of a blood clot in a deep vein, commonly in the lower extremities, increased risk postpartum.

Fluid Shift

Rapid changes in blood volume due to uterine contraction and autonomic mechanisms after delivery.

Signs of DVT

Edema, redness, warmth, and unilateral leg pain are indicative of possible DVT.

Breastfeeding Cues

Signs that a newborn is ready to feed, including rooting reflex and sucking motions.

Uterine Inversion

An obstetric emergency where the uterus turns inside out, causing significant risk for hemorrhage.

Endometritis

An infection of the uterine lining that can lead to subinvolution postpartum.

Sepsis

A systemic infection that emerges from localized infections, characterized by rapid deterioration.

Hypovolemic Shock

A critical condition resulting from severe blood loss, often due to uterine inversion or PPH.

Vigilant Monitoring

The continuous observation of vital signs and overall condition postpartum to prevent complications.

Lactation

The process of producing breast milk, regulated by hormones like prolactin and oxytocin.

Hemoglobin Levels

Expected decrease in hemoglobin postpartum that normalizes within 4-6 months.

Cracked Nipples

Risk factor for masitis, often leading to infection if untreated.

Placental Separation

Complete separation of the placenta from the uterine lining, typically occurring within 30 minutes postpartum.

Traction Technique

Method used to facilitate placental delivery, but excessive force may increase the risk of inversion.

CCHD Screening

Congenital heart defect screening performed on newborns within 24-48 hours of birth.

Hypoglycemia Symptoms

Poor feeding, jitteriness, lethargy, and weakness, indicating low blood sugar in newborns.

Vitamin K

Administered to newborns to prevent hemorrhagic disorders due to initial deficiency.

Umbilical Cord Care

Monitoring and caring for the umbilical area post-birth to prevent infection.

Cold Stress

Hypothermia in newborns that increases metabolic demands and associated risks.

APGAR Score

A rapid assessment tool used to evaluate the health of newborns immediately after birth.

Neonatal Sepsis

Severe infection occurring in newborns, particularly due to limited immunity.

Oxytocin Administration

Administered to help with uterine contractions and milk letdown in breastfeeding mothers.

Fluid Management

Crucial nursing action post-delivery to prevent shock by maintaining hydration and blood volume.

Erythromycin

Antibiotic ointment used for eye prophylaxis in newborns to prevent ophthalmia neonatorum.

Lactation Support

Measures taken to assist mothers in successfully breastfeeding their newborns.

Mastitis Symptoms

Characterized by breast pain, swelling, warmth, and systemic flu-like symptoms.

Changes in Vital Signs Post Delivery

May include increased heart rate and decreased blood pressure due to fluid shifts.

Cognitive Dysfunction Risks

Potential long-term complications for newborns exposed to substances in utero.

Skin Assessment

Evaluation of a newborn's skin for color, lesions, and other characteristics related to health.

BUBBLE-LE Assessment

Method of assessing postpartum women, focusing on various physiological aspects.

Breastfeeding Frequency

Newborns typically feed 8-12 times within a 24-hour period postpartum.

Signs of Infection

Elevated temperature, poor feeding, lethargy, and lethargy as important warning signs.

Postpartum Education

Teaching provided to mothers to recognize complications or signs of deterioration.

Fluid Intake Monitoring

Tracking fluid intake and output as a critical measure of a newborn's hydration status.

Nursing Interventions

Actions taken by nurses to support maternal and neonatal health during the postpartum period.

Postpartum Contractions

Also known as afterpains, these are caused by oxytocin release during breastfeeding.

Breast Examination

Assessment of breast condition including engorgement and lumps that may indicate complications.

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Promoted during early feeding to enhance bonding and thermoregulation in newborns.

Molding of Sutures

Normal overlapping of cranial sutures in newborns due to delivery pressure.

Cultural Considerations

Taking into account family and ethnic traditions in postpartum care and expectations.

Peer Support Groups

Encouraged for postpartum women to combat depression and stress through shared experiences.