Postpartum Period Flashcards

Flashcards for postpartum period review.

Puerperium

The birthing parent’s body/reproductive organs return to a pre-pregnant physiological state.

Immediate Postpartum Period

1-4 hours after delivery of the placenta, focusing on assessment, support, and adaptation.

Involution of the Uterus

Rapid reduction in the size of the uterus; at about 10 days postpartum, the uterus can no longer be palpated.

Lochia

Spongy decidua shedding after birth, decreasing daily in amount.

Lochia Rubra

Bright red vaginal bleeding occurring from delivery day to 3 days postpartum.

Lochia Serosa

Pink-brown vaginal bleeding occurring from 4-10 days postpartum.

Lochia Alba

White-yellow creamy vaginal bleeding occurring from 11 days to 6 weeks postpartum.

Dyspareunia

Painful intercourse often experienced by lactating parents due to decreased vaginal mucosa.

REEDA

Acronym for Perineum Assessment: Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, Approximation

Colostrum

Early breast milk, high in nutrition, transitioning to mature milk around 48-96 hours postpartum.

Prolactin

Hormone that promotes milk production.

Oxytocin

Hormone that causes milk ejection (let-down reflex) and uterine contractions.

Uterine Atony

A boggy (soft and spongy) uterus associated with excessive uterine bleeding.

The 4 Ts

Mnemonic to remember the cause of postpartum hemorrhage: Tone, Tissue, Trauma, Thrombin

Diastasis Recti

Separation of rectus abdominis muscles.

Afterpains

More common in multiparas. Pain after birth.

En face position

Parent arranges self so there is direct face to face/eye contact with the infant opening their eyes.

Taking-in Phase

First phase of maternal adaptation described by Reva Rubin; parent is self-focused and dependent on others.

Taking-hold Phase

Second phase of maternal adaptation described by Reva Rubin; parent focuses on parental role and care of newborn, eager to learn.

Letting-go Phase

Third phase of maternal adaptation described by Reva Rubin; integration and acceptance of her new role as a parent and new family dynamic.

Postpartum Blues

Short-term, self-limiting feelings of sadness experienced by 50-60% of new parents.

Postpartum Depression

Persistent depression occurring in 10-15% of postpartum clients, impacting ability to care for self and/or baby.

Postpartum Psychosis

Serious mental illness with bizarre thoughts, affecting the parent and baby; requires immediate intervention.

Fundal Assessment

Assess for firmness and location. Should be firm and near the umbilicus at 24 hours postpartum.

Medications to control bleeding

Oxytocin, Ergotrate, Prostaglandins, Antifibrinolytic Agents.