Postpartum Physiological Changes Flashcards

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the reproductive, cardiovascular, endocrine, and other system changes occurring in the postpartum period.

Involution

The process of the uterus returning to its non-pregnant state, beginning with the expulsion of the placenta.

Hyperplasia

The increase in the number of uterine muscle cells during pregnancy.

Hypertrophy

The enlargement of existing uterine muscle cells during pregnancy.

Autolysis

The destruction of excess hypertrophied uterine tissue after delivery due to the rapid decrease in estrogen and progesterone.

Subinvolution

The failure of the uterus to return to its non-pregnant state, often caused by ineffective contractions, retained placental fragments, or infection.

After pains

Vigorous and uncomfortable uterine contractions experienced after delivery, most commonly by multiparous women as the muscles work harder to tighten.

Lokia

Post-birth discharge from the uterus that contains blood, decidua, and other debris; it correlates with involution and endometrial changes.

Lokia rubra

Bright red post-birth discharge occurring in the first few days (approximately days $1-3$) after delivery.

Lokia serosa

Pinkish-brown post-birth discharge that typically begins around day $4$ postpartum.

Lokia alba

Whitish-yellow post-birth discharge that begins around day $10$ and can last up to $6$ weeks.

Rugae

Folds in the vaginal wall that disappear during the early postpartum period due to low estrogen but reappear about $3$ weeks later.

Atrophic mucosa

The thin state of the vaginal mucosa caused by decreased estrogen levels after delivery, which persists until the ovaries regain function.

Pelvic relaxation

The lengthening and weakening of the fascial supports of the pelvic structures, including the uterus, vaginal wall, urethra, bladder, and rectum.

Colostrum

Early breast milk produced during the first $2-3$ days after birth that is nutrient-dense and high in antibodies.

Cardiac Output (Postpartum)

Increases by $60-80\%$ immediately after delivery and returns to pre-labor values within about an hour.

Puerperal bradycardia

A common postpartum finding where the heart rate decreases to approximately $40-50$ beats per minute.

Orthostatic hypotension

A sudden drop in blood pressure when changing positions, common in the first $48$ hours postpartum due to splanchnic engorgement.

Insulinase

A placental enzyme that decreases after delivery, helping to reverse the diabetogenic effects of pregnancy and lowering glucose levels.

Milk ejection reflex

Also known as the letdown reflex, it is triggered by oxytocin in response to infant suckling to release milk from the alveoli.

Postpartum diuresis

The increased production of urine after delivery that helps eliminate excess pregnancy-induced blood volume and extracellular fluid.

Diaphosesis

Profuse sweating, especially at night, occurring in the first $2-3$ days postpartum as the body eliminates excess fluid.

Diastasis recti abdominis

A condition where the abdominal wall muscles separate due to pregnancy; it typically becomes less apparent over time.

Spinal headache

A headache caused by the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid after an epidural or spinal anesthesia block.

Hemorrhoids

Anal varicosities that develop during pregnancy or are aggravated by pushing during labor; they often regress within $6$ weeks postpartum.

Average Blood Loss (Vaginal Delivery)

Approximately $300-500\,mL$, which is roughly $10\%$ of the mother's blood volume.

Average Blood Loss (C-Section)

Approximately $500-1,000\,mL$, which is roughly $15-30\%$ of the mother's blood volume.