Postpartum Period and Nursing Care

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the postpartum period, maternal care, and physiological changes after childbirth.

Puerperium

The period between childbirth and the return of the uterus to its normal size.

Length of Stay (LOS)

The recommended duration a patient stays in the hospital post-delivery, typically 48 hours for vaginal delivery and 72 hours for C-sections.

Gravida

The number of times a uterus has been pregnant, regardless of outcome.

Para

The number of live births a woman has had after 20 weeks of gestation.

Diastasis Recti

The separation of abdominal wall muscles that can occur during pregnancy.

Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding that can be a major postpartum complication.

Oxytocin

A hormone responsible for milk letdown in breastfeeding and inducing uterine contractions.

Prolactin

The hormone responsible for milk production in breastfeeding mothers.

Relaxin

A hormone that helps relax pelvic ligaments during pregnancy and returns them to their non-pregnant state postpartum.

POSTPARTUM

The period of time following childbirth characterized by various physical and emotional changes.

Psychosocial Changes

Emotional and social adaptations experienced by mothers, particularly in relation to their newborns.

Spinal Headache

A type of headache caused by leakage of spinal fluid, often improved by lying down.

Coagulation Factors

Increased substances in the blood that can lead to clot formation in postpartum women.

Diuresis

The increased production of urine often seen in postpartum patients due to fluid shifts.

Cardiovascular Changes

Physiological changes in heart function and blood circulation that occur after childbirth.

Breastfeeding Support

Assistance provided to new mothers to facilitate successful breastfeeding.

Hormonal Fluctuations

Changes in hormone levels that affect physical symptoms and mood during the postpartum period.