Postpartum Care and Complications

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary and key concepts from the postpartum lecture, including physiological changes, maternal recovery goals, complications like hemorrhage and mastitis, and postpartum mood disorders.

Postpartum Period (Puerperium)

The stage that begins immediately after birth and lasts approximately $6\,\text{weeks}$, during which the mother recovers and adapts to the newborn.

Uterine Involution

The process by which the uterus returns to its nonpregnant size, decreasing from $2\,\text{lb}$ ($907\,\text{g}$) immediately after birth to $2\,\text{oz}$ ($57\,\text{g}$) by $6\text{--}8\,\text{weeks}$.

Autolysis

The self-digestion of uterine muscle cells by proteolytic enzymes that occurs following the withdrawal of estrogen and progesterone after delivery.

Subinvolution

A complication where the uterus fails to return to its normal, nonpregnant size.

Uterine Atony

Failure of the uterus to contract firmly; it is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.

Boggy Uterus

An abnormal finding where the uterus feels soft or atonic; it requires intervention such as massage or medications.

Lochia

Vaginal discharge after delivery comprising endometrial tissue, blood, and lymph, typically lasting $4\text{--}6\,\text{weeks}$ (and up to $12\,\text{weeks}$ in some cases).

Postpartum Bradycardia

A normal physiological response where the pulse rate may drop to $50\text{--}60\,\text{beats/min}$ for about $48\,\text{hours}$ after birth.

Postpartum Diuresis

The loss of excess fluid via increased urination (up to $3000\,\text{mL/day}$) as blood volume returns to non-pregnant levels.

Hypercoagulable State

A condition during the $4\text{--}6\,\text{weeks}$ postpartum where clotting factors remain elevated, increasing the risk of thrombosis.

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

Excessive bleeding after delivery, defined as blood loss of more than $500\,\text{mL}$ for vaginal delivery or $1000\,\text{mL}$ for cesarean birth.

Bakri Balloon

An intrauterine balloon tamponade device used to control postpartum hemorrhage from uterine atony by applying direct pressure against the uterine walls.

JADA® System

An FDA-cleared silicone intrauterine device that uses low-level vacuum to encourage natural uterine contraction to stop hemorrhage.

Dilation and Evacuation (D&E)

A surgical procedure used to manage postpartum hemorrhage when the cause is retained placental fragments.

Colostrum

A thin, watery, yellow secretion rich in protein and antibodies produced in the first $2\text{--}3\,\text{days}$ before true milk production begins.

Breast Engorgement

A condition occurring around day 3 where breasts become hard, erect, and uncomfortable due to increased blood flow and the onset of true milk.

Mastitis

An inflammatory breast condition, often caused by staphylococci entering through a cracked nipple, resulting in localized redness, pain, and fever.

Puerperal Sepsis

Any infection of the reproductive tract occurring after delivery, also known as postpartum infection.

Endometritis

An infection of the interior of the uterus, often linked to Group B Streptococcus (GBS), especially after a cesarean birth.

Postpartum Blues ("Baby Blues")

A mild mood disorder affecting $50\text{--}80\%$ of new mothers, starting $2\text{--}3\,\text{days}$ after birth and resolving within $2\,\text{weeks}$.

Postpartum Depression

A serious mood disorder occurring within $4\,\text{weeks}$ of childbirth that is more severe and persistent than the blues and requires professional intervention.

Postpartum Psychosis

The most serious postpartum mood disorder, involving an impaired sense of reality, hallucinations, and delusions.

Teach-Back Method

An evidence-based health literacy intervention where patients demonstrate or explain back instructions to ensure comprehension during discharge teaching.