Postpartum & Newborn - Vocabulary Flashcards (Video Notes)

A set of vocabulary-style flashcards covering postpartum physiology, Lochia stages, mood disorders, infant assessments, and common nursing interventions.

Involution

The uterus returning to its pre-pregnant size after birth.

Postpartum uterine height timeline

Describes uterine position after birth: may rise 1 cm above the umbilicus within 12 hours, at the umbilicus by 24 hours, with involution at about 1–2 cm per day.

Lochia

Postpartum vaginal discharge that changes in color and amount as the uterus heals; may indicate infection if foul odor is present.

Lochia Rubra

Red vaginal discharge typically lasting about days 1–4 postpartum.

Lochia Serosa

Pink to brown vaginal discharge typically lasting about days 4–10 postpartum.

Lochia Alba

White to yellow vaginal discharge typically beginning around day 10 and lasting up to 6 weeks postpartum.

Colostrum

Clear to yellow breast fluid produced in the first 1–3 days after birth.

Engorgement

Breasts become full, hard, and uncomfortable as milk comes in, usually around 72–96 hours after birth.

Mastitis

Breast infection typically 2–4 weeks postpartum, usually unilateral, with flu‑like symptoms and localized pain; treated with frequent feeding, warmth, and antibiotics.

Perineal care

Postpartum perineal care: ice pack for 24 hours, then sitz bath; use Tucks, epifoam, or dermoplast for healing and comfort.

COCA

Color, Odor, Consistency, and Amount—a method for assessing elimination; note last void and last bowel movement.

Overdistended bladder

Bladder that is overly full and unable to contract normally; can hinder uterine contractions and cause bleeding—prompt voiding is important.

Voiding after delivery

Woman should void within 4 hours of delivery to prevent urinary retention.

Normal postpartum blood loss

Expected blood loss: about 500 mL for vaginal delivery and about 1000 mL for cesarean section.

Prolactin and breastfeeding

Prolactin levels rise after delivery and remain elevated with breastfeeding."

Ovulation after delivery

First ovulation can occur as early as day 27 postpartum; timing varies and can be influenced by breastfeeding status.

Breastfeeding is not birth control

Breastfeeding should not be considered a reliable method of contraception.

Rubin's Stages of Role Development

Three stages: Taking in (birth-focused), Taking hold (care of baby), Letting go (becoming a family).

Bonding

Emotional connection between mother and infant; includes early breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, and talking to the baby.

Mutuality

Infant behavior evokes corresponding maternal responses (e.g., baby cries; mother responds by picking up the baby).

Claiming

Identification of the newborn in terms of likeness or belonging within the family.

Kangaroo care

Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby to promote bonding and stability.

APGAR score

Rapid newborn assessment at 1 and 5 minutes across five categories (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration), each 0–2; higher total is better.

Eye prophylaxis

Medication given to prevent gonorrheal or chlamydial infection in newborn eyes.

Vitamin K (IM)

Injected at birth to help the blood clotting process.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

Formation of blood clots in veins—includes superficial/deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism; major cause of maternal mortality.

VTE prevention

Early ambulation, compression stockings, and sequential compression devices (SCDs) to reduce risk.