Physiology of the Puerperium Flashcards
What is the puerperium?
The time immediately following childbirth which lasts approximately 42 days during which anatomical and physiological changes brought about by childbirth resolve and a woman adjusts to the new or expanding roles of motherhood and non pregnant life
What is involution?
The process of the uterus decreasing in size until it reaches its pre-pregnancy state
What is the rate of involution of the uterus in cm following the first 12 hours?
1cm per day
How low is the fundus of the uterus immediately after childbirth?
Just below the umbilicus
By what day following childbirth should the fundus no longer be palpable?
By day 10
How many weeks does the process of involution take?
About 6 weeks
What is lochia?
The shedding of the decidua
Describe the lochia for the first 3 days?
Rubra (red) - decidua and blood from placental site
Describe the lochia for days 4-10?
Serosa (pink/brown) - contains leukocytes and some cervical mucus and micro organisms
Describe the lochia for days 11-20?
Albo (yellow/white) - mostly serous fluid and leukocytes
How many days does it take oestrogen & progesterone levels to return to pre-pregnancy levels?
Within 7 days
How many weeks does it take for haemaglobin levels to return to pre-pregnancy levels?
4-6 weeks
