5 Questions
Which of the following is true about lochia alba?
It is characterized by a scanty amount and contains leukocytes, decidua, and fat
What is the typical condition of the vagina after delivery?
Smooth and swollen, with poor tone
What influences the resumption of menstruation in postpartum women?
Ovulation and breastfeeding
What is the characteristic change in the cervical os after childbirth?
It changes from round to elongated
What is a typical feature of the perineum after delivery?
Edematous and bruised
Study Notes
Postpartum Care
- Refers to medical and nursing care given to a woman during the puerperium, a 6-week period after delivery, from labor termination to the return of reproductive organs to a nonpregnant state.
Postpartum Biophysical Changes
Uterus
- Involution process takes 4 to 6 weeks to complete
- Weight decreases from 21 lbs to 2 oz
- Fundus steadily descends into the true pelvis
- Fundal height decreases about 1 fingerbreadth (1 cm) per day
- By 10 to 14 days postpartum, the fundus cannot be palpated abdominally
Lochia
- Discharge from the uterus during the first 3 weeks after delivery
- Types of lochia:
- Lochia Rubra: dark red discharge occurring in the first 2 to 3 days
- Contains epithelial cells, erythrocytes, and decidua
- Characteristic human odor
- Lochia Serosa: pinkish to brownish discharge occurring 3 to 10 days after delivery
- Serosangineous discharge containing decidua, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus, and microorganisms
- Strong odor
- Lochia Alba: almost colorless to creamy yellowish discharge occurring from 10 days to 3 weeks after delivery
- Lochia Rubra: dark red discharge occurring in the first 2 to 3 days
Test your knowledge of postpartum care with this quiz on the biophysical changes that occur in the uterus after childbirth. Explore the medical and nursing care given to women during the postpartum period, and enhance your understanding of the physiological changes in the reproductive organs during this crucial time.
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