NURS 2000: Parent Child

Nursing
Topic Post Natal Care

Objectives
At the end of this session, students will be
able to:
1.Define the term puerperium
2.Describe the physiologic changes which
take place in the post partum period

Definition of the Puerperium

Puerperium
The period of recovery from childbirth which
extends for 6 weeks after delivery during
which there is
a)RECUPERATION
b)INVOLUTION
c)LACTATION
(Source: Bender (1976), and Bensen and Bobak (1981)

Changes in the Reproductive

System
Involution return of the reproductive organs to
non-pregnant condition
UTERUS
Contraction
Shedding of lochia
Descent of the fundus
LOCHIA

Changes in the Reproductive

System
CERVIX
VAGINA
It takes 6 weeks for the vagina to complete
involution
PERINEUM

Changes in the Cardiovascular

System
Cardiac output increases due to increased
blood flow to the heart
Cardiac Output returns to normal levels by
12 weeks after childbirth
Excess plasma volume is decreased through
diaphoresis and diuresis
Blood values return to normal within 3-7
days

Changes in the GI System

Digestive system becomes active soon
after childbirth

Fluid loss from exertion during labour

Changes in the Urinary System

After delivery the bladder loses some of
its tone

The bladder suffers trauma during

delivery

Changes in the Musculoskeletal

System
Abdominal muscle tone diminishes

Aches and pains in the muscles and joints

Changes in the Integumentary

System
The skin gradually returns to prepregnant state

Neurologic System
Discomfort may be experienced
Inability to sleep
Fatigue
Worsening of pregnancy-induced illnesses

Changes in the Endocrine

System
Hormonal levels return to normal after
expulsion of placenta
Ovulation and menstruation returns at ~
7-9 weeks post-delivery
Weight of fetus, placenta and amniotic
fluid are lost

Psychological Adjustment
Feelings about newborn
Feelings about relationship
Pre-existing mental health
Role as new mothers
Demands of the new baby (normal
neonate/ ill neonate)

References
1. Bender, S. (1976). Obstetrics for student
Midwives.
2. McKinney, E.S., Ashwill, J.W., Murray, S.S.,
James, S.R., Gorrie, T.M., & Droske, S.C.
(2000) Maternal-Child Nursing. W.B.
Saunders Co: Philadelphia.
3. Fraser, D.M., & Cooper, M.A., eds. (2003).
Myles Textbook for Midwives (14th ed.).
London: Churchill Livingstone.

THE
END

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