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The Postpartal Family: Adaptation and Nursing Assessment Needs and Care
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Postpartum Uterine Changes
Uterine cells will atrophy Uterine debris in the uterus is discharged through lochia Lochia rubra is red (first 2-3 days) Lochia serosa is pink (day 3 to day 10) Lochia alba is white (continues until the cervix is closed)
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Involution of the uterus
Involution of the uterus. Immediately after delivery of the placenta, the top of the fundus is in the midline and approximately two thirds to three-fourths of the way between the symphysis pubis and the umbilicus
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Postpartum Cervical and Vaginal Changes
Cervix is spongy, flabby, and may appeared bruised External os may have lacerations and is irregular and closes slowly Shape of the external os changes to a lateral slit Vagina may be edematous, bruised with small superficial lacerations Size decreases and rugae reappear within 3-4 weeks Returns to prepregnant state by 6 weeks
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Perineal Changes and Return of Menstruation
Perineum may be edematous, with bruising Lacerations or an episiotomy may be present Menstruation generally returns between 6 and 10 weeks (nonbreastfeeding
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Postpartum Abdominal and Breast Changes
Loose and flabby but will respond to exercise Uterine ligaments will gradually return to their prepregnant state Diastasis recti abdominis Striae will take on different colors based on the mother’s skin color Breasts are ready for lactation
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Postpartum Bowel Changes
Bowels will be sluggish Episiotomy, lacerations, or hemorrhoids may delay elimination
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Postpartum Bladder Changes
Increased bladder capacity Swelling and bruising of tissues around the urethra Decrease in sensitivity to fluid pressure Decrease in sensation of bladder filling Urinary output is greater due to puerperal diuresis Increased chance of infection due to dilated ureters and renal pelves
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Postpartum Changes in Vital Signs
Temperature may be elevated to 38C for up to 24 hours after birth Temperature may be increased for 24 hours after the milk comes in BP rises early and then returns to normal Bradycardia occurs during first 6-10 days
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Postpartum Changes in Lab Values
Nonpathologic leukocytosis occurs in the early postpartum period Blood loss averages mL (vaginal), mL (cesarean) Plasma levels reach the prepregnant state by 4-6 weeks postpartum Platelet levels will return to normal by the 6th week Diuresis Cardiac output returns to normal by 6-12 weeks
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Postpartum Weight Changes
Initial weight loss of lbs Postpartum diuresis causes a loss of 5 lbs Return to their prepregnant weight by the 6th to 8th week
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Maternal Psychological Adjustment
“Taking In” “Taking Hold”
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The mother has direct face-to-face and eye-to-eye contact in the en face position.
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Postpartum Blues Transient periods of depression; sometimes occurs during the first few days postpartum Mood swings Anger Weepiness Anorexia Difficulty sleeping Feeling let down
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Causes of Postpartum Blues
Changing hormones Lack of supportive enviornment
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Cultural Influence in the Postpartum Period
Non-Western cultures emphasize postpartum period Food and liquids after birth Hot-cold balance Role of grandmother
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Principles of Conducting a Postpartum Assessment
Selecting the time that will provide the most accurate data Providing an explanation of the purpose of the assessment Ensuring that the woman is relaxed before starting Recording and reporting the results clearly Body fluid precautions
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Postpartum Assessment
B – Breasts U – Uterus B – Bowel B – Bladder L – Lochia E – Episiotomy/Lacerations
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Postpartum Assessment (continued)
H – Homans’/Hemorrhoids E – Emotions
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Breast Assessment Size and shape
Abnormalities, reddened areas, or engorgement Presence of breast fullness due to milk presence Assess nipples for cracks, fissures, soreness, or inversion
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Abdominal Assessment Position of fundus related to umbilicus
Position of fundus to midline Firmness Assess incision for bleeding, approximation, and signs of infection
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Measuring the descent of the fundus for the woman having a vaginal birth. The fundus is located two fingerbreadths below the umbilicus. Always support the bottom of uterus during any assessment of fundus
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The uterus becomes displaced and deviated to the right when the bladder is full.
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Assessment of Lochia and Perineum
Assess lochia for amount, color, and odor Presence of any clots Wound is assessed for approximation, redness, edema, ecchymosis, and discharge Presence of hemorrhoids Level of comfort/discomfort Efficacy of any comfort measures
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Assessment of Extremities, Bowel, and Bladder
Homan’s sign Assess calf for redness and warmth Adequacy of urinary elimination Bladder distention and pain during urination Intestinal elimination Maternal concerns regarding bowel movements
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Assessment of Psychological Adaptation and Nutrition
Adaptation to motherhood Fatigue Nutritional status Cesarean birth Return of bowel function Tolerance of dietary progression
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Physical and Developmental Tasks
Gain competence in caregiving Confidence is role as parent Return of all physical systems to prepregnant state
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The father experiences strong feelings of attraction during engrossment.
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Factors that Influence Parent-Infant Attachment
Family of origin Relationships Stability of the home environment Communication patterns The degree of nurturing the parents received as children
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The Postpartal Family:
Needs and Care
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Nursing Responsibilities for Client Teaching
Assess educational needs Develop and implement a teaching plan Evaluate client learning Revise plan as needed
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Postpartal Teaching Mom topics Baby topics
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Uterine Well-Being and Comfort Measures
Assess uterus Assess lochia Afterpains Positioning Ambulation Analgesics
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Perineal Well-Being and Comfort Measures
Assess perineum Perineal care Ice packs Surgigator® Analgesics
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Comfort Measures Diaphoresis Suppression of lactation Well-fitting bra
Cold compresses or cabbage leaves Anti-inflammatory medication
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Pharmacologic Interventions
Rubella vaccine RhoGAM
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Emotional Stress Interventions
Encourage mothers to tell birth stories Maternal role attainment
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Rest and Activity Provide opportunities for rest
Encourage frequent rest periods Resumption of activity Avoid heavy lifting Avoid frequent stair climbing Avoid strenuous activity
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Postpartal Family Wellness
Family-centered care Information Time for interaction Supportive environment
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Resumption of Sexual Activity
Resume after episiotomy healed and lochia stopped Lubrication may be required Contraception Potential limiting factors Fatigue Demands of the infant
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Parent-Infant Attachment
Incorporate family goals in care plan Postpone eye prophylaxis for 1 hour after delivery Provide private time for the family to become acquainted Encourage skin-to-skin contact Encourage mother to tell her birth story
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Parent-Infant Attachment
Encourage involvement of the sibling Prepare parents for potential problems with adjustment Initiate and support measures to minimize fatigue Help parents identify, understand, and accept feelings
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Care of the Mother after Cesarean Birth
Minimize complications Deep breathing and incentive spirometry Ambulation Pain management Rest Minimize gas pains
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Pharmacologic Management of Pain
Epidural analgesia PCA
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Needs after Discharge Increased need for rest and sleep
Incisional care Assistance with household chores Infant and self-care Relief of pain and discomfort
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Parent-Infant Attachment
Factors that hinder attachment Physical condition of the mother and the newborn Maternal reactions to stress Anesthesia Medications Newborn safety
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Nursing Care of the Adolescent
Postpartum hygiene Contraceptive counseling Newborn care Include family in teaching Positive feedback
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Post-discharge Adolescent Needs
Child care Transportation Financial support Nonjudgmental emotional support Education regarding newborn care and illness Education regarding self-care
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Care of the Mother who Relinquishes her Infant
Active listening Provide nonjudgmental support Show concern and compassion Personalize care for the mother
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Early Discharge Signs of possible complications Rest and activity
Resumption of sexual activity Referral numbers for questions Contact information about local agencies or support groups Bottle or breastfeeding information
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Early Discharge (continued)
A scheduled postpartal and newborn well-baby visit Procedure for obtaining the birth certificate Newborn care Signs and symptoms of infant complications
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