NUR 1211C Chapter Notes - Chapter Test 6: Urinary Meatus, Vaginal Bleeding, Serous Fluid
12 Feb 2020
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Introduction: the puerperium period begins after the delivery of the placenta and lasts approximately 6 weeks. Postpartum adaptations: uterine involution, the uterus returns to its normal size through a gradual process of involution, which involves retrogressive changes that return it to its nonpregnant size and condition. Contraction of muscle fibers to reduce those previously stretched during pregnancy. Regeneration of uterine epithelium from the lower layer of the decidua after the upper layers have been sloughed off and shed during lochial discharge: lochia. Lochia is the vaginal discharge that occurs after birth and continues for approximately 4 to 8 weeks. Lochia passes through three stages: lochia rubra is a deep-red mixture of mucus, tissue debris, and blood that occurs for the first 3 to 4 days after birth. As uterine bleeding subsides, it becomes paler and more serous: lochia serosa is the second stage. It is pinkish brown and is expelled 3 to 10 days postpartum.
