NURS 461 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Lochia, Postpartum Period, Abdominal Wall
Document Summary
Involution: process by which the reproductive organs return to the pre-pregnant state or non-pregnant state. The text emphasizes this as the decrease in size of the uterus, however other sources refer to other body systems. Decrease in size: mainly bc it continues to contract after delivery. Will never return to pre-pregnancy state bc fibroelastic tissues formed in pregnancy do not go away. Change in position: find baseline fundal height and it should decrease about 1cm per day. By day 9 or 10, shouldn"t be able to palpate the uterus. Breastfeeding causes release of oxytocin which causes contraction and descent of uterus faster. If pushed to side, called dextroverted which can be caused by full bladder. Patient should be supine with an empty bladder. Healing of placental site: should clot quickly bc contracting uterus. Heals from inside out so that there is no scarring- this is important for next pregnancy. Shedding of decidua: decidua = lining of uterus in pregnancy.
