Pulse -
For a few hours after normal delivery, the pulse rate is likely to be raised,
which settles down to normal during the second day. However, the pulse rate
often rises with after-pain or excitement.
Temperature -
The temperature should not be above normal temperature within first 24 hours.
Genito-urinary tract infection should be excluded if there is rise of temperature.
Urinary tract -
Dilated ureters and renal pelvis return to normal size within 8 weeks. 'Clean catch'
sample of urine should be collected and sent for examination and contamination
with lochia should be avoided.
Gastro-intestinal tract -
Increased thirst in early puerperium is due to loss of fluid during labour, in the
lochia, diuresis and perspiration. Slight intestinal paresis leads to constipation.
Weight gain -
In addition to the weight loss as a consequence of the expulsion of the uterine
contents, a further loss of about 2 kg occurs during puerperium chiefly caused
by diuresis.
Fluid loss -
There is a net fluid loss of at least 2 litres during the first week. The amount of loss
depends on the amount retained during pregnancy, dehydration during labour and
blood loss during delivery.
Blood values -
Immediately following delivery, there is slight decrease of blood volume due to
dehydration and blood loss. The blood volume returns to the non-pregnant level
by the second week. RBC volume and haematocrit values returns to normal by
the end of first week.
Menstruation and ovulation -
- The onset of the first menstrual period following delivery is very variable and
depends on lactation.
- If the woman does not breast feed her baby, the menstruation returns by 6th week
following delivery in about 40% and by 12th week in 80% of cases.
- A woman who is exclusively breastfeeding, the contraceptive protection is about
98% upto 6 months after delivery.
- Non-lactating mother should use contraceptive measures after 3 weeks and the
lactating mother after 3 months of delivery.
For a few hours after normal delivery, the pulse rate is likely to be raised,
which settles down to normal during the second day. However, the pulse rate
often rises with after-pain or excitement.
Temperature -
The temperature should not be above normal temperature within first 24 hours.
Genito-urinary tract infection should be excluded if there is rise of temperature.
Urinary tract -
Dilated ureters and renal pelvis return to normal size within 8 weeks. 'Clean catch'
sample of urine should be collected and sent for examination and contamination
with lochia should be avoided.
Gastro-intestinal tract -
Increased thirst in early puerperium is due to loss of fluid during labour, in the
lochia, diuresis and perspiration. Slight intestinal paresis leads to constipation.
Weight gain -
In addition to the weight loss as a consequence of the expulsion of the uterine
contents, a further loss of about 2 kg occurs during puerperium chiefly caused
by diuresis.
Fluid loss -
There is a net fluid loss of at least 2 litres during the first week. The amount of loss
depends on the amount retained during pregnancy, dehydration during labour and
blood loss during delivery.
Blood values -
Immediately following delivery, there is slight decrease of blood volume due to
dehydration and blood loss. The blood volume returns to the non-pregnant level
by the second week. RBC volume and haematocrit values returns to normal by
the end of first week.
Menstruation and ovulation -
- The onset of the first menstrual period following delivery is very variable and
depends on lactation.
- If the woman does not breast feed her baby, the menstruation returns by 6th week
following delivery in about 40% and by 12th week in 80% of cases.
- A woman who is exclusively breastfeeding, the contraceptive protection is about
98% upto 6 months after delivery.
- Non-lactating mother should use contraceptive measures after 3 weeks and the
lactating mother after 3 months of delivery.
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