| A | B |
|---|
| afterpains | caused by uterine contraction after birth, most noticeable in multigravidas and nursing mothers |
| diastasis recti | a separation of the rectus abdominis muscle |
| en face position | a typical position in which a mother holds her newborn; one indicator of developing attachment |
| engorgement | local congestion of the breasts associated with lactation |
| Homan's sign | pain in the calf on dorsiflexion of the foot; an indication of DVT |
| involution | the return of the uterus to its nonpregnant state |
| letting-go phase | mother redefines her new role as mother |
| lochia | uterine flow consisting of blood, fragments of decidua, WBCs, some bacteria following childbirth |
| lochia alba | a whitish vaginal discharge during the late postpartal period |
| lochia rubra | a dark red vaginal discharge during the first few days after delivery |
| lochia serosa | a pinkish-brownish vaginal discharge occurring during the postpartal period |
| sitz bath | a bath in which only the hips and buttocks are submerged in warm water |
| taking-hold phase | mother begins to take an active role in child care |
| taking-in phase | mother is chiefly interested in her own care |
| uterine atony | lack of tone in the uterus that leads to hemorrhage |
| endometritis | inflammation of the inner uterine lining |
| mastitis | inflammation of the breast tissue |
| peritonitis | inflammation of the serous lining of the abdominal cavity |
| postpartal depression | extreme sadness that occurs in the postpartal period |
| postpartal blues | transient, temporary feelings of sadness manifested by frequent crying spells |
| Sheehan's syndrome | pituitary necrosis occurring from circulatory collapse as a result of uterine hemorrhage |
| thrombophlebitis | inflammation of a vein with accompanying thrombus formation |
| episiotomy | surgical incision of the perineum |
| late postpartum hemorrhage | usually caused by retained placental fragments |
| assessment finding when bleeding from a vaginal or perinal laceration | bright red, steady trickle of blood |
| assessment finding when bleeding from uterine atony | relaxed or boggy fundus and dark red bleeding |
| assessment findings with perineal hematoma | severe pain and pressure in perineal area |
| methylergonovine (Methergine) | oxytocic that is contraindicated in the presence of hypertension |
| RhoGAM | given to Rh negative mothers within 72 hours of delivery of Rh-positive infant |
| Rubella Virus Vaccine | given in the postpartum period to non-immune women; pregnancy should be postponed for 3 months |
| puerperium | 6-week period following childbirth |
| usual time uterus is no longer palpable abdominally | Day 10 post delivery |
| first 24 hours post delivery | woman is at greatest risk for postpartum hemorrhage |
| lactation | production of breast milk |
| time menstruation is generally reestablished in non-breastfeeding mothers | 6 to 10 weeks after delivery |
| time menstruation is generally reestablished in nursing mothers | 3 to 4 months after delivery |
| time mother should be instructed to return for follow up visit after delivery | 4 to 6 weeks after delivery |
| signs of a full bladder in postpartum woman | uterus boggy and deviated away from the midline |
| a decrease in hgb of 1 point | correlates to a blood loss of 250 mL |
| pulse rate of 90 in the first few days of postpartal period | considered elevated; woman should be evaluated for possible hemorrhage or infection |
