Ch.15 Maternal Physiologic Changes

Front 1

Afterbirth pains(afterpains)

Back 1

Painful uterine cramps that occur intermittently for approximately 2 or 3 days after birth and that result from contractile efforts of the urterus to return to its normal involuted condition

Front 2

Autolysis

Back 2

The self-destruction of excess hypertrophied tissue

Front 3

Diastasis recti abdominis

Back 3

Separation of the two rectus muscles along the median line of the abdominal wall

Front 4

Involution

Back 4

Reduction in size of the uterus after birth, and its return to its nonpregnant condition

Front 5

Lochia

Back 5

Vaginal discharge during the puerperium consisting of blood, tissue, and mucus

Front 6

Lochia alba

Back 6

Thin, yellowish to white. vaginal discharge that follows lochia serosa on approximately the tenth day after birth and that may last from 2 to 6 weeks postpartum

Front 7

Lochia rubra

Back 7

Red, distinctly blood-tinged vaginal flow that follows birth and lasts 2 to 4 days

Front 8

Lochia serosa

Back 8

Serous, pinkish brown, watery vaginal discharge that follows lochia rubra until approximately the tenth day after birth

Front 9

Pelvic relaxation

Back 9

Lengthening and weakening of the fascial supports of the pelvic structures

Front 10

Puerperium

Back 10

Period after the third stage of the labor and lasting until involution of the uterus takes place, usually approximately 3 to 6 weeks; fourth trimester of pregnancy

Front 11

Subinvolution

Back 11

Failure of the uterus to reduce to its normal size and condition after pregnancy