Today our topic of discussion is Postnatal Care.
Postnatal Care
POSTNATAL CARE
Care of the mother (and the newborn) after delivery is known as postnatal or postpartum care or puerperium. Puerperium is a 6-week period following birth in which the reproductive organs undergo physical and physiological changes a process called involution (Fig. 33.22).
Objectives of Postpartum Care
- To prevent complications of postpartum period
- To provide care for the rapid restoration of the mother to optimum health
- To provide family planning services
- To check adequacy of breastfeeding
- To provide basic health education to mother/family.
Postpartum Examination
Examining postpartum mother to rule out any fever, tachycardia, laceration, and erosion of cervix, rectocele, cystocele, displacement of uterus and inflammatory swellings in the abdomen, examining the neonates to rule out birth injuries, congenital defects and low-birth weight.
Postnatal Assessment
Assessing weight changes of the neonates and the nature and extent of birth injuries and congenital defects. Assessing the temperature and pulse rate of the mothers.
Postnatal Care and Attention
Provide for the care of the perineum, care of the breast, prevention of infection, early ambulation, immunization and psychological support to mothers. Also provided for prevention of infection and care of the cord stump of new borns. Postnatal education and counseling includes breast- feeding, dietary intake, danger signals and family planning.
Complications of Postnatal Period
- Puerperal sepsis: This is infection of the genital tract within 3 weeks after delivery. This is accompanied by rise in temperature and pulse rate, foul smelling lochia, pain and tenderness in lower abdomen, etc. This can be prevented by attention to asepsis before and after delivery
- Thrombophlebitis: This is an infection of the vein of the legs, frequently associated with varicose vein. The leg may become tender, pale and swollen
- Secondary hemorrhage: Bleeding from vagina anytime from 6 hours after delivery to the end of the puerperium (6 weeks) is called secondary hemorrhage and may due to retained placenta or membranes be
- Others: Urinary tract infection and mastitis, etc.
Role of Nurse in Postnatal Care
- Care during postpartum period to the mother-enquire and observe her condition generally and with reference to sleep, diet, after the pain subsides. Check vital signs, inspect perineum for discharge and inspect breast ad nipples
- Care of newborn is an interwoven activity along with the care to mother. It involves taking body temperature, checking skin, color, eyes, bowel movements, urination, watching the cry, checking the sleeping and feeding.
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