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Postpartum Adaptatio
Definitions for Postpartum Adaptations
Question | Answer |
---|---|
afterpains | cramping pain after childbirth, caused by alternating relaxation and contraction of uterine muscles |
atony | absence or lack of usual muscle tone |
attachment | development of strong affectional ties as a result of interaction between an infant and a significant other |
bonding or claiming or binding in | development of a strong emotional tie of a parent to a newborn |
catabolism | a process that converts living cells into simpler compounds. Involved in involution (normal changes) of the uterus after childbirth |
decidua | the endometrium during pregnancy. All except the deepest layer that is shed after childbirth |
diastasis recti | separation of the longitudinal muscles of the abdomen (rectus abdominis)during pregnancy |
dyspareunia | difficult or painful coitus in women |
en face | position that allows eye-to-eye contact between the newbord and a parent |
engorgement | swelling or the breasts resulting from increased blood flow, edema, and the presence of milk |
engrossment | intense fascination and close face-to-face observation between father and newborn |
entrainment | newborn movement in rhythm with adult speech, particularly high-pitched tones, whichare more easily heard |
episiotomy | surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening |
fingertipping | first tactile experience between mother and newborn. the mother explores the infant's body with her fingertips only |
fourth trimester | first 12 weeks after birth, a time of transition for parents and siblings |
fundus | part of the uterus that is farthest from the cervix, above the openings of the fallopian tubes |
involution | retrogressive changes that return the reproductive organs, particularly the uterus, to their nonpregnant size and condition |
kegel exercises | alternate contracting and relaxing of the pelvic floor muscles to strengthen them |
lactation | secretion of milk from the breasts. also describes the period of time of breastfeeding |
letting-go | a phase of maternal adaptation that involves relinquishing previous roles and assuming a new role as a parent |
lochia rubra | red vaginal discharge that occurs immediately after childbirth; composed mostly of blood |
lochia alba | white, cream-colored, or light yellow vaginal discharge that follows lochia serosa |
lochia serosa | pink or brown-tinted vaginal discharge that follows lochia rubra; composed largely of serous exudate, blood and leukocytes |
milk-ejection reflex or letdown reflex | release of milk from the alveoli into the ducts |
oxytocin | posterior pituitary hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and the milk-ejection reflex. Also can be prepared synthetically |
postpartum blues | temporary, self-limited period of weepiness experienced by many new mothers beginning in the 1st week after childbirth |
prolactin | anterior pituitary hormone that promotes growth of breast tissue and stimulates production of milk |
puerperium | period from the end of childbirth until involution of the reproductive organs is complete, approximately 6 weeks |
recriprical bonding behaviors | repertoire of infant behaviors that promotes attachment between parent and newborn |
REEDA | Acronym for redness, ecchymosis, edema, discharge, and approximation. Useful for assessing wound healing or the presence of inflamation or infection |
sibling rivalry | feelings of jealousy and fear of replacement when a young child must share parental attention with a newborn infant |
subinvolution | delayed return of the uterus to its nonpregnan sixe and consistency |
taking hold | second phase of maternal adaptation, during which the mother assumes control of her own care and initiates care of the infant |
taking in | first phase of maternal adaptation, during which the mother passively accepts care and comfort and details about the newborn |