OB EXAM 3 POSTPARTUM AND NEWBORN
STUDY GUIDE
, OB Exam 3 Postpartum and Newborn Study Guide
Postpartum (Chapters 15, 16 and 22)
2-3 Physiological adaptation/ transition:
Uterus- placental site heals, Involution (uterus goes back to normal), lochia
Menstruation- lactating woman (2-18 mos if breastfeeding) vs. non-lactating woman (7-9
weeks if not breastfeeding)
Ovulation- lactating woman vs. non-lactating woman
Abdomen- bowel function (3-5 days bowels should move), bladder function (should pee
after cath is out at least 6 hours after delivery, have pt up to bathroom before then to
facilitate urinating, will have a lot of fluid so a lot of output is normal, 300-400 mL bladder
is telling you that you have to go), weight loss (loss of baby out of the womb, blood loss,
placenta, fluids; 500 mL vaginal, 1000 mL c/s)
Cardiovascular changes- lab values: WBC, CBC, clotting factors (RBCs will be decreased
due to blood loss)
Psychological adjustments- bonding: emotional attraction of parents to newborn (initial);
attachment: progressive psychological bond between infant and caregiver that develops
and strengthens over time (long term)
Reva Rubin’s 3 phases:
-Taking in: first 24-48 hours; preoccupied with own needs, passive and dependent,
touches and explores infant, needs to discuss labor and delivery (relives birth experience)
-Taking hold: begins by 2nd to 3rd day postpartum (may last longer),
dependent/independent behavior
-Letting go: lasts from 10 days to 6 weeks postpartum, mothering functions established,
sees infant as a unique person, let’s go of fantasy infant/old life and moves on to real infant
and new role
Father- infant interaction (engrossment); “Engrossment is not only what the father does
for the baby—holding and comforting—but also what the baby does for the father. Dad and
baby bonding right after birth brings out sensitivity in dad.”
Three stages Role development:
-Expectations: preconceptions as to life with baby
STUDY GUIDE
, OB Exam 3 Postpartum and Newborn Study Guide
Postpartum (Chapters 15, 16 and 22)
2-3 Physiological adaptation/ transition:
Uterus- placental site heals, Involution (uterus goes back to normal), lochia
Menstruation- lactating woman (2-18 mos if breastfeeding) vs. non-lactating woman (7-9
weeks if not breastfeeding)
Ovulation- lactating woman vs. non-lactating woman
Abdomen- bowel function (3-5 days bowels should move), bladder function (should pee
after cath is out at least 6 hours after delivery, have pt up to bathroom before then to
facilitate urinating, will have a lot of fluid so a lot of output is normal, 300-400 mL bladder
is telling you that you have to go), weight loss (loss of baby out of the womb, blood loss,
placenta, fluids; 500 mL vaginal, 1000 mL c/s)
Cardiovascular changes- lab values: WBC, CBC, clotting factors (RBCs will be decreased
due to blood loss)
Psychological adjustments- bonding: emotional attraction of parents to newborn (initial);
attachment: progressive psychological bond between infant and caregiver that develops
and strengthens over time (long term)
Reva Rubin’s 3 phases:
-Taking in: first 24-48 hours; preoccupied with own needs, passive and dependent,
touches and explores infant, needs to discuss labor and delivery (relives birth experience)
-Taking hold: begins by 2nd to 3rd day postpartum (may last longer),
dependent/independent behavior
-Letting go: lasts from 10 days to 6 weeks postpartum, mothering functions established,
sees infant as a unique person, let’s go of fantasy infant/old life and moves on to real infant
and new role
Father- infant interaction (engrossment); “Engrossment is not only what the father does
for the baby—holding and comforting—but also what the baby does for the father. Dad and
baby bonding right after birth brings out sensitivity in dad.”
Three stages Role development:
-Expectations: preconceptions as to life with baby
