1/10/25, 8:37 PM Postpartum Physical Assessment with norms
Postpartum Physical Assessment
Parameters Normal Findings Alterations/Possible Actual Findings
Causes (flag abnormals)
Vital Signs Should remain consistent with baseline High BP (PIH, essential
Blood Pressure BP during pregnancy hypertension, renal disease,
anxiety)
Drop in BP (may be normal;
uterine hemorrhage)
Pulse 50-90 beats/min Tachycardia (difficult labor
May be bradycardia of 50-70 and birth, hemorrhage)
beats/minute
Respirations 16-24/minute Marked tachypnea
(respiratory disease)
Temperature 89-100.4*F (36.2-38*C) After first 24 hours
temperature of 100.4*F or
above suggests infection
(elevated temp during first 24
hours suggests dehydration)
Pain Subjective; depends on origin May occur if clots or
Afterpains caused by intermittent placental fragments were
uterine contractions retained
Afterpains occur more commonly in
multiparas, multiple pregnancies,
hydramnios, breastfeeders, and
following administration of oxytocic
agents (ie. Methergine, Pitocin)
Cause discomfort for 2-3 days
following birth
Heart Normal S1/S2 without Enlargement, thrills, thrusts,
murmurs/gallops/or rubs gross irregularity or skipped
beats, gallop rhythm or extra
sounds (cardiac disease)
Lungs Clear to auscultation without Rales, rhonchi, wheezes;
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, 1/10/25, 8:37 PM Postpartum Physical Assessment with norms
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Postpartum Physical Assessment
Parameters Normal Findings Alterations/Possible Actual Findings
Causes (flag abnormals)
Vital Signs Should remain consistent with baseline High BP (PIH, essential
Blood Pressure BP during pregnancy hypertension, renal disease,
anxiety)
Drop in BP (may be normal;
uterine hemorrhage)
Pulse 50-90 beats/min Tachycardia (difficult labor
May be bradycardia of 50-70 and birth, hemorrhage)
beats/minute
Respirations 16-24/minute Marked tachypnea
(respiratory disease)
Temperature 89-100.4*F (36.2-38*C) After first 24 hours
temperature of 100.4*F or
above suggests infection
(elevated temp during first 24
hours suggests dehydration)
Pain Subjective; depends on origin May occur if clots or
Afterpains caused by intermittent placental fragments were
uterine contractions retained
Afterpains occur more commonly in
multiparas, multiple pregnancies,
hydramnios, breastfeeders, and
following administration of oxytocic
agents (ie. Methergine, Pitocin)
Cause discomfort for 2-3 days
following birth
Heart Normal S1/S2 without Enlargement, thrills, thrusts,
murmurs/gallops/or rubs gross irregularity or skipped
beats, gallop rhythm or extra
sounds (cardiac disease)
Lungs Clear to auscultation without Rales, rhonchi, wheezes;
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, 1/10/25, 8:37 PM Postpartum Physical Assessment with norms
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