1. involution: Return of the uterus to a nonpregnant state after birth
2. postpartum period: between birth of newborn and return of reproductive organs to their normal
non-pregnant state
fourth trimester
3. how long is postpartum: 6 weeks
4. fundus postpartum: descends 1-2cm below umbilicus every 24 hours
5. uterus postpartum 2 weeks: cannot palpate it anymore
6. sub involution: failure of uterus to return to non-pregnant state
7. reasons for sub involution: retained placenta
infection
8. when does homeostasis occur: when uterus contracts
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, 9. what causes uterine contractions: oxytocin
pitocin
breast feeding
10. after-pains: uterine contractions working toward homeostasis
11. lochia: uterine discharge after birth
12. initial lochia: bright red/rubra
clots
13. lochia 2 hours postpartum: like heavy period
decreased
14. lochia phases: rubra: 3-4 days
serosa: 22-27 days
alba: 2-6 weeks
15. cervix immediately after birth: remains soft/dilated
gradually lengthens and firms
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