POST PARTUM

COMPLICATIONS
THROMBOPHLEBITIS, MASTITIS,
POSTPARTUM BLUES, DEPRESSION AND
PSYCHOSIS
 THROMBOPHLEBITIS

Is inflammation with the formation

of blood clots
When thrombophlebitis occurs in
the postpartal period, it is usually
an extension of an endometrial
infection.
 CAUSES
A womans fibrinogen level is still elevated from
pregnancy.
Dilation of the lower extremity vein is still present.
The relative inactivity of the period or a prolonged time
spent in deliver or birthing home stirrups.
Obesity from increased weight before pregnancy and
pregnancy weight gain.
The women who smokes cigarettes.
 Treatment

Ambulation and limiting the time

of women remains in obstetric
stirrups
Wearing support stockings for the
first 2 weeks after birth
An exercise program
 2 types of
thrombophlebitis in
postpartum
Femoral Thrombophlebitis
 Femoral Thrombophlebitis
With femoral thrombophlebitis, the femoral, saphenous, or
popliteal veins are involve.
Although site in thrombophlebitis is a vein, an
accompanying arterial spasm often occurs.
milk legs or phlegmasia alba dolens will occur.
 Signs and Symptoms
Elevated temperature
Chills
Pain (Severe)
Redness in the affected leg about 10 days after birth
Skin becomes so stretched it appears shiny and white
Homans sign
 Nursing Management
Bed rest with affected leg elevated
Moist heat
Check for bed wrinkles
Provide good back, buttocks and heel care

NEVER MASSAGE THE SKIN OVER THE CLOT

 Treatment
Analgesics
Antibiotics
Antcoagulants
Thrombolytic agent
 Pelvic
Thrombophlebitis
 Pelvic Thrombophlebitis
Involves the ovarian, uterine or hypogastric vein
It usually follows a mild endometritis and occurs late than
femoral thrombophlebitis, often around the 14th and 15th
day of puerpeum.
 Signs and Symptoms
High Fever
Chills
General Malaise

INFECTION CAN BE SO SEVERE IT NECROSES THE

VEIN AND RESULTS IN A PELVIC ABSCESS.
 Management
Bed rest
Antibiotics and anticoagulants
Surgery (if abscess forms)
MASTITIS
 Mastitis
Infection of the breast
May occur as early as 7th postpartal day
The microorganisms usually enters cracked and fissured
nipples
 Causes
The organisms that cause mastitis comes from the naso
oral cavity of the infant. The infant may have acquired
staphylococcus aureus or candidiasis infection while in
the hospital. By sucking on a nipple, the infant introduces
the organism into the milk.
 Signs and Symptoms
Painful
Swollen
Reddened
High Fever
Breast milk becomes scant
 Management
Antibiotics
Cold or ice compress to relieve pain
Warm, wet compress may be ordered to reduce
inflammation
Breastfeeding is continued
If abscesses forms discontinue breastfeeding however encourage
to pump breast
 POST PARTAL
DEPRESSION
AND PSYCHOSIS
 POST PARTAL DEPRESSION
is a serious illness that can occur in the first few months after
childbirth. It also can happen aftermiscarriageand stillbirth
Almost every women notices immediate (1 10 days) post
partum feelings of sadness (postpartal blues - typically begin
within the first two to three days after delivery, and may last
for up to two weeks) after childbirth.
In as many as 20 % of women these feelings continue beyond
immediate postpartal period.
 Causes
Hormonal shifts
History of depression
Stress and problems
Different expectations between partners
Disappointment in the child
 Signs and symptoms
Overall feeling of sadness
Increased anxiety about her own or her infants health
Extreme fatigue
Inability to stop crying
Insecurity
Psychosomatic symptoms
Manic or depressive expressions
 Management
Pregnancy Counseling
Counseling
Discovery of the problem as soon as symptoms develop
Antidepressant therapy
POST PARTAL
PSYCHOSIS
 Postpartal Psychosis
By definition, psychosis occurs when a person lost contact
with reality
As many as 1 woman in 500 has enough symptoms during
the year after the birth of a child to be considered
psychiatrically ill.
When illness coincides with postpartal illness it is called
postpartal psychosis
 Causes
History of illness
 Signs and Symptoms
Exceptionally sad
Denies the child
Too disturbed sensory input
 Management
Referral to a professional psychiatric counselor
Do not leave alone with her infant

FOR SOME REASON CHILDBEARING IS SUCH A

CRISIS IN THEIR LIVES THAT IT TRIGGERS MENTAL
ILLNESS