College of New Jersey

• NUR 324

• Chapter 20: Postpartum Physiologic Changes I. Reproductive System and Associated Structures a. Postpartum period: interval between birth and the return of the reproductive organs to their normal nonpregnant state i. “puerperium” or fourth trimester of pregnancy ii. Lasts 6 weeks b. Uterus i. Involution: return of the uterus to a nonpregnant state after birth 1. Begins immediately after expulsion of the placenta with contraction of the uterine smooth muscle 2. End of 3rd stage of labor a. Midline uterus b. Approx. 2 cm below the level of the umbilicus with the fundus resting on the sacral promontory c. Uterus weighs 1000 g d. Within 12 hours i. Fundus can rise 1 cm above the umbilicus e. Within 24 hours