Postpartum Care

Postpartum Care Indian Medical PG Question 1: Most probable cause of heavy bleeding in a P2L2 during tenth day post partum is:

• A. Infected episiotomy wound
• B. Resumption of menstruation
• C. Retained bits of cotyledons and membranes (Correct Answer)
• D. Subinvolution of placental site

Postpartum Care Explanation: ***Retained bits of cotyledons and membranes*** - **Retained placental fragments** prevent the uterus from contracting effectively, leading to uterine atony and heavy bleeding. - This typically presents as secondary postpartum hemorrhage, which occurs **24 hours to 6 weeks postpartum**, consistent with bleeding on the tenth day. *Infected episiotomy wound* - An infected episiotomy wound would primarily cause **local pain**, **swelling**, **redness**, and **purulent discharge**, not heavy uterine bleeding. - While infection can exacerbate pain and discomfort, it does not directly lead to **prolonged or excessive uterine hemorrhage**. *Resumption of menstruation* - Menstruation typically resumes much later postpartum, especially in breastfeeding individuals, often **months after delivery**. - Bleeding on the tenth day is likely related to the **postpartum state** and not a return to normal menstrual cycles. *Subinvolution of placental site* - Subinvolution refers to the failure of the uterus to return to its normal size and state, which can cause **prolonged lochia** and bleeding. - While a possible cause of later postpartum bleeding, **retained placental tissue** is a more direct and common cause for significant hemorrhage on the tenth day.

Postpartum Care Indian Medical PG Question 2: A 28-year-old postpartum woman presents with uterine atony and heavy bleeding. Which medication should be avoided due to a history of hypertension?

• A. Carboprost
• B. Misoprostol
• C. Oxytocin
• D. Methylergonovine (Correct Answer)

Postpartum Care Explanation: ***Methylergonovine*** - **Methylergonovine** is contraindicated in patients with **hypertension** due to its potent vasoconstrictive effect, which can lead to a hypertensive crisis, stroke, or myocardial infarction. - This medication should be avoided in a postpartum woman with a history of hypertension to prevent severe cardiovascular complications while treating uterine atony. *Carboprost* - **Carboprost** is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog that can cause **bronchoconstriction** and is contraindicated in patients with asthma. - While it can cause transient hypertension, it is generally considered safer than methylergonovine in patients with a history of hypertension. *Misoprostol* - **Misoprostol** is a synthetic prostaglandin E1 analog that can be safely used in patients with hypertension. - Its primary side effects include **diarrhea**, shivering, and fever, rather than significant cardiovascular effects. *Oxytocin* - **Oxytocin** is the first-line uterotonic agent for preventing and treating postpartum hemorrhage and is safe to use in patients with hypertension. - While large doses can cause **hypotension** and **tachycardia**, it does not typically exacerbate pre-existing hypertension.

Postpartum Care Indian Medical PG Question 3: Which of the following are correct regarding puerperal blues ? I. Its incidence is around 50 %. II. There is no specific metabolic or endocrine derangement. III. Treatment is reassurance and psychological support. Select the answer using the code given below :

• A. I, II and III (Correct Answer)
• B. I and II only
• C. II and III only
• D. I and III only

Postpartum Care Explanation: ***I, II and III*** - Puerperal blues, or **baby blues**, are very common, affecting around **50-80%** of new mothers within a few days postpartum. - It is a transient condition thought to be related to **hormonal shifts** after childbirth, but without a specific, long-lasting metabolic or endocrine derangement requiring medical intervention. Its management involves **reassurance and psychological support**, as it typically resolves on its own without formal psychiatric treatment. *I and II only* - While statement I (incidence around 50%) is correct, and statement II (no specific metabolic or endocrine derangement) is also correct, this option excludes the crucial aspect of management, which is important for understanding the condition. - The typical management of puerperal blues involves reassurance and support, making statement III integral to a complete understanding. *II and III only* - This option correctly identifies the lack of specific derangement and the treatment approach, but it underestimates the prevalence of puerperal blues. - The incidence is significantly higher than implied by excluding statement I, making it a less accurate choice overall. *I and III only* - This option accurately describes the high incidence and the treatment strategy but overlooks the scientific understanding of its etiology. - The lack of a specific metabolic or endocrine derangement (statement II) is a key characteristic differentiating it from more severe postpartum psychiatric conditions.

Postpartum Care Indian Medical PG Question 4: A pregnant woman with a known case of asthma is experiencing postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). Which drug is contraindicated?

• A. Methyl ergometrine
• B. Carboprost (Correct Answer)
• C. Misoprostol
• D. Oxytocin

Postpartum Care Explanation: ***Carboprost*** - **Carboprost** is a **prostaglandin F2-alpha analog** that causes strong uterine contractions but also leads to **bronchoconstriction** and increased airway resistance. - Due to its potent bronchoconstrictive effects, **carboprost** is **absolutely contraindicated in patients with asthma** as it can precipitate a severe asthmatic attack. *Methyl ergometrine* - **Methyl ergometrine** is an **ergot alkaloid** that causes sustained uterine contractions and is effective for PPH. - It is contraindicated in patients with **hypertension** or **pre-eclampsia** due to its vasoconstrictive properties, but not typically in asthma. *Misoprostol* - **Misoprostol** is a **prostaglandin E1 analog** used for PPH management, causing uterine contractions. - It is generally safe for use in patients with asthma as it does not have significant bronchoconstrictive side effects. *Oxytocin* - **Oxytocin** is a first-line uterotonic agent for PPH, working by causing rhythmic uterine contractions. - It is generally considered safe in patients with asthma and is not known to exacerbate respiratory conditions.

Postpartum Care Indian Medical PG Question 5: Best long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) that can be inserted immediately postpartum in a lactating mother is:

• A. Post Partum IUCD (Correct Answer)
• B. Depot provera
• C. Combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)
• D. Calendar method

Postpartum Care Explanation: ***Post Partum IUCD*** - **Intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUCDs)** are highly effective long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARC) that can be inserted **immediately postpartum** (within 10 minutes of placental delivery) or within 48 hours of delivery. - They are **safe for breastfeeding mothers** as copper IUCDs are non-hormonal and levonorgestrel-releasing IUCDs (LNG-IUS) have only localized hormonal effects. - **WHO MEC Category 1** for breastfeeding women, with no interference with lactation or infant growth. - Provide immediate, long-term protection (3-10 years depending on type) with high continuation rates. *Depot provera* - **Depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA)** is a progestin-only injectable contraceptive that is also safe for breastfeeding mothers (WHO MEC Category 1 after 6 weeks postpartum). - However, it is **not a LARC method that can be inserted immediately postpartum** - it requires injection and has a 3-month duration requiring repeat visits. - While effective for lactating women, it cannot be given in the immediate postpartum period like IUCD insertion. *Combined oral contraceptive pills (OCPs)* - **Combined OCPs** contain estrogen, which can **reduce milk supply** and alter milk composition, especially in the early postpartum period. - **WHO MEC Category 3-4** for breastfeeding women (depending on timing postpartum), contraindicated in the first 6 weeks and generally avoided during lactation. - Not recommended as first-line contraception for lactating mothers. *Calendar method* - The **calendar method** is a natural family planning method that relies on tracking menstrual cycles to predict fertile windows. - It is **highly unreliable** in the postpartum period due to unpredictable ovulation and irregular cycles, especially during breastfeeding (lactational amenorrhea makes cycle tracking impossible). - Not an effective contraceptive method for postpartum women.

Postpartum Care Flashcard 1 of 5

Question: The _____ of the myocytes decreases appreciably in the post partum period.

Answer: size (number/size)

Postpartum Care Flashcard 2 of 5

Question: Polyhydramnios is a risk factor for _____ postpartum hemorrhage (PPH).

Answer: primary

Postpartum Care Flashcard 3 of 5

Question: Vaginal defence is lost after 10 days after birth due to the absence of _____

Answer: maternal estrogen

Postpartum Care Flashcard 4 of 5

Question: The most important risk factor for the development of puerperal sepsis is the _____

Answer: route of delivery 

Postpartum Care Flashcard 5 of 5

Question: The most common manifestation of puerperal infection is _____

Answer: endometritis