Page 293 - ترم ثاني كتاب تمريض صحة الام الكتروني
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9) Neurological function
➢ Discomfort and fatigue are common.
➢ Frontal and bilateral headaches are common and are
caused by fluid shifts in the first week postpartum.
10) Endocrine/Metabolic function:
➢ Thyroid levels are normal by 4 to 6 weeks postpartum.
➢ Glucose levels are low secondary to decreased human
placental lactogen and decreased growth hormone.
11) Body weight:
➢ Loss of weight is observed during the first l0 days
particularly in the non-lactating mothers. There is about
a 4 – 5 kg loss of body weight (sometimes 8 kg) due to
evacuation of uterine contents and diuresis.
12) Resumption of Ovulation and Menstruation:
➢ Most non-nursing mothers resume menstruation within
6 to 8 weeks after childbirth.
➢ In lactating mothers, menstruation usually reappears not
earlier then 3-4 months, and sometimes as late as 24
months.
➢ The first period is generally profuse and prolonged.
➢ It should be mentioned that ovulation can commence in
the absence of menstruation, and another pregnancy can
occur.
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