Introduction Description: Postpartum depression is a cluster of symptoms that are characterized by a disturbance of mood; loss of sense of control; intense mental, emotional, and physical anguish; and loss of self-esteem associated with childbirth. There is a spectrum of…
Introduction Description: Postpartum breast engorgement is characterized by tender, swollen, hard breasts that are caused by the accumulation of milk in the postpartum period or during weaning or interstitial edema with the onset of lactation after birth. Prevalence: Common. Predominant…
Introduction Description: Polyhydramnios (also known as hydramnios) is an abnormal increase in the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. This diagnosis is generally reserved for volumes greater than 2 L and amniotic fluid index greater than 24–25 cm. (At…
Introduction Description: Placental abruption is the premature separation of an otherwise normally implanted placenta before the delivery of the fetus. The term is generally applied only to 20-week or later gestations. Prevalence: 1/185–290 deliveries; sufficient to result in fetal death,…
Introduction Description: Placenta previa is the implantation of the placenta in a location that leaves a part or all of the cervical os covered. This is associated with potentially catastrophic maternal bleeding and obstruction of the uterine outlet. Several degrees…
Introduction Description: Oligohydramnios is an abnormal reduction in the amount of amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus. At term, there should be approximately 800 mL of amniotic fluid present. Often defined as a single deepest pocket of amniotic fluid of 2…
Introduction Description: Obstetric lacerations of the vaginal wall or introitus are common in vaginal deliveries. Laceration of the cervix, labia, and periurethral and periclitoral (prepuce) tissues is also possible. Prevalence: Common; 50%–80% of vaginal deliveries; third- and fourth-degree lacerations occur…
Introduction Description: Multiple gestation is two or more fetuses that coexist during the same gestation. Prevalence: Occurs in 32.1/1000 live births resulting in 112,437 births in the United States (2020); 79.6/100,000 live births for triplets, for a total of 2738…
Introduction Description: Intrauterine growth restriction is the symmetric or asymmetric reduction in the size and weight of the growing fetus in utero compared with that expected for a fetus of comparable gestational age and population. (Low birthweight is used to…
Introduction Description: Hyperemesis gravidarum is exaggerated nausea and vomiting during early pregnancy, which is sufficient to produce dehydration, metabolic disturbances, and weight loss. Alkalosis (from HCl loss) and hypokalemia are common. Prevalence: 70%–85% of women experience nausea; 50% have emesis…