Normal Postpartum Changes

The Challenge

• Description: Abrupt changes in maternal physiology are necessary to ensure the survival of the mother immediately after delivery. Slower changes return the woman to the normal, pre-pregnant state. Depending on the system and definition, complete return to the baseline state can take up to 12 months.

• Scope of the Problem: Changes in virtually every organ system are necessary to revert from the adaptations of pregnancy to the starting point before or between gestations.

• Objectives of Management: To ensure that the transitions of the postpartum period (the puerperium) proceed as anticipated, thus protecting the mother and returning her body to normal function.