POST NATAL CARE - FULL TERM NORMAL DELIVERY​

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Pregnancy spans for 40 weeks from conception to delivery is divided into three trimesters with characteristic changes in each.

Full term normal delivery is when the child is delivered after the full term ie, after 38 weeks of pregnancy by normal labor.Labor is divided into three stages each containing specific events. Regular and strong involuntary contractions of the smooth muscles of the uterus are primary symptoms of labor. True labor produces palpable changes in cervix which are known as effacement and dilation. Episiotomy is an incision made in the perineal body. It is automatically considered as second degree lacerartion according to following classification of perineal lacerations.

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IMPAIRMENTS

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BODY STRUCTURES

• Poor body mechanics

• Pelvic floor dysfunction

• Linea nigra

• Stria gravida

• Increase in size of uterus

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BODY FUNCTIONS

• Diastasis recti

• Impaired balance

• Impaired gait

• Pelvic floor muscle weakness

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Muscle imbalances

• Potential decrease in cardiovascular fitness

 

GOALS

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Short term

1. Develop awareness and control of posture after pregnancy

2. Develop awareness and control of pelvic floor musculature

3. To maintain abdominal function and prevent or correct diastasis recti

4. Education regarding changes of pregnancy and birth

5. To provide education  on safe postpartum exercises and progression

6. Develop awareness of treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction

 

Long term

1. To learn safe body mechanics

2. Develop upper extremity strength for infant care demands

3. To promote body awareness and positive body image

4. To prepare the lower extremity for increased weight bearing demands and circulatory compromise

5. Promote and maintain safe cardiovascular fitness

6. Learn relaxation skills

 

 

MANAGEMENT

 

Develop awareness and control of posture after pregnancy

• Stretch, train and strengthen postural muscles

• Posture awareness training

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Develop upper extremity strength for infant care demands

• Resistive exercises to appropriate muscles

 

To promote body awareness and positive body image

• Proprioception activities

• Posture reinforcement exercises

 

To prepare the lower extremity for increased weight bearing demands and circulatory compromise

• Use of elastic support stockings

• Stretching exercises

• Toning and resistive exercises to appropriate muscles

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Develop awareness and control of pelvic floor musculature

• Strengthen for muscle control and integration with ADLs

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To maintain abdominal function and prevent or correct diastasis recti

• Diastasis recti exercises

• Abdominal-strengthening exercises with diastasis recti protection

 

Promote and maintain safe cardiovascular fitness

• Aerobic exercises

 

Education regarding changes of pregnancy and birth

• Patient / family instruction

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Learn relaxation skills

• Relaxation and breathing techniques

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To provide education  on safe postpartum exercises and progression

• Postpartum exercise instruction

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Develop awareness of treatment options for pelvic floor dysfunction

• Pelvic floor muscle strengthening exercises

• Kegall’s exercises

• Knack tecknique

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REFERENCES

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