How do you measure fundal height postpartum?

The uterus should feel firm and should feel about the size of a grapefruit for the first few days. The fundus (top portion of the uterus) should be felt at the level of your belly button or lower. You can attempt to feel your fundus by gently pressing on your abdomen. The uterus shrinks at about the rate of one cm.

What should the lochia look like on day 1 or 2?

Lochia for the first 3 days after delivery is dark red in color. A few small blood clots, no larger than a plum, are normal. For the fourth through tenth day after delivery, the lochia will be more watery and pinkish to brownish in color.

How often are fundus and vital signs assessed after delivery?

Every 5 to 15 minutes, you monitor her blood pressure and pulse, evaluate her fundus, and check for bleeding. Finding her uterus still boggy, you apply fundal massage. Per standing order, you add oxytocin to her I.V. bag to decrease bleeding.

How frequently should a nurse assess a postpartum patient’s vital signs fundus and lochia?

Mothers are at risk for postpartum hemorrhage, hence frequent assessment via blood pressure and heart rate every 15 minutes along with determination of fundal height and amount of lochia are recommended by AAP and ACOG (2012) and AWHONN (2010).

Why does Fundal massage cause uterine contraction?

Fundal massage, also called uterine massage, is a technique used to reduce bleeding and cramping of the uterus after childbirth or after an abortion. As the uterus returns to its nonpregnant size, its muscles contract strongly, which can cause pain….

How do you tell if it’s your period or lochia?

Bright red bleeding that occurs six or more weeks after delivery is more likely to be your period. Pregnancy-related bleeding can increase with increased exertion or activity. If your discharge increases with exertion and decreases when you rest, it’s more likely to be lochia. Lochia also tends to have a distinct odor.

What are normal postpartum vital signs?

Her temperature should be close to 37oC; her pulse rate should be between 60 to 80 beats per minute when she is resting quietly; her systolic blood pressure (the top number, which measures the pressure when her heart contracts) should be 90-135 mmHg, while her diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number, which measures …

Should you massage a firm fundus?

Routine use of fundal massage can prevent postpartum or post-abortion hemorrhage and can reduce pain; it may also reduce the need for uterotonics, medications that cause the uterus to contract. It is used to treat uterine atony, a condition where the uterus lacks muscle tone and is soft to the touch instead of firm.

What does a boggy uterus indicate?

A boggy uterus refers to an enlarged, soft, and tender uterus identified during physical examination. It is most commonly caused by uterine atony or adenomyosis.

How accurate is fundal height measuring?

How to Measure Fundal Height – Measuring Your Own Fundal Height Empty your bladder and remove your clothing. Grab a measuring tape. Lay on your back. Find your pubic bone. Find your fundus. ( more items )

What is your fundal height measurement?

Fundal height is generally defined as the distance from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus measured in centimeters . After 20 weeks of pregnancy, your fundal height measurement often matches the number of weeks you’ve been pregnant.

Is fundal height that accurate?

A fundal height measurement might be less accurate, however, if you have a body mass index of 30 or higher (obesity) or have a history of fibroids. A fundal height that measures smaller or larger than expected – or increases more or less quickly than expected – could indicate: Slow fetal growth (intrauterine growth restriction)

What does fundal height mean?

Fundal height, or McDonald’s rule, is a measure of the size of the uterus used to assess fetal growth and development.