Lesson 1Physiologic changes after vaginal birth: normal ranges and timelineThis section outlines normal physiologic changes after vaginal delivery in the first 24 hours, including cardiovascular, respiratory, thermoregulatory, urinary, and musculoskeletal adaptations, with expected ranges and timelines to distinguish normal recovery from pathology.
Cardiovascular changes and blood volume shiftsRespiratory and thermoregulation changesFluid balance and diuresis patternsMusculoskeletal and mobility changesExpected recovery timeline first 24 hoursLesson 2Postpartum urinary and bowel function: retention, bladder care, and constipation preventionThis section reviews postpartum urinary and bowel changes, focusing on assessment of retention, safe bladder care, constipation prevention, and nursing interventions that protect pelvic floor function and reduce infection and thromboembolic risks.
Risk factors for urinary retentionAssessment of bladder distentionTimed voiding and catheter careAssessment and prevention of constipationPatient education on elimination patternsLesson 3Perineal assessment and wound care: episiotomy/tear inspection, signs of infectionThis section covers perineal assessment after vaginal delivery, including inspection of episiotomy or tears, evaluation of swelling, haematoma, and infection signs, and evidence-based wound care, comfort measures, and patient teaching for hygiene and healing.
Inspection of episiotomy and perineal tearsAssessing edema, bruising, and hematomaSigns of perineal wound infectionPerineal hygiene and topical treatmentsComfort measures and positioningLesson 4Uterine assessment: fundal height, uterine tone, involution, and palpation techniqueThis section explains systematic uterine assessment, including fundal height, tone, position, and involution, with stepwise palpation technique, interpretation of abnormal findings, and nursing actions to prevent postpartum haemorrhage and uterine atony.
Normal fundal height by postpartum hourAssessing uterine tone and firmnessPalpation steps and hand positioningIdentifying uterine atony and boggy uterusInterventions for poor uterine toneLesson 5Documentation standards and escalation triggers for urgent maternal deteriorationThis section defines documentation standards for early postpartum care, including structured charting, use of early warning scores, and clear escalation triggers, ensuring timely communication, rapid response activation, and legal and safety compliance.
Essential elements of postpartum chartingUse of maternal early warning scoresRed flag signs requiring escalationSBAR communication with providersRapid response and code activationLesson 6Vital signs monitoring: BP, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature, and shock recognitionThis section focuses on structured vital signs monitoring in the first 24 hours, including frequency, technique, interpretation of blood pressure, pulse, respirations, temperature, and early recognition of shock, sepsis, and hypertensive emergencies.
Recommended vital sign frequencyAccurate BP, pulse, and RR techniqueTemperature trends and infection cluesEarly signs of hypovolemic shockHypertensive crisis and preeclampsia signsLesson 7Postpartum anaemia: identification, implications for recovery, and monitoring haemoglobin trendsThis section addresses postpartum anaemia, covering risk factors, clinical signs, haemoglobin and haematocrit trends, functional impact on recovery, and nursing strategies for monitoring, supplementation, transfusion support, and patient education on symptom reporting.
Risk factors for postpartum anemiaClinical signs and symptom assessmentInterpreting hemoglobin and hematocritOral and IV iron therapy considerationsTransfusion thresholds and nursing careLesson 8Pain assessment and multimodal management: pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic optionsThis section addresses comprehensive postpartum pain assessment and multimodal management, integrating pharmacologic options with nonpharmacologic strategies, individualised care planning, safety considerations for breastfeeding, and evaluation of treatment effectiveness.
Use of validated postpartum pain scalesAnalgesic choices and dosing intervalsOpioid safety and breastfeedingNonpharmacologic comfort strategiesReassessment and documentation of painLesson 9Lochia assessment: quantity, colour, odour, and abnormal bleeding patternsThis section details systematic lochia assessment, including expected quantity, colour, and odour, techniques for pad inspection, recognition of abnormal bleeding patterns, and nursing responses to suspected haemorrhage or infection in the early postpartum period.
Normal lochia rubra characteristicsMeasuring lochia amount and saturationAssessing odor and signs of infectionIdentifying clots and heavy bleedingImmediate actions for suspected hemorrhage
