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Puerperium - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 16:46, 8 December 2010
, 16:46, 8 December 2010no edit summary
==Introduction==
* Immediately following parturition, the female enters a period of reproductive repair called the '''puerperium''' and begins lactation. For a period of time these two processes overlap.
* Immediately following parturition, the female enters a period of reproductive repair called the '''puerperium''' and begins lactation. For a period of time these two processes overlap.
* During the puerperium '''uterine involution''' and return to ovarian function occurs.
* During the puerperium '''uterine involution''' and return to ovarian function occurs.
* The time required for complete uterine involution and [[Oestrous Cycle - Anatomy & Physiology|ovarian activity]] to resume varies among species.
* The time required for complete uterine involution and [[Oestrous Cycle - Anatomy & Physiology|ovarian activity]] to resume varies among species.
* In many polyoestrous animals, the shortest possible puerperium is desirable because eligibility for a subsequent pregnancy is of high economic importance.
* In many polyoestrous animals, the shortest possible puerperium is desirable because eligibility for a subsequent pregnancy is of high economic importance.
== Myometrial Contraction and Expulsion of Lochia ==
* Myometrium undergoes strong, repeated contractions.
* The purpose of these contractions is:
** Facilitate discharge of fluids and tissue debris from the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].
** Compress the uterine vasculature and help minimize possibility of haemorrhage.
** Reduce the overall size of the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].
* In most species, frequent post-partum suckling occurs and [[Pituitary_Gland_- Anatomy & Physiology#Oxytocin|oxytocin]] is secreted.
* In suckled animals, uterine contractions occur on a frequent basis.
** In dairy cows, the calf is usually removed 24 hours after parturition and milking takes place only 2-3 times a day.
*** Oxytocin episodes are reduced.
*** Myometrial contractions not as frequent
*** Delayed uterine involution
*** Delayed uterine involution limits fertility.
=== Reduction in Uterine Volume ===
* Immediately after parturition, the uterus undergoes rapid but highly coordinated atrophy.
* Uterine mass rapidly reduced to non-pregnant size.
* All species: marked size reduction in the first several days after parturition.
* Most species: myometrial contractions occur in 3-4 minute intervals for the first several postpartum days.
* Strong myometrial contractions subside within several days.
=== Lochia ===
* Shortly after parturition, a discharge called '''lochia''' is expelled from the vulva.
** Lochia is a blood- tinged fluid containing '''remnants of the foetal placenta and endometrial tissue'''.
* Lochial discharge is normal in all species.
** In dairy cows, lochial discharge occurs at day 2-9 postpartum.
*** Increase in blood and tissue debris in the lochia is normal, occurs day 5-10.
**** Due to sloughing of caruncular surfaces that leaves vascular 'stubs' that leak blood.
* Reduction of lochia in the uterus with myometrial contractions occuring for the first 7-10 days.
** In dairy cows, up to 2000ml is expelled from the uterus in the first 2-3 days after parturition.
*** By 14-18 days, locial discharge is almost non-existent in most cows.
[[Category:Reproductive System]]
[[Category:Pregnancy and Parturition]]