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{{review}}
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==Introduction==
 
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|backcolour =EED2EE
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|linkpage =Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology
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|linktext =Reproductive System
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|maplink = Reproductive System (Content Map) - Anatomy & Physiology
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|sublink1=Reproductive System - Anatomy & Physiology#The Puerperium
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|subtext1=PUERPERIUM
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* 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.
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* 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.
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== Myometrial Contraction and Expulsion of Lochia ==
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* Myometrium undergoes strong, repeated contractions.
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* The purpose of these contractions is:
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** Facilitate discharge of fluids and tissue debris from the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].
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** Compress the uterine vasculature and help minimize possibility of haemorrhage.
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** Reduce the overall size of the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].
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* In most species, frequent post-partum suckling occurs and [[Pituitary_Gland_- Anatomy & Physiology#Oxytocin|oxytocin]] is secreted. 
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* In suckled animals, uterine contractions occur on a frequent basis.
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** In dairy cows, the calf is usually removed 24 hours after parturition and milking takes place only 2-3 times a day.
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*** Oxytocin episodes are reduced.
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*** Myometrial contractions not as frequent
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*** Delayed uterine involution
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*** Delayed uterine involution limits fertility.
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=== Reduction in Uterine Volume ===
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* Immediately after parturition, the uterus undergoes rapid but highly coordinated atrophy.
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* Uterine mass rapidly reduced to non-pregnant size.
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* All species: marked size reduction in the first several days after parturition.
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* Most species: myometrial contractions occur in 3-4 minute intervals for the first several postpartum days.
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* Strong myometrial contractions subside within several days.
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=== Lochia ===
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* Shortly after parturition, a discharge called '''lochia''' is expelled from the vulva.
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** Lochia is a blood- tinged fluid containing '''remnants of the foetal placenta and endometrial tissue'''.
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* Lochial discharge is normal in all species.
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** In dairy cows, lochial discharge occurs at day 2-9 postpartum.
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*** Increase in blood and tissue debris in the lochia is normal, occurs day 5-10.
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**** Due to sloughing of caruncular surfaces that leaves vascular 'stubs' that leak blood.
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* Reduction of lochia in the uterus with myometrial contractions occuring for the first 7-10 days.
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** In dairy cows, up to 2000ml is expelled from the uterus in the first 2-3 days after parturition.
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*** By 14-18 days, locial discharge is almost non-existent in most cows.
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[[Category:Reproductive System]]
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[[Category:Pregnancy and Parturition]]
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