Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2025
06:40
Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period
Published on: April 5, 2024
425
Postpartum versus postnatal period: Do the name and duration matter?
Malith Kumarasinghe1, Manoja P Herath1, Andrew P Hills1
1School of Health Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania, Australia.
Plos One
|April 26, 2024
Summary
Global postpartum and postnatal care guidelines show inconsistent terminology and varying maternal care schedules. Harmonizing the term "postpartum" and standardizing care duration is crucial for supporting mothers.
Area of Science:
- Maternal Health
- Public Health Policy
- Healthcare Guidelines
Background:
- Global guidelines and strategic documents were analyzed to assess the use of
Purpose of the Study:
- To understand the global use of "postpartum" and "postnatal" terminology.
- To analyze the duration and schedule of maternal care after delivery.
- To identify variations in postpartum care guidelines worldwide.
Main Methods:
- Scoping review of postpartum care guidelines and strategies.
- Inclusion of documents from international organizations (WHO) and OECD/G20 countries.
- Analysis of definitions, duration, and schedules of maternal care.
Main Results:
- Interchangeable use of "postpartum" and "postnatal" is prevalent.
- WHO defines a six-week postpartum period, but this is not consistently stated in other guidelines.
- Maternal care duration varies significantly (6 weeks to 1 year) with 2-6 healthcare contacts.
Conclusions:
- Advocacy for universal harmonization of the term "postpartum".
- Need for clarity on the rationale and duration of the postpartum period.
- Recommendation to extend routine maternal care schedules to support women.
Related Concept Videos
00:55Parental Care
11.7K
Many animals exhibit parental care behavior, including feeding, grooming, and protecting young offspring. Parental care is universal in mammals and birds, which often have young that are born relatively helpless. Several species of insects and fish, as well as some amphibians, also care for their young.
11.7K
01:27Ovarian Cycle
1.2K
The menstrual cycle includes a critical component known as the ovarian cycle, which undergoes two main phases each month—the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular phase is variable and averaging around 14 days. Ovulation, triggered by a surge in luteinizing hormone (LH), marks the transition between the two phases. The second phase, the luteal phase, is relatively consistent, lasting approximately 14 days, and is marked by the activity of the corpus luteum. While a cycle...
1.2K
01:20Proliferative Phase
467
The proliferative phase typically occurs after menstruation and lasts between 6 to 13 days in a standard 28-day cycle. This phase involves the reconstruction of the endometrium, guided by estrogen produced by the developing ovarian follicle.
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
Notably, the stratum basale, the basal layer of the endometrium, including the basal parts of the uterine glands, remains unaffected by menstruation. Stem cells in this layer undergo mitosis, regenerating the stratum functionalis and thickening the...
467
01:19The Menstrual Cycle
792
The menstrual cycle is a recurrent sequence of changes in the uterine endometrium, specifically its functional layer, the stratum functionalis. This cycle prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy. This cycle typically spans 21–35 days, averaging 28 days, and aligns with the ovarian cycle, regulated by fluctuating levels of ovarian hormones, primarily estrogen and progesterone.
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a...
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a...
792
01:26Methods of Documentation II: POMR
944
The Problem-Oriented Medical Record (POMR) revolutionized medical record-keeping by introducing a systematic approach focusing on the patient's problems rather than merely listing symptoms. Dr. Lawrence Weed's introduction of this method in the 1960s marked a significant advancement in medical documentation. The POMR framework consists of four key components: the database, problem list, plan of care, and progress notes.
944
01:22Imprinting
9.8K
Behavioral imprinting is observed in some newborn animals and occurs when they develop strong and specific attachments to another animal (usually a parent) following brief, early-life exposures. Offspring imprint onto parents within a brief period after birth or hatching; this time window is called the critical period. Once imprinting occurs, the bond established between the parents and their offspring is usually long-lasting.
9.8K