Postpartum Patient: General Examination
Presented by Rachel Kilgore
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Nonfinancial: Rachel Kilgore has no competing nonfinancial interests or relationships with regard to the content presented in this course.
Additional Disclosure: A special thanks to Darla Cathcart, director of peripartum series curricula for Herman & Wallace, for her assistance in the development of this course.
There is a lack of clear, evidence-based guidelines on musculoskeletal examination for the postpartum patient. This course is appropriate for rehabilitation professionals and will benefit clinicians who are interested in examination of the postpartum population. This course will help the participant become familiar with systemic physiological changes unique to the postpartum patient. We will review the stages of labor and birth for vaginal birth as well as provide a general review of cesarean birth. Clinicians will learn to identify postpartum danger signs and red-flag conditions requiring immediate medical referral. General examination considerations, such as screening, history taking, positioning, and movement, will be discussed.
Meet your instructor
Rachel Kilgore
Rachel’s primary specialty is pelvic rehabilitation. This includes incontinence, prolapse, constipation, pelvic pain, and peripartum issues such as cesarean birth or diastasis rectus abdominis. She enjoys treating general orthopedics, with interest in the back, neck, knee, and shoulders. Additionally, playing collegiate…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Overview of Systemic Changes in the Postpartum Patient
This chapter defines the postpartum period and reviews physiological changes from pregnancy as well as what changes persist systemically and occur in the postpartum period. To treat this population effectively, it is important to understand the physiological journey postpartum patients undergo.
2. Overview of Labor and Birth
This chapter provides an overview of the stages of labor and vaginal birth as well as a review of cesarean birth. Understanding what is commonly involved in both vaginal and cesarean birth and acute postpartum recovery can help healthcare providers better care for this population.
3. Red Flags and Medical Screening
In this chapter, learn about common red-flag conditions in the postpartum period that would warrant further medical assessment and emergent care, as well as how to screen for postpartum danger signs. This is important for rehabilitation professionals as we typically have more frequent contact with patients and can catch issues early.
4. General Examination and Positional Considerations
This chapter discusses history taking and intake screening for postpartum patients. Also discussed are positional and movement considerations for examination. These are important for effective examination of the postpartum patient.
