Editing Maternal and Newborn Nursing (section)

=== Normal postpartum physiology ===

* '''Bradycardia of 50 to 70 beats per minute in the first days is normal''' from increased stroke volume and mobilized blood volume. '''Tachycardia is the abnormal finding''' and suggests hemorrhage, pain, infection, or anxiety.
* Temperature up to 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C) in the first 24 hours may reflect dehydration and normal exertion. '''A temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher on two occasions after the first 24 hours suggests puerperal infection.'''
* Profuse '''diuresis and diaphoresis''' occur in the first days as the extra plasma volume is excreted.
* A '''chill and shaking''' right after birth is common and benign if the patient is afebrile.
* Hemoglobin and hematocrit are unreliable in the first 24 hours because of fluid shifts.