Haemodynamic changes during the early puerperium

Abstract

The early puerperium is a time of dramatic haemodynamic readjustment. A 20-30% increase in cardiac output above prelabour levels has been reported during the first 24 hours after delivery.1 Subsequent changes have been inadequately documented. We therefore investigated the haemodynamic changes during the first two weeks after vaginal delivery. © 1987, British Medical Journal Publishing Group. All rights reserved.