Published
Really, this is due to a complex combination of fluid shifts, increased cardiac outputs, (dramatic right after delivery) and also circulating maternal catecholamines. The "shakes" also can occur BEFORE delivery, remember. It is common for me to see moms develop this phenomenon in the transition stage of labor (about 8-10 cm). What can we do? Provide her a warm blanket, position her comfortably, help her maintain a healthy breathing pattern, and relieve her anxiety is all a nurse can do. That, and telling her this is NORMAL and will PASS it also important. Hope this helps.
If you read the above responses, you can see how an epidural may actually make the "shakes" worse. (added fluid boluses/shifts). I have seen women with or without them shake equally. The above responses seem to explain why this phenomenon can occur in the presence of regional anesthesia.
Originally posted by SmilingBluEyestell them what we said here. it's normal. then explain WHY. in terms they can understand.
Thanks- do you have any suggestions for a quick and simple "why"? It's not something I fully understand myself (I'm fresh out of school, my head's still swimming from the NCLEX, lol)
I've always just assumed it was like a stress reaction . . . or extreme fatigue. Now reading the above posts, I'll definitely go read up on it.
I experienced it with my first three . . normal vag deliveries w/o epidural. Not with the fourth . .. .ended up with a cesarean.
I've never liked the way labor feels . . . .your body is out of your control and doing things all on its own. It is a very weird feeling.
steph
Sarah no prob---congrats by the way!
Just tell them their bodies are undergoing huge hormone and fluid shifts. The cardiac output is at least 50% greater right after delivery than normal. (that's a lot of blood pumping all over which is why PP hemorrhage is such a HUGE deal). Hormones ("fight or flight" types) are circulating during transition and immediately after delivery that cause the body to "shake" in response. This is normal and will resolve very soon. Then try the interventions I suggested above, reassurance, warm blankets, coached breathing, etc. Your reassurance is the MOST important intervention in this case. I hope this helps you.
Cali
170 Posts
What causes the "shakes" right before and right after delivery? I've heard that the "shakes" after delivery is caused by a shift in fluid or something like that. Does anyone know for certain?