After the placenta is delivered, which process follows?

The process that follows the delivery of the placenta is involution of the uterus. Involution refers to the reduction in size of the uterus as it returns to its pre-pregnancy state. This process is crucial for the mother's recovery and involves the uterine muscles contracting to help control bleeding, expel any remaining placental tissue, and reduce the size of the uterus over the weeks following childbirth.

During this time, hormonal changes also play a role in initiating the involution process. The reduction in volume alleviates pressure on surrounding organs and helps restore normal function. It's important for healthcare providers to monitor this aspect during postpartum care to ensure that involution is occurring properly and that the mother is not experiencing complications like hemorrhage.

The other processes mentioned, while important in the overall postpartum care and maternal recovery, do not specifically follow immediately after placenta delivery as involution does. For example, while monitoring the newborn’s breathing is critical, it typically occurs concurrently after the baby’s birth rather than following the placenta delivery specifically. Similarly, closing the cervix is part of the body’s adjustment and recovery but is not the immediate next step. Recovery of the mother's strength is an ongoing process after the immediate postpartum period.