Which physiological response is considered normal in the early postpartum period?

• A. Urinary urgency and dysuria
• B. Increase motility of the GI system
• C. Decrease in blood pressure
• D. Rapid diuresis

Answer: (D)

Rapid diuresis is a normal postpartum change because the body sheds the excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy. After delivery, kidneys increase urine production and sweating helps eliminate the extra extracellular fluid, which reduces edema and helps the cardiovascular system return toward pre-pregnant levels. Many women notice a burst of urination within the first day or two and continue to diurese over the next several days as hormone levels shift and fluid balance normalizes. Urinary urgency and dysuria can occur, but they aren’t the typical postpartum pattern and may indicate a bladder irritation or infection. GI motility tends to be slowed during pregnancy and usually returns to baseline after birth rather than increasing. Blood pressure in uncomplicated postpartum stays generally stable; a decrease could signal hemorrhage or fluid loss. So, rapid diuresis fits the expected normal postpartum physiology.