40: Obstetrics Flashcards
The organ that serves as a lifeline for the developing fetus. The placenta is attached to the wall of the uterus and the umbilical cord.
Placenta
The release of an egg from the ovary.
Ovulation
The placental and accompanying membranes that are expelled from the uterus after the birth of a child.
Afterbirth
Structure containing two arteries and one vein that connects the fetus and the placenta.
Umbilical Cord.
The membranes that surround and protect the developing fetus throughout the period of intrauterine development.
Amniotic Sac
Clear; watery fluid that surrounds and protects the developing fetus.
Amniotic Fluid
The approximate day the infant will be born. This date is usually set at 40 weeks after the date of the mother’s last mentrual period (LMP).
Estimated Date of Confinement (EDC)
Termination of pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation. The term refers to both miscarriage and induced abortion. Commonly, abortion is used for elective termination of pregnancy and miscarriage for the loss of a fetus by natural means. A miscarriage is sometimes called a “Spontaneous abortion”.
Abortion
A premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall, poses a potential life threat for both mother and fetus.
Abruptio Placentae
Occurs as a result of abnormal implantation of the placenta on the lower half of the uterine wall, resulting in partial or complete coverage of the cervical opening.
Placenta Previa
Abnormal implantation of a fertilized egg outside of the uterus.
Ectopic Pregnancy
The thinning and shortening of the cervix during labor.
Effacement
The process of stopping labor.
Tocolysis
The time period surrounding the birth of the fetus.
Puerperium
The time and processes that occur during child birth; the physiologic and mechanical process in which the baby, placenta, and amniotic sac are expelled through the birth canal.
Labor
