Chapter 4: Birth and the Newborn Flashcards
Braxton Hicks
irregular contractions that are similar to going into labor but aren’t labor contractions
induce labor
doctor goes in and breaks amniotic sac; all fluid comes pouring out and woman will spontaneously go into labor (may not work)
pitocin
drug that functions like oxytocin to stimulate contractions
labor
the process for delivering the baby
dilation
uterus begins to contract and woman beings to push down on the baby; cervix gradually begins to open or dilate
effacement
the walls of the cervix stretch over the head of the baby, thinning of the cervix over baby’s head
Transition
cervix is dilated between 8-10 cm
1st stage of labor
Dilation and Effacement
2nd Stage of Labor
Descent and Delivery
crowning
can see the top of the baby’s head
Episiotomy
surgical incision that widens the vaginal opening to allow the head to pass to prevent tearing of the vagina
forceps
a series of surgical devices that are designed to help move the baby out when contractions weaken and baby is not progressing
Vacuum extraction
suction cup on top of babies head and creates tight suction that pulls on the baby; bruising is avoided
3rd stage of labor
Delivering the afterbirth
Breech positions
baby is born other ways that aren’t head first
prolapsed cord
when head creates pressure against cord, blocking off blood supply and oxygen * EMERGENCY *
Placental abruption
when placenta separates; not that frequent
cesarean delivery
take the baby out through the abdomen, takes 10-15 minules, reach in and pull baby out
Lay midwife
medically untrained to deliver babies, but do it anyway
obstetrician
board certified doctor efficient in the safe and efficient delivery of babies typically within confines of hospital
Certified nurse-midwife
registered nurses who have 2 years of formal training beyond their nurse training
Home Birthing
growing in popularity; very high risk; physicians recommend against it
Hospital Birthing Room
Maternity unit; downside: hospital; upside: only real safe location if problems arise
Birthing Center
Typically run by certified nurse-midwives; privately operated; stimulated home environment; costs less; has to be within 10 minutes of emergency room
Lamaze Method for Prepared Childbirth
Mother chooses someone to be her “coach”, someone she doesn’t fight with; coach’s job is to distract mother from her pain and provide source of constant emotional support; learn how to massage, help with breathing; not against medication
Bradley Method for Prepared Childbirth
Coach is more of a boss; central role in directing the experience; really against medication, its like a failure on part of the mother
Local Anesthesia
provide pain relief in small area of body; i.e injection into cervix to reduce the tension
Systemic Medication
effect the entire system of the mother; orally or inhalation; reduce pain without loss of consciousness; typically include narcotics; downside: may reduce contractions; may get through placenta to baby
Regional Analgesia
provides pain relief in much larger portion of body, but stops short of affecting entire body
Spinal analgesia
gives injection right next to spine; used for emergency labor, C-sections; provides immediate relief from all pain but may wear off
Epidural
provides pain relief from the waist down; injected into spine; takes longer to kick in; continues to add chemicals throughout the birth; may weaken contractions
Anoxia
baby isnt getting oxygen
Cerebral Palsy
after 7-8 of no oxygen, there is a severe disturbance of motor control center in the brain
Surfactant
naturally produced waxy substance that keeps sacs partially inflated so that 2nd breath of baby is easier than the 1st breath
Artificial Surfactant
developed and infused into the lungs of premature babies to fill up the sacs
CPAP
connects to baby’s mouth, it puffs air to help the baby breath, reduces pressure
