Chapter 7 Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy VOCAB Flashcards
Gravida
A woman who is pregnant
Gravidity
Pregnancy
Multigravida
A woman who has had two or more pregnancies
Multipara
A woman who has completed two or more pregnancies to 20 weeks of gestation or more
Nulligravida
A woman who has never been pregnant and is not currently pregnant
Nullipara
A woman who has not completed a pregnancy with a fetus or fetuses beyond 20 weeks of gestation
Parity
The number of pregnancies in which the fetus or fetuses have reached 20 weeks of gestation, not the number of fetuses (e.g., twins) born. Parity is not affected by whether the fetus is born alive or is stillborn (i.e., showing no signs of life at birth).
Postdate or Postterm
A pregnancy that goes beyond 42 weeks of gestation
Preterm
A pregnancy that has reached 20 weeks of gestation but ends before completion of 37 weeks of gestation
Primigravida
A woman who is pregnant for the first time
Primipara
A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus or fetuses who have reached 20 weeks of gestation
Term
A pregnancy from the beginning of week 38 of gestation to the end of week 42 of gestation
Viability
The capacity to live outside the uterus; there are no clear limits of gestational age or weight. Infants born at 22 to 25 weeks of gestation are considered to be on the threshold of viability and are especially vulnerable to brain injury if they survive.
Ballottement
Passive movement of the unengaged fetus.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Irregular, usually mild uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy and become stronger in the last trimester.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Pressure on the median nerve at the point at which it goes through the carpal tunnel of the wrist. It causes soreness, tenderness, and weakness of the muscles of the thumb. Edema involving the peripheral nerves can result in carpal tunnel syndrome during the last trimester of pregnancy.
Chadwick sign
Bluish purple discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia during pregnancy as a result of increased vascular congestion.
Diastasis recti abdominis
Separation of the longitudinal muscles of the abdomen (rectus abdominis) during pregnancy.
Epulis
Red raised nodule on the gums that bleeds easily; tumor-like benign lesion of the gingiva seen in pregnant women; also called gingival granuloma gravidarum
Funic soufflé
Synchronous with the fetal heart rate and caused by fetal blood coursing through the umbilical cord, may also be heard, as well as the actual heartbeat of the fetus.
Goodell sign
Softening of the cervix during pregnancy.
Leukorrhea
White or slightly gray mucoid vaginal discharge with a faint musty odor
Lightening
Descent of the fetus toward the pelvic inlet before labor.
Linea nigra
Pigmented line that appears on the middle of the abdomen and extends from the symphysis pubis toward the umbilicus, extending to the top of the fundus in the midline; seen in some women during the latter part of pregnancy
Melasma
Brownish pigmentation of the face during pregnancy, also called chloasma or “mask of pregnancy.”
Montgomery tubercles
Small, nodular prominences on the areolas around the nipples of the breasts; these contain sebaceous and sweat glands that secrete lubricating and antiinfective substances to help protect the nipples during breastfeeding
Operculum
Plug of mucus that fills the cervical canal during pregnancy; acts as a barrier against bacterial invasion
Palmer erythema
Pinkish red, diffuse mottling or well-defined blotches seen over the palmar surfaces of the hands in some women during pregnancy; related to increased estrogen levels
Physiologic anemia
Decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit values caused by dilution of erythrocytes by expanded plasma volume rather than by an actual decrease in erythrocytes or hemoglobin.
Pica
The practice of consuming nonfood substances (e.g., clay, dirt, and laundry starch) or excessive amounts of foodstuffs low in nutritional value (e.g., cornstarch, ice or freezer frost, baking powder, or baking soda), is often influenced by the woman’s cultural background.
Proteinuria
Protein in the urine.
Pruritus gravidarum
Severe itching.
Ptyalism
Excessive salivation.
Pyrosis
A burning sensation in the epigastric and sternal region due to stomach acid; also known as heartburn or “acid indigestion”.
Quickening
The first movements of the fetus in the uterus felt by the mother.
Striae gravidarum
Irregular pink to purple streaks on the abdomen, breasts, or thighs resulting from tears in the connective tissue.
Supine hypotensive syndrome
A fall in blood pressure that occurs when a pregnant woman is lying on her back. It is caused by impaired venous return that results from pressure of the gravid uterus on the vena cava.
