Chapter 7 Anatomy and Physiology of Pregnancy VOCAB

Question 1

Gravida

Answer 1

A woman who is pregnant

Question 2

Gravidity

Answer 2

Pregnancy

Question 3

Multigravida

Answer 3

A woman who has had two or more pregnancies

Question 4

Multipara

Answer 4

A woman who has completed two or more pregnancies to 20 weeks of gestation or more

Question 5

Nulligravida

Answer 5

A woman who has never been pregnant and is not currently pregnant

Question 6

Nullipara

Answer 6

A woman who has not completed a pregnancy with a fetus or fetuses beyond 20 weeks of gestation

Question 7

Parity

Answer 7

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).

Question 8

Postdate or Postterm

Answer 8

A pregnancy that goes beyond 42 weeks of gestation

Question 9

Preterm

Answer 9

A pregnancy that has reached 20 weeks of gestation but ends before completion of 37 weeks of gestation

Question 10

Primigravida

Answer 10

A woman who is pregnant for the first time

Question 11

Primipara

Answer 11

A woman who has completed one pregnancy with a fetus or fetuses who have reached 20 weeks of gestation

Question 12

Term

Answer 12

A pregnancy from the beginning of week 38 of gestation to the end of week 42 of gestation

Question 13

Viability

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Ballottement

Answer 14

Passive movement of the unengaged fetus.

Question 15

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Answer 15

Irregular, usually mild uterine contractions that occur throughout pregnancy and become stronger in the last trimester.

Question 16

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

Chadwick sign

Answer 17

Bluish purple discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia during pregnancy as a result of increased vascular congestion.

Question 18

Diastasis recti abdominis

Answer 18

Separation of the longitudinal muscles of the abdomen (rectus abdominis) during pregnancy.

Question 19

Epulis

Answer 19

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

Question 20

Funic soufflé

Answer 20

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.

Question 21

Goodell sign

Answer 21

Softening of the cervix during pregnancy.

Question 22

Leukorrhea

Answer 22

White or slightly gray mucoid vaginal discharge with a faint musty odor

Question 23

Lightening

Answer 23

Descent of the fetus toward the pelvic inlet before labor.

Question 24

Linea nigra

Answer 24

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

Question 25

Melasma

Answer 25

Brownish pigmentation of the face during pregnancy, also called chloasma or “mask of pregnancy.”

Question 26

Montgomery tubercles

Answer 26

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

Question 27

Operculum

Answer 27

Plug of mucus that fills the cervical canal during pregnancy; acts as a barrier against bacterial invasion

Question 28

Palmer erythema

Answer 28

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

Question 29

Physiologic anemia

Answer 29

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.

Question 30

Pica

Answer 30

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.

Question 31

Proteinuria

Answer 31

Protein in the urine.

Question 32

Pruritus gravidarum

Answer 32

Severe itching.

Question 33

Ptyalism

Answer 33

Excessive salivation.

Question 34

Pyrosis

Answer 34

A burning sensation in the epigastric and sternal region due to stomach acid; also known as heartburn or “acid indigestion”.

Question 35

Quickening

Answer 35

The first movements of the fetus in the uterus felt by the mother.

Question 36

Striae gravidarum

Answer 36

Irregular pink to purple streaks on the abdomen, breasts, or thighs resulting from tears in the connective tissue.

Question 37

Supine hypotensive syndrome

Answer 37

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.