Labor and Delivery Terms

Question 1

Irregular, painless uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy, often referred to as “false labor.” Last for 15-30

Answer 1

Braxton hicks contractions or baby kicks

Question 2

The thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth.

Answer 2

Effacement

Question 3

The position of the baby’s head in relation to the ischial spines of the pelvis, measured in negative and positive numbers.

Answer 3

Station

Question 4

Refers to the part of the fetus that is positioned to come first during
delivery.

Answer 4

Presentation

Question 5

The head is the presenting part.

Answer 5

Cephalic presentation

Question 6

The buttocks or feet are the presenting part.

Answer 6

Breech

Question 7

This is when the baby’s buttocks present first, and her legs are flexed at the
hip and extended at the knees, with the feet near the ears.

Answer 7

Frank breech

Question 8

In this position, the baby’s hips and knees are flexed so that the baby is
sitting cross-legged, with feet beside the buttocks.

Answer 8

Complete breech

Question 9

one or both feet come first, with the buttocks at a higher position than the feet.

Answer 9

Footling breech