Midwifery Terms

Question 1

What does parity mean?

Answer 1

• The number of times a woman has borne children counting multiple births as one and including stillbirth

Question 2

What is station?

Answer 2

Station is an imaginary line from ischial spine to ischial spine and is used to estimate how far the presenting part has come into the pelvis via a vaginal examination

Question 3

What is cervical effacement?

Answer 3

The gradual thinning, shortening, and drawing up of the cervix measured in percentages from 0 to 100%

Question 4

What is cervical dilation?

Answer 4

The gradual opening of the cervix measured in centimeters from 0 to 10cms

Question 5

What is the midwifery council’s role?

Answer 5

They set the regulatory framework for midwives (legal responsibilities)

Question 6

What is the New Zealand College of Midwives role?

Answer 6

They give advice, best practice and recommendations

Question 7

What is placental abruption?

Answer 7

When the placenta separates from the inner wall of the uterus prior to the baby being born, it can deprive the baby of necessary nutrients and oxygen and can cause heavy bleeding. The baby may need to be born early.

Question 8

What is hypoxia?

Answer 8

Low oxygen levels in your tissues

Question 9

What is hypoxemia?

Answer 9

Low oxygen levels in the blood