Mother Baby Terms Flashcards
Antepartum (AP)
Before the birth, generally the pregnancy period of time.
Appropriate for gestational age (AGA)
Baby’s size is as expected for how far along you are.
Amniotic Fluid
Amniotic fluid is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.
Amniotic Fluid Index(AFI)
An estimate of the amount of amniotic fluid and is an index for the fetal well-being. … Median AFI level is approximately 14 from week 20 to week 35, when the amniotic fluid begins to reduce in preparation for birth. An AFI < 5-6 is considered as oligohydramnios.
Amniotic Fluid Volume (AFV)
How much fluid is surrounding baby in amniotic sac. See above parameters for normal fluid volume. Determined using ultrasound.
Artificial rupture of membranes (AROM)
Health care provider inserts a special hook through the cervix and makes a hole in the membranes, releasing amniotic fluid. Also known as “breaking the bag of waters.”
Biophysical Profile (BPP)
A biophysical profile (BPP) is a prenatal ultrasound evaluation of fetal well-being involving a scoring system, with the score being termed Manning’s score. It is often done when a non-stress test (NST) is non reactive, or for other obstetrical indications. A possibility of 2 points assigned for each parameter for a max of 10 possible points total comprising (1) the nonstress test (NST), (2) ultrasonographic measurement of the AFV, (3) observation of the presence or absence of fetal breathing movements, (4) gross body movements, and (5) muscle tone.
Breech
Baby is presenting in the pelvis either buttocks first (frank) or feet first (footling)
Cervical exam/sterile vaginal exam (SVE)
Health care provider uses fingers to check the cervix for:
* Position of cervix (posterior – to the back, or anterior –
forward, to the mother’s front).
* Ripeness (softness or hardness of the cervix).
* Dilation (amount open).
* Effacement (amount thick or thin, shortening of
the cervix).
Station (how low in the pelvis the baby has descended).
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD)
The baby’s head is too large, the mother’s pelvic structure is too small, or a combination of the two. Rarely diagnosed before labor. Sometimes can be related to a baby lying in the persistent occiput posterior position (the back of the baby’s head is toward the mother’s back) or asynclitism (baby’s head tilted so that it does not fit through the pelvis). Leads to a Cesarean section birth.
Child Protective Services (CPS)
A state agency that protects babies and children.
Cesarean section or C-section (C/S)
A surgical procedure used to deliver the baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus; used if labor or vaginal birth is difficult or dangerous for the mother or baby; also used if mother has had a CS before.
Cervix
Lowest part, or neck, of the uterus that ends in the back of the vagina or birth canal.
Date of birth (DOB)
Mother’s or baby’s birthday; most times includes the month, day, and year.
Doppler
A handheld device placed on abdomen that makes it possible to hear the fetal heartbeat.
Estimated date of confinement (EDC), Estimated due date (EDD, or Estimated date of birth (EDB)
The expected due date of the baby, figured for a 40-week pregnancy from the mother’s last menstrual period
Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM)
The mother has two sensing devices placed on her abdomen. One of these devices picks up the baby’s heartbeat; the other picks up changes in uterine tone (which shows contractions).
Episiotomy (epis)
A surgical incision to widen the skin opening between the vagina and rectal area (perineum) to allow birth to happen hopefully easier. Associated with incision tearing further with birth of baby’s head. Once a routine procedure, now rarely done as thinking supports tearing as a better option. Has to be stitched up after birth.
Forceps
A forceps delivery is a type of assisted vaginal delivery. It’s sometimes needed in the course of vaginal childbirth.
In a forceps delivery, a health care provider applies forceps — an instrument shaped like a pair of large spoons or salad tongs — to the baby’s head to help guide the baby out of the birth canal. This is typically done during a contraction while the mother pushes.
Fundus
The top of the uterus. The health care provider usually measures the fundus at or below the mother’s navel soon after the baby is born, and for several days after birth. This is done by feeling the mother’s abdomen. The fundus should feel firm and tight. This measurement is important to control bleeding after delivery.
Fetal heart rate (FHR)
Baby’s heart rate measured while still in mother’s uterus.
Fetal heart tones (FHT’s)
Baby’s heart rate sounds that can be heard with the Doppler or electronic fetal monitoring (EFM).
Fetal Scalp Electrode (FSE)
a monitor that is screwed into the baby’s scalp when it is still in the birth canal for the purpose of monitoring the fetal heart rate accurately. Sometimes the external Doppler is unable to capture the FHR. The amniotic sac must be ruptured so that the provider can attach the monitor to the baby.
Failure to progress (FTP), prolonged labor
Labor is not progressing because the cervix is not dilating or the baby is not descending.
Group beta streptococcus (GBS)
A type of bacteria in the vagina, rectum, or urine, which can be passed on to baby during labor; infant would need antibiotics. Mothers are checked before labor for bacteria and get antibiotics during labor, if bacteria are present.
Induction of labor (IOL)
Artificial staring of woman’s labor. May be due to maternal health concerns to expedite pregnancy, perceived distress of baby determined by electronic monitoring or biophysical, decreased fetal movement, or for going past due date. Often involves medications or artificial rupture of membranes (arom).
