Neonatal 101 Flashcards
Abruptio Placenta (Placental Abruption)
The placenta has started to separate from the uterine wall before the baby is born.
Amniotic Fluid
This protective liquid, consisting mostly of fetal urine and water, fills the sac surrounding the fetus.
APGAR
A measurement of the newborn’s response to birth and life outside the womb. The ratings, APGAR, are based on:
Appearance (color),
Pulse (heartbeat),
Grimace (reflex),
Activity (muscle tone),
Respiration (breathing).
The scores, which are taken at 1 and 5 minutes following birth, ranging from 1 to 10.
Breech Presentation:
When the fetus is positioned head up to be born buttocks first or with one or both feet first
Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)
The baby is too large to safely pass through the mother’s pelvis.
Cervidil
A medication used to ripen the cervix before induction.
Cesarean
An incision through the abdominal and uterine walls for delivery of the baby; it may be vertical or more commonly horizontal. Also called abdominal delivery; commonly called C-Section.
Colostrum
This is a thin, white fluid discharge from the breasts in the early stage of milk production; this is usually noticeable during the last couple weeks of pregnancy.
Complete Breech
The baby’s buttocks are presenting at the cervix, but the legs are folded “Indian style,” making vaginal delivery difficult or impossible.
Contraction
The regular tightening of the uterus, working to push the baby down the birth canal.
Crowned/Crowning
When the baby’s head has passed through the birth canal and the top or “crown” stays visible at the vaginal opening.
Dilation
The extent to which the cervix has opened in preparation for childbirth. It is measured in centimeters, with full dilation being 10 centimeters.
Effacement
This refers to the thinning of the cervix in preparation for birth and is expressed in percentages. You will be 100% effaced when you begin pushing.
Engaged
The baby’s presenting part (usually the head) has settled into the pelvic cavity, which usually happens during the last month of pregnancy
Epidural
A common method of anesthesia used during labor. It is inserted through a catheter which is threaded through a needle, into the epidural space near the spinal cord.
Episiotomy
An incision made to the perineum to widen the vaginal opening for delivery
Fetal Distress
Condition, when the baby is not receiving enough oxygen or, is experiencing some other complication.
Fontanelle
Soft spots between the unfused sections of the baby’s skull. These allow the baby’s head to compress slightly during passage through the birth canal.
Forceps
Tong-shaped instrument that may be used to help guide the baby’s head out of the birth canal during delivery.
Frank Breech
The baby’s buttocks are presenting at the cervix, and the baby’s legs are extended straight up to the baby’s head.
Incontinence
Inability to control excretions. Urinary incontinence can occur as the baby places heavy pressure on the bladder.
Induced Labor
Labor is started or accelerated through intervention, such as placing prostaglandin gel on the cervix, using an IV drip of the hormone oxytocin (Pitocin), or by rupturing the membranes.
Jaundice
Condition in newborn babies reflected in yellowing of the skin. This is caused by the immature liver’s inability to process excess red blood cells.
Labor
Regular contractions of the uterus that result in dilation and effacement of the cervix.
Lightening
When the baby drops in preparation for delivery (engagement).
Meconium
This is a greenish substance that builds up in the baby’s bowels and is generally excreted shortly after delivery.
Neonatologist
A specialist who cares for newborns.
NICU Acronym standing for
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Nubain
Synthetic narcotic pain reliever commonly used in labor and delivery.
Oxytocin
Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates contractions and the milk-eject reflex. Pitocin is the synthetic form of this hormone.
Perineum
The muscle and tissue between the vagina and the rectum.
Phenergan
A sedative administered that also controls nausea and vomiting.
Placenta
The tissue that connects the mother and fetus to transport nourishment and take away waste.