OB Terminology & Abbreviations Flashcards
Amnion
Inner fetal membrane forming sac that contains fetus and amniotic fluid
Antepartum/Antepartal
Time period beginning with conception and ending with the onset of labor
Attitude
Relationship of fetal parts to one another
Breech presentation
Presenting part being either the fetal buttocks or feet
Cervix
The neck or lowest part of the uterus; interfaces with the vagina
Chorion
Outer fetal membrane closest to the intrauterine wall, surrounds the amnion
Conception
Occurs when sperm nucleus enters the nucleus of the oocyte/ovum; fertilization
Dilation
Expansion of the external os of the cervix from a diameter of a few millimeters to 10 cm
Dystocia
Abnormal labor due to many reasons, may be maternal or fetal
Effacement
Thinning or shortening of cervix that occurs towards the end of pregnancy or during labor
Engagement
Occurs when the greatest diameter of the fetal head enters the pelvic inlet
Episiotomy
Incision of the perineum to facilitate birth and to prevent laceration of the perineum
False labor
Braxton Hicks; abnormal or irregular contractions that do not result in cervical change
Fetus
Child in utero from 7th to 9th week of gestation until birth
Fetal Attitude
Relationship of fetal parts to one another
Fetal lie
The relationship of the long axis of the fetus to the long axis of the mother
Fetal position
Location of the fetal presenting part in relation to the mother’s pelvis
Fetal presentation
The fetal part that enters the maternal pelvis first
Fundus
The upper portion of the uterus between the fallopian tubes
Gestation
The period of intrauterine development from conception to birth
Gestational age
The number of complete weeks of fetal development
Gravida
A pregnant woman; the number of times a woman has been pregnant
Intrapartum/Intrapartal
Period of time beginning with the onset of labor and ending with the delivery of the placenta
Involution
The reduction in size of the uterus following childbirth
