obstetrical terms Flashcards
1
Q
Conception
A
union of the sperm and ovum to form a zygote
2
Q
contraception
A
The intentional prevention of pregnancy during intercourse
3
Q
Fertilization
A
the fusion of a male and female gametes to form a zygote. Fertilization usually occurs in the lower third of the fallopian tube
4
Q
Abortion
A
Birth that occurs before the end of 20 weeks gestation
5
Q
stillbirth
A
An infant born dead after 20 weeks gestation
6
Q
Ectopic pregnancy
A
Refers to the implantation of a fertilized ovum in an area outside the uterus.
7
Q
Prenatal development
A
Development of the unborn fetus from two weeks post conception to birth
8
Q
Gestation
A
The number of weeks pregnancy since the first day of the last menstrual period
9
Q
Term
A
Pregnancy at 38-40 weeks pregnant
10
Q
Preterm
A
Less that 37 weeks term
11
Q
Post term
A
Greater than 40 weeks pregnant
12
Q
Gravida
A
Refers to a woman who is pregnant regardless of gestation
13
Q
Parity (P)
A
Total number of pregnancies
14
Q
Nulligravida
A
A woman who has never been pregnant
15
Q
Primigravida
A
A woman who is pregnant for the first time
16
Q
Multigravida
A
A woman who is pregnant for the second or any subsequent pregnancy
17
Q
Prenatal assessment
A
The ongoing process to treat and prevent potential complications of mom and fetus, while promoting healthy lifestyles
18
Q
Health promotion
A
Interventions and behaviors that increase and maintain the level of well being of groups, families and communities
19
Q
Antepartum
A
Time between conception and the onset of labour. Can be used interchangeably with prenatal period
20
Q
Intrapartum
A
time from onset of true labor to the birth of the infant and placenta
21
Q
Postpartum
A
Time from the delivery of the placenta and membranes until the woman’s body returns to the non pregnant condition.
22
Q
Labor
A
The process through which birth is initiated through painful contractions that dilate the cervix, efface the cervix and expel the fetus from the maternal uterus
23
Q
Preterm or premature labor
A
Labor that occurs after 20 weeks but before 37 weeks of gestation
24
Q
Electronic Fetal Monitoring
A
Method to evaluate fetal heart rate as well as maternal contraction frequency and duration
25
Internal Monitoring
Monitoring with a fetal scalp scalp electrode (FSE) and/or an intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC)
26
Doppler
Portable ultrasonic device used to auscultate fetal heart tones.
27
Ultrasonography
Technique for visualizing deep structures of the body by recording reflections (echoes) of sound waves directed into the tissue
28
Amniotomy
Artificial rupture of membranes
29
Amniocentesis:
Transabdominal puncture of the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid that contains fetal cells and biochemical substances for laboratory exam
30
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS):
Transcervical or transabdominal sampling of chorionic villi (projections on the outer fetal membrane) for analysis of fetal cells.
31
Multiple Marker Screening:
Analysis of maternal serum for abnormal levels of alpha-fetoprotein (MSAF), human chorionic gonadotropin (HcG), inhibin A, and estriols that may predict chromosomal abnormalities or neural tube defects in the fetus.
32
Biophysical Profile (BPP):
Method for evaluating fetal status during the antepartum period based on 5 variables: FHR (reactivity), gross body movements, fetal breathing movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume (amniotic fluid index AFI).
33
Induction of Labor
The use of artificial methods to stimulate uterine contractions.
34
Augmentation of Labor:
Artificial stimulation of uterine contractions that have become inefficient.
35
Baseline Fetal Heart:
average fetal heart rate (FHR) rounded to increments of 5 beats per minute during a 10-minute segment,
36
normal FHR baseline rate
ranges from 110 to 160 beats per minute
37
Fetal Bradycardia
Heartrate less than 110 beats per minute
38
Fetal tachycardia
FHR greater that 160 beats per minute
39
Variability:
is defined as fluctuations in the FHR baseline that cause the printed line to have an irregular wavelike appearance rather than a smooth, flat one.
40
Accelerations:
Temporary increase in the fetal heart rate that peaks at least 15 BPM above the baseline and lasts at least 15 seconds. Often occur with fetal movement. Accelerations are associated with a healthy fetus.
41
Decelerations:
Classified by their shape and relationship to uterine contractions; early, late, and variable decelerations.
42
Early Decelerations:
Occurs during contractions as the fetal head is pressed against the women’s pelvis or soft tissues. It is a gradual decrease in the fetal heart rate below the baseline starting with the beginning of the contraction and ending with the contraction. They mirror the contraction. Early decelerations are caused by fetal head compression which elicits a vagal response. They are not associated with fetal compromise and do not require intervention.
43
Variable Deceleration:
Can occur at any time unrelated to contractions. They are an abrupt decrease in the fetal heart rate usually with an abrupt return to baseline. Any condition that impairs blood flow through the umbilical cord can result in variable decelerations.
44
Late Deceleration:
Appearance is similar to early decelerations, the fetal heart rate gradually decreases after the contraction begins and returns to baseline after the contraction is over. They represent impaired exchange of oxygen and waste products in the placenta (uteroplacental insufficiency). Prolonged uteroplacental insufficiency can lead to fetal acidosis.
45
Uterine Activity:
4 components: frequency, duration, and uterine intensity, as well as uterine resting tone.
46
Tocolytic:
A drug that inhibits uterine contractions.
47
Uterine Resting Tone:
The amount of pressure in the uterus when it is relaxed.
48
Hypertonic (tetanic) Contractions:
Uterine contractions that are too long or too frequent, have too short of a resting interval, or have inadequate relaxation period to allow optimal placental perfusion.
49
Intrauterine Resuscitation:
Specific maneuvers utilized to improve fetal perfusion and oxygenation.
50
Fetal Scalp Stimulation:
Fetal head is scratched manually through a vaginal exam to elicit an acceleration of FHR.
51
Hypoxia:
Reduced availability of oxygen to the body tissues.
52
Dystocia:
Abnormal long or difficult labor or delivery.
53
Cephalopelvic Disproportion:
Fetal head size is too large to fit through the maternal pelvis.
54
Breech:
Occurs when the fetal buttocks or feet enter the pelvis first.
55
Oligohydramnios:
A condition that can develop during pregnancy. It occurs when not enough amniotic fluid, which surrounds the fetus, is produced.
56
Sickle Cell Disease:
Autosomal recessive genetic disorder that causes anemia. Disease is characterized by which normal hemoglobin A, (HbA), is partially or totally replaced by abnormal hemoglobin, (HsA).
57
Gestational Diabetes:
Carbohydrate intolerance that varies in severity that develops after 20 weeks gestation.
58
Gestational Hypertension:
BP ≥ 140/90 that develops after 20 weeks gestation and returns to normal within 6 weeks postpartum. It is not associated with proteinuria.
59
Preeclampsia:
BP ≥ 140/90 that develops after 20 weeks gestation and is accompanied by proteinuria. Patient at significant risk for generalized seizures and fetal compromise.
60
Eclampsia:
Progression of preeclampsia to generalized seizures.
61
HELLP Syndrome (Hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets):
Hemolysis of erythrocytes due to passage through damaged blood vessels, liver enzymes increase due to obstruction of hepatic blood flow, and low platelets caused by vascular damage resulting from vasospasm; platelets aggregate at damaged site and systemic thrombocytopenia results.
62
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulopathy (DIC):
Coagulation defect in which the proteins that cause clotting become hyperactive and massive hemorrhage occurs as a result.
63
Chronic Hypertension:
BP ≥ 140/90 that is known to exist prior to pregnancy or develops before 20 weeks gestation.
64
Superimposed Preeclampsia:
A condition which can develop in a pregnant woman who has chronic hypertension; diagnosis should be suspected if there is and sudden increase in proteinuria and hypertension.
65
Abruptio Placenta:
Defined as the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus prior to birth.
66
Placenta Previa:
An implantation of the placenta in the lower segment of the uterus, near the fetal presenting part.
67
Gestational Trophoblastic Disease (Hydatidiform Mole):
Occurs when the trophoblast cells of the placenta develop abnormally. As a result, the placenta, not the fetus develops.
68
Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
Characterized by persistent and uncontrollable vomiting that develops in the early weeks of pregnancy and continues throughout the pregnancy.
69
Erythroblastosis Fetalis:
Condition resulting from incompatibility between maternal and fetal blood. In most cases the fetus is Rh-positive and the mother is Rh-negative.
70
Multifetal Pregnancy (multiple gestation):
A pregnancy in which the woman is carrying 2 or more fetuses.
71
Prolapsed Cord:
A condition in which the umbilical cord slips down in front or beside the fetus after rupture of the membranes.
72
Group B Streptococcus:
A gram positive bacteria that colonizes in the rectum, vagina, cervix, and urethra.
73
Coomb’s Test:
Test is used to detect antibodies that are stuck to the surface of red blood cells.
74
Rh-Isoimmunization:
A process where a mother with Rh-negative blood is pregnant with a baby that has Rh-positive blood and the baby's blood enters the mother's blood circulation. The Rh-positive blood from the baby makes the mother's body create antibodies.
75
Rho (D) immune globulin (RhoGAM):
To suppress immune response of Rho negative mothers exposed to Rho positive blood due to Rho positive neonate during childbirth, and thereby prevent hemolytic disease of newborn in future pregnancies.
76
Dysfunctional Labor:
Characterized by a labor that does not result in the normal progression of dilatation, effacement, and fetal descent.
77
Precipitous Labor:
A rapid birth that occurs within 3 hours of labor onset.
78
Postpartum Affective Disorders:
The onset of a mental disorder during the peripartum or postpartum period.
79
Mastitis:
Infection of the breast during the postpartum period.
80
Forcep Delivery:
Metal, curved blades that are applied to the fetal presenting part and pulled using traction to aid in the woman’s expulsion efforts.
81
Vacuum Extraction:
Is a soft pliable cup placed on fetal head and uses suction to apply traction and aid in mother’s expulsion efforts.
82
Episiotomy:
A surgical incision to the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening.
83
Cesarean Birth (C-section):
Surgical birth of the fetus through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus.
84
Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM):
Rupture of the amniotic sac prior to labor.
85
Chorioamnionitis:
Infection of the amniotic sac.
86
Lochia:
the discharge during the first weeks following birth indicates the process of uterine lining healing and the amount gradually decreases over time.
87
Lochia rubra
During the first few days postpartum, new mothers can expect a moderate amount of bright red to dark red discharge.
88
lochia serosa
lochia becomes more serous and pink and decreases in amount around days 3 -7 postpartum
89
lochia alba
7-10 days postpartum, the lochia becomes pale yellow-white and is even in a more decreased amount, and may continue for 2-3 more weeks.
90
Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH):
Blood loss of 500 mL or > with a vaginal delivery or a blood loss of 1000 mL or > with a cesarean birth.
91
Uterine Atony:
Decreased uterine muscle contraction; a primary cause of postpartum hemorrhage.
92
Involution:
Changes that occur postpartum as the reproductive organs, particularly the uterus, return to their pre-pregnant size and condition.
93
Subinvolution:
Delayed return of the uterus to its nonpregnant size and consistency.
94
Acrocyanosis:
Bluish discoloration of the hands and feet caused by reduced peripheral circulation.
95
Newborn Screening:
Screening test used to detect various conditions and identify those infants that may require further testing and follow up.
96
Newborn Abstinence Syndrome (NAS):
Develops in infants born to mothers depended on opioids. Infants will display various physical symptoms while experiencing withdrawal.
97
Newborn Abstinence Scoring:
How jen scores if she can abstain from stealing the cutesy wootsy baby
98
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:
A group of physical, behavioral, and mental abnormalities that present in child that are the result of maternal ingestion of alcohol during pregnancy.
99
Antenatal Steroids:
Corticosteroid that is given via injection to a pregnant women between 24-34 weeks when preterm birth is suspected of occurring. These corticosteroids speed up development of fetal lungs.
100
Surfactant:
A mixture of lipoproteins produced by mature fetal lungs that reduces the surface tension in the alveoli, thus promoting lung expansion at birth.
101
Meconium:
The first stool excreted by the newborn.
102
Hyperbilirubinemia/Jaundice:
Results from excessive bilirubin in the blood due to the breakdown of RBCs and infant’s immature liver.
103
Kernicterus (Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy):
Unconjugated bilirubin that stains the brain causing neurologic injury.
104
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome:
A condition in which there is an obstruction and air trapping due to a chemical pneumonia cause by meconium in the infants lungs.
105
Macrosomia:
Unusually large fetal size; more than 4000 grams (8 lbs. 13 oz. or greater).
106
Hypothermia:
Infants who cannot maintain temperature of 97.7°F or ˃ due to their larger body surface area to weight ratio.
107
Persistent Fetal Circulation (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn):
Vasoconstriction of the infant’s pulmonary vessels after birth; may result in a left to right shunting of blood flow through the ductus arteriosus, the foramen ovale, or both.
108
Neural Tube Defect (NTD):
A congenital defect in the closure of the spinal cord or the skull.
109
Tachypnea:
Respiratory rate greater than 60 BPM in the newborn after the first hour of life.
110
Nasal Flaring:
A sign of air hunger that is demonstrated in the infant or young child by widening of the nares to take in more oxygen.
111
Grunting:
A sound similar to a grunting noise that can be heard without a stethoscope. This is an indication of respiratory distress in the newborn.
112
Large for Gestational Age (LGA):
An infant whose size is above the 90% for gestational age.
113
Small for Gestational Age (SGA):
An infant whose size falls below the 10% for gestational age.
114
Hypoglycemia:
Abnormally low blood glucose level. In newborns it is any blood glucose ≤ 40 mg/dL.
115
Hydrops Fetalis:
Heart failure and generalized edema in the fetus secondary to severe anemia.
116
Shoulder Dystocia:
Delayed or difficult birth of the fetal shoulders after the head has delivered.
117
Cleft Lip:
Congenital malformation that results when the fetal lip fails to close during prenatal development.
118
Cleft Palate:
Congenital malformation that results when the fetal palate fails to close during prenatal development. It may involve the hard or soft palate or both.
119
Failure to Thrive (FTT):
Used to describe an infant whose weight or rate of weight gain is significantly below that of infants of comparable age.
120
Tracheoesophageal Fistula (TEF):
Congenital malformation in which the esophagus terminates before it reaches the stomach and/or a fistula is present that forms an unnatural connection between the esophagus and trachea.
121
Growth Charts:
A series of percentile curves for selected measurements, which are used to assess body size and monitor growth of infants and children.
122
Developmental Milestones:
Benchmarks of development that indicate whether the infant is developing normally.
123
Lactation:
Secretion of milk from the breasts.
124
Cephalhematoma:
Bleeding between the periosteum and skull from pressure during birth; does not cross the suture line.
125
Caput Succedaneum (caput):
Area of edema over the presenting part of the fetus or newborn, resulting from pressure against the cervix.
126
Tetralogy of Fallot:
Congenital heart malformation of 4 defects (VSD, pulmonary valve stenosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, and displacement of the aorta so that it overrides part of the right ventricle).
