Obstetrics Definitions 1 Flashcards
Cyanosis of the hands and feet of the baby, common after birth, and due to peripheral vasoconstriction.
acrocyanosis
to ensure labour progression and intervene to decrease labour dystocia, particularly in the first stage. Its main components are: patient education, strict labour diagnosis, early amniotomy, regular assessment of progress, prompt administration of oxytocin, one-to-one reassurance and support, pain relief and hydration.
active management of labour
Uterine contractions due to release of oxytocin from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, especially during suckling; more intense in multiparas. They promote involution of the uterus
afterpains (after-birth pains)
Aspiration of a sample of amniotic fluid through the mother’s abdomen for diagnosis of fetal maturity and/or disease by assay of the constituents of the fluid; when performed in the second trimester for genetic counselling (usually at 16-18 weeks) the fetal loss rate is 0.5%.
amniocentesis
A smooth membrane enclosing the fetus and amniotic fluid; it is loosely fused with the outer chorionic membrane
amnion
A lighted tubular instrument which is introduced through the internal os in late pregnancy and in labour; it enables an inspection of the colour and amount of amniotic fluid through the intact membranes, and also facilitates fetal blood sampling if the membranes are ruptured
amnioscope
Fluid surrounding and protecting the fetus within the amniotic sac.
amniotic fluid
After 20weeks gestation, the main source of amniotic fluid is the fetal kidneys (urine) and cleared by fetal swallowing. Any disruptions to these mechanisms will result in major changes of liquor volume. It is measured by cord-free Deepest Vertical Pool (DVP) or Amniotic Fluid Index (AFI).
Term used when there is virtually no liquor.
oligohydramnias
Some of the causes of oligohydramnios are idiopathic, ruptured membranes, renal agenesis, polycystic kidneys, FGR and post-term fetus
Term used to describe excessive liquor volume.
polyhydramnias
Causes of polyhydramnios include maternal diabetis mellitus, idiopathic, multiple pregnancy, fetal GIT atresias and macrosomia
Entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal venous circulation. Fetal squamous cells, hair, and vernix become impacted in the pulmonary arterioles, and thromboplastic substances cause intravascular coagulation
amniotic fluid embolism
Surgical rupture of the membranes to induce or augment labour
amniotomy
A maternal haemoglobin value below 11.5 g/dl in the first trimester or below 10.5 g/dl in later pregnancy. The World Health Organization recommends that the haemoglobin concentration should not fall below 11.0 g/dl at any time in pregnancy
anaemia
Absence of the brain and vault of the skull, the cerebellum and basal ganglia are sometimes present
anencephalus
Bleeding from or in to the genital tract, occurring from the 24th week of gestation to the birth of the baby
antepartum haemorrhage
A numerical scoring system usually applied at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to evaluate the condition of the baby, based on heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflexes and colour
apgar score
Apnoea which occurs in preterm infants due to immaturity of respiratory control mechanisms.
apnoea of prematurity
The pigmented zone of skin around the nipple, which contains sebaceous glands. The nipple and areola become further pigmented during pregnancy.
areola
Term used to describe the condition of an infant who has been subjected to hypoxia and acidosis during delivery and who fails to breathe following birth.
asphyxia neonatorum
Defined as at least 10 5 colony-forming units of urinary tract pathogens per ml of urine without symptoms.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria
Asymptomatic bacteriuria occurs in 2% to 10% of pregnancies and, if not treated, up to 30% of mothers will develop acute pyelonephritis. Asymptomatic bacteriuria has been associated with low birthweight and preterm delivery.
When the sagittal suture of the fetal skull does not lie midway between the maternal sacral promontory and pubic symphysis; there is usually disproportion, and the head is rocking fore and aft to enter the pelvis
Asynclitism
Relationship of fetal head and limbs to the fetal trunk, usually flexion
Attitude of the fetus
The groove between upper and lower uterine segments; it is situated at the level of the pubic symphysis at the onset of labour.
Bandl ring
The plan is either a list or a statement of preferences prepared by the woman for care during labour, birth and the postnatal period in the hospital.
Birth plan
The first weight of the newborn obtained preferably within 1 hour of birth before significant postnatal weight loss has occurred.
Birth weight
Assessment of suitability of the cervix for induction of labour
Bishop score
Fetal heart rate below 110 beats per minute.
Bradycardia
method of expressing the placenta from the uterus: controlled cord traction is applied with one hand while the contracted uterus is pushed upwards away from the placenta with the other hand on the mother’s abdomen
Brandt-Andrews
Spontaneous uterine contractions originally as a sign of pregnancy. Occur from the first trimester onward, and probably promote uterine blood flow and transfer of oxygen to the fetus
Braxton Hicks contraction
(a) Complete: the knees and hips are flexed and buttocks, genitalia, and the feet present. (b) Incomplete: (i) frank breech - the legs are extended and buttocks and genitalia present; (ii) footling: one or both feet present; there is a 10% risk of cord prolapse .
Breech presentation
The large diamond shaped anterior fontanelle.
Bregma
That part of the fetal head between the root of the nose and the anterior fontanelle
Brow
The surgical process of delivering the baby through an abdominal incision
Caesarean section
Oedema from obstructed venous return in the fetal scalp caused by pressure of the head against the rim of the cervix or birth canal.
Caput succedaneum