Obstetrics & Neonatal Care Flashcards
Afterbirth
The placenta and other tissues that are expelled after the delivery of the fetus.
Amniotic sac
A thin, transparent membrane that forms a structure sac that holds the fetus suspended in amniotic fluid (500–1,000 mL); also called bag of waters.
Antepartum
The period of pregnancy before the onset of labor.
Bloody show
The mucus and blood that are expelled from the vagina as labor begins
Breech birth
A common abnormality of delivery in which the fetal buttocks or both lower extremities are low in the uterus and are the first to be delivered.
Prehospital care:
Transport should be immediate when a breech presentation is recognized. If it cannot be prevented, provide high concentration oxygen to mother and insert fingers forming “V” in vagina around fetus’s nose.
Cervix
The neck of the uterus.
Crowning
The stage in delivery when the fetal head presents at the vagina.
Fallopian tubes
Thin, flexible structures that extend from the uterus to the ovaries; also called uterine tubes.
Fetus
The child in the uterus from the third month of pregnancy to birth; before that time it is called an embryo.
Intrapartum
The period of time from the onset of labor to delivery of the infant.
Labor
The physiological process by which the fetus is expelled from
the uterus into the vagina and then to the outside of the body;
Also called childbirth.
Limb presentation
An abnormal obstetric presentation when an arm or single leg is the first fetal part to protrude from the vaginal opening.
Care: Rapid transport is needed, as a cesarean section must be performed.
Meconium staining
A greenish or brownish yellow staining of the amniotic fluid caused by a fetal bowel movement resulting from distress.
- Occurs when fetus ingests dead skin cells or vernix; passes into the fetal digestive tract and forms the first stool—a thick, sticky, tarlike substance called “meconium.”
- Meconium might enter the lower airway and cause meconium aspiration syndrome, resulting in severe respiratory distress.
- If complete obstruction occurs, atelectasis of fetus can result.
Multiple birth (Special considerations)
The delivery of more than one baby during a single birth; for example, twins or triplets.
- Uterine contractions start again approximately 10 minutes after the first baby has been delivered
- First baby is small compared with the mother’s abdomen before delivery.
- Babies might require resuscitation. Remember to call for additional resources, if needed to treat mother and babies.
- If delivery of the second fetus has not occurred within 10 minutes, transport immediately.
Neonate
A child from birth to 1 month of age.
Nuchal cord (Definition & Care)
An umbilical cord that is wrapped around the infant’s neck during the delivery.
Corrected by slipping the cord over the baby’s head or clamping and cutting the cord.
Obstetric
Having to do with pregnancy or childbirth.
Ovaries
The female gonads or sex glands.
Perineum
The area of skin between a female’s vagina and anus.
Placenta
The fetal organ through which the fetus exchanges nourishment and waste products
Postmaturity syndrome
Condition that occurs when the fetus remains in the uterus more than 42 weeks; the placenta can no longer meet the nutritional and metabolic needs of the fetus.
Postpartum
The period after delivery of the infant
Postpartum hemorrhage (management)
The loss of more than 500 mL of blood after delivery of the infant.
Management :
- placing a sanitary napkin, trauma dressings, or trauma pad over the vagina
- performing a fundal massage
- allowing the neonate to breast-feed (which releases oxytocin and promotes uterine contraction)
- NEVER pack the inside of the vagina with dressings to control hemorrhaging.
Post-term pregnancy (Special considerations)
Gestation of the fetus that extends beyond 42 weeks; see also
postmaturity syndrome.
- Delivery might be more difficult because the cranium has begun to harden
- Fetus might be too large for a normal delivery and a cesarean section might be needed
- Meconium staining is also likely as fetal intestines have started to mature and function.
- Hypoxia is a main concern because of decreased blood flow from the placenta.
Precipitous birth
Birth of the fetus after less than 3 hours of labor.
- Might be an increase in trauma to the fetus and mother
- Umbilical cord might tear.