Obstetrics Vocabulary Flashcards
Amniotic Fluid
Protective fluid contained by the amniotic sac.
Apnea
Temporary cessation of breathing, especially during sleep.
Bilirubin
An orange-yellow pigment formed in the liver by the breakdown of hemoglobin and excreted in bile.
Bradycardia
Slow heart rate.
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Intermittent weak contractions that form during labor-often referred to as false labor.
Breast Pump
A hand or electronic pump used to extract milk from the breast.
Colostrum
First secretions from the mothers breast after giving birth.
Contractions
The movement of the uterus to help push the baby forward.
Cervix
The lower part of the uterus in the human female reproductive system.
Dilation
The action or condition of becoming or being made wider, larger, or more open.
Effacement
Refers to a thinning of the cervix.
False Labor
Abdominal Tightening with irregular intervals.
Gravida
The number of times a person has been pregnant.
Induction
To medically bring on labor.
Jaundice
A yellow discoloration of the skin, eyes and urine.
Preterm Labor
Labor starting before 37 weeks gestation.
Para
The number of births (whether live or still births after 24 weeks gestation).
RH Factor
Is referred to as either positive or negative, only affects pregnant women if they are negative and partner is positive.
Cord Blood
Blood taken from the umbilical cord.
