Terminology

Question 1

Abdominal Palpation - Lie

Answer 1

Relationship of the long axis of the foetal spine to the long axis of the maternal uterus

Question 2

Abdominal Palpation - Attitude

Answer 2

Relationship of foetal head and limbs to foetal body

Question 3

Abdominal Palpation - Pole

Answer 3

Extremity/end, head or buttocks

Question 4

Abdominal Palpation - Position

Answer 4

Relation of the denominator on foetus to landmarks on the maternal pelvis

Question 5

Abdominal Palpation - Presentation

Answer 5

Part of the foetus lying in the lowest part of the uterus over cervical opening, therefore presents first

Question 6

Abdominal Palpation - Engagement

Answer 6

When transverse diameter (biparietal diameter 9.5cm) has passed through the brim of the maternal pelvis

Question 7

Abdominal Palpation - Denominator

Answer 7

Leading part of foetus, likely to meet pelvic floor first (occiput when presentation is vertex)

Question 8

Gravida

Answer 8

Number of Pregnancies

Question 9

Para/Parity

Answer 9

Number of births greater than 20 weeks gestation

Question 10

Primi

Answer 10

First Pregnancy

Question 11

Multi

Answer 11

Multiple Pregnancy

Question 12

Linea Nigra

Answer 12

Linea nigra is a dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy during about three quarters of all pregnancies. The brownish streak is usually about a centimetre in width. The lie runs vertically along the midline of the abdomen from the pubis to the umbilicus, but can also run from the pubis to the top of the abdomen. Linea nigra is due to increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone made by the placenta, which also causes melasma and darkened nipples.

Question 13

Striae Gravidarum

Answer 13

Striae Gravidarum or pregnancy stretch marks, is a form of scarring of the skin of the abdomen due to sudden weight gain during pregnancy.

Question 14

Melasma

Answer 14

Pigmentation of the skin darkens in some areas, can look like birth marks

Question 15

Ballotable

Answer 15

Physical exam referring to an intraabdominal mass which is palpable and can be ‘bounced’ back and forth.

Question 16

Cervix

Answer 16

• 10% muscle and 90% collagenous tissue