U3: Labor and Delivery Terms Flashcards
1
Q
Nesting
A
A flurry of energy to clean and organize; Psychologically preparing for birth
2
Q
Lightening
A
When the baby “drops” of moves lower into the pelvis
3
Q
Braxton Hicks
A
- False labor
- Occasional discomfort in your lower abdomen; a sensation that your uterus is tightening and relaxing
- Irregular and may come and go during 2nd 3rd trimesters
4
Q
Contractions
A
- Intense tightening and releasing of your uterus that helps your baby push through the cervix
- Can feel like heavy cramping or strong pressure that begins in your back and moves to the front: frequent and consistent
- Gets worse over time
5
Q
Labor
A
Series of stages that result in the birth of the baby
6
Q
Mucus Plug
A
- Jelly-like glob (clear, off-white with streaks of pink)
- Seals the cervical canal during pregnancy and acts as a protective barrier by deterring the passage of bacteria into the uterus
- Passing the mucus plug indicates contractions will be occurring soon
- Can be lost weeks before labor
7
Q
Rupturing of Membranes
A
- When the amniotic sac ruptures and the beginning of labor
8
Q
Bloody Show
A
- Passage of a small amount of blood or blood-tinged mucus through the vagina near the end of the pregnancy
- Might happen a day or two before labor begins
9
Q
Effacement
A
When the cervix softens shortens and thins
10
Q
Dilation
A
- When the cervix begins to open (Dilate)
- Healthcare provider will measure the dilation in centimeters from 0-10
11
Q
Childbirth
A
Process in which the baby leaves the uterus
12
Q
Vaginal Birth
A
A natural birthing process that does not require significant medical intervention
13
Q
Cesarean Section
A
- Is the delivery of a baby through a surgical incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus.
- In some cases, a c-section is scheduled in advance
- For others, it is needed due to an unforeseen complication
