Understanding midwifery terminology

Question 1

Conception

Answer 1

Fusion of sperm and ovum

Question 2

Embryo

Answer 2

(unborn child) in first 8 weeks of intra-uterine life

Question 3

Fetus

Answer 3

Unborn child from 12 weeks until birth

Question 4

Antenatal

Answer 4

From conception to the onset of labour

Question 5

Gestation

Answer 5

Pregnancy – refers to length of pregnancy in completed days or weeks – calculated from first lay of L.M.P.

Question 6

Gravid

Answer 6

Pregnant

Question 7

Primigravida

Answer 7

Woman pregnant for the 1st time

Question 8

Multigravida

Answer 8

Woman pregnant for 2nd + time

Question 9

Parity

Answer 9

Having given birth to a viable child (live or S.B.)

Question 10

Nullipara

Answer 10

Not having given birth to a viable child

Question 11

Primipara

Answer 11

Having had a viable child (live or S.B)

Question 12

Multipara

Answer 12

Having 2+ viable children

Question 13

Grand multipara

Answer 13

Having 4+ children

Question 14

Abortion

Answer 14

Expulsion of fetus before 24 weeks of gestation (dead)

Question 15

Stillbirth

Answer 15

Baby born showing no signs of life, after 24 weeks gestation

Question 16

Viable

Answer 16

Baby born after 24 weeks of gestation

Question 17

Parturition

Answer 17

Giving birth

Question 18

Labour

Answer 18

Giving birth

Question 19

Live birth

Answer 19

Complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a baby, irrespective of gestation, which after such separation, shows signs of life

Question 20

Term

Answer 20

From 37 to 42 completed weeks of gestation (259-293 days)

Question 21

Preterm

Answer 21

Prior to 37 competed weeks of gestation

Question 22

Post-term

Answer 22

After 42 completed weeks of gestation (294 days)

Question 23

Postnatal period

Answer 23

The period of time not less than 10 days and not more than 28 days after the end of labour during which the continued attendance of a midwife on the mother and baby is requisite

Question 24

Puerperium

Answer 24

Period of 6-8 weeks post-delivery, during which time the reproductive organs return to a non-pregnant state

Question 25

Perinatal

Answer 25

Around the time of birth until the completion of the first 7 days of life

Question 26

Neonatal

Answer 26

Baby within first month of life

Question 27

Infant

Answer 27

Baby within first year of life