Understanding midwifery terminology Flashcards
Conception
Fusion of sperm and ovum
Embryo
(unborn child) in first 8 weeks of intra-uterine life
Fetus
Unborn child from 12 weeks until birth
Antenatal
From conception to the onset of labour
Gestation
Pregnancy – refers to length of pregnancy in completed days or weeks – calculated from first lay of L.M.P.
Gravid
Pregnant
Primigravida
Woman pregnant for the 1st time
Multigravida
Woman pregnant for 2nd + time
Parity
Having given birth to a viable child (live or S.B.)
Nullipara
Not having given birth to a viable child
Primipara
Having had a viable child (live or S.B)
Multipara
Having 2+ viable children
Grand multipara
Having 4+ children
Abortion
Expulsion of fetus before 24 weeks of gestation (dead)
Stillbirth
Baby born showing no signs of life, after 24 weeks gestation
Viable
Baby born after 24 weeks of gestation
Parturition
Giving birth
Labour
Giving birth
Live birth
Complete expulsion or extraction from its mother of a baby, irrespective of gestation, which after such separation, shows signs of life
Term
From 37 to 42 completed weeks of gestation (259-293 days)
Preterm
Prior to 37 competed weeks of gestation
Post-term
After 42 completed weeks of gestation (294 days)
Postnatal period
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
Puerperium
Period of 6-8 weeks post-delivery, during which time the reproductive organs return to a non-pregnant state
Perinatal
Around the time of birth until the completion of the first 7 days of life
Neonatal
Baby within first month of life
Infant
Baby within first year of life
