Unfamiliar Terms Flashcards
Lochia
Discharge present for for several weeks after birth.
Involution
Refers to the uterus returning to its pre-pregnancy size
Lochia Rubra
First stage of discharge. Red in color. Consists primarily of blood from the placental site and edometrial tissue (deciduas)
Lochia Serosa
Second stage of discharge. Brown in color. Consists of blood, serum, and leukocytes (white blood cells)
Lochia Alba
Third stage of discharge. Yellowish white color. Made up of cervical mucus and leukocytes
Diuresis
Excretion of fluid, especially in first 24-48 hours after birth
Diastasis Rectus
When the abdominal muscles down the center of the abdomen stay separated and do not reform correctly after birth (most common in people who have had multiple births)
1st Degree Perineal Tear
Only the skin of the perineum tears. Sometimes called a “graze” and leads to a burning or stinging sensation during urination. Does not often require sutures
2nd Degree Perineal Tear
Tear of the skin and some of the perineal muscles but does not involve the anal sphincter. These may or may not be sutured.
3rd Degree Perineal Tear
This tear involves the skin, the perineal muscles, and the surrounding muscles of the anal sphincter. It does require suturing and can take several weeks to heal
4th Degree Perineal Tear
Similar to 3rd degree, but also extends through the anal sphincter to the tissues that line the rectum. Requires sutures and can take a considerable amount of time to heal
Midline Episiotomy
An episiotomy where the incision is a straight line from the vagina to the anus
Mediolateral Episiotomy
An episiotomy where the incision is cut on an angle away from the anus
VBAC
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
IUGR
Intrauterine Growth Restriction
