Unit 3 Flashcards
(158 cards)
term
typical period of time between conception and the birth of a baby
Braxton-Hicks contractions
first (usually painless) contractions of childbirth
prostaglandins
hormones that stimulate uterine contractions
oxytocin
a pituitary hormone that stimulates labor contractions
neonate
a newborn child
efface
to thin
dilate
to widen or enlarge
episiotomy
surgical incision in the area between the birth canal and the anus that widens the vaginal opening, preventing random tearing during childbirth
transition
the initial movement of the head of he fetus into the birth canal
midwife
an individual who helps women in childbirth
anesthesia
a method that produces partial or total loss of the sense of pain
natural childbirth
a method of childbirth in which women use no anesthesia and are educated about childbirth and strategies for coping with discomfort
lamaze method
a method of childbirth in which some are educated about childbirth, learn to relax and breathe in patterns that conserve energy and lessen pain, and have a coach (usually the father) present during childbirth
cesarean section
a method of childbirth in which the neonate is delivered through a surgical incision in the abdomen
anoxia
a condition characterized by lack of oxygen
hypoxia
a condition characterized by less oxygen than is required
schizophrenia
a severe psychological disorder that is characterized by disturbances in thought and language, perception and attention, motor activity, and mood, and by withdrawal and absorption into daydreams or fantasy
breech presentation
a position in which the fetus enters the birth canal buttocks first
preterm
born at or before completion of 37 weeks of gestation
small for dates
a description of neonates who are unusually small for their age
lanugo
fine, downy hair that covers much of the body of neonates, especially preterm babies
vernix
an oily, white substance that coasts the skin of neonates, especially preterm babies
respiratory distress syndrome
a cluster of breathing problems, including weak and irregular breathing, to which preterm babies are particularly prone
incubator
heated, protective container in which premature infants are kept