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Chapter 18 Obstetrics
Obstetrics, Dr. T, EU
120
Biology
Undergraduate 4
11/09/2011

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Cards

Term
Afterbirth
Definition
The placenta, the amnion, the chorion, some amniotic fluid, blood, and blood clots expelled from the uterus after childbirth. 
Term
Amenorrhea
Definition
Absence of menstrual flow. 
Term
Amnion
Definition

The inner of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. 

 

(AM-nee-on)

Term
Amniotic Fluid
Definition

A liquid produced by and contained within the fetal embranes during pregnancy. this fluid protects the fetus from trauma and temperature variations, helps to maintain fetal oxygen supply, and allows for freedom of movement by the fetus during pregnancy. 

 

(am-nee-OT-ik fluid)

Term
Amniotic Sac
Definition
The double layered sac that contains the fetus and teh amniotic fluid during pregnancy. 
Term
Areola
Definition

The darker pigmented, circular area surrounding th enipple of each breast; 

also known as the areola mammae or the areola papillaris. 

 

(ah-REE-oh-lah)

Term
Ballottement
Definition

A technique of using the examiner's finger to tap against the uterus, through the vagina, to cause the fetus to "bounce" within the amniotic fluid and feeling it rebound quickly. 

 

(bal-ot-MON)

Term
Braxton Hicks Contractions
Definition

Irregular, ineffective contractions of the uterus that ocur throughout pregnancy. 

 

(BRACKS-ton HICKS con-TRAK-shuns)

Term
Cerclage
Definition

Suturing the cervix to keep it from dilating prematurely during the pregnancy. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a "purse string procedure." The sutures are removed near the end of the pregnancy. 

 

(sair-KLAZH)

Term
Cesarean Section
Definition

A surgical procedure in which the abdomen and uterus are incised and a baby is delivered transabdominally. Also called cesarean birth or cesarean delivery. 

 

(see-SAYR-ee-an section)

Term
Chadwick's Sign
Definition

The bluish-violet hue of the cervix and vagina after approximately the sixth week of pregnancy. 

 

Term
Chloasma
Definition

Patches of tan or brown pigmentation associated with pregnancy, occurring mostly on the forehead, cheeks, and nose; also called the "mask of pregnancy."

 

(kloh-AZ-mah)

Term
Chorion
Definition

The outer of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. 

 

(KOH-ree-on)

Term
Coitus
Definition

sexual intercourse; copulatin

 

(KOH-ih-tus)

Term
Colostrum
Definition

The thin, yellowish fluid secreted by the breasts during pregnancy and the first few days after birth, before lactation begins. 

 

(koh-LOSS-trum)

Term
Conception
Definition

The union of a male sperm and a female ovum; also termed fertilization


(con-SEP-shun)

Term
Corpus Luteum
Definition

A mass of yellowish tissue that forms within the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation. It functions as a temporary endocrine gland for the purpose of secreting estrogen and large amoutns of the progesterone, which will sustain pregnancy, should it occur, until the placenta forms. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will degenerate approximately three days before the beginning of menstruation. 

 

(COR-pus LOO-tee-um)

Term
Culdocentesis
Definition

Needle aspiration, through the vagina, into the cul-de-sac area (area in the peritoneal cavity immediately begine teh vagina) for the purpose of removing fluid from the area for examination or diagnosis. Aspiration of unclotted blood from the cul-de-sac area may indicate bleeding from a ruptured fallopian tube. The aspiration of clear fluid from the area would rule out a ruptured fallopian tube. 

 

(kull-doh-sen-TEE-sis)

Term
Dilation (of cervix)
Definition

The enlargement of the diameter of teh cervix during labor. The calculation of the amount of dilatation is measured in centimeters (cm). When the cervix has dilated to 10cm, it is said to be completely dilated. 

Also known as dilation

 

(dill-ah-TAY-shun)

Term
Doppler
Definition
A technique used in ultrasound imagining to monitor the behavior of a moving structure such as flowing blood or a beating heart. Fetal heart monitors operate on the Doppler sound wave principle to determine the fetal heart rate. 
Term
Eclampsia
Definition

The most severe form of hypertension during pregnancy, evidenced by seizures (convulsions). 

 

(eh-KLAMP-see-ah(

Term
Effacement
Definition

Thinning of the cervix, which allows it to enlarge the diameter of its opening in preparation for childbirth. This occurs during the normal processes of labor 

 

(eh-FACE-ment)

Term
Embryo
Definition

The name given to the product of conception from the second through the eighth week of pregnancy (through the second month)

 

(EM-bree-oh)

Term
Endometrium
Definition

The inner lining of the uterus

 

(en-doh-MEE-tree-um)

Term
Episiotomy
Definition

A surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the woman's perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery of teh baby. This incision is usually made shortly before the baby's birth (second stage of labor) to prevent tearing of teh perineum

 

(eh-pis-ee-OT-oh-mee)

Term
Fetoscope
Definition

A special stethoscope for hearing the fetal hearbeat through the mother's abdomen. 

 

(FEET-oh-skohp)

Term
Fetus
Definition

The name given to the developing baby from approximately the eighth week after conception until birth. 

 

(FEE-tus)

Term
Fimbriae
Definition

The fringelike end of the fallopian tube. 

 

(FIM-bree-ay)

Term
Fundus
Definition

Superior aspect of the uterus

 

Term
Gamete 
Definition

A mature pserm or ovum

 

(GAM-eet)

Term
Gastroesophageal Reflux
Definition

A return, or reflux, of gastric juices into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation. 

 

(gas-troh-eh-soff-ah-JEE-al REE-flucks)

Term
Gestation
Definition

The term of pregnancy, which equals approximately 280 days from the onset of the last menstrual period. The period of intrauterine development of teh fetus from conception through birth; also termed the gestaional period. 

 

(jess-TAY-shun)

Term
Gestational Hypertension
Definition

A complication of pregnancy in which the expectant mother develops high blood pressure after 20 weeks' gestation, with no signs of proteinuria or edema

 

Term
Glycogen
Definition
The form of sugar stored in body cells, primarily the liver. 
Term
Gonads 
Definition
A gamete-producing gland such as an ovary or a testis. 
Term
Goodell's Sign
Definition
The softening of the uterine cervix, a probably sign of pregnancy.
Term
Graafian Follicles
Definition

A mature, fully-developed ovarian cyst containing the ripe ovum

 

(GRAF-ee-an FALL-ih-kls)

Term
Gravida
Definition
A woman who is pregnant. She may be identified as gravida  if this is her first pregnancy, gravida II for a second pregnancy, and so on. 
Term
Hegar's Sign
Definition

Softening of the lower segment of the uterus; a probable sign of pregnancy

 

(HAY-garz sign)

Term
Hyperpigmentation
Definition

An increase in the pigmentation of the skin. 

 

(high-per-pig-men-TAY-shun)

Term
Hypertension
Definition

High blood pressure; a common, often asymptomatic, disorder in which the blood persistently exceeds 140/90 mmHg. 

 

Term
Hypotension
Definition

Low blood pressure; an abnormal condition in which the blod pressure is not adequate for normal passage through the blood vessels or for normal oxygenation of the body cells. 

 

Term
Hypovolemic Shock
Definition

A state of extreme physical collapse and exhaustion due to massive blood loss; "less than normal" blood volume. 

 

(high-poh-voh-LEE-mik)

Term
Labor
Definition
The time and the processes that occur during birth, from the beginning of cervical dilatation to the delivery of the placenta
Term
Lactation
Definition

The production and secretion of mild from the female breasts as nourishment for the infant. Lactation can be referred to as a process or as a period of time during which the female is breastfeeding. 

 

(lak-TAY-shun)

Term
Lactiferous Ducts
Definition

Channels or narrow tubular structures that carry milk from the lobes of each breast to the nipple. 

 

(lak-TIF-er-us ducts)

Term
Laparoscopy
Definition

Visualization of the abdominal cavity with an instrument called a laparoscope through an incision into the abdominal wall. 

 

(lap-ar-OS-koh-pee)

Term
Leukorrhea
Definition

A white discharge from the vagina

 

(loo-koh-REE-ah)

Term
Lightening
Definition
The settling of the fetal head into the pelvis, occurring a few weeks prior to the onset of labor
Term
Linea Nigra
Definition

A darkened vertical midline appearing on the abdomen of a pregnant woman, extending from the fundus to the symphysis pubis. 

 

(LIN-ee-ah NIG-rah)

Term
Lithotomy Position
Definition

A position in which the patient lies on her back, buttocks even with the end of the table, with her knees bent back toward her abdomen and the heel of each foot resting in an elevated foot rest at the end of teh examination table. 

 

(lith-OT-oh-mee position) 

Term
Lordosis
Definition

A forward curvature of the spine, noticeable if the person is observed from the side. 

 

(lor-DOH-sis)

Term
Lunar Month
Definition

Four weeks or 28 days; approximately the amount of time it takes the moon to revolve the earth. 

 

(LOON-ar)

Term
Mammary Glands
Definition

The female breasts. 

 

(MAM-ah-ree glands)

Term
Mask of Pregnancy
Definition
Patches of tan or brown pigmentation associated with pregnancy, occurring mostly on the forehead, cheeks, and nose; also known as chloasma
Term
Multigravida
Definition

A woman who has been pregnant more than once. 

(mull-tih-GRAV-ih-dah)

Term
Multipara
Definition

A woman who has given birth tow or more times aftre 20 weeks' gestation

 

(mull-TIP-ah-rah)

Term
Nagele's Rule
Definition

A formula that is used to calculate the date of birth: Subtract three months from the first day of the last normal menstrual period and add one year and seven days to that date to arrive at the estimated date of birth. 

 

(NAY-geh-leez)

Term
Neonatology
Definition

The branch of medicine that specializes in the treatment and care of the diseases and disorders of the newborn through the first four weeks of life. 

 

(nee-oh-nay-TALL-oh-jee)

Term
Nullipara
Definition

A woman who has never completed a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks' gestation.

 

(null-IP-ah-rah)

Term
Obstetrician
Definition
A physician who specializes in the care of women during pregnancy, the delivery of the baby, and the first six weeks following the devlivery (known as the immediate postpartum period).
Term
Obstetrics
Definition

The field of medicine that deals with pregnancy; the delivery of the baby, and the first six weeks after delivery (the immediate postpartum period).

 

(ob-STET-riks)

Term
Para
Definition
A woman who has produced an infant regardless of whether the infant was alive or stillborn. This term applies to any pregnancies carried to more than 20 week' gestation. The term may be written para II, para III, and so on, to indicate the number of pregnancies lasting more than 20 weeks' gestation, regardless of the number of offspring produced by the pregnancy. A woman who has had only one pregnancy resulting in multiple births is still a para I.
Term
Parturition
Definition

The act of giving birth.

 

(par-too-RISH-un)

Term
Perineum
Definition

The area between the vaginal orifice and the anus. It consists of muscular and fibrous tissue and serves as support for the pelvic structures.

 

(pair-ih-NEE-um)

Term
Placenta
Definition
A highly vascular, disk-shaped organ that forms in the pregnant uterine wall for exchange of gases and nutrients between the mother and the fetus. The maternal side of the placenta gives rise to the umbilical cord. After the delivery of the baby, when the placenta is no longer needed, it separates from the uterine wall and passes to the outside of the ody through the vagina (at which time it is called the afterbirth).
Term
Preeclampsia
Definition

A state during pregnancy in which the expectant mother develops high blood pressure, accompanied by proteinuria or edema, or both, after 20 weeks' gestation.

 

(pre-eh-KLAMP-see-ah)

Term
Prenatal
Definition

Pertaining to the period of time during pregnancy; that is, before the birth of the baby.

 

(pre-NAY-til)

Term
Primigravida
Definition

A woman who is pregnant for the first time.

 

(prigh-mih-GRAV-ih-dah)

Term
Progesterone
Definition

A female homrone secrted by the corpus luteum and the placenta. It is primarily responsible for the changes that occur in the endometrium in anticipation of a fertilized ovum and for development of the material placenta after implantation of a fertilized ovum.

Also known as progestin.

 

(proh-JES-ter-on)

Term
Proteinuria
Definition

The presence of protein (albumin) in the urine; also called albuminuria. This can be a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

 

(proh-teen-YOO-ree-ah)

Term
Puberty
Definition

The period of life at which the ability to reproduce begins; that is, in the female, it is the period when the female reproductive organs become fully developed and secondary sex characteristics appear.

 

Term
Pyrosis
Definition

Heartburn; indigestion.

 

(pye-ROH-sis)

Term
Quickening
Definition

The first feeling of movement of the fetus felt by the expectant mother; usually occurs at about 16 to 20 week's gestation.

 

Term
Salpingectomy
Definition

Surgical removal of a fallopian tube.

 

(sal-pin-JEK-toh-mee)

Term
Signs
Definition
Objective findings as perceived by an examiner; such as the measurement of a fever on the thermometer, the observation of a rash on the skin, or the observation of a bluish-violet color of the cervix.
Term
Striae Gravidarum
Definition

Stretch marks that occur during pregnancy due to the great amount of stretching that occurs. They appear as slightly depressed, pinkish-purple streaks in the areas of greatest stretch (which are the abdomen, the breats, and the thighs).

 

(STRIGH-ay grav-ih-DAR-um)

Term
Supine Hypotension
Definition

Low blood pressure that occurs in a pregnant woman where she is lying on her back. It is caused by the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the vena cava; also known as supine hypotension syndrome or vena cava syndrome.

 

(soo-PINE high-poh-TEN-shen)

Term
Symptoms
Definition

A subjective indication of a disease or a change in condition as perceived by the patient; something experienced or felt by the patient.

 

(SIM-toms)

Term
Tachycardia
Definition

Rapid heartbeat, consistently over 100 beats per minute.

 

(tak-eh-CAR-dee-ah)

Term
Transvaginal Ultrasonography
Definition
An ultrasound image that is produced by inserting a transvaginal probe into the vagina. The probe is encased in a disposable cover and is coated with a gel for easy insertion. The gel also promotes conductivity. This procedure allows clear visualization of the uterus, gestational sac, and embryo in the early states of pregnancy. It also allows the examiner to visualize deeper pelvic structures such as teh ovaries and fallopian tubes.
Term
Trimester
Definition

One of the three periods of approximately three months into which pregnancy is divided. The first trimester consists of weeks 1 to 12, the second trimester consists of weeks 13 and 27, and the third trimester consists of weeks 28 to 40.

 

(TRY-mes-ter)

Term
Ultrasonography
Definition

A noninvasive procedure that involves that use of reflected sound waves to detect the presence of the embryo or fetus.

 

(ull-trah-son-OG-rah-fee)

Term
Umbilical Cord
Definition
A flexible structure connecting the umbilicus (navel) of the fetus with the placenta in the pregnant uterus. It serves as passage for the umbilical arteries and vein.
Term
Uterus
Definition

The hollow, pear-shaped organ of the female reproductive system that houses the fertilized, implanted ovum as it develops throughout pregnancy; also the source of the monthly menstrual flow from the nonpregnant uterus.

 

(YOO-ter-us)

Term
Vagina
Definition
The muscular tube that connects the uterus with the vulva. It is approximately 3 inches in length and rests between the bladder (anteriorly) and the rectum (posterioroly)
Term
Waddling Gait
Definition
A manner of walking in which the feet are wide apart and the walk resembles that of a duck.
Term
Backache
Definition

Backache is common during the second and third trimester of pregnancy and is due to the body's adaptation to the stressed placed upon the back as the pregnancy progresses.

Recommended treatment includes encouraging good posture, wearing comfortable shoes, getting adequate rest, and benind from the knees - not from the waist.

Term
Fatigue
Definition

Usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, disappears during the second trimester, and returns toward the end of the pregnancy. This is due to the body's adjustment to the stresses of pregnancy.

Recommended treatment includes encouraging at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night an allowing for short naps during the day.

Term
Heartburn
Definition

This discomfort occurs mainly in the last few weeks of pregnancy due to the pressure exerted on the esophagus by the enlarged, pregnant uterus.

Recommended treatment includes avoiding greasy or spicy foods, drinking plenty of water, avoiding coffee, eating several small meals instead of three larger meals, sitting upright for an hour after eating, and lying with head and shoulders elevated.

Term
Hemorrhoids
Definition

develops as a result of the increasing pressure on the are due to the progressing pregnancy.

 

Recommended treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids to avoid constipation, soaking in warm-water baths, and applying topical anesthetic ointments.

Term
Nausea
Definition

usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and is known as "morning sickness," although it may occur during the morning, in the afternoon, or throughout the day.

 

Term
Varicose Veins
Definition
Recommended treatment include the use of support hosiery, not crossing the legs, regular exercie of walking to increase the blood flow to the legs, and elevation of the feet and legs when sitting.
Term
Abortion
Definition

The termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has reached a viable age (under 500g or 20 weeks of gestation); that is an age at which the fetus could live outside of the uterine environment. 

 

Most spontaneous abortions occur within the first three months. 

Term
Abruptio Placenta
Definition

The premature sepration of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall after the pregnancy has passed 20 weeks' gestation or during labor (the birthing process). 

 

(ah-BRUP-she-oh pla-SEN-tah)

 

This severety depends on the amount of bleeding and the size of the clot that forms. Is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. 

 

 

Term
Ectopic Pregnancy
Definition

Abnormal implantation of a fertiized ovum outside the uterine cavity; also called a tubal prenancy. 

 

90% of these occur in the fallopian tubes. Can occur in abodmen and ovaries. These rarely come to term. 

Term
Gestational Diabetes
Definition

A disorder in which women who are not diabetic before pregnany develop diabetes during the pregnancy; that is, they develope an inability to metabolize carbohydrates (glucose intolerance), with resultant hyperglycemia. 

 

This generally develops during the latter part of the pregnancy. 

Term
HELLP Syndrome
Definition

The acronym HELLP stands for Hemolytic anemia, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. 

 

Is a group of symptoms that occur in approximately 10% of pregnant women with preclampsia or eclampsia

Most commonly is seen in older Caucasian women who have had multiple births. 

Early diagnosis is critical. 

Term
Hydatidiform Mole
Definition

An abnormal condition that begins as a pregnancy and deviates from normal development very early. The diseased ovum deteriorates, and he chrionic villi of the placenta change to a mass of cysts resembling a bunch of grapes. 

Mass growth happens much more rapidly than with normal pregnancy.

 

(high-dah-TID-ih-form mohl)

Term
Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Definition

An abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by severe vomiting that results in maternal dehydration and wieght loss. 

 

In most woman is self-limiting. A great factor is emotional feelings against baby or becoming a mother. 

 

(high-per-EM-eh-sis grav-ih-DAR-um)

Term
Incompetent Cervix
Definition
A condition in which the cervical os (opening) dilates before the fetus reaches term, without labor or uterine constractions; usually occurs during the second trimester of pregnancy and resulting in a spontaneous abortion of the fetus. 
Term
Placenta Previa
Definition

A condition of pregnancy in which the placenta is implanted in the lower party of the uterus and precedes the feturs during the birthing process. 

 

(plah-SEN-tah PRE-vee-ah)

Term
Pregnancy-Induced Hyptertenstion
Definition

The development of hyptertention during pregnancy in women who had normal blood pressure readins prior to pregnancy. 

Gestational Hypertension: development after 20' weeks gestation. Blood pressure reading 140/90 mmHg. 

Preeclampsia: is the development of hypertension with proteinuria or edema after 20 weeks' gestation. 

Eclampsia: is the most severe form of hypertension during pregnancy and is evidenced by the presence of seizures. 

Term
Rh Incompatibility
Definition
An incompatibility between an Rh negative mother's blood with her Rh positive baby's blood, causing the mother's body to develop antibodies that will destroy the Rh positive blood. 
Term

Bloody Show

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Definition
A vaginal discharge that is a mixture of thick mucus and pink or dark brown blood. It may begin a few weeks prior to the onset of labor and occurs as a result of the softening, dilation, and effacement (thinning) of the cervix in preparation for childbirth. The bloody show will continue and will increase during labor as the cervix continues to dilate and efface. 
Term

Braxton Hicks Contractions

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Definition
Mild, irregular contractions that occur throughout pregnancy. As full term approaches, these contractions intensify and are sometimes mistaken for true labor. 
Term

Increased Vaginal Discharge

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Definition
When the baby settles intot he pelvis prior to the onset of labor, the pressure of the baby's head in the area creates congestion of the vagina mucosa, which resutls in an increase in clear, nonirritating vaginal secretions. 
Term

Lightening

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Definition

The expectant mother will notice that she can breat easier because the descent of the baby relieves the pressure from her diaphragm. 

"baby had dropped"

Lightening is more obvious in women who are having their first baby. 

Term

Rupture of the Amniotic Sac

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Definition

This may occur prior to the onset of labor, may occur during labor, or may not occur without assistance. Expectatn mothers are usually advised to report to the hospital or birthing center for evaluation if the membranes rupture prior to the onset of labor. This is important because the amniotic sac serves as a barrier between the baby and the unsterile outside environemtn, and when broken the chance for infection is incfreased. 

"water broke" 

Term

Sudden Burst of Energy

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Definition
This occurs in some women shortly before the onset of labor. These women may suddenly have the nergy to do major housecleaning duties - things they have not had the energy to do previously. 
Term

AFP Screening

 

Definition

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a serum screening test for birth defects such as spina bifida, Down syndrome, and trisomy 18 (severe mental retardatoin and sevre birth defects). 

 

Offered to women between 15 and 21 weeks' gestation. 

Term
Amniocentesis
Definition

A surgical puncture of the aminotic sac for the purpose of removing amniotic fluid. 

 

Used to detect fetal abnormalities and maternal-fetal blood incompatibilities and to determine fetal maturity 

 

(am-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sis)

Term
Cesarean Section
Definition
A surgical procedure in which the abdomen and the uters are incised and a baby is delivered transabdominally. Also known as cesarean deliveray. 
Term

Chorionic Villus Sampling

(CVS)

Definition

is a prenatal diagnostic test performed in the first trimester of pregnancy to detecl chromosomal abnormalities in an unborn child. 

 

a small amount of placental tissue is removed during the 11th to 13 week of pregnancy

 

(koh-ree-ON-ik VILL-us sampling)

Term

Contraction Stress Test

(CST)

Definition

A stress test used to evaluate the ability of the fetus to tolerate the stress of labor and delivery (CST);

also known as oxytocin challenge test

Term
Fetal Monitoring (electronic)
Definition
The use of an electronic device to mintor the fetal heart rate and the maternal uterine contractions. This procedure can be done with external or internal devices.
Term
First Trimester Screening
Definition
consists of a blood test (maternal serum sample) and an ultrasound to identify pregnancies at risk for birth defect such as Down syndrome and trisomy 18.
Term
Nipple Stimulation Test
Definition

A noninvasive technique that produces basically the same resutls as the contraction stress test by having the pregnant woman stimulate the nipples of her breasts by rubbing them between her fingers.

 

(less stressig to the uterus)

Term
Pelvimetry
Definition

The process of measuring the female pelvis, manually or by X-ray, to determine its adequacy for childbearing.

 

(pell-VIM-eh-tree)

Term
Pregnancy Testing
Definition
Tests performed on maternal urine and/or blood to determine the presence of the hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). HCG is detected shortly after the first missed menstrual period.
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