Absence of menstruation.

Primary amenorrhea is a delay of the first menstruation Secondary amenorrhea is cessation of menstruation after its initiation.

Inner fetal membrane that is continuous with the surface of the umbilical cord, joining the epithelium of the abdominal skin of the fetus.

Note: Chorion is outer fetal membrane

Bluish purple discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia during pregnancy as a result of increased vascular congestion.

Note: this is a response to increased levels of estrogen and is present by 8 weeks of pregnancy

Brownish pigmentation of the face during pregnancy

Note: also called melasma and “mask of pregnancy.”

Smooth, outer fetal membrane

Breast fluid secreted during pregnancy and the first week after childbirth.

Note: it is a clear, sticky, straw colored fluid

Note: Oxytocin enhances colostrum

Secretes estrogen and large amounts of progesterone to prepare (thicken) the endometrium for a fertilized ovum.

Note: its production of estrogen and progesterone decreases if fertilization does not occur.

Pregnancy-related rituals or a cluster of symptoms experienced by some prospective fathers during pregnancy and childbirth.

Note: Expectant fathers sometimes experience physical symptoms similar to those experienced by pregnant women, such as loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, headache, fatigue, and weight gain. More likely to occur in early pregnancy and lessen as pregnancy progresses. May be caused by stress, anxiety, or empathy for the pregnant partner. Usually harmless but may persist and result in nervousness, insomnia, restlessness, and irritability.

The developing baby from the beginning of the third week through the eighth week after conception.

Note: By the end of the eighth week, all major organ systems are in place and many are functioning, although in a simple way.

The developing baby from 9 weeks after conception until birth.

Term used in everyday practice to describe a developing baby during pregnancy, regardless of age.

Softening of the cervix during pregnancy.

Note: Before pregnancy the cervix has a consistency similar to that of the tip of the nose. After conception the cervix feels more like the lips or earlobe.

Softening of the lower uterine segment that allows it to be easily compressed (as thin as paper) at 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Note: occurs about 6-8 weeks after the last menses

A thick, whitish discharge from the vagina or cervical canal

Note: A greater than usual amount is normal in pregnancy, and a decrease is to be expected after delivery, during lactation, and after menopause.

A dark pigmented line from the fundus to the symphysis pubis

Note: The linea alba—the line that marks the longitudinal division of the midline of the abdomen—darkens to become the linea nigra

Sebaceous glands in the areola that become more prominent during pregnancy and secrete a substance that lubricates the nipples

Note: mother should avoid using soap on the nipples because it will was away these protective oils

Auscultation of fetal heart sounds

Fetal movement felt by an examiner

Visualization of the fetus

Amenorrhea

Nausea and Vomiting

Fatigue

Urinary Frequency

Breast and skin changes

Cervical color changes

Quickening

Abdominal Enlargement

Cervical Softening

Changes in uterine consistency

Ballottement

Braxton Hicks contractions

Palpation of fetal outline

Uterine Souffle

Positive results of pregnancy test

A:    No evidence of risk to the fetus exists.

B:    Animal reproduction studies have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus. No adequate and well-controlled studies have been done in pregnant women.

C:    Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus but no adequate, well-controlled studies have been done in humans. Potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite fetal risks. Or, animal studies show adverse effect on fetus but human studies with pregnant women have not demonstrated a risk to the fetus in any trimester of pregnancy.

D:    There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on adverse reaction data, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite fetal risks. Essentially, no safer alternatives to the drug are available.

X:    There is positive evidence of human fetal risk based on animal or human studies and/or adverse reaction data. The risks of using the drug in pregnant women clearly outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives to these drugs may be available.

Supplemental iron therapy given for anemia occuring with pregnancy. Usually given in 325 mg doses 1-3 times/day.

Note: therapy normally continued for 6 months after anemia is corrected.

Essential for cell duplication and fetal and placental growth. It also is an essential nutrient for the formation of red blood cells.

Note: Maternal needs for folic acid double during pregnancy in response to the demand for greater production of erythrocytes and fetal and placental growth.

Note: Folate deficiency is associated with increased risk of spontaneous abortion, abruptio placentae, and fetal anomalies. A known association exists between folic acid deficiency and an increase in neural tube defects.

Most providers prescribe prenatal vitamins to ensure that the client receives an adequate intake of vitamins.

Note: Only the health care provider can prescribe prenatal vitamins. It is the nurse's responsibility to teach about proper diet and about taking prescribed vitamins if they have been prescribed by the health care provider.