05 - COMPLICATIONS DURING PREGNANCY: Key Terms

Question 1

The end of a pregnancy before the fetus is viable, whether spontaneous or elective

Answer 1

abortion

Question 2

The time in a pregnancy when the fetus has reached a point in development where it can potentially survive outside of the uterus after birth. (20 weeks)

Answer 2

age of viability

Question 3

Closing of the cervix with a suture to prevent early dilation and spontaneous abortion

Answer 3

cerclage

Question 4

Large blood clot formed behind the placenta consumes clotting factors > which leaves the rest of the mother’s body deficient in these factors. Clot formation and anticoagulation occur simultaneously throughout the body.

Answer 4

DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation)

Question 5

DIC

Answer 5

disseminated intravascular coagulation

Question 6

Pregnancy-induced hypertension complicated by one or more seizures

Answer 6

eclampsia

Question 7

When maternal Rh-antibodies cross the placenta and destroy fetal erythrocytes, ___ results

Answer 7

erythroblastosis fetalis

Question 8

An endocrine disorder that manifests during pregnancy

Answer 8

gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM)

Question 9

GDM

Answer 9

gestational diabetes mellitus

Question 10

Polyhyraminos; an excess of amniotic fluid, leading to overdistention of the uterus. Often seen in diabetic pregnant women, even if there is no coexisting fetal anomaly

Answer 10

hydraminos

Question 11

A mechanical defect in the cervix, making it unable to remain closed throughout pregnancy and resulting in spontaneous abortion

Answer 11

incompetent cervix

Question 12

If fetal Rh-positive blood leaks into the Rh-negative mother’s circulation, her body may respond by making antibodies to destroy the Rh-positive erythrocytes. This process is called __

Answer 12

isoimmunization

Question 13

An abnormally large infant, or neonatal birth weight above the 90th percentile

Answer 13

macrosomia

Question 14

The term ___ may be used when gestational hypertension (GH) includes proteinuria.

Answer 14

preeclampsia

Question 15

Preeclampsia progresses to eclampsia when __ occurs

Answer 15

convulsions

Question 16

The regular contractions of a pregnant uterus resulting in changes in the cervix (dilation and effacement) that start before 37 weeks gestation

Answer 16

preterm labor

Question 17

Preterm labor results in dilation and effacement that start before ___ weeks gestation

Answer 17

37 weeks

Question 18

POC

Answer 18

products of conception

Question 19

A nongenetic factor that can produce malformations of the fetus

Answer 19

teratogen

Question 20

Eclampsia: Facial muscles twitch > followed by generalized contraction of all muscles > then alternate contraction and relaxation of the muscles

Answer 20

tonic-clonic seizures

Question 21

Puncture of upper posterior vaginal wall with removal of peritoneal fluid; to identify blood in woman’s pelvis (suggest tubal rupture)

Answer 21

culdocentesis

Question 22

Culdocentesis suggests ___

Answer 22

tubal rupture