Obstetrics Flashcards
(130 cards)
afterbirth
the placenta, the amnion, the chorion, some amniotic fluid, blood, and blood clots expelled from the uterus after childbirth
amenorrhea
absence of menstrual flow
amnion
the inner of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy
amniotic fluid
a liquid produced by and contained within the fetal membranes 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.
amniotic sac
the double layered sac that contains the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy
areola
the darker pigmented, circular area surrounding the nipple of each breast; also known as the areola mammae or the areola papillaris
ballottement
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.
Braxton Hicks contractions
irregular, ineffective contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy
cerclage
suturing the cervix to keep it from dilating prematurely during pregnancy. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a “purse string procedure.” The sutures are removed near the end of the pregnancy.
cervix
the part of the uterus that protrudes into the cavity of the vagina; the neck of the uterus.
cesarean section
a surgical procedure in which the abdomen and uterus are incised and a baby is delivered transabdominally. Also called cesarean birth or cesarean delivery.
Chadwick’s sign
the bluish-violet hue of the cervix and vagina after approximately the sixth week of pregnancy
chloasm
patches of tan or brown pigmentation associated with pregnancy, occurring mostly on the forehead, cheeks, and nose; also called the “mask of pregnancy”.
chorion
the outer of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and amniotic fluid during pregnancy
coitus
sexual intercourse; copulation
colostrum
the thin, yellowish fluid secreted by the breasts during pregnancy and the first few days after birth, before lactation begins.
conception
the union of a male sperm and a female ovum;; also termed fertilization
copulation
sexual intercourse; coitus
corpus luteum
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 amounts of 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.
culdocentesis
needle aspiration, through the vagina, into the cul-de-sac area (area in the peritoneal cavity immediately behind the 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 form a ruptured fallopian tube. The aspiration of clear fluid from the area would rule out a ruptured fallopian tube.
dilatation (of cervix)
the enlargement of the diameter of the cervix during labor. The calculation of the amount of dilatation is measure in centimeter (cm). When the cervix has dilated to 10 cm, it is said to be completely dilated. Also known as dilation.
Doppler
a technique used in ultrasound imagine 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.
eclampsia
the most severe form of hypertension during pregnancy, evidenced by sizures (convulsions).
edema
swelling, with water retention