Addendum Continued
GlossaryAbruptio Placenta-Partial or complete premature separation of a normally implanted placenta. Amniotic Fluid-Fluid surrounding fetus derived primarily from maternal serum and fetal urine. Amniotic sac-Membrane “bag” that contains the fetus during the pregnancy and prior to delivery. Amniotomy-Artificial rupture of the fetal membrane (AROM) Analgesia-Any medication or agent that will relieve pain. Anesthesia-Partial or complete absence of sensation with or without loss of consciousness. APGAR-A score of numeric expression of the condition of a newborn obtained by assessment at 1, 5 and 10 minutes of age; developed by Dr. Virginia Apgar. Augmentation-Pertaining to labor it is the artificial stimulation of an already established labor through either mechanical means or, more commonly, the use of medication. Back Labor-Lay term for a fetus in a vertex, posterior presentation during labor. Bartholin’s Glands-Two small mucus glands, one on each side of the vaginal opening and at the base of the labia majora. Birth Plan-A written plan or checklist expressing a couple’s care preferences for their labor and birth experience. Braxton-Hicks-Mild, intermittent, painless uterine contractions that occur during pregnancy but do not represent true labor. Breech-Fetal presentation in which the buttocks and/or feet are nearest the cervical opening and are born first; occurs in approximately 3% of all deliveries. Catheter-A tube for evacuating or injecting fluids. A urinary catheter drains urine from the bladder. An epidural catheter allows the injection of medication into the epidural space. Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)-Condition in which the fetal head is of such a shape, size or position that it cannot pass through the mother’s pelvis. Cervix-Lowest and narrow end of the uterus. Cesarean-Birth of a fetus by an incision through the abdominal wall and uterus. Cleansing Breath-A deeper inhalation-exhalation exchange accompanying specific breathing techniques. The cleansing breath signals the beginning or the ending of a contraction, provides a balance of oxygenation, fosters relaxation due to improved oxygenation, and provides a focus for the laboring woman. Colostrum-Yellow secretion from the breast preceding the onset of true lactation 2 or 3 days after delivery. So-called “first milk” Conception-Union of the sperm and ovum resulting in fertilization. Contraction-A shortening or tightening of a muscle. In labor a shortening or tightening of the fundus of the uterus. Dilatation (Dilation)-Stretching of the external os of the cervix from an opening a few millimeters in size to an opening large enough to allow the passage of the infant. Doppler-Portable device which can detect fetal heart rate by use of high-frequency sound waves. Effacement-Thinning and shortening or obliteration of the cervix that occurs during late pregnancy or labor or both. Electronic Fetal Monitor (EFM)-Surveillance of the fetal heart rate and maternal uterine activity by an electronic detecting and recording device. Embryo-Conceptus from the second or third week of development until about the eighth week after conception, when mineralization (ossification) of the skeleton begins. Endorphins-Natural morphine-like secretion from the hypothalamus of the brain. Enema-Injection of water into the rectum and colon to empty the lower intestine of fecal material. Engaged, Engagement-In obstetrics, the entrance of the fetal presenting part into the superior pelvic strait and the beginning of descent through the pelvic canal. Epidural-Injection of anesthetic outside the dura mater (anesthetic does not mix with the spinal fluid) Episiotomy-Surgical incision of the perineum at the end of the second stage of labor to facilitate delivery and to avoid laceration of the perineum. Expulsion-Labor contractions which are effective in contracting the uterus from the end of first stage labor (10cm) until the delivery of the infant. Fetal Scalp Electrode (FSE)-Thin spiral wire attached to the fetal scalp skin which detects the electrical signal of the fetal heart rate and transmits it to the EFM where it is recorded. Fetus-Child in utero about the eighth week after conception, until birth. First Stage Labor-When uterine contractions of sufficient frequency, intensity and duration cause the cervix to dilate from 1 to 10 centimeters. Focal Point-Either an external visual object or an internal, mental image upon which to focus one’s attention. Fontanelle-An unossified space or soft spot lying between the cranial bones of the skull of a fetus. Forceps-Two double curved, spoonlike paddles used to provide assistive downward traction or rotation on the fetal head during delivery. Fourth Stage of Labor-Begins with the delivery of the placenta and last for an hour or so after delivery during which time uterine “after contractions” act to control uterine hemorrhage. Fundus-Dome-shaped upper portion of the uterus between the points of insertion of the fallopian tubes. Heartburn-Acid liquid raised from the stomach causing sensation of burning in the esophagus. Hemorrhoids-A mass of dilated, tortuous veins in the rectal area. Induction-Artificial stimulation of labor through either mechanical means or the use of medication. Intrauterine Pressure Catheter (IUPC)-A pressure catheter passed through the vagina and into the uterus during labor which detects changes in uterine contraction pressure. Intravenous (IV)-Injection of a solution into a vein. Kegels (pelvic Floor Muscle)-The muscles which surround the urethra, vagina and rectum. Lanugo-Downy, fine hair characteristic of the fetus between 20 weeks’ gestation and birth that is most noticeable over the shoulders, forehead, and cheeks but is found on nearly all parts of the body except the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the scalp. LDR/LDRP-Birthing suite in which either all of labor, delivery and recovery is accomplished (LDR), or all of labor, delivery, recovery and the postpartum stay (LDRP) is accomplished. Lightening-Sensation of decreased abdominal distention produced by uterine descent into the pelvic cavity as the fetal presenting part settles into the pelvis. Lochia-Vaginal discharge during the puerperium (postpartum) consisting of blood, tissue and mucus. Multiparous-Woman who has carried two or more pregnancies to viability. Oxytocin-Hormone produced by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions and the release of milk in the mammary glands. Parity-Number of pregnancies that reach viability. Perineum-Area between the vagina and rectum in the female and between the scrotum and rectum in the male. Pitocin-Proprietary name for an aqueous solution containing the oxytocin fraction of the posterior pituitary gland. Placenta-Specialized vascular disc-shaped organ for maternal-fetal gas and nutrient exchange; afterbirth. Normally it implants in the thick muscular wall of the upper uterine segment. Placenta Previa-Placenta that is abnormally implanted in the thin, lower uterine segment and that is typed according to proximity to the cervical os: total-completely occludes os; partial-does not occlude os completely; and marginal-placenta encroaches on margin of internal cervical os. Postmaturity-Any fetus born more than two weeks after the calculated date of confinement is usually considered postmature. Postpartum-Happening or occurring after birth. Precipitous, Precipitate Delivery-Rapid or sudden labor of less than 3 hours duration beginning from onset of cervical changes to completed birth of neonate. Pregnancy Induced Hypertension (PIH)-The development of hypertension (high blood pressure) during pregnancy, usually after twentieth week of gestation or within the first 24 hours after delivery, when the previous blood pressure determinations were normal. Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM)- amniotic membranes “sac” which has spontaneously ruptured prior to the onset of labor. Prep-Removal by shaving of the pubic hair of the perineum and/or around the labia. Preterm Labor-Labor commencing before completion of the 37th week of gestation. Primiparous-Woman who is pregnant for the first time. Prodromal-Serving as an early symptom or warning of the approach of a disease or condition (e.g, prodromal labor). Prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM)-Uterine inactivity after a delay of 24 hours with ruptured membranes. Prostaglandins-Substance present in many body tissues which affect the cardiovascular system, smooth muscles, and stimulate the uterus to contract. Recumbency, Resumbent-Lying down, reclining. Rupture of Membranes-Rupture of amniotic sac as a normal result of dilation of the cervix in labor. Second Stage of Labor-Begins when dilation of the cervix is complete and ends with delivery of the infant. Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes (SROM)-Rupture of amniotic sac spontaneously without artificial intervention. Station-Relationship of the presenting fetal part to an imaginary line drawn between the ischial spines of the pelvis. Third Stage of Labor—Begins with delivery of the infant and ends with the delivery of the placenta and fetal membranes. Tocodynamometer-Electronic device for measuring uterine contractions. Transition-Last phase of first stage of labor, from 7 or 8 to 10 cm. dilation. Trimester-Time period of 3 months. Ultrasound-High frequency sound waves to discern fetal heart rate or placental location of body parts. Uterus-Hollow muscular organ in the female designed for the implantation, containment, and nourishment of the fetus during its development until birth. Vacuum Extraction-Delivery of a fetus in the vertex presentation with the use of a cup-suction device that is applied to the fetal scalp for traction. Vagina-Normally collapsed musculomembranous tube that forms the passageway between the uterus and the entrance to the vagina. Vaginal Exam (VE)- introduction of the examiner’s index and middle fingers into the vagina to determine effacement and dilatation of the cervix, station of the present part; if the membranes are intact, and position of the vertex if it is the presenting part. Vernix-Protective gray-white fatty substance of cheesy consistency covering the fetal skin. Vertex-Crown on top of the head. Visualization-Mental focus on a positive image. Next: Addendum ContinuedNext: Course Exam
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