Abruption PlacentaeSeperation of a normally implanted placenta before the fetus is born occurs in cases of bleeding and formation of a hematoma on the maternal side of the placenta. As the clot expands further separation occurs.

AccelerationsAn abrupt, temporary increase in the FHR that peaks at least 15 bpm above the baseline and lasts at least 15 seconds. They often occur with fetal movement. They are usually a reassuring sign, reflecting a responsive nonacidotic fetus that is > 32 weeks of gestation.

Alpha-FetoproteinThe predominant protein in fetal plasma and is synthesized by the embryonic yolk sac, developing fetal liver, and gastrointestinal tract. AFP diffuses diffuses from fetal plasma into fetal urine and is excreted into the amniotic fluid.

AmenorrheaAbnormal absence of menstruation.

AmniocentesisTransabdominal puncture of the amniotic sac to obtain a sample of amniotic fluid that contains fetal cells and biochemical substances for lab examination.

Amniotic FluidA clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.The amount of amniotic fluid is greatest at about 34 weeks (gestation) into the pregnancy, when it averages 800 mL. Approximately 600 mL of amniotic fluid surrounds the baby at full term (40 weeks gestation)The amniotic fluid constantly moves (circulates) as the baby swallows and "inhales" the fluid, and then releases it.

The amniotic fluid helps:

-The developing baby to move in the womb, which allows for proper bone growth-The lungs to develop properly-Keep a relatively constant temperature around the baby, protecting from heat loss

-Protect the baby from outside injury by cushioning sudden blows or movements

AnemiaA condition marked by a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood, resulting in pallor and weariness.

BallottementA palpatory technique for feeling a floating object in the body (especially for determining the position of a fetus by feeling the rebound of the fetus after a quick digital tap on the wall of the uterus)

Basic Ultrasonography/ USGThe standard scan includes a general survey of the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid volume.

Biophysical Profile / BPPEvaluates the fetal status with 5 variables: FHR, breathing movements, gross body movements, muscle tone, and amniotic fluid volume.

CalciumA mineral found mainly in the hard part of bones, where it is stored. Calcium is added to bone by cells called osteoblasts and removed from bone by cells called osteoclasts. Calcium is essential for healthy bones and is also important for muscle contraction, heart action, and normal blood clotting. Food sources of calcium include dairy foods; some leafy green vegetables, such as broccoli and collards; canned salmon; clams; oysters; calcium-fortified foods; and soy foods, such as tofu.

Chadwick's SignA bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased blood flow. It is considered an indication of pregnancy, and can be observed as early as 6-8 weeks after conception, and its presence is an early sign of pregnancy.

Chorionic VilliVilli that sprout from the chorion in order to give a maximum area of contact with the maternal blood.

Chronic HypertensionHypertension preceded the pregnancy or when a women is hypertensive before 20 weeks of gestation. Seen most often in older women, in those who are obese, and in those with diabetes. More common in African American. Late childbearing and rising obesity rates at to the risk.

Complete AbortionOccurs when all the products of conception are expelled from the uterus. After passage of all products of conception, uterine contractions and bleeding subside, and the cervix closes. The S/S of pregnancy are no longer present, and the pregnancy test becomes negative as hormone levels fall.

Comprehensive USGThe specialized scan is done if abnormalities are found during the Basic USG or w/ lab or other test results.

Contraction Stress Test / CSTObserves the FHR response to contractions. Checks to see if the unborn baby (fetus) will stay healthy during the reduced oxygen levels that normally occur during contractions when you are in labor. This test includes external fetal heart monitoring camera. The test is done when you are 34 or more weeks pregnant. May be done is the NST findings are nonreactive.

Couvade SyndromeAlso called sympathetic pregnancy, is a proposed condition in which a partner experiences some of the same symptoms and behavior of an expectant mother. These most often include minor weight gain, altered hormone levels, morning nausea, and disturbed sleep patterns.

DecelerationsClassified into 3 types based on the shape and relationship to uterine contractions. 1. Early Decelerations2. Late Decelerations 3. Variable Decelerations

Deep Tendon Reflex/ DTRAn assessment for Preeclampsia. If clonus is present it should be reported to the physician.

DIC - Disseminated Intravascular CoagulationA major complication of a missed abortion. S/S- elevation in temperature, vaginal discharge with a foul odor, and abdominal pain indicate uterine infection. Also called Consumptive Coagulation. An anticoagulation problem that may occur with several complications of pregnancy such as abrupt placentae or hypertension. While anticoagulation is occurring, inappropriate coagulation also is occurring in the microcirculation. Tiny clots form in tiny blood vessels blocking blood flow to organs and causing ischemia.

Dizygotic TwinningTwo ova that are fertilized by different sperm. They may have the same or different gender and may not have similar physical traits. They have separate placentas. Can be an inherited trait.

Early Decelerations-A gradual decrease of FHR from baseline caused by:Fetal head compression briefly increases ICP causing the vagus nerve to slow the HR. The fetus is not compromised and needs no interventions. They occur during contractions as the fetal head is pressed against the woman's pelvis or cervix. Will mirror the contraction

EclampsiaA potentially preventable extension of severe preeclampsia marked by one or more generalized seizures, at times occurring before the woman goes to the hospital.

Ectopic PregnancyAn implantation of a fertilized ovum in an area outside the uterine cavity. 98% occur in the fallopian tube. Causes maternal death from hemorrhage. Tubal damage caused by an ectopic pregnancy reduces the woman's chances of subsequent pregnancies.

EDD/EDCExpected Date of Delivery/ Estimated Date of Confinement -The date that spontaneous onset of labor is expected to occur

EffleurageMassage of the abdomen or another part during labor contractions.

Elective AbortionVoluntary termination of a pregnancy for other than medical reasons. The procedure may be recommended when the mother's mental or physical state would be endangered by the continuation of the pregnancy or when the fetus has a condition incompatible with life. It may also be performed as a result of rape, incest, or at the mother's request.

Fertilization AgePrenatal age of the developing baby, calculated from the date of conception.

Fetal Alcohol SyndromeA group of physical, behavioral, and mental abnormalities that are the most severe effects of fetal alcohol exposure

Fetal Heart Rate/ FHRThe number of heartbeats in the fetus that occur in a given unit of time. The FHR varies in cycles of fetal rest and activity and is affected by many factors, including maternal fever, uterine contractions, maternal-fetal hypotension, and many drugs. The normal FHR is between 110 beats/min and 160 beats/min. In labor the FHR is monitored with a fetoscope, an electronic fetal monitor for detecting abnormal alterations in the heart rate, especially recurrent decelerations that continue past the end of uterine contractions.

Folic AcidType of B vitamin that's key for cell growth, metabolism, and for pregnant women.

Follicular PhaseThe first half of the human menstrual cycle, lasting from cessation of menstrual flow to the surge of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones at the start of the ovulatory phase of ovarian follicle growth that lasts from the 1st -14th day of the Ovarian Cycle of egg maturation.

Fundal heightor McDonald's rule, is a measure of the size of the uterus used to assess fetal growth and development during pregnancy. It is measured from the top of the mother's uterus to the top of the mother's pubic bone in centimeters.

Gestational AgeDescribes how far along a pregnancy is. Prenatal age of the developing baby(measured in weeks) calculated from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period; approximately 2 weeks longer than the fertilization age.

Gestational HypertensionBP elevation after 20 weeks of pregnancy that is not accompanied by proteinuria. Will return to normal w/in 6 weeks of postpartum. May progress to preclampsia. It gestational hypertension persists after birth, chronic hypertension is diagnosed. SBP > 140, or DBP > 90

Gonadotropin-Releasing HormoneSecretions of the anterior pituitary gland that stimulate the gonads, specifically follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Chorionic gonadotropin is secreted by the placenta during pregnancy.

Goodell's SignSoftening of the cervix; a sign of pregnancy

GravidaThe number of the pregnancy that a woman is in; "in her third pregnancy a woman is said to be gravida three"

Heger's SignSoftening of the lower uterine segment; indicative of pregnancy.

HELLP Syndrome / Hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low PlateletsA group of symptoms that occur in pregnant women who have:

H -- hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells)

EL -- elevated liver enzymesLP -- low platelet countMany women have high blood pressure and are diagnosed with preeclampsia before they develop HELLP syndrome. In some cases, HELLP symptoms are the first warning of preeclampsia and the condition can be misdiagnosed.

Hydatidiform Mole / Gestational Trophoblastic DiseaseOccurs when trophoblasts develop abnormally. A rare mass or growth that forms inside the womb (uterus) at the beginning of a pregnancy. It is a type gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). A cancerous form of GTD is called choriocarcinoma. Results from over-production of the tissue that is supposed to develop into the placenta. The placenta feeds the fetus during pregnancy. With a molar pregnancy, the tissues develop into an abnormal growth, called a mass.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum / HEGPersistent, uncontrollable vomiting that begins in the first weeks of pregnancy and may continue through out pregnancy. HEG can have serious consequences.

Hypovolemic ShockAn emergency condition in which severe blood and fluid loss make the heart unable to pump enough blood to the body. This type of shock can cause many organs to stop working.

Incomplete AbortionType of Spontaneous Abortion. Occurs when some but not all of the products of conception are expelled from the uterus. S/S- uterine bleeding and severe abdominal cramping.Termination of pregnancy in which the products of conception are not entirely expelled or removed. It often causes hemorrhage that may require surgical evacuation by curettage, oxytocics, and blood replacement. Infection is also a frequent complication of incomplete abortion.

Indirect Coomb's TestA test of a Rh negative mothers blood that determines if they are sensitized(have developed antibodies) as a result of previous exposure to RH positive blood. Done at the initial prenatal visit and repeated at 28 weeks gestation if negative.

Inevitable abortionAn abortion that cannot be stopped when membranes rupture and the cervix dilates.

Informed ConsentConsent by a patient to a surgical or medical procedure or participation in a clinical study after achieving an understanding of the relevant medical facts and the risks involved.

IronAn essential mineral. Iron is necessary for the transport of oxygen (via hemoglobin in red blood cells) and for oxidation by cells (via cytochrome). Deficiency of iron is a common cause of anemia. Food sources of iron include meat, poultry, eggs, vegetables and cereals (especially those fortified with iron).

Kick CountsDaily evaluations of movements by the fetus assessed by the mother. Variations are affected by maternal activity, obesity, and medications.

Late Decelerations- A pattern of late or delayed decelerations caused by deficient exchange of oxygen and waste products in the placenta. This non reassuring pattern suggests that the fetus has reduced reserve to tolerate the recurrent reductions in oxygen supply that occur with contractions. May be acute as with maternal hypotension or chronic as in maternal hypertension and diabetes.They are similar to early decelerations in the degree of slowing but are shifted to the right in relation to the contractions. They often begin after the peak of the contraction. They have a consistent appearance.

Leopold's ManeuversA common and systematic way to determine the position of a fetus inside the woman's uterus

Limited USGUSG that addresses a specific question such as fetal presentation, placental location, fetal cardiac activity presence, volume of amniotic

fluid, guide delivery of the second twin in a vaginal birth, assist w/ amniocentesis, and to identify problems if the mother uses drugs, alcohol, or tobacco.

L/S(Lecithin/Sphingomyelin) RatioA test for estimating fetal lung maturity. A L/S ratio of 2:1 may not indicate lung maturity in some conditions such as maternal diabetes

Luteal PhaseThe third phase of the human menstrual cycle, beginning with ovulation and ending, in the absence of fertilization, with the menstrual phase.

Magnesium ToxicityIn rare cases, symptoms of magnesium toxicity (nausea, muscle weakness, loss of reflexes) occur during magnesium sulfate treatment for eclampsia. The medicine calcium gluconate is given to treat the problem.

Marginal Placenta PreviaLow Lying- The placenta is implanted in the lower uterus, the its lower border is more than 3 cm from the internal cervical os.

MensesThe monthly flow of blood fluid and cellular debris from the uterus.

Menstrual PhaseThe fourth phase of the human menstrual cycle, following the luteal phase in the absence of fertilization. The corpus luteum regresses and is shed through menstruation and growth begins for the ovarian follicle, leading to the next follicular phase.

Missed AbortionOccurs when the fetus dies during the first half of pregnancy but is retained in the uterus. When the fetus dies, the early S/S of pregnancy disappear. The uterus stops growing and decreases in size, reflecting the absorption of amniotic fluid and maceration of the fetus. Vaginal bleeding of a red or brownish color may or may not occur.

Monozygotic Twinning

Pertaining to or developed from a single fertilized ovum, or zygote, such as occurs in identical twins. They have identical genetics and are the same gender. Not hereditary.

MultiparityMore than one offspring

Nagele's RuleRule for calculating an expected delivery date; subtract three months from the first day of the last menstrual period and add seven days to that date

Nonstress Test / NSTFetal surveillance test observing the FHR response to fetal movement. An increase in the FHR occurs when the fetus moves, indicating adequate oxygenation, a healthy neural pathway from the fetal CNS to the fetal heart and the ability of the fetal heart to respond to stimuli. If FHR does not accelerate w/ movement then fetal hypoxemia and acidosis are a concern.

NulligravidaA woman who has never conceived a child.

OogenesisThe formation of the female gamete or ova.

Ovulatory PhaseThe second phase of the human menstrual cycle, encompassing the surges of luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones, and ovulation; it is followed by the luteal phase.

Papanicolaou SmearCervical smear: a sample of secretions and superficial cells of the uterine cervix and uterus; examined with a microscope to detect any abnormal cells

ParaWoman who has given birth after pregnancy of at least 20 weeks of gestation; The number of pregnancies

Partial Placenta PreviaThe lower border of the placenta is w/in 3 cm of the internal cervical os but does not completely cover the os.

PhosphatidylglycerolA component of surfactant. The presence of PG supports the likelihood that the fetal lungs are mature.

PicaPica is a pattern of eating non-food materials, such as dirt or paper.

PlacentaFetal structure that provides nourishment and removes waste from the developing baby and secretes hormones necessary for the continuation of pregnancy.

Placenta PreviaAn implantation of the placenta in the lower uterus. As a result, the placenta is closer to the internal cervical os than to the presenting part of the fetus. Three Classes: Total, Partial, and Marginal.

PreeclampsiaA condition in which hypertension develops during the last half of pregnancy in a woman who previously had normal BP. Renal involvement may cause proteinuria. The only know cure is birth of the fetus.

PrimigravidaA woman who is pregnant for the first time.

Proliferative PhaseThe phase of the menstrual cycle after menstruation. Under the influence of follicle-stimulating hormone from the pituitary, the ovary produces increasing amounts of estrogen, causing the lining of the uterus to become dense and richly vascular. The phase is terminated by rupture of a mature follicle and subsequent ovulation.

PubertyPeriod of sexual maturation accompanied by the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

QuickeningThe first motion of a fetus in the uterus felt by the mother usually somewhat before the middle of the period of gestation

Rh IncompatibilityOccurs when the mother is Rh negative and the fetus is Rh positive. The father of the fetus must be Rh positive. The problem only affects the fetus.

Rupture of MembranesTerm used during pregnancy to describe a rupture of the amniotic sac. Normally, it occurs spontaneously at full term either during or at the beginning of labor. Rupture of the membranes is known colloquially as "breaking the water. ...

Secretory PhaseThe phase of the menstrual cycle after the release of an ovum from a mature ovarian follicle. The corpus luteum, stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), develops from the ruptured follicle. It secretes progesterone, which stimulates the development of the glands and arteries of the endometrium, causing it to become thick and spongy. In a negative-feedback response to the increased level of progesterone in the blood, the secretion of LH from the pituitary decreases. In the absence of an embryo and its secretion of chorionic gonadotropin, the secretory phase ends. The corpus luteum involutes, progesterone levels fall, and menstruation occurs

Spontaneous AbortionThe termination of pregnancy without action taken by the woman or another person.

Supine Hypotension SyndromeA fall in blood pressure that occurs when a pregnant woman is lying on her back. It is caused by impaired venous return that results from pressure of the gravid uterus on the vena cava. Also called vena caval syndrome.

TeratogensAny substance, agent, or process that interferes with normal prenatal development, causing the formation of one or more developmental abnormalities of the fetus.

Therapeutic CommunicationThe face-to-face process of interacting that focuses on advancing the physical and emotional well-being of a patient. Nurses use therapeutic communication techniques to provide support and information to patients.

Threatened AbortionA type of Spontaneous Abortion. Vaginal bleeding in the first three months of pregnancy, bleeding and symptoms that could suggest an increased risk of miscarriage

Total Placenta PreviaThe placenta completely covers internal cervical os.

TrisomyThe presence of an additional (third) chromosome of one type in an otherwise diploid cell (2n + 1

Umbilical CordThe flexible cordlike structure connecting a fetus at the abdomen with the placenta and containing two umbilical arteries and one vein that transport nourishment to the fetus and remove its wastes.

Variable DecelerationsDo not have a uniform appearance. Their shape, duration and degree of fall below baseline rate vary. Will rise and fall abruptly with the onset and relief of cord compression. May also be non periodic, occurring at times unrelated to contraptions. The decrease in FHR is at least 15 bpm and lasts at least 15 seconds but less than 2 minutes.

VBAC

Vaginal birth after caesarean refers to the practice of birthing a baby vaginally after a previous baby has been delivered through caesarean section.