Nursing: Stages of Labor and Maternity Care

Vocabulary flashcards covering the stages of labor, pregnancy signs, lochia types, fetal positioning, and diagnostic monitoring based on the lecture transcript.

First stage of labor

The period from the onset of labor until the cervix is fully dilated.

Latent phase

The first phase of the first stage of labor where the cervix is $0$ to $3$ centimeters dilated and the mother is often talkative.

Active phase

The second phase of the first stage of labor where the cervix is $4$ to $7$ centimeters dilated and contractions become stronger.

Transition phase

The final phase of the first stage of labor where the cervix is $8$ to $10$ centimeters dilated; typically involves an urge to push or a bowel movement.

Second stage of labor

The period from full dilation ($10$ centimeters) until the baby is born.

Third stage of labor

The period from the birth of the baby until the delivery of the placenta.

Fourth stage of labor

The postpartum recovery period from the delivery of the placenta until the mother has stabilized, lasting about $2$ to $4$ hours.

Effacement

The thinning and shortening of the cervix measured in percentages from $0\%$ to $100\%$.

Dilation

The widening of the cervix measured in centimeters from $0$ to $10$ centimeters.

Braxton Hicks contractions

False labor contractions that are irregular and decrease in intensity with walking or position changes.

Ferguson reflex

The spontaneous urge to push that occurs when the presenting part of the fetus reaches the pelvic floor.

Occiput Posterior (OP)

A fetal position where the back of the head is against the maternal spine, resulting in severe back pain or "back labor."

Counter pressure

A nursing intervention for back labor involving the application of pressure to the sacrum during contractions.

Oxytocin (Pitocin)

A synthetic hormone used to induce labor or stimulate uterine contractions after placenta delivery to prevent hemorrhage.

Lochia rubra

Bright or dark red vaginal discharge occurring $3$ to $4$ days postpartum.

Lochia serosa

Pink-brown vaginal discharge occurring $4$ to $10$ days postpartum.

Lochia alba

Whitish-yellow creamy discharge occurring from day $10$ up to $6$ weeks postpartum.

Fetal station

The measurement in centimeters of the fetal presenting part in relation to the ischial spine.

Engaged

The state when the baby's presenting part (typically the head) is at fetal station $0$ (the ischial spine).

Presumptive signs of pregnancy

Subjective changes felt by the woman, such as amenorrhea, nausea, or quickening.

Probable signs of pregnancy

Objective findings observed by a provider, such as Goodell's sign, Chadwick's sign, or a positive pregnancy test.

Positive signs of pregnancy

Definitive diagnosis attributed only to the fetus, such as fetal heart tones or visualization via ultrasound.

Goodell's sign

The softening of the cervix observed during pregnancy.

Chadwick's sign

The bluish discoloration of the vulva, vagina, and cervix.

Hagar's sign

The softening of the lower uterine segment.

Quickening

Fetal movement felt by the mother, usually appearing as a presumptive sign.

Nonstress test (NST)

A non-invasive procedure monitoring fetal heart rate; categorized as "reactive" if the heart rate increases by $15$ bpm for $15$ seconds twice in $20$ minutes.

Biophysical profile (BPP)

An assessment using NST and ultrasound to score heart rate, breathing, movement, tone, and amniotic fluid volume; a score below $8$ indicates possible fetal hypoxia.

Variable decelerations

Abrupt decreases in fetal heart rate caused by umbilical cord compression.

Early decelerations

Heart rate drops that mirror contractions, caused by head compression and considered benign.

Late decelerations

Heart rate drops occurring after the peak of a contraction, indicating uteroplacental insufficiency.

Sinusoidal fetal heart rate

A wave-like pattern with no variability indicating severe fetal distress, hypoxia, or anemia.

Leopold maneuvers

A non-invasive step-by-step palpation technique to determine fetal attitude, presentation, and position.

Gynecoid

The most favorable maternal pelvis shape for vaginal delivery, characterized as a pumpkin shape.

Effleurage

A non-pharmacological pain relief technique involving light stroking of the abdomen in rhythm with breathing.

Uterine involution

The process where the uterus returns to its pre-pregnant size and location after delivery.