Human Development Through Lifespan - Chapter 3

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from labor, birth, and neonatal development.

Infertility

Difficulty conceiving; not simply the inability to get pregnant.

Gestation

Pregnancy duration around 40 weeks, typically 37–42 weeks.

Braxton-Hicks contractions

Uterine contractions that are practice contractions for labor (false labor).

Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Hormone that triggers the release of hormones such as oxytocin to initiate labor.

Oxytocin

Hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during labor.

Dilation

Opening of the cervix during labor.

Effacement

Thinning/shortening of the cervix during labor.

APGAR score

Newborn assessment (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) scored 0–2 per category; total 0–10.

Anoxia

Restricted oxygen supply to the baby during birth.

Vernix

White, greasy coating on the skin of the newborn.

Lanugo

Fine fetal hair or fuzz covering the newborn’s body.

Bonding

Close physical and emotional contact between mother and baby; historically emphasized but still beneficial.

Epidural anesthesia

Numbness from the waist down during labor; commonly used and considered safe.

Neonate

A newborn baby, especially in the first few weeks of life.

Preterm

Born before 38 weeks of gestation.

Low birth weight

Birth weight less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).

Very low birth weight

Birth weight less than 3 pounds 4 ounces (1500 g) or born before 30 weeks.

Small for gestational age (SGA)

Infants weighing 90% (or less) of others at the same gestational age.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Lung immaturity leading to breathing problems; treated with an incubator.

Age of viability

Gestational age (around 22 weeks) at which survival outside the womb is possible with ~50/50 odds.

Preeclampsia

High blood pressure during pregnancy; risks include complications for mother and baby.

Postmature

Birth occurring at 42 weeks or later; risks include placental insufficiency and low amniotic fluid.

Cesarean delivery

Surgical birth where the baby is removed through the uterus.

Stillbirth

Birth of a baby who is not alive at delivery.

Infant mortality rate

Death of an infant within the first year after birth.

Maternal mortality rate

Death of a mother related to pregnancy or childbirth (e.g., 18.6 per 100,000 in 2023).

Postpartum depression

Depression following childbirth; can last months to years and affects about 10% of mothers.

Reflexes

Automatic neonatal responses (e.g., sucking, rooting, swallowing, coughing, sneezing, blinking).

Habituation

Decrease in response to a repeated stimulus; a primitive form of learning.

Orienting response

Immediate attention or response to a new stimulus.

Placenta

Channel between carrier and fetus that provides nourishment and oxygen via the umbilical cord

Uterus

Hollow. organ in women’s pelvis where fetus develops

Amniotic fluid

fluid surrounding the fetus that cushions, protects, and regulates fetal body temperature of the baby during development

cervix

the neck of the uterus that separates it from the vagina

vagina

a muscular canal that connects the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body

Umbilical cord

A flexible cord that connects fetus to the placenta, delivering oxygen and nourishment, also removes waste materials.