EMC - pregnancy

terms n stuff

Abruptio Placentae

A serious condition in pregnancy where the placenta detaches prematurely from the uterine wall, potentially leading to heavy bleeding and risks to both mother and baby.

Amniotic Sac

A thin, fluid-filled membrane that surrounds and protects the developing fetus during pregnancy. It contains amniotic fluid, which cushions the baby and helps regulate temperature.

Meconium Staining

This occurs when the baby passes meconium (the first stool) while still in the uterus, which can stain the amniotic fluid. It may be a sign of fetal distress and can lead to breathing problems if inhaled during delivery (meconium aspiration syndrome).

Placenta

An organ that forms in the uterus during pregnancy. It supplies oxygen and nutrients to the baby and removes waste products from the baby's blood. It is expelled after childbirth (afterbirth).

Preeclampsia

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys. It typically occurs in last trimester of pregnancy

Eclampsia

A severe progression of preeclampsia, marked by seizures in a pregnant woman that are not related to another brain condition. It is a medical emergency.

Bloody Show

A small amount of blood-tinged mucus discharge from the vagina, which often occurs before or at the onset of labor. It indicates that the cervix is beginning to dilate and efface.

expulsion of the plug signals the first stage (before) of labor

Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

heavy bleeding after giving birth

danergous, needs quick treatment

perineum

the area between the vagina and anus

nuchal cord

when the umbilical cord is wrapped around the babys neck

gravida

total number of times a woman has been pregnant

para

number of births after 20 weeks (alive or not)

ex. woman who has had two delieveries past 20 weeks is para 2

gestation

how far a long a pregnancy is (measured in weeks)