Maternal Adaptation during Pregnancy - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to maternal adaptation during pregnancy from the lecture notes.

HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin)

Hormone produced by the placenta after implantation; detected in blood or urine to confirm pregnancy.

Urine pregnancy test (clinical)

Detects HCG in urine; performed in clinics; results are yes/no and less sensitive than blood tests.

Over-the-counter home pregnancy test

Self-administered urine test detecting HCG; ~99% accurate after the first missed period; best with first-morning urine.

Qualitative blood pregnancy test

Blood test that detects presence of HCG; confirms pregnancy earlier than urine tests.

Quantitative blood pregnancy test

Measures exact amount of HCG; tracks trends to assess viability, ectopic risk, or miscarriage; requires venipuncture.

Presumptive signs of pregnancy

Subjective signs reported by the woman (e.g., amenorrhea, nausea, fatigue, breast changes, urinary frequency).

Probable signs of pregnancy

Objective signs observed by clinicians (e.g., Chadwick sign, Goodall's sign, Hegar sign, uterine enlargement).

Positive signs of pregnancy

Definitive signs confirmed by examination or imaging (fetal heartbeat, fetal movement, ultrasound visualization).

Chadwick sign

Bluish-purple discoloration of cervix/vagina due to increased pelvic vascularity; detectable ~6–8 weeks.

Goodall's sign

Softening of the cervical tip from increased vascularity; usually appears ~5–6 weeks.

Hegar sign

Softening of the lower uterine segment; typically 6–12 weeks gestation.

Braxton Hicks contractions

Irregular, painless contractions starting around 16 weeks; prepare uterus for labor and improve blood flow.

Quickening

First fetal movements felt by the mother, usually around 16–20 weeks.

Mucus plug

Thick mucus barrier formed by endocervical glands; protects against infection; expelled near labor (bloody show).

Cervical ripening

Cervix softens, shortens (effaces), and dilates in preparation for labor; triggered by prostaglandins and relaxin.

Uterine growth milestones

Uterus rises from the pelvis (~12 weeks), to the umbilicus (~20 weeks), and to the xiphoid (~36 weeks).

Linea nigra

Dark vertical line on the abdomen due to estrogen-related pigmentation.

Cloasma (melasma)

Mask of pregnancy; facial hyperpigmentation caused by hormonal changes.

Montgomery's tubercles

Enlarged areolar sebaceous glands that secrete protective oils.

Gestational diabetes risk (HPL)

Human placental lactogen causes maternal insulin resistance, increasing gestational diabetes risk.

Physiologic anemia of pregnancy

Plasma volume expands more than red cell mass, causing hemodilution with potentially normal Hb/Hct.

Supine hypotension syndrome

Enlarged uterus compresses the inferior vena cava when supine; relief by left lateral position.

Fetal ultrasound findings

Ultrasound shows gestational sac, yolk sac, fetal pole, heartbeat; gold standard for confirming intrauterine pregnancy.

Sibling preparation during pregnancy

Strategies to involve and educate siblings to promote adjustment and family bonding.

Prenatal vitamins and key nutrients

Folic acid, iron, calcium, DHA, vitamin B12, iodine, zinc, vitamin D, supporting fetal development and maternal health; should supplement daily.