Exam 2 terms

Sublingual

Medications placed under the tongue to dissolve. Under the tongue. Faster route into bloodstream

Kegels

Exercises performed to strengthen the muscles of the uterus and bladder

• prevents urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems

• involves repetitions of tightening and relaxing the pelvic floor muscles that control uterine flow

Round ligament

Connective tissue that supports uterus + stretches as the uterus grows

Insulin resistance

condition where body becomes less response to insulin 

• occurs in pregnancy due to increased cortisol

Axis

may describe fetal axis (line through length of fetus) or uterine axis (line through center of uterus)

Dilutional Anemia

occurs when plasma volume increases more than rbc count, making the blood more diluted. Not actual anemia, just appears to be.

Psuedo anemia

Another term for dilutional anemia

Amenorrhea

Absence of menstrual cycle

Leukorrhea

Vaginal discharge; thick and white/yellow

• normal during pregnancy due to increased estrogen and cervical mucus production

• protects against infection but should be odorless and non-irritating

Lightening

Describes descent of fetus into true pelvis

• occurs ~2wks before term in first time pregnancies

• relieves pressure on diaphragm which makes it easier to breathe

• increases bladder pressure leading to urinary frequency

DIC

• Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation

• OB emergency that occurs when body is breaking down blood clots faster than it can form a clot

  • significant cause of maternal morbidity

• may occur as a complication to:

  • placental abruption, severe infection, preeclampsia, pph

Quickening

a woman’s first awareness of fetal movement

• occurs around 18-20wks gestation in primigravidas

• occurs 14-16wks in multigravidas

Braxton Hick Contraction 

intermittent, painless, and physiological uterine contractions 

• begin in second tri but may not be felt until third

• irregular and more noticeable as the uterus grows