Maternal and Child Nursing Lecture Review Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary terms, signs, phases, and definitions from the obstetrics and fetal development lecture transcript.

Menarche

The first menstrual period of a girl, occurring at an average age of 12.4 years old with a normal range of 9–17 years old.

Follicular Phase

The ovarian cycle phase (usually Day 1–14) during which FSH stimulates follicle development into a mature/Graafian follicle leading to ovulation around Day 14.

Luteal Phase

The ovarian cycle phase (Day 14–28) where the ruptured follicle becomes the corpus luteum and secretes high levels of progesterone.

Proliferative Phase

The uterine cycle phase from Day 5–14 where estrogen rebuilds and thickens the uterine lining.

Secretory Phase

The uterine cycle phase from Day 14–28 where progesterone prepares the uterus for possible embryo implantation.

Mittelschmerz

A mild pelvic or abdominal pain experienced by some women around the time of ovulation.

Spinnbarkeit

The stretchy, stringy quality of cervical mucus around ovulation, resembling raw egg white.

Goodell's Sign

An objective probable sign of pregnancy (and sign of ovulation) characterized by softening of the cervix.

Implantation (Nidation)

The process by which the developing fertilized ovum attaches to the endometrium of the uterus.

Presumptive Signs of Pregnancy

Subjective symptoms experienced and felt by the mother (such as amenorrhea, nausea, and quickening) that are not definitive proof of pregnancy.

Probable Signs of Pregnancy

Objective physical findings detected by an examiner (such as positive pregnancy tests or specific cervical signs) that strongly suggest but do not confirm pregnancy.

Positive Signs of Pregnancy

Definitive clinical proof of a fetus, including sonographic visualization, examiner-felt fetal movement, or FHT heard via Doppler.

Chadwick's Sign

A probable sign of pregnancy characterized by a bluish to deep violet discoloration of the vagina and cervix caused by increased blood flow.

Hegar's Sign

A probable sign of pregnancy marked by the softening of the lower uterine segment.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Irregular practice uterine contractions that do not cause progressive cervical dilation or true labor.

Ballottement

A physical examination technique around 16–20 weeks where the examiner feels the fetus bounce during a bimanual examination.

Operculum

The protective mucus plug that forms within the cervix during pregnancy.

Colostrum

The initial form of milk secreted by the mammary glands, which may be present around the 16th week of pregnancy.

Hyperemesis Gravidarum

Severe, excessive vomiting during pregnancy leading to potential complications such as dehydration, weight loss, and ketonuria.

Supine Hypotension Syndrome

A condition caused by the pregnant uterus compressing major abdominal blood vessels when the mother lies flat on her back, managed by turning onto the left side.

GTPAL System

An obstetric history recording method standing for Gravida (total pregnancies), Term births, Preterm births, Abortions/losses, and Living children.

Naegele's Rule

A method to estimate the date of delivery: subtract 3 months, add 7 days, and add 1 year to the LMP (or add 9 months and 7 days for Jan–Mar LMPs).

Leopold's Maneuvers

A series of four systematic abdominal palpation steps used around or after 32 weeks to assess fetal position, presentation, lie, and back.

Acme

The peak phase of a uterine contraction where intensity is at its maximum strength.

Effacement

The process of thinning and shortening of the uterine cervix during labor, expressed as a percentage up to 100%.

Dilatation

The gradual opening and widening of the uterine cervix during labor, measured up to 10 cm.

Cardinal Movements

The positional positional sequence of the fetus passing through the birth canal: Descent, Flexion, Internal rotation, Extension, External rotation, and Expulsion.

Crowning

The moment during the second stage of labor when the top of the fetal head becomes visible at the vaginal opening without receding.

Nuchal Cord

A clinical condition where the umbilical cord is wrapped around the fetal neck.

Calkins Sign

A sign indicating placental separation where the uterus changes shape to become firm and globular.

Lochia

Postpartum vaginal discharge that progresses from Rubra (red), to Serosa (pinkish/brown), to Alba (white/yellowish).

Taking-in Phase

The initial postpartum phase (days 1–3) characterized by maternal dependency and passive behavior as the mother processes the birth experience.

Taking-hold Phase

The postpartum phase where the mother takes active initiative in learning infant care and developing maternal skills.

Letting-go Phase

The final postpartum adaptation phase where the mother redefines her identity, relinquishes past fantasy roles, and fully accepts the real infant.

Postpartum Blues

A transient period of emotional sadness, mood swings, and tearfulness occurring 1–10 days after delivery.