OB Delivery

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to obstetric emergencies, covering key terms and definitions relevant to childbirth and labor.

Placenta

An organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy, providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.

Umbilical cord

A flexible structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, allowing nutrient and waste exchange.

Amniotic sac

A fluid-filled structure that surrounds and protects the fetus during pregnancy.

Leopold's Maneuver

A method of palpating a pregnant woman's abdomen to determine the position of the fetus.

Prodromal stage

The preliminary onset of labor, often unnoticed, occurring 2-3 weeks before delivery.

Braxton-Hicks contractions

Irregular contractions of the uterus that occur during pregnancy, preparing for labor.

True Labour

Characterized by regular, progressively stronger contractions that lead to cervical changes.

False Labour

Irregular contractions that do not lead to cervical changes.

Multiple births

Pregnancies involving more than one fetus, occurring in about 3% of all pregnancies.

Dizygotic twins

Fraternal twins that develop from two separate eggs fertilized by two different sperm cells.

Monozygotic twins

Identical twins that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos.

Twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS)

A complication in identical twins resulting from uneven blood flow between them.

Crowning

The point during delivery when the baby's head begins to emerge from the birth canal.

Meconium

The first stool of a newborn, consisting of digested amniotic fluid, which can signal fetal distress.

Apgar Score

A quick assessment performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to evaluate health.

Uterine atony

The failure of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery, leading to postpartum hemorrhage.

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

Excessive bleeding following childbirth, often defined as blood loss greater than 500 cc.

Uterine inversion

A rare but serious condition where the uterus turns inside out after delivery.

Nuchal cord

A condition where the umbilical cord is wrapped around the fetus's neck during delivery.

Prolapsed cord

A situation where the umbilical cord slips ahead of the presenting fetal part, risking cord compression.

Shoulder dystocia

A delivery complication where a baby's shoulder gets stuck after the head has been delivered.

Oxytocin

A hormone used to induce contractions and manage postpartum hemorrhage.

Fetal heart rate monitoring

A process of monitoring the baby's heart rate during labor to assess fetal well-being.

Meconium aspiration

A condition that occurs when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid.

Emergency childbirth

The process of delivering a baby in a non-medical environment or without immediate medical assistance.

Vernix

A waxy, cheese-like coating on a newborn's skin that protects against infection and moisture loss.

Lanugo

Fine, downy hair on a newborn's body that usually sheds before birth.

PPE

Personal protective equipment used in medical settings to ensure safety during childbirth.

Contractions

Rhythmic tightening and relaxing of the muscles in the uterus during labor.

Dilated cervix

The opening of the cervix, which must broaden to 10 cm for delivery to occur.

Episiotomy

A surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to facilitate delivery.

Stimulation for breathing

Methods used to encourage a newborn to breathe after birth, especially if there are breathing difficulties.