Chapter 36: Obstetrics and Gynecologic Emergencies

Abortion

Spontaneous miscarriage or induced termination of pregnancy

Abruptio placentae

A condition in which the placenta separates from the uterine wall

Afterbirth

the placenta, membranes of the amniotic sac, part of the umbilical cord, and some tissues from the lining of the uterus that are delivered after the birth of the baby

Amniotic Sac

The “bag of waters” that surrounds the developing fetus

Breech Presentation

when the baby’s bottom or legs appear first during birth

Cephalic Presentation

Normal birth presentation, baby appears head first

Cervix

The lower neck of the uterus at the entrance to the birth canal

Crowning

The point during childbirth when part of the baby is visible through the vaginal opening

Eclampsia

A severe complication of pregnancy that produces seizures and which is very dangerous to the infant and mother

Ectopic pregnancy

When implantation of the fertilized egg is not in the body of the uterus (occurs instead in the fallopian tube/ Oviduct)

Fetus

The baby from 8 weeks of development to birth

Induced abortion

Expulsion of a fetus as a result of deliberate actions taken to terminate the pregnancy

Labor

the three stages of the delivery of a baby, which begin with the contractions of the uterus and end with the expulsion of the placenta.

Lightening

The sensation of the fetus moving from high in abdomen to low in the birth canal.

Limb Presentation

when an infant arm or leg protrudes from the vagina before the appearance of any other body part

Meconium staining

Amniotic fluid that is greenish or brownish-yelllow rather than clear as a result of fetal defecation; an indication of possible maternal or fetal distress during labor

Miscarriage

Spontaneous abortion

Braxton-Hicks contractions

irregular pre-labor contractions of the uterus.

Ovary

The female reproductive organ that produces ova

Ovulation

The phase of the female reproductive cycle in which an egg is released from the ovary.

Fallopian tube

The narrow tube that connects the ovary to the uterus. Also called the oviduct

Placenta

The organ of pregnancy where exchange of oxygen, food, and wastes occurs between mother and fetus

Perineum

The surface area between the vagina and the anus.

Placenta Previa

A condition in which the placenta is formed in an abnormal location (low in the uterus and close to or over the cervical opening)

Preeclampsia

A complication of pregnancy in which the woman retains large amounts of fluid and has hypertension (can progress to eclampsia)

Premature infant

Any newborn weighing less than 5.5 pounds or born before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Prolapsed umbilical cord

When the umbilical cord presents first at the opening of the vaginal canal during birth

Spontaneous abortion

When the fetus and placenta deliver before the 20th week of pregnancy; commonly called in miscarriage.

Stillborn

Born dead

Supine hypotensive syndrome

Dizziness and a drop in blood pressure caused when the mother is in a supine

Umbilical cord

Fetal structure that contains the blood vessels that carry blood to and from the placenta

Uterus

Muscular abdominal organ where the fetus develops