Child & Adolescent Psychology - Chapter 4: Birth and Infancy

PSYC 3370

term

typical period between conception and birth

neonate

newborn child

braxton-hicks contractions

first, less painful childbirth contractions

prostaglandins

hormones stimulating uterine contractions

oxytocin

pituitary hormone stimulating labor contractions

dilate

to widen/enlarge

efface

to thin

episiotomy

incision in the area between the birth canal and anus to widen the vaginal opening and prevent tearing during childbirth

transition

movement of the head of the fetus into the birth canal

midwife

health professional trained in childbirth assistance

anesthesia

method that produces partial/total loss of the pain sense

hypnosis

alternative to anesthesia during childbirth

focus on relaxing scenes, decreasing muscle tension → something to take charge of and focus on

biofeedback

method that provides the woman in labor with continuous information about their ongoing various bodily functions

• muscle tension, blood pressure

natural childbirth

method of childbirth where the women in labor use no aesthesia and are educated about childbirth and strategies to cope with discomfort

water birth

lamaze method/prepared childbirth

method of childbirth where women are educated about childbirth, learn to relax and breathe in patterns to conserve energy and reduce pain, and have a coach present during childbirth

cesarean section (c-section)

method of childbirth where the neonate is delivered through a surgical incision in the abdomen