Unit 6 - Complications of Labor & Birth, Preterm Birth, and OB Emergencies

A collection of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to complications of labor, preterm birth, and obstetric emergencies.

Preterm Labor (PTL)

When regular uterine contractions cause cervical dilation after week 20, but before week 37 of pregnancy.

Preterm Birth (PTB)

A baby being born before 37 weeks of gestation.

Risk Factors for Preterm Labor

Factors that can increase the likelihood of PTL, including history of PTL, short cervical length, and multiple gestation.

Preterm Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)

The rupture of membranes before labor begins, prior to 37 weeks of gestation.

Signs and Symptoms of Preterm Labor

Signs include regular contractions, vaginal discharge, lower backache, pressure in the pelvis, and vaginal bleeding.

Tocolytic Therapy

Medications used to delay preterm labor by relaxing the uterus.

Magnesium Sulfate

A tocolytic used to relax uterine muscles and protect the fetus from cerebral palsy.

Nifedipine (Procardia)

A medication that blocks calcium movement into muscle cells to reduce uterine activity.

Indomethacin

A medication that inhibits uterine activity by blocking prostaglandins.

Amniotic Fluid Embolism (AFE)

A serious condition where amniotic fluid particles enter the maternal circulatory system, obstructing pulmonary vessels.

Labor Dystocia

Abnormal or slow progression of labor, characterized by ineffective contractions.

Intrauterine Fetal Demise (IUFD)

The loss of a fetus in utero between 20 weeks and term.

Cesarean Section (C/S)

A surgical procedure to deliver a fetus through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

Umbilical Cord Prolapse

Condition where the umbilical cord falls in front of the fetal presenting part, risking occlusion.

Shoulder Dystocia

Obstruction of birth due to impaction of the fetal shoulders after the head is delivered.