Childbirth/Postpartum

What is the first stage of labor?

the mother’s cervix has effaced (flattened and thinned) and dilates to allow the baby to pass from the uterus

What is the second stage of labor?

cervix is fully dilated and the infant descends through the vaginal birth canal

What is the third stage of labor?

the expulsion of the placenta and membranes (afterbirth)

What is the process called lightening?

the fetus becomes positioned for birth by descending in the uterus a few weeks before delivery

What are Braxton hick's contractions?

feel like labor contractions but are not because they are shorter and irregular

What are analgesics?

Medications that block pain awareness

What are anesthetics?

Medications that block pain sensations

What is induction of labor?

• administering prostaglandins to the cervix

• breaking the amniotic sac

• administering the hormone oxytocin (Pitocin) to stimulate contractions

What is an episiotomy?

An incision in the perineum from the vagina to the anus made when the head of the infant is too large or needs to be removed rapidly

What is a cesarean section (C-section)?

A surgical procedure where the fetus is removed through an incision made in the abdominal wall and uterus

What is the APGAR score used for and when is it measured?

Measured at 1 and 5 min post birth to determine the health state of the newborn

What is considered a premature baby?

A child born before 36 weeks or under 5.5 pounds

What is puerperium?

The period of recovery after childbirth

What happens to the high levels of progesterone and estrogen after pregnancy?

They drop rapidly

What hormone controls milk production?

Prolactin

What is lochia?

Vaginal Bloody Discharge that will last for 4-6 weeks after delivery

What is infertility?

unable to become pregnant after a year of trying

1 in 5 american couples are infertile

What is sterility?

Permanent fertility

What is artificial insemination?

introducing the semen directly into the cervix with a syringe

Done when a man has healthy sperm but not enough

What is In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)?

involves obtaining several ova from the ovaries and fertilizing them in a laboratory environment

embryo’s are placed inside the woman’s uterus

What is Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)?

involves the ova being placed in equal numbers in each of the fallopian tubes and the semen being introduced directly into the fallopian tubes

What is Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)?

involves eggs being fertilized in vitro and the embryos being placed in the fallopian tubes

What are the options regarding adoption?

Private adoption, state licensed

Public adoption, state licensed

International adoption