Exam 1: Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Neonatal Care Review

Comprehensive vocabulary flashcards covering the stages of pregnancy, postpartum changes, neonatal assessments, labor categories, and newborn complications based on the provided lecture notes.

Gravida

A woman who is pregnant.

Nulligravida

A woman who has never been pregnant.

Primigravida

A woman pregnant for the first time.

Multigravida

A woman who has had two or more pregnancies.

Nagele’s Rule

A method to calculate the estimated date of birth by adding 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP) and counting forward 9 months.

Non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT)

A fetal test that uses fetal DNA from the mother’s bloodstream, typically performed between the 7th and 10th week of gestation.

Chronic Villus sampling (CVS)

An invasive sampling of the placental tissue performed between the 10th and 12th weeks of gestation.

Amniocentesis

An invasive sampling of amniotic fluid performed between the 15th and 20th weeks of gestation.

Uterine involution

The process by which the uterus begins to return to its nonpregnant state of size and position after delivery.

Afterpains

Uterine contractions during the postpartum period that aid in uterine involution.

Lochia Rubra

Dark red vaginal discharge containing blood, small clots, decidua, and mucus; present for the first 3 days postpartum.

Lochia Serosa

Thin, red to brown vaginal discharge containing white blood cells, serous exudate, and cervical mucus; lasts until the 10th day postpartum.

Lochia Alba

Yellow-white vaginal discharge containing epithelial cells, white blood cells, fat, and bacteria; typically lasts from the 14th day up to 6 weeks postpartum.

Vaginal rugae

The folds and ridges within the vaginal walls that are lost after delivery and return near pre-pregnancy size at 6 weeks.

Diastasis Recti

A separation of the muscles in the abdomen that can occur during pregnancy.

BUBBLEHE

A postpartum assessment acronym standing for Breast, Uterus, Bowel, Bladder, Lochia, Episiotomy/Lacerations, Homan sign (DVT), and Emotional Status.

REEDA

An assessment guide for episiotomy and perineal lacerations standing for Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation.

Sub-involution

The failure of the uterus to return to its pre-pregnant size by 6 weeks postpartum.

Placenta accreta

A type of retained placenta where the placenta grows into the uterine wall and cannot be removed manually.

Bonding

The intense connection that parents develop for their baby through activities like skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and bathing.

Attachment

An enduring, reciprocal linkage between parents and their child, characterized by interactions like eye contact and grasping fingers.

Taking-in Phase

The maternal adaptation phase occurring in the first day or two where the mother focuses on her own physical needs like sleep and nourishment.

Taking-hold Phase

The maternal adaptation phase occurring from the 2nd to 4th day postpartum where the mother becomes more active and takes responsibility for her own care and the baby.

Letting-go Phase

The maternal adaptation phase occurring between two to six weeks where the mother embraces her new role and responsibility.

RhO (D) immune globulin

A medication administered to Rh-negative mothers at $28$ weeks and within $72$ hours of birth to prevent Rh isoimmunization.

Vernix Caseosa

A creamy white substance that protects the fetal and newborn skin; it should not be scrubbed off after birth.

Lanugo

Fine, downy hair seen on a newborn, especially between the shoulder blades.

Acrocyanosis

A bluish discoloration of the hands and soles of the feet that is normal during the first 24-48 hours of life.

Erythema toxicum

A benign reddish-pink rash with yellow-white papules, also known as 'newborn rash,' which resolves within 4-5 days.

Milia

Small white pearly papules commonly found on the nose, chin, and cheeks of a newborn that disappear within a few weeks.

Dermal Melanocytosis

Large bluish-gray macules commonly found around the sacrum, buttocks, and shoulders; they usually fade over the first 2 years of life.

Caput Succedaneum

Scalp edema caused by pressure on the head during birth that resolves within a few days.

Cephalohematoma

A collection of blood between the periosteum and the skull with clearly defined edges; it takes several weeks to resolve and increases the risk of hyperbilirubinemia.

Epstein Pearl

Harmless tiny cysts appearing on the gums or roof of a newborn’s mouth.

Meconium

The first stool of a newborn, which is thick, tarry black or dark green, and should be expelled within 24-48 hours after birth.

Lactogenesis

The three phases of milk production, starting with colostrum, followed by transitional milk, and ending with mature milk.

Colostrum

A thick yellow fluid produced in the first days postpartum that is high in proteins, vitamins, and IgA to protect the infant’s GI tract.

Phytonadione (Vitamin K1)

A medication administered intramuscularly within one hour of birth to regulate blood coagulation and prevent hemorrhage.

Postpartum hemorrhage

An emergency involving blood loss exceeding $500\,mL$ after a vaginal birth or $1000\,mL$ after a cesarean delivery.

Tachysystole

A condition defined by more than 5 uterine contractions in a 10-minute period averaged over 30 minutes.

Early Deceleration

A gradual decrease in fetal heart rate that mirrors uterine contractions, typically caused by head compression and requiring no intervention.

Late Deceleration

A gradual decrease in fetal heart rate occurring after the peak of a contraction, associated with placental insufficiency and decreased oxygen transfer.

Variable Deceleration

An abrupt decrease in fetal heart rate ($15\,bpm$ for at least $15\,seconds$) caused by umbilical cord compression.

APGAR score

A standardized assessment of a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth covering Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

A respiratory condition primarily affecting preterm infants caused by a deficiency of lung surfactant.

Surfactant

An oily secretion that coats the interior of the alveoli to reduce surface tension and prevent collapse; adequate levels are usually produced by $34-36$ weeks gestation.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

A serious inflammatory gastrointestinal condition in newborns characterized by mucosal damage and necrosis of the bowel wall.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

A condition where pulmonary arteries remain constricted after birth, leading to high vascular resistance and right-to-left shunting.

Esophageal Atresia

A congenital anomaly where the esophagus fails to elongate and connect to the stomach, often ending in a blind pouch.

Tracheoesophageal Fistula

An abnormal communication between the trachea and the esophagus, commonly characterized by the 'Three C’s': coughing, choking, and cyanosis.

Omphalocele

A congenital umbilical ring defect where gastrointestinal organs protrude into an external sac.

Gastroschisis

A congenital abdominal wall defect where the intestines protrude through a hole, usually to the right of the umbilicus, without a covering sac.

Erb Palsy

An upper trunk brachial plexus injury causing paralysis to the deltoid and biceps, often presenting as a 'waiter’s tip' sign.