Maternal Midterms Keyterms

Flashcards

Cytomegalovirus

A herpes virus that may cause congenital infection if passed to the fetus.

Fetal alcohol spectrum

A range of physical and mental effects from prenatal alcohol exposure.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)

A viral infection that can be passed to the baby during delivery.

Leukorrhea

Normal increase in clear or white vaginal discharge during pregnancy.

Malaria

A mosquito-borne illness that can cause pregnancy complications like anemia or low birth weight.

Sims position

Side-lying position used for exams or comfort during pregnancy.

Teratogen

Any factor that causes birth defects in a developing fetus.

Toxoplasmosis

A parasitic infection from raw meat or cat feces that can harm the fetus.

Attitude

How fetal body parts relate, such as flexion or extension.

Breech presentation

Baby positioned with buttocks or feet closest to the birth canal.

Cardinal movements of labor

The baby's positional changes during birth for delivery.

Cephalic presentation

Baby positioned head-first for delivery.

Crowning

When the baby's head appears at the vaginal opening.

Dilatation

Opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters.

Doula

A support person offering physical and emotional care during labor.

Effacement

Thinning and shortening of the cervix before childbirth.

Engagement

When the widest part of the baby's head enters the pelvis.

Fetal Descent

Baby moving downward through the birth canal.

Fetal Position

How the presenting fetal part aligns with the mother's pelvis.

Leopolds Maneuvers

Abdominal palpation to assess fetal position and presentation.

Lie

Relationship between the baby's spine and the mother's spine.

Molding

Shaping of the baby's head during birth passage.

Ripening

Cervical softening and thinning before labor.

Station

Baby's head location in relation to the ischial spines.

Transition

Final, most intense phase of the first stage of labor.

Analgesia

Pain relief without causing unconsciousness.

Anesthesia

Loss of sensation, partial or total, for pain control.

Endorphins

Body's natural pain-relieving hormones.

Epidural Anesthesia

Regional block to numb pain during labor.

Pain

Unpleasant sensory experience signaling possible tissue damage.

Pressure Anesthesia

Pain relief using applied pressure on specific areas.

Pudendal Nerve Block

Injection near pudendal nerve to relieve childbirth pain.

Reflexology

Therapy applying pressure to feet or hands for relief.

Afterpains

Uterine cramps after birth as it shrinks to normal size.

Attachment

Emotional connection between parent and baby.

Bonding

Initial emotional tie between parents and newborn.

Chloasma

Dark pregnancy-related facial pigmentation.

Colostrum

First nutrient-rich breast milk high in antibodies.

Diastasis Recti

Separation of abdominal muscles during or after pregnancy.

En face Position

Face-to-face position promoting bonding between parent and baby.

Engorgement

Painful breast swelling from increased milk supply.

Engrossment

Partner's deep focus and interest in the newborn.

Homans Sign

Test for blood clot by checking for calf pain on foot dorsiflexion.

Lactogenesis

The start of breast milk production.

Linea Nigra

Dark vertical line on the abdomen during pregnancy.

Lochia

Post-birth vaginal discharge of blood and tissue.

Pelvic Floor Excavator

Device or exercise aid to strengthen pelvic muscles.

Relaxin

Hormone loosening joints and ligaments for childbirth.

Rooming-in

Keeping baby and mother together after birth.

Striae Gravidarum

Stretch marks appearing during pregnancy.

Uterine Atony

Uterus fails to contract after birth, risking heavy bleeding.