Obstetric Nursing (Normal)

Vocabulary flashcards covering normal obstetric nursing, reproductive cycles, fetal development, labor components, and postpartum care based on the lecture transcript.

Menarche

The first occurrence of menstruation, occurring at an average age of $12$\,years old (range of $9\text{--}17$\,years old).

Menstrual Cycle Interval

The time between the start of one menstrual cycle and the next, averaging $28$\,days with a normal range of $23\text{--}35$\,days.

Duration of Menstrual Flow

The typical length of menstrual bleeding, averaging $2\text{--}7$\,days per cycle.

Amount of Menstrual Flow

The average volume of blood lost during a normal menstrual period, measuring $30\text{--}80$\,mL.

Graafian Follicle

A fully matured ovarian follicle that contains a liquid-filled cavity and is prepared to rupture and release an oocyte during ovulation.

Ovulation

The rupture of the Graafian follicle releasing a mature ovum, occurring $14$\,days before the onset of the next menstrual period.

Corpus Luteum

A yellow glandular structure formed in the ovary after follicle rupture under the influence of LH; it secretes progesterone to maintain endometrial thickness and support early pregnancy.

Mittelschmerz

One-sided lower abdominal pain that occurs during ovulation.

Spinnbarkeit

The characteristic clear, thin, and slippery state of cervical mucus near ovulation that allows it to be stretched between the fingers.

Proliferative Phase

The first phase of the uterine cycle (follicular/estrogenic/postmenstrual), driven by estrogen to rebuild the endometrial lining starting around day $4\text{--}5$ of a new cycle.

Secretory Phase

The second phase of the uterine cycle (luteal/progestational), dominated by progesterone following ovulation, creating the optimal environment for embryo implantation.

Fertilization

The union of a sperm and ovum, occurring normally in the ampulla of the fallopian tube.

Implantation

The attachment of the blastocyst into the upper portion of the uterine endometrium, occurring $8\text{--}10$\,days after fertilization.

Ectopic Pregnancy

Implantation of the fertilized ovum in a location outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube.

Placenta Previa

Abnormal implantation of the blastocyst in the lower uterine segment near or covering the cervical os.

Duncan Presentation

The maternal surface of the placenta, characterized as dark red, rough, consisting of $15\text{--}20$ cotyledons, and referred to as 'dirty Duncan'.

Schultze Presentation

The fetal surface of the placenta, characterized as smooth, shiny, and attached to the umbilical cord, referred to as 'shiny Schultze'.

Umbilical Cord

A structure containing $2$ umbilical arteries (carrying deoxygenated blood from fetus to placenta) and $1$ umbilical vein (carrying oxygenated blood from placenta to fetus), with a normal length of $50\text{--}55$\,cm.

Wharton's Jelly

A specialized clear gelatinous connective tissue that surrounds and protects the blood vessels within the umbilical cord.

Chorion

The thick outer fetal membrane that lies adjacent to the uterine wall and forms the fetal portion of the placenta.

Amnion

The smooth inner fetal membrane that directly encloses the amniotic cavity and fluid.

Oligohydramnios

An abnormally low volume of amniotic fluid ($< 300$\,mL at term), frequently associated with fetal kidney damage.

Polyhydramnios

An excessive volume of amniotic fluid ($> 2000$\,mL at term), frequently associated with fetal swallowing impairments such as esophageal atresia.

Lightening

The descent of the fetal presenting part into the maternal pelvis ('baby dropping'), typically occurring around the $38\text{th}$ week of gestation.

Hegar's Sign

A probable sign of pregnancy manifested by the softening of the lower uterine segment.

Chadwick's Sign

A probable sign of pregnancy characterized by a bluish or purplish discoloration of the vaginal mucosa and cervix due to vascular congestion.

Goodell's Sign

A probable sign of pregnancy defined as the softening of the cervix.

Ballottement

A technique and probable sign of pregnancy in which tapping against the cervix causes the floating fetus to rise and then rebound back against the examiner's finger.

Montgomery Tubercles

Sebaceous glands scattered across the areola that produce oily secretions to keep nipples moist and prevent cracking during lactation.

Striae Gravidarum

Reddish stretch marks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, or thighs during pregnancy.

Linea Nigra

A dark, hyperpigmented line extending vertically along the midline of the abdomen from the umbilicus to the symphysis pubis during pregnancy.

Chloasma

Hyperpigmented brownish patches appearing on the face during pregnancy, commonly called the 'mask of pregnancy'.

Supine Hypotension Syndrome

A drop in maternal blood pressure and systemic perfusion resulting from compression of the inferior vena cava (IVC) by the gravid uterus when the mother lies flat on her back.

First Leopold's Maneuver (Fundal Grip)

Palpation of the upper uterine fundus to determine fetal presentation and lie.

Second Leopold's Maneuver (Umbilical Grip)

Palpation of both sides of the maternal abdomen to identify the location of the smooth fetal back and bumpy small parts.

Third Leopold's Maneuver (Pawlick's Grip)

Palpation above the pubic symphysis using one hand to determine the presenting part and assess whether it is engaged in the pelvic inlet.

Fourth Leopold's Maneuver (Pelvic Grip)

Palpation performed while facing the maternal feet to assess fetal attitude and the prominence of the cephalic brow or occiput.

Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)

A mismatch between the size of the fetal head and the mother's pelvis, obstructing normal passage through the birth canal.

McRoberts Maneuver

An obstetrical maneuver involving extreme flexion of the maternal thighs against the abdomen, used to un-impact the anterior shoulder in cases of shoulder dystocia.

Fetal Station

The measurement of the descent of the fetal presenting part in relation to the level of the maternal ischial spines, ranging from $-4$ (floating) to $0$ (engaged) to $+4$ (at outlet).

First Stage of Labor

The period of labor beginning with regular uterine contractions and ending with complete cervical dilation ($10$\,cm), divided into latent, active, and transition phases.

Second Stage of Labor

The period of labor starting from full cervical dilation ($10$\,cm) and ending with the complete delivery of the fetus.

Third Stage of Labor

The stage of labor commencing immediately after the birth of the baby and ending with the delivery of the placenta, normally taking $5\text{--}30$\,minutes.

Fourth Stage of Labor

The immediate $1\text{--}4$ hour recovery period following placenta delivery, requiring careful assessment for postpartum hemorrhage.

Taking-In Phase

The initial postpartum psychological phase where the mother exhibits passive and dependent behaviors, focusing primarily on her own personal needs, food, sleep, and physical recovery.

Taking-Hold Phase

The second postpartum psychological phase where the mother assumes active responsibility for newborn care and seeks autonomy in her maternal role.

Letting-Go Phase

The final postpartum adaptation phase where the mother redefines her role, abandons past lifestyle expectations, and accepts the infant as a separate individual.

Lochia Rubra

Dark red postpartum vaginal discharge composed mostly of blood and decidual tissue, occurring on days $1\text{--}3$ postpartum.

Lochia Serosa

Pinkish-brown postpartum vaginal discharge containing blood, serum, and leukocytes, occurring on days $4\text{--}10$ postpartum.

Lochia Alba

Yellowish-white postpartum vaginal discharge consisting of mucus and leukocytes, occurring from day $10$ up to $6$\,weeks postpartum.