Maternal and Fetal Health

These flashcards cover fundamental concepts related to maternal and fetal health, stages of labor, immunity, and common complications.

Gynecoid Pelvis

The most common female pelvic shape, characterized by a round and wide bone structure that facilitates childbirth.

Anthropoid Pelvis

An oval and longer pelvic shape from front to back, often associated with favorable outcomes for vaginal delivery.

Android Pelvis

A pelvic shape resembling a male pelvis, with a heart-shaped inlet that is less favorable for childbirth.

Platypelloid Pelvis

A flat and wide pelvic shape that can complicate the delivery process.

Cardinal Movements of Labor

Positional changes the fetus makes as it moves through the birth canal, divided into seven stages.

Engagement

The stage where the largest transverse diameter of the fetal head enters the pelvic inlet, typically at 0 station.

Descent

The downward movement of the fetal head through the pelvis, aided by various pressures and contractions.

Flexion

The fetal head flexes to bring the chin to the chest when encountering resistance, aiding passage through the pelvis.

Internal Rotation

Rotation of the fetal head about 45 degrees to align it with the maternal pelvis as it descends.

Extension

The fetal head extends through the pubic arch after fully descending and flexing, allowing for the emergence of the head and shoulders.

External Rotation (Restitution)

The head rotates back to its original position after birth, aligning with the body for shoulder passage.

Expulsion

The birth of the rest of the body following the emergence of the head and shoulders.

Postpartum Complications Risk Factors

Factors including operative procedures, prolonged labor, and various health conditions that increase the risk for postpartum complications.

Postpartum Hemorrhage Risk Factors

Conditions such as precipitous labor, uterine atony, and prolonged third stage of labor that increase the risk for postpartum hemorrhage.

Foul-smelling Lochia

A postpartum danger sign indicating potential infection or other complications.

Heat Loss - Conduction

Transfer of heat from a newborn to a cooler object in direct contact, e.g., a cold scale.

Heat Loss - Convection

Flow of heat from the body surface to cooler surrounding air.

Heat Loss - Evaporation

Loss of heat as a liquid converts to vapor, as seen when a wet newborn is dried after birth.

Natural Immunity

Non-specific immune response mechanisms that do not require prior exposure to an antigen.

Acquired Immunity

Development of specific antibodies or immunoglobulins in response to exposure to antigens.

IgG

The major antibody that can cross the placenta, providing neonatal protection against diseases.

IgA

Antibody found in mucous membranes and body secretions, protecting against pathogens.

IgM

The first antibody to respond to infection, found in blood and lymph fluid.

APGAR Scoring

Evaluation of a newborn's physical condition immediately after birth to assess transition to extrauterine life.

PKU

A genetic disorder caused by an autosomal recessive inherited deficiency of an enzyme for protein metabolism.

Congenital Hypothyroidism

A deficiency of thyroid hormone necessary for normal metabolism and brain growth in newborns.

Galactosemia

The absence of the enzyme needed for converting galactose to glucose, leading to severe complications if untreated.

Sickle Cell Anemia

A recessively inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormal hemoglobin structure.

Nuchal Translucency Test

Ultrasound performed during pregnancy to detect fluid accumulation at the back of the fetal neck, indicating chromosomal abnormalities.

True Labor

Regular contractions that become closer together and stronger over time.

False Labor

Irregular contractions that do not strengthen or occur close together.

Stages of Labor

Include First Stage (0-10 cm dilation), Second Stage (birth of the newborn), and Third Stage (placenta separation and delivery).

Passageway (Birth Canal)

Physical structures, mainly the pelvis and birth canal, through which the fetus passes during birth.

Passenger (Fetus and Placenta)

Includes the fetus and placenta that must be delivered, with specific presentations affecting labor.

Powers (Contractions)

Uterine contractions that facilitate fetal descent; primary powers are involuntary while secondary are voluntary pushing efforts.

Position (Maternal Positioning)

Maternal positions during labor that can affect comfort, contractions, and fetal descent.

Psychological Response

The emotional state of the mother influencing labor progress, with supportive care enhancing the experience.

Signs and Symptoms of Pregnancy

Include presumptive signs (e.g., amenorrhea), probable signs (e.g., Goodell sign), and positive signs (e.g., ultrasound detection of fetus).

Postpartum Psychosis

A severe mental health condition requiring immediate medical attention, characterized by a break from reality.

Postpartum Depression (PPD)

A mood disorder affecting mothers after childbirth that can interfere with daily care for themselves and their baby.

hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

Hormone responsible for maintaining the corpus luteum and appears in the maternal bloodstream soon after conception.

hCS (Human Chorionic Somatomammotropin)

Hormone that prepares mammary glands for lactation and alters maternal metabolism for fetal growth.

Relaxin

Hormone that increases flexibility of the pubic symphysis and aids cervical dilation.

Progesterone

Hormone vital for supporting the endometrium and maintaining pregnancy.

Estrogen

Hormone that promotes enlargement of reproductive structures and prepares for lactation.

Nagele's Rule

A method for estimating the due date by calculating the first day of the last menstrual period.

Fetal Circulation

Involves structures like the ductus venosus and foramen ovale to bypass non-functioning lungs and liver.

Nutrition in Pregnancy

Recommendations for appropriate weight gain depending on BMI and essential nutrients for fetal development.