Stages of Labor and Associated Medical Terms

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the stages of labor and associated medical terminology relevant to pregnancy and delivery.

First Stage of Labor

Begins with contractions causing cervical dilation, ending at 10 cm dilation.

Second Stage of Labor

Involves active pushing and delivery, lasting from 1 minute to several hours.

Third Stage of Labor

Involves the expulsion of the placenta after the baby is born.

Abruption-Placental

The premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.

Amniotic Fluid

The protective liquid surrounding the fetus, crucial for development and cushioning.

Amniocentesis

A diagnostic procedure to test for genetic abnormalities by analyzing amniotic fluid.

Amnioinfusion

Procedure to inject saline into the amniotic sac to address low fluid levels.

Cesarean Section (C/S)

A surgical procedure for delivering a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.

APGAR Score

Evaluates a newborn's health immediately after birth by assessing Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration.

Doppler

A handheld device used to amplify the fetal heartbeat.

Electronic Fetal Monitor

A device that tracks fetal heart rate and uterine contractions in real-time.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A serious condition where the embryo implants outside the uterus.

Breech Presentation

When the baby is positioned feet-first or buttocks-first.

Diamniotic Twins

Twins that have separate amniotic sacs.

Dichorionic Twins

Twins that have two placentas.

Engaged

Refers to the baby's presenting part settling into the pelvic cavity.

Epidural

A form of pain relief during labor using a catheter in the epidural space.

Episiotomy

A surgical incision in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening during delivery.

Fetal Fibronectin (FFN)

A protein indicating imminent labor, particularly in women at risk for preterm labor.

Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)

A condition where fetal weight is below the 10th percentile for gestational age.

Macrosomia

Refers to a newborn significantly larger than average, typically over 8 pounds, 13 ounces.

Jaundice

A condition in newborns characterized by yellowed skin due to bilirubin processing issues.

Meconium

The first bowel movement of a newborn, indicating potential fetal distress if present in amniotic fluid.

Precipitous Delivery

Giving birth within three hours of the onset of regular contractions.

Shoulder Dystocia

A complication where the baby's shoulder becomes stuck behind the mother’s pubic bone.

Preterm Birth

The birth of a baby before 37 weeks of gestation.

PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes)

Occurs when the amniotic sac breaks before labor starts.