Labor & Birth Procedures, Complications, & Nursing Care

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to labor, birth procedures, complications, and nursing care in obstetrics.

External Cephalic Version (ECV)

An attempt to turn the fetus from a breech or shoulder presentation to a vertex presentation for birth.

Non-Stress Test (NST)

A 3rd trimester non-invasive test that monitors the fetal heart rate (FHR) response to fetal movement.

Bishop Score

A scoring system used to evaluate cervical readiness for labor, with a total score of ≥8 being favorable for induction.

Induction of Labor

The process of stimulating uterine contractions before labor begins naturally, indicated by factors such as maternal or fetal compromise.

Amniotomy (AROM)

Artificial rupture of membranes to augment labor.

Cesarean Birth

The delivery of the fetus through a transabdominal incision of the uterus.

Placenta Previa

A condition where the placenta is implanted in the lower uterine segment near or over the internal cervical os.

Placental Abruption

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, classified into different grades based on severity.

Shoulder Dystocia

A birth complication where the baby's shoulder gets stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone.

Vacuum Extraction

A procedure using a vacuum cup attached to the fetal head to assist during delivery, typically used when the scalp is visible.

VBAC

Vaginal Birth after Cesarean, a process where a woman who has had a cesarean delivery attempts a vaginal delivery.

TOLAC

Trial of Labor after Cesarean, where a woman attempts labor after having a previous cesarean.

Obesity in Pregnancy

A condition defined by body mass index (BMI), which poses increased risks for complications such as gestational diabetes and cesarean birth.

Uterine Rupture

A life-threatening emergency where the uterine wall tears, often associated with previous cesarean deliveries and other risk factors.

Amniotic Fluid Embolus (AFE)

A serious condition characterized by sudden respiratory and circulatory collapse during pregnancy, caused by fetal substances entering the maternal circulation.