Maternal & Child Nursing – Introductory Concepts and Anatomy

Vocabulary flashcards covering key anatomical terms, physiological concepts, and clinical procedures introduced in the maternal and child nursing lecture.

Maternal and Child Nursing

Nursing care rendered to the mother during pregnancy, childbirth (perinatal period) and to the newborn.

Obstetrics

Branch of medicine concerned with normal pregnancy, labor, and delivery.

Gynecology

Medical specialty that deals with diseases or complications of the female reproductive system.

Perinatal Period

The span that includes antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum phases surrounding birth.

Antepartum

Time period before childbirth; refers to the mother during pregnancy.

Intrapartum

Time from the onset of labor through delivery of the placenta; involves both mother and fetus.

Postpartum

Time period immediately after childbirth.

Puerperium

Approximately six-week period after birth when the mother’s reproductive organs return to their non-pregnant state.

Folic Acid

Prenatal vitamin taken for about 5 months to help prevent neural-tube defects in the fetus.

Iron (prenatal supplement)

Mineral taken for 5 months during pregnancy and 3 months postpartum to prevent maternal anemia.

Coccyx

Tailbone; helps protect the female reproductive organs from external injury.

Leopold’s Maneuver

Four-step abdominal palpation used to locate the fundus, identify fetal position, and estimate gestational age.

Mons Pubis (Mons Veneris)

Triangular pad of adipose tissue over the symphysis pubis that cushions and protects during coitus.

Escutcheon

Growth pattern of pubic hair covering the mons pubis.

Clitoris

Highly innervated erectile structure; landmark for catheterization and sensitive to touch and temperature.

Labia Majora

Large, thick outer folds of the vulva; contain sweat and sebaceous glands and provide protection.

Labia Minora

Hairless, thin inner folds of the vulva that protect against infection.

Bartholin’s Glands

Pair of glands beside the vaginal opening that secrete mucus-like fluid for lubrication during sexual arousal.

Skene’s Glands

Small paraurethral glands that secrete fluid to lubricate the urethral opening and provide antimicrobial protection.

Perineum

Area between the vaginal opening and anus; often involved in episiotomy or tears during childbirth.

Fourchette

Posterior fold of the vulva that frequently lacerates during labor.

Vestibule

Area enclosed by the labia minora containing the urethral meatus, vaginal orifice, and gland openings.

Vaginal Orifice (Introitus)

External opening of the vagina that serves as passageway for menses, coitus, and childbirth.

Rugae (of Vagina)

Transverse folds in the vaginal wall that allow expansion for intercourse and childbirth; prominent in nulligravida women.

Hymen

Thin membranous tissue partially covering the vaginal opening, often ruptured through intercourse or childbirth.

Gravida (G)

Total number of pregnancies a woman has had, regardless of outcome.

Para (P)

Number of births (after 20 weeks gestation) a woman has had.

Multigravida

Woman who has been pregnant two or more times.

Multipara

Woman who has delivered two or more viable infants.

Nulligravida

Woman who has never been pregnant.

Nullipara

Woman who has never given birth to a viable infant.

Primigravida

Woman who is pregnant for the first time.

Episiotomy

Surgical incision of the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery.

Mediolateral Episiotomy

Perineal incision angled from midline toward one side to avoid anal sphincter injury.

Median (Midline) Episiotomy

Perineal incision made straight toward the anus; termed "medial" in the notes.

Episiorrhaphy

Surgical repair (suturing) of a torn or incised perineum after childbirth.

Pudenda

Collective term for the external female genitalia; area that can be injured during episiotomy.

Fimbriae

Finger-like projections at the distal end of the fallopian tube that catch the ovulated egg.

Infundibulum

Funnel-shaped section of the fallopian tube adjoining the fimbriae.

Ampulla

Widest portion of the fallopian tube where fertilization most commonly occurs.

Isthmus (Fallopian Tube)

Narrow segment between ampulla and uterus; can be surgically cut to block sperm passage.

Interstitial (Intramural) Segment

Part of the fallopian tube that traverses the uterine wall.

Uterine (Intramural) Part

Proximal section of the fallopian tube opening into the uterine cavity.

Fallopian Tube (Uterine Tube)

Pair of ducts that transport ova from the ovaries to the uterus and provide passage for sperm.

Uterus

Hollow, muscular organ where the fetus develops.

Endometrium

Inner uterine layer that thickens monthly and is shed during menstruation.

Myometrium

Middle muscular layer of the uterus responsible for contractions during labor.

Perimetrium

Outer serosal layer of the uterus that provides protection.

Cervix

Lower narrow portion of the uterus that secretes mucus and forms the birth canal’s upper opening.

External Os

Opening of the cervical canal into the vagina.

Internal Os

Opening of the cervical canal into the uterine cavity.

Bilateral Tubal Ligation (BTL)

Permanent contraception procedure that blocks both fallopian tubes to prevent fertilization.

Fertile Cervical Mucus

Watery, thin, and alkaline mucus that facilitates sperm survival and movement.

Infertile Cervical Mucus

Thick, viscous, dense, and opaque mucus that impedes sperm passage.

Broad Ligament

Peritoneal fold that supports the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries laterally.

Round Ligament

Fibromuscular band that helps maintain the anteverted position of the uterus.

Ovarian Ligament

Fibrous cord that anchors the ovary to the uterus.

Suspensory Ligament of Ovary

Fold of peritoneum that contains ovarian vessels and supports the ovary laterally.