Med Term Chapter 9 Terms - Obstetrics & Neonatalolgy

obstetrics

the branch of medicine that deals with childbirth and the care of the mother before, during, and after birth

neonatalogy

the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the newborn

gamete

mature germ cell, either sperm (male) or ovum (female)

fertilization

beginning of pregnancy, when the sperm enters the ovum. Fertilization normally occurs in the fallopian tubes. (also called conception)

zygote

cell formed by the union of the sperm and the ovum

embryo

unborn offspring in the stage of development from implantation of the zygote to the end of the eighth week of pregnancy. This period is characterized by rapid growth of the embro.

fetus

unborn offspring from the beginning of the ninth week of pregnancy until birth

gestation

development of a new individual from conception to birth (also called pregnancy)

gestation period

duration of pregnancy; normally 38 to 42 weeks (starting from the first day of the last menstrual period), which can be divided into three equal periods, called trimesters

implantation

embedding of the zygote in the uterine lining. The process normally begins about 7 days after fertilization and continues for several days

placenta

temporary organ attached to the uterine wall that forms during pregnancy and provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. Typically, the placenta detaches from the endometrium after delivery and is commonly referred to as afterbirth.

amniotic sac

membranous bag that surrounds the fetus during delivery (also called amnionic sac, fetal membrane, and commonly referred to as bag of waters)

chorion

outermost layer of the amniotic sac

amnion

innermost layer of the amniotic sac

amniotic fluid

fluid within the amniotic sac, which surrounds the fetus (also called amnionic fluid)

umbilicus

navel (belly button); marks the site of attachment of the umbilical cord to the fetus

amnionitis

inflammation of the amnion

chorioamnionitis

inflammation of the chorion and amnion

choriocarcinoma

cancerous tumor of the chorion

dystocia

difficult labor

(obstructed or prolonged; causes may be from maternal factors, such as ineffective uterine contractions and abnormal pelvic shape, or from fetal causes, such as large size and abnormal birth presentation

hysterorrhexis

rupture of the uterus

oligohydramnios

scanty amnion water (less than the normal amount of amniotic fluid; 500 mL or less)

polyhydramnios

much amnion water (more than the normal amount of amniotic fluid; 2000 mL or more) (also called hydramnios)

pseudocyesis

false pregnancy (belief one is pregnant, often with physical symptoms such as a swollen abdomen, though a fetus is not present; contributing factors may be psychological, hormonal, or related to underlying pathology, such as a uterine tumor)

abortion

termination of pregnancy by the expulsion from the uterus of an embryo or fetus before viability, usually before 20 weeks of gestation.

Spontaneous abortion is the termination of pregnancy that occurs naturally and is commonly referred to as miscarriage. Induced abortion is the intentional termination of pregnancy by surgical or medical intervention.

abruptio placentae

premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall; can cause antepartum hemorrhage (severe bleeding before giving birth); (also called plancental abruption)

eclampsia

severe complication and progression of preeclampsia characterized by convulsion. Eclampsia is a potentially life-threatening disorder.

ectopic pregnancy

nonviable pregnancy occurring outside the uterus, commonly in the fallopian tubes; life-threatening if left untreated

placenta accreta spectrum (PAS)

growth of the placenta into the uterine wall, resulting in the inability to detach after delivery;

types describing the severity of the abnormal attachment include accreta, increta, and percreta.

Serious condition that increases the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (severe bleeding after giving birth)

placenta previa

abnormally low implantation of the placenta on the uterine wall completely or partially covering the cervix. Dilation of the cervix can cause separation of the placenta from the uterine wall, resulting in bleeding. With severe hemorrhage, a cesarean section is necessary to save the mother and baby’s life.

preeclampsia

abnormal condition encountered during pregnancy or shortly after delivery characterized by high blood pressure and proteinuria, but with no convulsions. The cause is unknown; if not successfully treated, the condition can progress to eclampsia.

laryngomalacia

softening of the larynx (causes inhalation stridor in infants)

microcephalus

(fetus with a very) small head

omphalitis

inflammation of the umbilicus

omphalocele

hernia at the umbilicus (a part of the intestine protrudes through the abdominal wall at birth)

pyloric stenosis

narrowing pertaining to the pyloric sphincter (Congenital pyloric stenosis occurs in 1 of every 200 newborns.)

tracheoesophageal fistula

abnormal passageway pertaining to the trachea and esophagus (between the trachea and esophagus)

cleft lip or palate

congenital split of the lip or roof of the mouth; one or both deformities may be present (cleft indicates a fissure)

coarctation of the aorta

congenital stenosis (narrowing) that occurs in the arch of the aorta

congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection

herpes-type virus that crosses the placenta.

Symptoms in newborns may include jaundice, microcephaly, developmental delay and hearing loss; some infants may have no symptoms

congenital heart disease

heart abnormality present at birth

Down syndrome

genetic condition caused by a chromosomal abnormality characterized by varying degrees of intellectual, developmental, and physical disorders or defects (there is an extra 21st chromosome; hence, it is also called trisomy 21)

erythroblastosis fetalis

condition of the fetus and newborn characterized by destruction of erythrocytes, usually caused by incompatibility of maternal and fetal blood Rh factors;

may result in anemia, limiting the blood’s ability to carry enough oxygen to tissues. (also called hemolytic disease of the newborn)

esophageal atresia

congenital absence of part of the esophagus. Food cannot pass from the baby’s mouth to the stomach.

fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

condition caused by excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Various birth defects may be present, including central nervous system dysfunction and malformations of the skull and face.

gastroschisis

congenital fissure of the abdominal wall that is not at the umbilicus. Enterocele, protrusion of the intestine, is usually present.

respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

respiratory complication in the newborn, especially in premature infants. In premature infants RDS is caused by normal immaturity of the respiratory system, resulting in compromised respiration. (formerly called hyaline membrane disease)

spina bifida

congenital disease in the vertebral column caused by failure of the vertebral arch to close. If the meninges protrude through the opening, the condition is called meningocele. Protrusion of both the meninges and spinal cord is called myelomeningocele.

amniotomy

incision into the amnion (rupture of the amniotic sac to induce labor; a special hook is used to make the incision)

episiotomy

incision into the vulva (perineum) (sometimes performed during delivery to prevent a traumatic tear of the vulva) (also called perineotomy)

cervical cerclage

suturing the cervix closed to prevent dilation and premature delivery

cesarean section (CS, C-section)

birth of a fetus through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus (may also be spelled caesarean)

in vitro fertilization (IVF)

method of fertilizing human ova outside the body and placing the zygote into the uterus; used when infertility is present. Infertility management techniques that artificially combine both the ova and the sperm are called assisted reproductive technology (ART).

assisted reproductive technology (ART)

Infertility management techniques that artificially combine both the ova and the sperm are called assisted reproductive technology (ART).

amniocentesis

surgical puncture to aspirate amniotic fluid

(The needle is inserted through the abdominal and uterine walls, using ultrasound to guide the needle. It is a prenatal test in which the fluid is used for the assessment of fetal health and maturity to aid in diagnosing fetal abnormalities.)

pelvic sonography

pertaining to the pelvis, process of recording sound; used extensively to evaluate the fetus and pregnancy

(also called pelvic ultrasonography, pelvic ultrasound, and obstetric ultrasonography)

nuchal translucency screening

ultrasound test to check the back of the fetal neck for extra fluid or thickening. It is usually performed between 11 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and, when combined with first trimester screening blood tests, may reveal an increased risk for Down syndrome or other congenital disorders.

quad screen

blood test performed during the second trimester measuring four hormone levels that can reveal an increased risk of certain disorders in the developing fetus.

It measures the levels of alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin, and can indicate the possibility of Down syndrome (trisomy 21), trisomy 18, and neural tube defects such as spina bifida. An abnormal quad screen requires a confirming diagnostic test, such as ultrasound or amniocentesis, and genetic counseling is an important part of the workup.

Apgar score

system for rapid neonatal assessment at 1 and 5 minutes after birth. Used only for quickly reporting a neonate’s status and does not predict future health outcomes.

Five vital criteria, including heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, response to stimulation, and color are assessed and scored on a 0-2 scale, with 7-10 considered normal.

chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

prenatal test that takes a sample of the area of blood supply in the placenta either through the abdominal wall or the vagina. It is usually performed between 10 and 13 weeks of pregnancy and tests for chromosomal and other genetic problems. It has a small risk of miscarriage and is thus usually performed only in high-risk pregnancies or when a screening test is positive for an abnormality.

amniorrhea

discharge (escape) of amniotic fluid

amniorrhexis

rupture of the amnion

lactorrhea

(spontaneous) discharge of milk (also called galactorrhea)

antepartum

before childbirth (reference to the mother)

gravida

pregnant (is or has been pregnant, regardless of pregnancy outcome)

gravidopueperal

pertaining to pregnancy and childbirth (from pregnancy until reproductive organs return to normal after delivery)

intrapartum

within (during) labor and childbirth

lactogenic

producing milk (by stimulation)

multigravida

many pregnancies (has been pregnant two or more times)

multipara (multip)

many births (has given birth to two or more viable offspring)

nulligravida

no pregnancies (has never been pregnant)

nillipara

no births (has not given birth to a viable offspring)

para

birth (has given birth to an offspring after the point of viability —20 weeks, whether the fetus is alive or stillborn

postpartum

after childbirth (reference to the mother)

primigravida

first pregnancy (pregnant for the first time)

primipara (primip)

first birth (has given birth to an offspring after the point of viability —20 weeks)

puerperal

pertaining to childbirth (immediately after childbirth and the time until reproductive organs return to normal)

colostrum

thin, milky fluid secreted by the breast during pregnancy and during the first days after birth before lactation begins

lochia

vaginal discharge after childbirth

quickening

first feeling of movement of the fetus in utero by the pregnant women. It usually occurs between 16 and 20 weeks of gestation.

midwife

individual who practices midwifery

midewifery

practice of assisting in childbirth

obstetrician

physician who specialized in obstetrics

obstetrics (OB)

medical specialty dealing with pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperium

breech presentation

birth position in which the buttocks, feet, or knees emerge first

cephalic presentation

birth position in which any part of the head emerges first. It is the most common presentation

in vitro

outside the body or in a lab setting

in vivo

within the living body

lactation

secretion of milk

parturition

act of giving birth

puerperium

period from delivery until the reproductive organs return to normal (approximately 6 weeks)

neonatologist

physician who studies and treats disorders of the newborn

neonatology

study of the newborn (branch of medicine that deals with diagnosis and treatment of disorders in newborns)

teratology

study of malformations (usually in regard to malformations caused by teratogens on the developing embryo)

fetal

pertaining to the fetus

natal

pertaining to birth

neonate

new birth (an infant from birth to 4 weeks of age) (synonymous with newborn [NB])

postnatal

pertaining to after birth (reference to the newborn)

prenatal

pertaining to before birth (reference to the newborn)

teratogen

(any agent) producing malformations (in the developing embryo)