Labor and Delivery Concepts

Flashcards covering vocabulary and key concepts related to labor and delivery.

Labor

The process of childbirth involving contractions that result in the delivery of a fetus.

Fetal Presentation

The position of the fetus as it engages in the birth canal, which can include cephalic (head down), breech (buttocks down), or transverse.

Cervical Dilation

The opening of the cervix during labor measured in centimeters, with full dilation at 10 cm.

Effacement

The thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for childbirth, expressed as a percentage.

Tocolytics

Medications used to suppress premature labor by relaxing the uterine muscles.

PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes)

Rupture of the amniotic sac before labor begins.

LOCHIA

The vaginal discharge after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.

Apgar Score

A quick test performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess their physical condition and need for any immediate medical attention.

Cervical Change

Modifications in the cervix during labor, indicating progress towards delivery.

Nesting

A term describing a burst of energy and the urge to prepare for the newborn before delivery.

Fetal Heart Rate Variability

The fluctuation in the heart rate of the fetus, which can indicate its well-being.

McRoberts Maneuver

A technique used to relieve shoulder dystocia during delivery by flexing the mother's legs back toward her abdomen.

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

The process of having a vaginal birth after previously having a cesarean section.

Chorioamnionitis

Infection of the fetal membranes that can occur before or during labor.

Epidural

A regional anesthesia used during labor to relieve pain.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

Excessive bleeding following childbirth, defined as more than 1000 mL of blood loss.

Fetal Monitoring

The observation and assessment of fetal heart rate and maternal contractions during labor.

Uterine Atony

A condition where the uterus fails to contract after delivery, increasing the risk of hemorrhage.

Episiotomy

A surgical cut made at the vaginal opening during childbirth to facilitate delivery.

Placenta Accreta

A condition where the placenta grows too deeply into the uterine wall, which can complicate delivery and lead to hemorrhage.