Maternal and Newborn Care

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to maternal and neonatal health, emphasizing important aspects of labor, delivery, and postpartum care.

Factors that require a hospital birth

Include maternal high blood pressure, diabetes, previous complicated births, multiple gestations, abnormal fetal positions, premature labor, young maternal age, and over 41 weeks of gestation.

Open glottis pushing

Also known as natural pushing, it allows the patient to push spontaneously based on their bodily urges, with benefits including decreased pushing time and fewer perineal lacerations.

Second stage of labor

Begins when the patient is fully dilated and lasts until the fetus is expelled.

Rupture of membranes (ROM)

Refers to the breaking of the amniotic sac, which can occur naturally or be done artificially (AROM) by a provider.

3rd Degree Laceration

A significant tear extending to the anal sphincter, often requiring surgical repair and posing a risk of significant pain and complications.

Newborn Hypothermia

Occurs when a newborn's body temperature falls below 97.7 degrees; it poses various risks due to the infant's small size and thin skin.

Apgar score

A scoring system to assess the health of a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes post-birth based on five criteria: heart rate, breathing effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color.

Signs of preterm labor

Regular contractions, low backache, menstrual-like cramps, pelvic pressure, changes in vaginal discharge, and possibly decreased fetal movement.

Operative Vaginal Birth

An assistive method of delivering a baby through the vagina using forceps or vacuum, utilized in certain labor complications.

Prolapsed umbilical cord

Occurs when the umbilical cord slips ahead of the presenting fetal part, risking cord compression and fetal hypoxia if not addressed promptly.

Uterine Rupture

An obstetric emergency involving a complete tear through the uterine wall, posing serious risks to both mother and fetus.

Breech Presentation

Occurs when the fetus is positioned to deliver buttocks or feet first, with risks increased by factors like maternal age and prior breech pregnancies.

Placental Abruption

Separation of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery, presenting moderate to severe risks for both mother and fetus.

Postpartum Hemorrhage symptoms

Heavy vaginal bleeding, saturating a pad quickly or continuous pooling of blood, and a boggy, soft uterus suggestive of uterine atony.

Breastfeeding techniques

Involves correct positioning of the newborn and ensuring a proper latch to promote effective feeding without pain.

Impact of Birth Experience

A positive childbirth experience can enhance self-esteem and bonding, while negative experiences can lead to stress but may not impact initial bonding.