The Menstrual Cycle and Obstetrics Practice Flashcards

This flashcard set covers the physiology of the menstrual cycle, fetal development milestones, signs of pregnancy, and maternal adaptations based on the lecture transcript.

Average Menstrual Cycle Duration

24-48 days, with an average of 28 days.

Average Blood Loss

5-80 mL, with an average of 30-60 mL.

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the ovary to produce estrogen and aids in the maturation of the ovum.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates the ovary to produce progesterone and is responsible for ovulation.

Ovulation

The release of a mature ovum from the Graafian follicle, often signaled by a sudden rise in basal body temperature (BBT).

Menarche

The occurrence of the first menstruation, typically with an average age of 12-13.

Secondary Dysmenorrhea

Excessive menstrual pain due to pelvic pathology, with endometriosis being the most common cause.

Metrorrhagia

Bleeding that occurs in between menstrual periods.

Menorrhagia

Heavy menstrual bleeding that increases the risk for Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA).

Mittelschmerz

Pain experienced specifically during the day of ovulation.

Spinnbarkeit

The characteristic thin, watery, alkaline, stretchy, and clear cervical mucus indicative of fertility.

Fertilization Site

The Ampulla of the fallopian tube, where the union of the ovum and sperm occurs.

Implantation (Nidation)

The process where the zygote attaches to the uterine fundus, occurring approximately 6-8 days (or 7-10 days) after fertilization.

Thelarche

The development of the breasts, which is a secondary sexual characteristic mediated by estrogen.

hCG (human Chorionic Gonadotropin)

A hormone that maintains the corpus luteum during the first trimester and is the basis for pregnancy tests.

hPL (Human Placental Lactogen)

An insulin-antagonistic hormone produced by the placenta that makes more glucose available for fetal growth.

Chadwick's sign

A bluish discoloration of the vagina, vulva, and cervix caused by increased vascularization during pregnancy.

Goodell's sign

The softening of the cervix, typically occurring around 6 weeks of gestation.

Hegar's sign

The softening of the lower uterine segment or isthmus.

Quickening

Fluttering sensations representing the first fetal movements felt by the mother, usually around 16-20 weeks.

Vernix Caseosa

A cheese-like substance covering the fetal skin used for thermoregulation and lubrication at birth.

Lanugo

Fine, downy hair that appears on the fetus for warmth, which typically begins to disappear near term.

Meconium

The first stool of a newborn, characterized as thick and dark green.

L/S Ratio

The Lecithin and Sphingomyelin ratio; a value of $2:1$ at 35 weeks indicates mature fetal lungs.

McDonald's Rule

A method to estimate weeks of gestation by measuring fundic height in centimeters; for example, $20-36\,cm$ corresponds to $20-36\,weeks$.

Naegele's Rule

A formula to estimate the Expected Date of Birth (EDB) by subtracting 3 months, adding 7 days, and adding 1 year to the first day of the Last Menstrual Period (LMP).

Physiologic Anemia of Pregnancy

A condition caused by hemodilution where plasma volume increases by $50\%$ while RBC volume only increases by $20-30\%$, typically seen in the second trimester.

Oligohydramnios

An abnormal volume of amniotic fluid measuring less than $500\,mL$ after 20 weeks, often indicating kidney malfunction.

Polyhydramnios

An abnormal volume of amniotic fluid measuring greater than $1,500\,mL$, often associated with fetal GIT obstruction.

Ductus Venosus

A fetal circulatory shunt that directs oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava.

Foramen Ovale

An opening in the fetal heart that allows blood to bypass the lungs by flowing from the right atrium to the left atrium.

Ductus Arteriosus

A fetal circulatory shunt between the pulmonary artery and the descending aorta.

Umbilical Cord Composition

Consists of 2 arteries (carrying deoxygenated blood) and 1 vein (carrying oxygenated blood), protected by Wharton's Jelly.

Supine Hypotension Syndrome

A drop in blood pressure caused by the heavy uterus compressing the vena cava when the mother lies on her back.

Presumptive Signs

Subjective signs of pregnancy that cannot be documented by an examiner, such as fatigue, amenorrhea, and morning sickness.

Probable Signs

Objective signs of pregnancy that can be documented by an examiner, including Chadwick's sign, Goodell's sign, and positive hCG tests.

Positive Signs

Confirmatory, undeniable evidence of pregnancy, such as audible fetal heart tones, ultrasound visualization, and fetal movement felt by an examiner.