Maternity and Obstetrics Practice Flashcards

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers essential terms, physiological processes, and clinical conditions in Maternity and Obstetrics based on the provided lecture notes.

Obstetrics

The branch of medicine and surgery concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth.

Clitoris

The female equivalent to the penis, measuring about $2.5\,cm$ and composed of erectile tissue that becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal.

Uterus

An inverted pear-shaped organ about $7.5\,cm$ long and $5\,cm$ wide, divided into the cervix and the body, where a fetus develops.

Endometrium

The specialized inner lining of the uterus that thickens before menstruation and sheds during the menstrual cycle.

Ovaries

The female gonads that produce eggs (ova) and the hormones Estrogen and Progesterone.

GnRH

$GnRH$ (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone) is secreted by the Hypothalamus to stimulate the release of $FSH$ and $LH$ from the Pituitary Gland.

Follicular Phase

The first phase of the hormonal cycle where $FSH$ stimulates the growth of a follicle in the ovary containing an ovum.

Corpus Luteum

Also known as the Body Yellow, it is the remains of a ruptured follicle that secretes Progesterone to prepare the endometrium for implantation.

Placenta

An organ that connects the fetus to the mother, responsible for respiration, nutrition, storage, excretion, protection, and hormone secretion.

Human Chorionic Gonadotropin

$\beta HCG$ is a hormone secreted by the placenta that peaks between weeks 7-10 of pregnancy and is used as the basis for pregnancy tests.

Amniotic Fluid

The liquid contained within the amniotic sac that protects the fetus from trauma, prevents adhesions, and maintains a constant temperature.

Menarche

The age at which the first menstrual period occurs, typically between 12 and 15 years.

Amenorrhea

The absence of a menstrual cycle, classified as Primary (before puberty) or Secondary (absence for 6 months or 3 consecutive cycles in a previously regular woman).

Dysmenorrhea

Painful menstruation or menstrual cramps, which can be Primary (muscle contractions) or Secondary (organic diseases like fibroids).

PMS

Pre-menstrual Cycle Syndrome; a group of physical and emotional symptoms including mood swings, breast tenderness, and fatigue occurring before menstruation.

Zygote

The first cell formed by the union of a mature ovum and a sperm, marking the beginning of life.

Azoospermia

A condition in which there is a complete absence of sperm in the male ejaculate.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

An assisted reproductive technology (ART) where an egg is manually fertilized by sperm in a laboratory dish before being transferred to the uterus.

Monozygotic Twins

Identical twins resulting from a single ovum fertilized by a single sperm that splits into two separate cell bodies.

Hyperemesis Gravidum

A severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that leads to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalance.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the Fallopian tubes.

Hydatidiform Mole

A molar pregnancy characterized by the proliferation of trophoblastic cells into fluid-filled vesicles, resembling clusters of grapes.

Polyhydramnios

A condition where there is an excessive amount of amniotic fluid, defined as an $AFI \geq 2000\,ml$ or $\geq 24\,cm$.

Gestational Diabetes

A form of diabetes that begins during pregnancy where the body cannot effectively process carbohydrates due to hormonal changes.

Pre-eclampsia

A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure ($BP \geq 140/90\,mmHg$), protein in the urine (proteinuria), and generalized edema.

HELLP Syndrome

A severe complication of pregnancy involving Hemolysis (H), Elevated Liver enzymes (EL), and Low Platelets (LP).

Forceps

A metal instrument used to apply traction and pull the fetal head during an assisted vaginal delivery.

Episiotomy

A surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening and prevent tearing.

Breech Presentation

A fetal position where the buttocks or feet are presented first in the birth canal instead of the head.

Uterine Atony

A condition where the uterus fails to contract or regain its tone after delivery, leading to severe post-partum hemorrhage.

Lochia Rubra

The initial red post-partum discharge consisting of blood, decidua fragments, and mucus, lasting typically 1 to 3 days.

Lactation

The process of milk production in the breasts, stimulated by the hormone Prolactin.

Mastitis

Inflammation or infection of the breast tissue, often seen in breastfeeding mothers, characterized by pain, swelling, and fever.

Placenta Previa

A condition where the placenta is implanted in the lower segment of the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix.

Placental Abruption

The premature detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall before the birth of the fetus, often causing painful bleeding.

PROM

Premature Rupture of Membranes; the rupture of the amniotic sac before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy or before labor begins.

Rh Sensitization

The development of Anti-D antibodies in an Rh-negative mother when exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood, which can attack future Rh-positive fetuses.