Fetal Monitoring and Labor Stages

These flashcards cover key terms and definitions related to fetal monitoring, stages of labor, anesthesia types, and other important concepts in the context of childbirth.

Engagement

The point at which the fetal head passes the mother’s ischial spines.

Descent

The progress of the presenting part through the pelvis.

Flexion

The fetus’s chin lays against its chest.

Internal Rotation

The process in which the fetus turns from transverse position to the anterior position of the mother’s pelvis.

Extension

The process in which contractions push the fetal head under the lower border of the symphysis pubis.

External Rotation

The baby rotates from the anterior position back to the transverse position.

Local Anesthesia

Injection of the perineal area for episiotomy.

Epidural Block

Injection into the epidural space that blocks the transmission of pain impulses to the brain.

General Anesthesia

A type of anesthesia that renders the patient unconscious.

Baseline FHR

Fetal heart rate recorded between contractions over a period of at least 10 minutes.

Tachycardia

Baseline fetal heart rate greater than 160 beats per minute.

Bradycardia

Baseline fetal heart rate less than 110 beats per minute.

Acceleration

A short increase in fetal heart rate above baseline.

Deceleration

A short term decrease in fetal heart rate.

Early Deceleration

Fetal heart rate pattern that 'mirrors contractions' usually due to fetal head compression.

Late Deceleration

A decrease in fetal heart rate that begins at or after the peak of a contraction, indicating fetal hypoxia.

Variable Deceleration

Non-uniform shape decrease in fetal heart rate usually due to umbilical cord compression.

Dilation

The stretching of the external cervical os from a few centimeters to 10 centimeters.

Effacement

The thinning and shortening of the cervix noted as a percentage from 50% to 100%.

Presentation

The part of the fetus that is lowest in the mother’s pelvis.

APGAR

Assessment of the newborn's health status immediately after birth with scores of 0 to 2 on five criteria.

Episiotomy

A surgical incision made into the perineum to aid in delivery and facilitate repair.

Cesarean Section

Surgical delivery of the infant through an incision made in the abdominal wall and uterus.

Precipitate Delivery

Labor that begins abruptly and ends quickly, usually lasting less than 3 hours.