Maternity Exam 3 Birth Vocab

Acrocyanosis

Bluish discoloration of the extremities due to decreased amount of oxygen delivered to the peripheral parts of the body.

Apposition

Approximation of the edges of the incision.

Assisted vaginal birth

Use of forceps or vacuum to assist in vaginal birth of the fetus.

Birthing bar

Bar for maternal clients to hold on to during labor that attaches to one side of the bed and goes over top of the bed to attach to the other side of the bed.

Boggy

Fundus that palpates soft.

Canthus

Four corners of the eyes (two inner and two outer).

cephalic presentation

The fetal head is the part that presents down toward the birth canal.

Cyanosis

A bluish discoloration that appears in various areas of the body when oxygenation is decreased. Areas where cyanosis is typically seen include the mucous membranes, lips, and nail beds.

deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

A blood clot that forms in the deep veins of the body, usually in the lower leg, thigh, or pelvis.

Doula

Nonmedically licensed personnel who offers support and guidance to a client during pregnancy, labor, and birth and after birth.

Episiotomy

Surgical incision of the perineum during labor to ease the birth of the infant.

Erythema

Skin redness.

Fundus

Top of the uterus.

Hematoma

Similar to a bruise, but it affects larger vessels, leading to swelling and discoloration.

Lacerations

Tearing of the skin; in obstetrics, this is often a tear in the perineum.

Laps

Surgical sponges that can absorb bodily fluids.

Lochia

Vaginal discharge following birth consisting of uterine tissues, blood, and mucus.

meconium-stained amniotic fluid

Amniotic fluid that has been stained by the fetus having their first bowel movement in utero.

Midwife

Medical professional who cares for clients from conception through postpartum.

Multiparous

Two or more viable pregnancies defined as lasting at least 20 weeks.

Murmur

Swishing or whooshing sound that occurs during a heartbeat.

needle drivers

Surgical tool that holds a suture needle.

nuchal cord

Presence of the umbilical cord around the neck of the fetus at the time of birth.

Nulliparous

A client who has never given birth after 20 weeks of gestation.​​​​​​​

obstetric anal sphincter injuries (OASI)

Severe lacerations in the perineum that go into or through the anal sphincter.

occipito-anterior (OA)

Fetal position in uterus in which the occiput is the presenting part and facing directly toward the maternal pubic symphysis.

Occipito-lateral

Fetal position in uterus in which the occiput is the presenting part and facing directly toward one of the maternal hips.

Occipito-posterior

Fetal position in uterus in which the occiput is the presenting part and facing directly toward the maternal spine.

Occiput

The posterior portion of the skull.

perineal repairs

Suturing of the perineum to close lacerations or tears.

Pickups

Surgical tool that is used for holding tissue or objects.

postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)

Cumulative blood loss greater than 1,000 mL with manifestations of hypovolemia within 24 hr of birth, regardless of the route of birth.

pubic symphysis

The joint between left and right side of the pelvic bone.

pudendal block

Medication that blocks the nerve in the perineal area.

respiratory depression

Shallow depth when breathing and a slow respiratory rate.

second-degree tears

Skin tears into the perineum that extends into the perineal muscles.​​​​​​

sequential compression devices (SCDs)

Inflatable sleeves applied to a client's lower legs to prevent DVT.

shoulder dystocia

Obstetrical complication occurring after the birth of the fetal head and the fetus anterior shoulder becomes caught above the client’s pubic bone.

singleton pregnancy

Pregnancy with only one fetus.

Tachysystole

More than five maternal contractions in a 10-min period.

uterine rupture

A full tear in the uterus's three layers that most frequently takes place during a trial of labor following a surgical birth.

Vacuum

A tool with a suction cup that may be applied to a newborn’s head to apply gentle traction during a vaginal birth.

neonatal ophthalmia

Newborn conjunctivitis contracted by bacteria from the vagina during birth.