OB Unit 5 Terms

1. Afterpains: uterine contractions that occur after childbirth, helping the uterus return to its normal size and position.

2. Boggy Uterus : a condition in which the uterus remains soft and not firm, which can indicate inadequate contraction and may lead to postpartum hemorrhage.

3. Bonding: the emotional attachment that develops between a parent and their newborn, often initiated through skin-to-skin contact and nurturing behaviors.

4. Breakthrough Pain : a sudden and intense flair of pain that occurs despite the use of pain medication, typically requiring additional intervention to manage effectively.

5. Colostrum : the first form of milk produced by mammals shortly after giving birth, rich in antibodies and nutrients essential for the newborn's immune system and overall health.

6. Diastasis Recti : a condition in which the abdominal muscles separate, often occurring during pregnancy, leading to a bulge in the midline of the abdomen and potentially causing discomfort and weakness in core stability.

7. En Face Position: a position in which a newborn is held facing the caregiver, allowing for direct eye contact and promoting bonding, while also aiding in the infant's social and emotional development.

8. Grand Multiparity : a term used to describe a woman who has had five or more pregnancies that have resulted in viable offspring, often associated with increased risks during pregnancy and delivery.

9. Involution: the process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size and shape after childbirth, involving the shedding of excess tissue and contraction of muscle fibers, typically taking about six weeks to complete.

10. Lochia: the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, which typically progresses through several stages over a duration of weeks.

11. Postpartum Blues : a temporary emotional disturbance that many women experience in the days following childbirth, characterized by mood swings, anxiety, and feelings of sadness, often resolving on its own within two weeks without the need for medical intervention.

12. Puerperium : the period following childbirth during which the mother's body undergoes physiological and anatomical changes to return to its pre-pregnant state, typically lasting about six weeks.

13. Deep Vein Thrombosis : a condition in which a blood clot forms in a deep vein, usually in the legs, which can lead to serious complications if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism.

14. Endometritis: an inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus, often occurring after childbirth or miscarriage and characterized by symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, and unusual discharge.

15. Exudate: a fluid emitted by tissue undergoing inflammation, which may contain cells, proteins, and other substances, often serving as a critical component in the immune response.

16. Hematoma : a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels, typically resulting from trauma or surgical procedures, leading to swelling, pain, and discoloration of the affected area.

17. Hypovolemic Shock : a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body loses a significant amount of blood or fluids, causing the heart to be unable to pump enough blood to the body, thereby leading to a decrease in blood pressure and inadequate perfusion of organs.

18. Malattachment : a psychological condition where an individual experiences difficulties forming and maintaining emotional attachments to others, often stemming from early childhood experiences or trauma.

19. Mastitis : inflammation of breast tissue that results in breast pain, swelling, warmth, and redness, often associated with infection during breastfeeding, but can also occur in women who are not breastfeeding or in men.

20. Pulmonary Embolism : a blockage in one of the pulmonary arteries in the lungs, usually caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs from the legs or other parts of the body (deep vein thrombosis). This condition can cause shortness of breath, chest pain, and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

21. Uterine Atony : the inability of the uterus to contract effectively post-delivery, leading to excessive bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage) due to the failure of the uterine muscles to return to their pre-pregnancy state.

22. Uterine Subinvolution : the failure of the uterus to shrink back to its normal size following childbirth, which can result in continued bleeding and complications.

23. Venous Thromboembolism: a condition in which a blood clot forms in a vein, particularly in the deep veins of the legs, posing a risk of dislodgment and travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism), especially during the postpartum period due to immobility and hormonal changes.