Maternity Health Unit 3 Terms
1. Android Pelvis: Heart shaped pelvis
2. Anthropoid Pelvis: pelvis that is enlongted in its dimensions . The anterior-posterior diameter is roomy , but the transverse diameter is narrow
3. Caput Succedaneum: edematous swelling of the soft tissue of the scalp caused. by prolonged pressure of the occiput against the cervix during labor and delivery. The edema disappears within a few days
4. Cardinal Movements: the seven turns and movements made by the fetus during birth. Are engagement, descent, flexion , internal rotation , extension , external rotation and expulsion
5. Cephalohematoma: collection of blood between the periosteum and the skull caused by excessive pressure on the head during birth
6. Effacement: shortening and thinning of the cervix during labor
7. False Pelvis: the flared upper portion od the bony pelvis ; in lay terms “hips
8. Fetal Attitude: the relationship of the fetal parts to one another
9. Fetal Lie: describes the position of the long axis of the fetus in relation the the long axis of the pregnant women
10. Fetal Presentation: refers to the foremost part of the fetus that enters the pelvic inlet
11. Gynecoid Pelvis: a pelvis that is rounded in shape, which allows the fetus room to pass through the dimensions of the bony passageway
12. Molding: a temporary elongation of the fetal skull caused by the bones of the skull overlapping during labor, which reduces the diameter of the head
13. Platypelloid Pelvis: a pelvis that has a very narrow anterior -posterior diameter and a wide transverse diameter
14. Station: the relationship of the presenting part of a fetus to the ishial spine of the women’s pelvis
15. True Pelvis: the bony passageway through which the fetus must pass during delivery ; the portion below of the pelvis below the linea terminalis
16. Acceleration: spontaneous elevation of the fetal heart rate (FHR)
17. Early Decelerations: the dip in the fetal heart rate tracing that occurs in conjunction with and mirrors a uterine contraction
18. Late Decelerations: the decrease in fetal heart rate that occurs after the peak of a uterine contraction, typically indicating potential distress.
19. Lochia: the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue as the body expels its remnants from pregnancy.
20. Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes: the natural breaking of the amniotic sac before or during labor, which can lead to the release of amniotic fluid and is often a sign that labor may begin soon.
21. Uteroplacental Insufficiency: a condition in which the placenta does not provide adequate blood and nutrients to the fetus, potentially leading to complications such as fetal growth restriction or distress.
22. Variability: the fluctuation in the fetal heart rate that can indicate the well-being of the fetus, with appropriate levels of variability suggesting a healthy response to fetal movements and uterine contractions.
23. Variable Decelerations: periodic decreases in the fetal heart rate that can occur during contractions, which may indicate umbilical cord compression or other complications, depending on their timing and characteristics.
24. Amniotomy: a medical procedure that involves artificially rupturing the amniotic sac to promote labor progression or to monitor fetal heart rate more effectively, often performed when labor is not advancing or in cases of specific medical indications.
25. Artificial Rupture of Membranes: a clinical procedure where the amniotic sac is intentionally ruptured, typically to enhance labor progress, often accompanied by monitoring for potential complications such as infection or fetal distress.
26. Cephalopelvic Disproportion: a condition that occurs when a baby's head is too large in relation to the mother's pelvis, potentially leading to complications during labor and necessitating alternative delivery methods such as cesarean section.
27. Cesarean Birth: a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions made in the mother’s abdomen and uterus, often performed when a vaginal delivery poses risks to the mother or child, such as in cases of fetal distress, previous uterine surgeries, or prolonged labor.
28. Episiotomy: surgical incision made in the perineum to enlarge the posterior part of the vaginal opening just before the baby is born
29. Forceps: metal instrument with curved blunted blades are placed around the head of the fetus to assist delivery
30. Laminaria: a sterile seaweed product used to dilate the cervix prior to procedures such as induction of labor or surgical abortion.
31. Vacuum Extraction: a method of assisted delivery that uses a suction cup attached to the fetus's head to aid in the birth process.
32. Vaginal Birth after Cesarean: the delivery of a baby through the vagina following a previous cesarean section, often considered for women who have had a single prior cesarean and with specific medical guidelines to ensure safety.