Obstetrics

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afterbirth

Back 1

the placenta, the amnion, the chorion, some amniotic fluid, blood, and blood clots expelled from the uterus after childbirth

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alpha-fetoprotein

Back 2

protein found in the amniotic fluid; measurements of AFP in the amniotic sac are used for early diagnosis of fetal defeccts such as spina bifida and anencephaly

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amnion

Back 3

the inner of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy

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amniotic fluid

Back 4

liquid produced by and contained within the fetal membranes during pregnancy. This fluid protects the fetus from trauma and temperature variations, helps to maintian fetal oxygen supply, and allows for freedom of movement by the fetus druing pregnancy.

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amniotic sac

Back 5

the double layered sac that contains the fetus and the amnoiotic fluid during pregnancy

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ballottement

Back 6

a technique of uisng the examiner's finger to tap agains the uterus, through the vagina, to cause the fetus to "bounce" within the amniotic fluid and feeling it rebound quickly

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Braxton Hicks contractions

Back 7

Irregular, ineffective contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy.

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cerclage

Back 8

suturing the service to keep it form dilationg prematurely during pregnancy. This kprocedure is sometimes referred ot as "purse string procedure". The sutures are removed near the end of the pregnancy.

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cervix

Back 9

the part of the uterus that produdes inot the cavity of the vagina; the neck of the uterus.

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cesarean section

Back 10

A surgical prodedure in which the abdomen and uterus are incised and a baby is delivered transabdominally.

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Chadwick's sign

Back 11

The bluish-violet hue of the cervix and vagina after approximately the sixth week of pregnancy

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chloasma

Back 12

patches o ftan or brown pigmentation associated with pregnancy, occuring mostly on the forehead, hceeks, and nose; also called mask of pregnancy.

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chorion

Back 13

the outer of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy.

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colostrum

Back 14

the thin, yellowish fluid secreted by the breasts during pregnancy and the first few days after birth, before lactation begins.

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conception

Back 15

the union of a male sperm and a female ovum; also termed fertilization

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culdocentesis

Back 16

needle aspiration, through the vagina, into the cul-de-sac area, for the purpose of removing fluid from the area for examination or diagnosis. Aspiration of unclotted blood form the cul-de-sac area may indicate bleeding from a ruptured fallopian tube; the aspiration of clear fluid from the area would rule out a ruptured fallopian tube.

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Doppler

Back 17

a technique used in ultrasound imaging to monitor the behavior of a moving structure, such as flowing blood or a beating heart. Fetal heart monitors operate on the Doppler sound wave principle to determine fetal heart rate

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eclampsia

Back 18

the moset severe form of hypertension during pregnancy, evidenced by seizures

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episiotomy

Back 19

surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the woman's perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery of the baby. this incision is usually made shortly before the baby's birth to prevent tearing of the perineum

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fetoscope

Back 20

a special stethoscope for hearing the fetal heartbeat through the mother's abdomen

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fundus

Back 21

the superior aspect of the uterus

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gestation

Back 22

the term of pregnancy, which equals approximately 280 days from the onset of the last menstrual period

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gestational hypertension

Back 23

a complication of pregnancy in which the expectant mother develops high blood pressure after 20 weeks gestation, with no signs of proteinuria or edema

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glycogen

Back 24

the form of sugar that is stored in the cells, primarily the liver

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Goodell's sign

Back 25

the sofetening of the uterine cervix, a probable sign of pregnancy

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Hegar's sign

Back 26

Softening of the lower segment of the uterus; a probable sign of pregnancy

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leukorrhea

Back 27

a white discharge from the vagina

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lightening

Back 28

the settling of the fetal head into the pelvis, occurring a few weeks prior to the onset of labor

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Nagele's rule

Back 29

a formula that is used to calculate the date of birth: subtract 3 months form the first day of the last normal menstrual period and add 7 days to that date to arrive at the estimated date of birth.

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nullipara

Back 30

a woman who has never completed a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks gestation

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parturition

Back 31

the act of giving birth

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perineum

Back 32

the area between the vaginal orifice and the anus; it consists of muscular and fibrous tissue and serves as support for the pelvic structures.