Maternity Chapter 9 Terms

Front 1

Afterpains

Back 1

Intermittent uterine contractions may cause after pains similar to menstrual cramps. Decreases rapidly within 48 hours postpartum.

Front 2

Attachment

Back 2

An affectionate tie that occurs through time as infant & caregivers interact.

Front 3

Bonding

Back 3

Refers to a strong emotional tie that forms soon after birth between the parents & the newborn.

Front 4

Colostrum

Back 4

Yellowish fluid secreted by breasts late in pregnancy & 1st few days after birth. Rich in protective antibodies.

Front 5

Diastasis Recti

Back 5

Longitudinal abdominal muscles that extend from the chest to the symphasis pubis are separated. Abdominal wall weakness may remain 6-8 weeks

Front 6

Episiotomy

Back 6

Incision to enlarge the vaginal opening

Front 7

Foremilk

Back 7

The 1st milk the infant obtains. It is more watery & quenches the infants thirst.

Front 8

Fundus

Back 8

The upper portion of the body of the uterus.

Front 9

Galactogogues

Back 9

Breast milk stimulators used by many different cultures. Examples Beer, brewers yeast, rice, gruel, Fenugreek Tea, and sesame Tea. Garlic is safe but will flavor the milk.

Front 10

Hindmilk

Back 10

The later milk that has a higher fat content. It helps satisfy the infants hunger. Feedings that are too short do not allow the infant to obtain the hunger.

Front 11

Involution

Back 11

Refers to changes that the reproductive organs particularly the uterus under go after birth to return them to their prepregnancy size & condition.

Front 12

Let-down Reflex

Back 12

Also called milk ejection.

Oxytocin causes the milk to be delivered from the alveoli through the duct system to the nipple.

Front 13

Lochia

Back 13

Vaginal Discharge after delivery. Composed of endometrial tissue, blood, and lymph.

Front 14

Postpartum Blues

Back 14

New moms often experience conflicting feelings of joy & emotional let down during the first few weeks after birth.

Also called baby blues

Front 15

Puerperium

Back 15

The postpartum period is the 6 weeks following childbirth.

Front 16

Rugae

Back 16

Also called vaginal folds

Disappear during childbirth due to stretching. They reappear 3 weeks postpartum.

Front 17

Suckling

Back 17

Term that specifically relates to giving or taking nourishment from the breast.