1. obg glossaries

OBG
GLOSSARIES
PREPARED AND PRESENTED BY
Dr . S. ANUKRISHNAN,
VICE PRINCIPAL CUM HOD OBG NURSING,
P.D.BHARATESH COLLEGE OF NURSING,
HALAGA, BELGAUM.

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Substance
produced by the unborn baby as it grows
inside the uterus.
Amino acids: Substances that act as
building blocks in the developing embryo
and fetus.
Amniocentesis: Removal of amniotic
fluid from the amniotic sac. Fluid is tested
for some genetic defects

Amnion: Membrane around the fetus. It
surrounds the amniotic cavity.

Amniotic fluid: Liquid surrounding the
baby inside the amniotic sac.

Amniotic sac: Sac that surrounds
baby inside the uterus. It contains
the baby, the placenta and the
amniotic fluid.

Anencephaly: Defective development of
the brain combined with the absence of
the bones normally surrounding the brain.

Anovulatory: Lack of or cessation of
ovulation.

Areola: Pigmented or colored ring
surrounding the nipple of the breast.

Arrhythmia: Irregular or missed
heartbeat.
Aspiration: Swallowing or sucking a
foreign body or fluid, such as vomit, into
an airway.
Auto antibodies: Antibodies that attack
parts of your body or your own tissues.

Atonic uterus: Flaccid; relaxed; lack of
tone.

Bilirubin: Breakdown product of pigment
formed in the liver from hemoglobin
during the destruction of red blood cells.

Biophysical profile: Method of
evaluating a fetus before birth.

Biopsy: Removal of a small piece of
tissue for microscopic study.

Blastomere: One of the cells egg divides
into after it has been fertilized.

Bloody show: Small amount of vaginal
bleeding late in pregnancy; often
precedes labor.

Braxton-Hicks contractions: Irregular,
painless tightening of uterus during
pregnancy.

Cataract, congenital: Cloudiness of the
eye lens present at birth.

Breech presentation: Abnormal position
of the fetus. Buttocks or legs come into
the birth canal ahead of the head.

Cesarean section (delivery): Delivery of
a baby through an abdominal incision
rather than through the vagina.

Chadwick's sign: Dark-blue or purple
discoloration of the mucosa of the vagina
and cervix during pregnancy.

Chloasma: Extensive brown patches of
irregular shape and size on the face or
other parts of the body.

Choriocarcinoma: Highly malignant
cancer that grows in the uterus during
pregnancy or at the site of an ectopic
pregnancy.

Chorion: Outermost fetal membrane
found around the amnion.

Chorionic villus sampling: Diagnostic
test done early in pregnancy. A biopsy of
tissue is taken from inside the uterus
through the cervical opening to determine
abnormalities of pregnancy.

Colostrum: Thin, yellow fluid, which is
the first milk to come from the breast.

Colostrum: Thin, yellow fluid, which is
the first milk to come from the breast.

Conization of the cervix: Surgical
procedure performed on premalignant
and malignant conditions of the cervix. A
large biopsy of the cervix is taken in the
shape of a cone.

Conjoined twins: Twins connected at
the body; they may share vital organs.
Also called Siamese twins.

Constipation: Bowel movements are
infrequent or incomplete.

Contraction stress test: Response of
fetus to uterine contractions to evaluate
fetal well-being.

Corpusluteum: Area in the ovary where
the egg is released at ovulation.

Crown-to-rump length: Measurement
from the top of the baby's head to the
buttocks of the baby.

Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection:
Group of viruses from the herpes virus
family.

D&C (dilatation and curettage):
Surgical procedure in which the cervix is
dilated and the lining of the uterus is
scraped.

Developmental delay: Condition in
which the development of the baby or
child is slower than normal.

Diastasis recti: Separation of abdominal
muscles.

Dizygotic twins: Twins derived from two
different eggs. Often called fraternal
twins.

Dysplasia: Abnormal, precancerous
changes in the cells of the cervix.
Dysuria: Difficulty or pain urinating.

EDC (estimated date of confinement):
Anticipated due date for delivery of the
baby. Calculated from the first day of the
last menstrual period.

Eclampsia: Convulsions and coma in a
woman with pre-eclampsia. Not related to
epilepsy.

Ectodermal germ layer: Layer in the
developing embryo that gives rise to
developing structures in the fetus. These
include skin, teeth and glands of the
mouth, the nervous system and the
pituitary gland.

Ectopic pregnancy: Pregnancy that
occurs outside the uterine cavity.

Effacement: Thinning of cervix.

Embryo: Organism in the early stages of
development.

Embryonic period: First 10 weeks of
gestation.

Endodermal germ layer: Area of tissue
in early development of the embryo that
gives rise to other structures. These
include the digestive tract, respiratory
organs, vagina, bladder and urethra.
Also called endoderm or entoderm.

Endometrial cycle: Regular
development of the mucous membrane
lining the inside of the uterus. It begins
with the preparation for acceptance of a
pregnancy and ends with the shedding of
the lining during a menstrual period.

Endometrium: Mucous membrane that
lines inside of the uterine wall.

Engorgement: Congested; filled with
fluid.

Enzyme: Protein made by cells. It acts as
a catalyst to improve or cause chemical
changes in other substances.

Epidural block: Type of anesthesia.
Medication is injected around the spinal
cord during labor or other types of
surgery.

Episiotomy: Surgical incision of the
vulva (area behind the vagina, above the
rectum). Used during delivery to avoid
tearing or laceration of the vaginal
opening and rectum.

Face presentation: Baby comes into the
birth canal face first.

Fallopian tube: Tube that leads from the
cavity of the uterus to the area of the
ovary. Also called uterine tube.
False labor: Tightening of uterus without
dilatation of the cervix.
Fasting blood sugar: Blood test to
evaluate the amount of sugar in the blood
following a time period of fasting.

Fertilization
Joining of the
sperm and egg.

Fertilization age

Dating a pregnancy from the time of
fertilization. 2 weeks earlier than the
gestational age.

Fetal anomaly: Fetal malformation or
abnormal development.

Fetal goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid
in the fetus.

Fetal-growth retardation (IUGR)

Inadequate
growth of the
fetus during the
last stages of
pregnancy.

Fetal monitor: Device used before or
during labor to listen to and record the
fetal heartbeat. Can be external
monitoring (through maternal abdomen)
or internal monitoring (through maternal
vagina) of the baby inside the uterus.

Fetus: Refers to the unborn baby after
10 weeks of gestation until birth.

Fetal period: Time period following
the embryonic period (first 10 weeks of
gestation) until birth.

Forceps: Instrument used to help
remove baby from the birth canal
during delivery.

Frank breech: Baby presenting buttocks
first. Legs are flexed and knees extended.

Genetic counseling: Consultation
between a couple and a specialist about
genetic defects and the possibility of
genetic problems in a pregnancy.

Genital herpes simplex: Herpes
simplex infection involving the genital
area. It can be significant during
pregnancy because of the danger to a
newborn fetus infected with herpes
simplex.

Genitourinary problems: Defects or
problems involving genital organs and
the bladder or kidneys.

Gestational age

Dating a pregnancy from the first day
of the last menstrual period; 2 weeks
longer than fertilization age.

Gestational diabetes

Occurrence or worsening of diabetes
during pregnancy (gestation).

Gestational trophoblastic disease
(GTN): Abnormal pregnancy with cystic
growth of the placenta. Characterized by
bleeding during early and middle
pregnancy.

Gestational trophoblastic
disease (GTN)

Glucose-tolerance test: Blood test
done to evaluate the body's response
to sugar.

Glucosuria: Glucose in the urine.

Gonorrhea: Contagious venereal
infection, transmitted primarily by
intercourse. Caused by the bacteria
Neisseria gonorrhea.

Group-B streptococcal infection:
Serious infection occurring in the
mother's vagina and throat.

Habitual abortion: Occurrence of
three or more spontaneous
miscarriages.

Heartburn: Discomfort or pain that
occurs in the chest. Often occurs after
eating.
Hematocrit: Determines the proportion of
blood cells to plasma. Important in
diagnosing anemia.
Hemoglobin: Pigment in red blood cell
that carries oxygen to body tissues.

Hematocrit: Determines the proportion
of blood cells to plasma. Important in
diagnosing anemia.

Hemoglobin: Pigment in red blood cell
that carries oxygen to body tissues.

Hemolytic disease: Destruction of red
blood cells.

Hemorrhoids: Dilated blood vessels in
the rectum or rectal canal.

Human chorionic gonadatropin
(HCG): Hormone produced in early
pregnancy. Measured in a pregnancy
test.

Human placental lactogen: Hormone
of pregnancy produced by the placenta.
Found in the bloodstream.

Hyaline membrane disease:
Respiratory disease of the newborn

Hydramnios: Increased amniotic fluid.

Hydrocephalus:
Excessive
accumulation of
fluid around the
brain of the baby.
Sometimes called
water on the brain.

Hyperbilirubinemia: Extremely high
level of bilirubin in the blood.

Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe
nausea, dehydration and vomiting during
pregnancy. Occurs most frequently
during the first trimester.

Hyperglycemia: Increased blood sugar.

Hypertension: Pregnancy-induced-high
blood pressure that occurs during
pregnancy. Defined by an increase in the
diastolic and/or systolic blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism: Elevation of the
thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.

Hypoplasia: Defective or incomplete
development or formation of tissue.

Hypotension: Low blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism: Low or inadequate
levels of thyroid hormone in the
bloodstream

Immune globulin preparation:
Substance used to protect against
infection with certain diseases, such as
hepatitis or measles.

In utero: Within the uterus.

Incompetent cervix : Cervix that is
unable to remain closed until pregnancy
reaches term because of a mechanical
defect in the cervix resulting in the
dilatation and effacement usually second
or early third trimester of pregnancy.

Incomplete abortion: Miscarriage in
which part, but not all, of the uterine
contents are expelled.

Inevitable abortion: Pregnancy
complicated with bleeding and
cramping. Usually results in
miscarriage.

Insulin: Peptide hormone made by the
pancreas. It promotes the use of
glucose.

Invasive squamous-cell carcinoma:
Cancer of the cervix that extends beyond
the cervix into surrounding tissues or
deeper layers.

Iron-deficiency anemia: Anemia
produced by lack of iron in the diet. Often
seen in pregnancy.

Isoimmunization: Development of
specific antibody directed at the red
blood cells of another individual, such
as a baby in utero. Often occurs when
an Rh-negative woman carries an Rh-
positive baby or is given Rh-positive
blood.

Jaundice: Yellow staining of the skin,
sclera (eyes) and deeper tissues of the
body. Caused by excessive amounts of
bilirubin. Treated with phototherapy.

Ketones: Breakdown product of
metabolism found in the blood,
particularly in starvation or uncontrolled
diabetes.

Kidney stones: Small mass or lesion
found in the kidney or urinary tract. Can
block the flow of urine.

Laaoo: Process of expelling a fetus from
the uterus.

Laparoscopy: Minor surgical procedure
performed for tubal ligation, diagnosis of
pelvic pain or diagnosis of ectopic
pregnancy.

Leukorrhea: Vaginal discharge
characterized by a white or yellowish
color. Primarily composed of mucus.

Lightening: Change in the shape of the
pregnant uterus a few weeks before
labor. Often described as the baby
"dropping.“

Lineanigra: Line of increased
pigmentation running down the abdomen
from the bellybutton to the pubic area
during pregnancy.

Malignant GTN: Cancerous change of
gestational trophoblastic disease.

Mammogram: X-ray study of the
breasts to identify normal and abnormal
breast tissue.

Mask of pregnancy: Increased
pigmentation over the area of the face
under each eye. Commonly has the
appearance of a butterfly.

Meconium: First intestinal discharge of
the newborn; green or yellow in colour. It
consists of epithelial or surface cells,
mucus and bile. Discharge may occur
before or during labor or soon after birth.

Melanoma: Pigmented mole or tumor. It
may or may not be cancerous.

Meningomyelocele: Congenital defect
of the central nervous system of the
baby. Membranes and the spinal cord
protrude through an opening or defect in
the vertebral column.

Menstruation: Regular or periodic discharge
of a bloody fluid from the uterus.
Mesodermal germ layer: Tissue of the
embryo that forms connective tissue,
muscles, kidneys, ureters and other organs.
Metaplasia: Change in the structure of a
tissue into another type that is not normal for
that tissue.

Microcephaly
Abnormally small
development of
the head in the
developing fetus.

Microphthalmia: Abnormally small
eyeballs.

Miscarriage: Abortion.

Missed abortion: Failed pregnancy
without bleeding or cramping. Often
diagnosed by ultrasound weeks or
months after a pregnancy fails.

Mittelschmerz: Pain that coincides with
release of an egg from the ovary.

Monilial vulvovaginitis: Infection
caused by yeast or monilia. Usually
affects the vagina and vulva.

Monozygotic twins: Twins conceived
from one egg. Often called identical
twins.

Morning sickness: Nausea and
vomiting, without ill health, found
primarily during the first trimester of
pregnancy.

Morula: Cells resulting from the early
division of the fertilized egg at the
beginning of pregnancy.
Mucus plug: Secretions in cervix; often
released just before labor.
Mutations: Change in the character of a
gene. Passed from one cell division to
another.

Neural-tube defects: Abnormalities in
the development of the spinal cord and
brain in a fetus. Anencephaly;
Hydrocephalus; Spina bifida.

Oligohydramnios
Lack or
deficiency of
amniotic fluid.

Omphalocele
Presence of
congenital out-
pouching of the
umbilicus containing
internal organs in the
fetus or newborn
infant.

Organogenesis: Development of the
organ systems in the embryo.

Ossification: Bone formation.

Ovarian cycle: Regular production of
hormones from the ovary in response to
hormonal messages from the brain. The
ovarian cycle governs the endometrial
cycle.

Ovulation: Cyclical production of an
egg from the ovary.

Oxytocin: Medication that causes
uterine contractions.

Pap smear: A routine screening test that
evaluates the presence of premalignant
or cancerous conditions of the cervix.

Para cervical block: Local anesthetic for
cervical dilatation.

Pelvimetry: Evaluation of the size of the
birth canal or pelvis. Performed by X-ray.

Physiologic anemia of pregnancy:
Anemia during pregnancy caused by an
increase in the amount of plasma (fluid)
in the blood compared to the number of
cells in the blood.

Placenta: Organ inside the uterus that is
attached to the baby by the umbilical
cord. Essential during pregnancy for
growth and development of the embryo
and fetus.

Placenta accreta: Placenta that
attaches to muscle of uterus.

Placenta increta: Placenta that grows
into muscle of uterus.

Placenta percreta: Placenta that
penetrates muscle of uterus.

Placenta previa: Low attachment of the
placenta, covering or very close to the
cervix.

Placental abruption: Premature separation
of the placenta from the uterus.

Placentamegaly: Abnormally large growth
of the placenta during pregnancy.

Placental abruption: Premature
separation of the placenta from the
uterus.

Placentamegaly: Abnormally large
growth of the placenta during pregnancy.

Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the
lungs.

Premature baby: Baby born before 37
weeks.

Postnatal blues: Mild depression after
delivery.

Postpartum depression: Depression
after delivery.

Postpartum hemorrhage: Bleeding
greater than 15 ounces (450ml) at time
of delivery.

Pre-eclampsia: Combination of
symptoms significant to pregnancy,
including high blood pressure, edema,
swelling and changes in reflexes.

Premature delivery: Delivery before
37 weeks gestation.

Presentation: Describes which part of
the baby comes into the birth canal
first.

Proteinuria: Protein in urine.
Pruritis gravidarum: Itching during
pregnancy.
Pubic symphysis: Bony prominence in
the pelvic bone found in the midline.
Landmark from which the doctor often
measures during pregnancy to follow
growth of the uterus.

Pulmonary embolism: Blood clot from
another part of the body that travels to
the lungs. Can cause closed passages
in the lungs and decrease oxygen
exchange.

Pyelonephritis: Serious kidney
infection.

Quickening: Feeling the baby move
inside the uterus.

Rh-negative: Absence of rhesus
antibody in the blood.

RhoGAM: Medication given during
pregnancy and following delivery to
prevent isoimmunization.

Round-ligament pain: Pain caused by
stretching ligament on the sides of the
uterus during pregnancy.

Rupture of membranes: Loss of fluid
from the amniotic sac. Also called
breaking of waters.

Spinabifida: Congenital abnormality
characterized by a defect in the vertebral
column. Membranes of the spinal cord
and the spinal cord protrude outside the
protective bony canal of the spine.

Spinal anesthesia: Anesthesia given in
the spinal canal.

Spontaneous abortion: Loss of
pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of
gestation.
Surfactant: Phospholipids present in the
lungs. Controls surface tension of lungs.
Premature babies often lack sufficient
amounts of surfactant to breathe without
assistance.

Syphilis: Sexually transmitted venereal
infection caused by treponema pallidum.

Tay-Sachs disease: Inherited disease
characterized by mental and physical
retardation, convulsions, enlargement of
the head and eventually death.

Telangiectasias: Dilatation or swelling of
a small blood vessel. Sometimes called
an angioma. During pregnancy, another
common name is a spider angioma.

Teratogenic: Causes abnormal
development.

Thalassemia: Group of inherited
disorders of hemoglobin metabolism,
which results in a decrease in the amount
of hemoglobin formed.
Threatened abortion: Bleeding during
the first trimester of pregnancy without
cramping or contractions.
Thrombosis: Formation of a blood clot
(thrombus).

Thrush: Monilial or yeast infection
occurring in the mouth or mucous
membranes of a newborn infant.

Tocolysis: Stopping contractions during
premature labor.

Toxoplasmosis: Infection caused by
toxoplasma gondii.

Transverse lie: Fetus is turned sideways
in uterus.

Trichomonal vaginitis: Venereal
infection caused by trichomonas.

Trimester: Method of dividing pregnancy
into three equal time periods of about 13
weeks each.

Trophoblast: Cell layer important in
early development of the embryo and
fetus. It provides nourishment from the
mother to the fetus and participates in the
formation of the placenta.

Umbilical cord: Cord that connects the
placenta to the developing baby. It
removes waste products and carbon
dioxide from the baby and brings
oxygenated blood and nutrients from the
mother through the placenta to the baby.

Ureters: Tubes from the kidneys to the
bladder that drain urine.

Uterine atony: Lack of tone of uterus.

Uterus: Organ an embryo/fetus grows in.
Also called a womb.

Vacuum extractor: Device used to
provide traction on fetal head during
delivery.

Varicose veins: Blood vessels (veins)
that are dilated or enlarged.

Vernix: Fatty substance made up of
epithelial cells that cover fetal skin inside
the uterus.

Vertex: Head first.

Villi: Projection from a mucous
membrane; most important within the
placenta in the exchange of nutrients
from maternal blood to the placenta and
fetus.

Womb: Organ an embryo/fetus grows
in. Also called a uterus.

Zygote: Cell that results from the union
of a sperm and egg at fertilization

Abdominal Gestation : Implantation of a
fertilized ovum outside the uterus but
inside the peritoneal cavity.

Abortion : Termination of pregnancy
before the fetus is viable and capable of
extra uterine existence, usually less than
20 weeks of gestation or when the fetus
weighs less than 500 g.

Acini cells : Milk producing cells in the
breast.
AGA : Appropriate for Gestational Age.
Amnioinfusion : Infusion of normal saline
warmed to body temperature through an intra
uterine catheter into the uterine cavity in an
attempt to increase the fluid around the
umbilical cord and prevent compression during
uterine contractions.

Amnionitis : Inflammation of the
amnion, occurring most frequently after
early rupture of membrane.
Amniotic fluid embolism : Embolism
Resulting from amniotic fluid entering
The maternal blood stream during labor
and birth after rupture of Membranes.

Amniotomy : Artificial rupture of the
Fetal membranes (AROM).

Apt test : Differentiation of maternal
And fetal Blood when there is vaginal
bleeding.

Artificial rupture of membrane :
Rupture of membranes using a plastic
amnihook or surgical clamp.

Augmentation of labor : Artificial
Stimulation of uterine contractions after
labor has started spontaneously but it
is not progressing satisfactorily.

Biophysical profile : Noninvasive
assessment of the fetus and its
environment using ultrasonography and
uterine fetal monitoring; includes fetal
breathing movements, gross body
movements, fetal tone, FHR, and
qualitative amniotic fluid volume.

Bishop’s score : Rating system to
evaluate inducibility of the cervix; a higher
score increases the rate of successful
induction of labor.

Cephalopelvic dispropotion : The accurate
definition of cephalopelvic disproportion
(CPD) is when a baby's head or body is too
large to fit through the mother’s pelvis
Cerclage : Use of non-absorbable suture to
keep an incompetent cervix closed; released
when pregnancy is at term to allow labor to
begin.

Curettage : Scrapping of endometrium lining
of the uterus with a curette to remove the
contents of the uterus or to obtain specimens
for diagnostic
purpose.
Daily Fetal Movement Counts : Maternal
assessment of fetal activity; the number of
fetal movements within specific time are
counted.

Disparate twins : Twins who are
different and distinct from one another.

Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
(DIC) : Pathologic form of coagulation in
which clotting factors are consumed to an
extent that generalized bleeding can occur;
associated with Abruptio Placentae,
eclampsia, intrauterine fetal demise, amniotic
fluid embolism, and hemorrhage.

Disseminated Intravascular
Coagulation

Dizygotic : Related to or proceeding from
two zygotes.

Dubowitz assessment : Estimation of

gestational age of a newborn based on
criteria developed for that purpose.

Dysfunctional labor : Abnormal uterine
contractions that prevent normal progress
of cervical dilatation and progress

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding :
Abnormal bleeding from the uterus for
reasons that are not readily established.

Dystocia : Prolonged, painful or
difficult birth because of mechanical
factors produced by the passenger or
the passage, inadequate powers, or

maternal position.

Gynecology : Study of disease of the
female, especially of the genital, urinary
and rectal organs.

HELLP syndrome : Condition
characterized by hemolysis, elevated
liver enzymes, and low platelet count; is
a form of severe eclampsia.

Hypotonic uterine dysfunction:
Weak,neffective uterine contractions usually
occurring in the Active phase of labor; often
related to CPD or Malposition of the fetus.
TAH-BSO : Total abdominal hysterectomy and
bilateral Salpingo-oophorectomy; removal of
uterus, both tubes and ovaries.

External Cephalic Version (ECV) :
Turning the fetus to a vertex position by
exertion of pressure on the fetus
externally through the maternal
abdomen.

External Cephalic Version (ECV)

Kangaroo Care : Skin-to-skin infant
care, especially for preterm infants,
which provides warmth to infant. Infant
is placed naked or diapered against
mother’s or father’s bare chest and is
covered with parent’s shirt or a warm
blanket.

Large for Dates (Large for gestational
age [LGA]): exhibiting excessive growth
for gestational age.

Large for Dates (Large for
gestational age [LGA])

Low Birth Weight (LBW) : An infant
birth weight of less than 2500 g.

Multigravida : Woman who has been
pregnant two or more times

Multipara : Women who has carried
two or more pregnancies to viability,
whether they ended in live infants or
stillbirths.

Nulligravida : Women who has never
been pregnant.

Nullipara : Women who has not yet
carried a pregnancy to viability.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling
(PUBS) : Procedure during which the fetal
umbilical vessel is accessed for blood
sampling of for transfusions.

Percutaneous Umbilical
Blood Sampling

Postdate Birth : Birth of an infant after
42 weeks of gestation.

Post-mature Infant : Infant born at or
after the beginning of week 43 of
gestation or later and exhibiting signs
of dysmaturity.

Precipitous Labor : Rapid or sudden labor of
less 3 hours beginning from onset of cervical
changes to completed birth of neonate.

Preeclampsia : Disease encountered after
20 weeks of gestation or early in the
puerperium; a vasospastic disease process
characterized by increasing hypertension,
proteinuria, and hemoconcentration

Pregestational Diabetes : Diabetes mellitus
type I or type II that exists before pregnancy

Pregnancy0Induced Hypertension (PIH) :
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
including preeclampsia, eclampsia, and
transient hypertension

Preterm Birth : Birth occurring before 37
weeks of gestation.

Preterm Rupture of Membranes :
Spontaneous rupture of membranes
before 37 weeks of gestation.

PROM : Premature (before 38 weeks
of gestation) rupture of members.

Prolapsed Cord : Protrusion of the
umbilical cord in advance of the
presenting part.

Small for Dates (Small for gestational
age [SGA]) : Refers to inadequate
growth for gestational age.

Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes :
Rupture of membranes by natural
means.

Stillbirth : The birth of a baby after 20
weeks of gestation and 1 day or 350 g.
(depending on the state code) that does not
show any signs of life.

Sub-involution : failure of a part (for
example, the uterus) to reduce to its normal
size and condition after enlargement form
functional activity (for example, pregnancy).

Tocolytic Drug : Drug used to relax the uterus, to
suppress preterm labor, or for version.
TORCH Infections : Infections caused by
organisms that damage the embryo or fetus;
acronym for toxoplasmosis, other (for example,
syphilis), rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes
simplex.
Toxemia : Term previously used for hypertensive
states of pregnancy.

Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) : Decline
in placental function-exchange of gases,
nutrients and wastes-leading to fetal hypoxia
and acidosis; evidenced by late fetal heart
rate decelerations in response to uterine
contractions.

Vacuum Curettage : Uterine aspiration
method of early abortion

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) :
Giving birth vaginally after having had a
previous cesarean birth.

Vasectomy : Ligation or removal of a segment
of the vas deferens, usually done bilaterally to
produce sterility in the male.

Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) : Refers to
infant weighing 1500 g or less at birth.

Viable, Viability : Capable, capability of
living, as in a fetus that has reached a
stage of development, usually 22
menstrual weeks (20 weeks of
gestation), which will permit it to live
outside the uterus.

Terminologies
Puberty – It is the period of sexual
maturation accompanied by development
of secondary sexual characteristics and
the capacity to reproduce.

Menarche – Onset of Menstruation

Menstruation – Periodic vaginal
discharge of bloody fluid from the non-
pregnant uterus ( From puberty to
menopause )
Amenorrhea – Absence of
Menstruation
Gamete - Reproductive cell

Ovum – Female reproductive cell
Sperm – Male reproductive cell
Gametogenesis – Development and
Maturation of the sperm and ovum
Spermatogenesis – Formation of male
gametes in the testes
Oogenesis – Formation of female gametes in
the ovary

Gonad – Reproductive gland that produces
gametes and sex hormones
Ovary – Female gonad
Testes – Male Gonad
Ovulation – Release of mature ovum from the
ovary
Pregnancy – Period between conception
through complete birth of products of
conception
280 days in human
9 calendar months/ 10 lunar months

Coitus – Sexual union of male and female

 Ejaculation – Expulsion of semen from
penis

 Conceptus – Cell & Membranes
resulting from fertilization of the ovum at
any stage of prenatal development

 Zygote – Cell formed by union of ovum

 Nidation – Implantation of the fertilized
ovum in the uterine endometrium

 Embryo – The developing baby from the
beginning of 3rd week through 8th week
after conception

 Fetus - The developing baby from 9th
week after conception until birth

 Endometrium – Lining of the uterus
 Decidua – Name of the Endometrium
during pregnancy

 Placenta – Fetal structure that provides
nourishment, removes wastes from the
developing baby and secretes hormones
necessary for the pregnancy to continue

 Abortion – A spontaneous or elective
termination of pregnancy before 20th
week of gestation

 Trimester – A division of pregnancy into
3 equal parts

 Preterm birth – A birth that occurs after
the 20th week & before the start of 38th
week of gestation

 Quickening – The first movement of the
fetus in the uterus felt by the mother

 Term birth – A birth that occurs between
the 38th and 42 weeks of gestation

 Striae gravidarum - Irregular reddish
streaks on the abdomen, breasts or
thighs resulting from tare in connective
tissue

 Chloasma – Brownish pigmentation of
the face during pregnancy - Mask of
pregnancy

 Braxton Hicks contractions – Irregular,
mild uterine contractions that occur
throughout the pregnancy

Abortion
A pregnancy that ends before 20 weeks’
gestation, either spontaneously or electively.
Miscarriage is a lay term for a spontaneous
abortion.

Amniotomy
Artificial rupture of the amniotic sac
(fetal membranes).

Attitude
Relationship of fetal body parts to one
another.

Bloody Show
Mixture of cervical mucus and blood from
ruptured capillaries in the cervix. Bloody show
often precedes labor and increases with
cervical dilation.

Braxton Hicks Contractions
Irregular, mild uterine contractions that
occur throughout pregnancy. These
contractions become stronger in the last
trimester.

Caput Succedaneum
Area of edema over the presenting part of
the fetus or newborn, resulting from pressure
against the cervix. Usually called simply
caput.

Crowning
Appearance of the fetal scalp or
presenting part at the vaginal opening.

EDD
Abbreviation for estimated date of
delivery. This date may also be abbreviated
EDB (estimated date of birth).

Engagement
Descent of the widest diameter of the
fetal presenting part to at least a zero station
(the level of the ischial spines in the maternal
pelvis).

Episiotomy
Surgical incision of the perineum to
enlarge the vaginal opening

Fontanel
Space at the intersection of sutures
connecting fetal or infant skull bones.

Gravida
A pregnant woman. Also refers to a
woman’s total number of pregnancies,
including the one in progress, it applicable.

Lie
Relationship of the long axis of the fetus
to the long axis of the mother.

Lightening
Descent of the fetus toward the pelvic
inlet before labor.

Lochia
Vaginal drainage after birth.

Molding
Shaping of the fetal head during
movement through the birth canal.

Multipara
A woman who has given birth after two
or more pregnancies of at least 20 weeks’
gestation. Also informally used to describe a
pregnant woman before the birth of her second
or later child.

Nuchal Cord
Umbilical cord around the fetal neck.

Nullipara
A woman who has not completed a
pregnancy to at least 20 weeks’ gestation.

Para
A woman who has given birth after a
pregnancy of at least 20 weeks’ gestation. Para
also designate the number of pregnancies that
end after at least 20 weeks of gestation. (A
multifetal gestation, such as twins, is
considered one birth when calculating parity.)

Position
Relation of a fixed reference point on the
fetus to the quadrants of the maternal pelvis.

Primipara
A woman who has given birth after a
pregnancy of at least 20 weeks of gestation.
The term is also used informally to describe a
pregnant woman before the birth of her first
child.

Station
Measurement of fetal descent in relation
to the ischial spines of the maternal pelvis. See
also engagement.

Sutures
Narrow areas of flexible tissue that
connect the fetal skull bones, permitting slight
movement during labor.

VBAC
Abbreviation for vaginal birth after
cesarean birth.

CONCEPTUS
Cells and membranes resulting from
fertilization of the ovum at any stage of
prenatal development.

CORPUS LUTEUM
Graffian follicle cells remaining after
ovulation. These cells produce estrogen
and progesterone.

EJACULATION
Expulsion of semen from the penis.

EMBRYO
The developing baby from the
beginning of the third week through the
eighth week after conception.

ENDOMETRIUM
Lining of the uterus.

FERTILIZATION AGE
Prenatal age of the developing baby,
calculated from the date of conception.
Also called post conceptional age.

FETUS
The developing baby from 9 weeks
after conception until birth. In everyday
practice, this term is of ten used to
describe a developing baby during
pregnancy, regardless of age.

GAMETE
Reproductive cell: in the female an
ovum, and in the male a spermatozoon.

GESTATIONAL AGE
Prenatal age of the developing baby
(measured in weeks) calculated from the
first day of the woman’s last menstrual
period. Also called menstrual age, about 2
weeks longer than the fertilization age.

GRAAFIAN FOLLICLE
A small sac within the ovary. The
graafian follicle contains the maturing
ovum.

NIDATION
Implantation of the fertilized ovum
(Zygote) in the uterine endomertrium.

OOGENESIS
Formation of gametes (ova) in the
female.

OVULATION
Release of the mature ovum from the
ovary.

PLACENTA
Fetal structure that provides
nourishment, removes wastes from the
developing baby, and secrete hormones
necessary for the pregnancy to continue.

SPERMATOGENESIS
Formation of male gametes, or germ
cells.

ZYGOTE

Cell formed by union of an ovum and sperm.

Terminologies
 Amniotic fluid embolism : Embolism
resulting from amniotic fluid entering the
maternal bloodstream during labor and birth
after rupture of membranes; this is often fatal
to the woman if it is a pulmonary embolism.

 Attitude: Body posture or position.

Terminologies
 Bearing-down effort:“Secondary powers”;
energy exerted by the woman during
contractions to push out the baby.

 Biparietal diameter :Largest transverse
diameter of the fetal head; extends from one
parietal bone to the other.

Terminologies
 Bloody show: Vaginal discharge that originates
in the cervix and consists of blood and mucus;
increase as cervix dilates during labor.
 Breech presentation: Presentation in which
buttocks or feet are nearest the cervical
opening and are born first; occurs in
approximately 3% of all births.

Terminologies
 Caul: Hood of fetal membranes covering
fetal head during birth.

 Cephalic :Pertaining to the head.

 Crowning: Stage of birth when the top of the
fetal head can be seen at the vaginal orifice.

Terminologies
 Dilatation of cervix: Stretching of the external
os from an opening a few millimeters in size to
an opening large enough to allow the passage
of the infant.
 Effacement : Thinning and shortening or
obliteration of the cervix that occurs during late
pregnancy or labor or both.

Terminologies
 Engagement :In obstetrics, the entrance of the
fetal presenting part into the superior pelvic
strait and the beginning of the descent through
the pelvic canal.
 Episiotomy : Surgical incision of the perineum
at the end of the second stage of labor to
facilitate birth and to avoid laceration of the
perineum.

Terminologies
 External cephalic version (ECV):
Turning the fetus to a vertex position by
exertion of pressure on the fetus
externally through the maternal abdomen..

 Ferguson’s reflex: Reflex contractions of
the uterus after stimulation of the cervix.

Terminologies
 Fontanel :Broad area, or soft spot,
consisting of a strong band of connective
tissue continuous with cranial bones and
located at the junctions of the bones.
 Gynecoid pelvis: Pelvis in which the inlet
is round instead of oval or blunt; heart
shaped. Typical female pelvis.

Terminologies
 Kangaroo care: Skin-to-skin infant care, especially
for preterm infants, which provides warmth to
infant. Infant is placed naked or diapered against
mother’s or father’s bare chest and is covered with
parent’s shirt or a warm blanket.
 Labor :Series of processes by which the fetus is
expelled from the uterus; parturition; childbirth

Terminologies
 Large for dates (large for gestational age (LGA)):
Exhibiting excessive growth for gestational age.
 Lie: Relationship existing between the long axis of the
fetus and the long axis of the mother. In a longitudinal
lie, the fetus is lying lengthwise or vertically, whereas in
a transverse lie, the fetus is lying crosswise or
horizontally in the mother’s uterus.

Terminologies
 Lightening :Sensation of decreased abdominal
distention produced by uterine descent into pelvic
cavity as the fetal presenting part settles into the
pelvis. It usually occurs 2 weeks before the onset
of labor in nulliparas.
 Lithotomy position :Position in which the woman
lies on her back with her knees flexed and with
abducted thighs drawn up toward her chest.

Terminologies
 Low birth weight (LBW): An infant birth weight
of less than 2500 g.
 Molding: Overlapping of cranial bones or
shaping of the fetal head to accommodate and
conform to the bony and soft parts of the
mother’s birth canal during labor.
 Multigravida: Woman who has been pregnant
two or more times.

Terminologies
 Multipara : Woman who has carried two or
more pregnancies to viability, whether they
ended in live infants or stillbirths.

 Nonstress test (NST) : Evaluation of fetal
response (fetal heart rate) to natural contractile
uterine activity or to an increase in fetal activity.

 Nuchal cord : Encircling of fetal neck

Terminologies
 Nulligravida : Woman who has never been
pregnant.

 Nullipara: Woman who has not yet carried a
pregnancy to viability.

 Oligohydramnios: Abnormally small amount
or absence of amniotic fluid; often indicative
of fetal urinary tract defect.

Terminologies
 Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling
(PUBS) : Procedure during which the fetal
umbilical vessel is accessed for blood sampling
or for transfusions.
 Position: Relationship of an arbitrarily chosen
fetal reference point, such as the occiput,
sacrum, chin, or scapula on the presenting part
of the fetus to its location in the front, back, or
sides of the maternal pelvis.

Terminologies
 Postdate birth: Birth of an infant after 42
weeks of gestation.

 Post mature infant: Infant born at or after
the beginning of week 43 of gestation or later
and exhibiting signs of dysmaturity.

Terminologies
 Precipitous labor: Rapid or sudden labor of
less than 3 hours beginning from onset of
cervical changes to completed birth of neonate.

 Preeclampsia: Disease encountered after 20
weeks of gestation or early in the puerperium; a
vasospastic disease process characterized by
increasing hypertension, proteinuria, and
hemoconcentration.

Terminologies
 Pregestational diabetes: Diabetes mellitus
type I or type II that exists before pregnancy.

 Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH):
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy
including preeclampsia, eclampsia, and
transient hypertension.

Terminologies
 Presentation: That part of the fetus that first
enters the pelvis and lies over the inlet: may
be head, face, breech, or shoulder.

 Presenting part: That part of the fetus that
lies closest to the internal os of the cervix

 Preterm birth : Birth occurring before 37
weeks of gestation.

Terminologies
 Preterm rupture of membranes:
Spontaneous rupture of membranes before
37 weeks of gestation

 Prolapsed cord: Protrusion of the umbilical
cord in advance of the presenting part.

 PROM: Premature (before 38 weeks of
gestation) rupture of membranes.

Terminologies
 Ring of fire: Burning sensation as vagina
stretches and fetal head crowns.

 Ritgen maneuver: Procedure used to
control the birth of the head.

 Second stage: Stage of labor from full
dilatation of the cervix to the birth of the baby.

Terminologies
 Sims’ position: Position in which the client lies
on the left side with the right knee and thigh
drawn upward toward the chest.
 Small for dates (small for gestational age
(SGA)): Refers to inadequate growth for
gestational age.
 Spontaneous rupture of membranes
:Rupture of membranes by natural means.

Terminologies
 Station : Relationship of the presenting fetal
part to an imaginary line drawn between the
ischial spines of the pelvis.

 Stillbirth: The birth of a baby after 20 weeks of
gestation and I day or 350 g (depending on the
state code) that does not show any signs of
life.

Terminologies
 Subinvolution : Failure of a part (for example,
the uterus) to reduce to its normal size and
condition after enlargement from functional
activity (for example, pregnancy).

 Suboccipito bregmatic diameter : Smallest
diameter of the fetal head-follows a line drawn
from the middle of the occipital bone.

Terminologies
 Third stage : Stage of labor from the birth of
the baby to the expulsion of the placenta.

 Tocolytic drug: Drug used to relax the uterus,
to suppress preterm labor, or for version

Terminologies
 TORCH infections : Infections caused by
acronym for toxoplasmosis, other (for
example, syphilis), rubella, cytomegalovirus,
and herpes simplex.

 Toxemia: Term previously used for
hypertensive states of pregnancy.

Terminologies
 Uteroplacental insufficiency (UPI): Decline
in placental function-exchange of gases,
nutrients, and wastes-leading to fetal hypoxia
and acidosis; evidenced by late fetal heart rate
decelerations in response to uterine
contractions.
 Vaccum curettage: Uterine aspiration method
of early abortion

Terminologies
 Vaccum extraction: Birth involving
attachment of vaccum cup fetal head and
using negative pressure to assist in birth of
the fetus.

 Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC): Giving
birth vaginally after having had a previous
cesarean birth.

Terminologies
 Valsalva maneuver : The process of making
a forceful attempt at expulsion while holding
one’s breath and tightening the abdominal
muscles (as in pushing during the second
stage of labor).
 Vasectomy: Ligation or removal of a
segment of the vas deferens, usually done
bilaterally to produce sterility in the male.

Terminologies
 Vertex : Crown or top of the head.
 Very low birth weight (VLBW): Refers to
infant weighing 1500 g or less at birth.
 Viable, viability: Capable, capability of living,
as in a fetus that has reached a stage of
development, usually 22 menstrual weeks (20
weeks of gestation), which will permit it to live
outside the uterus.

Terminologies
 After Pain – Cramping pain following
childbirth , caused by alternating
relaxation & contraction of uterine
muscles

 Atony – Absence or lack of usual muscle
tone

 Attachment :
Development of strong affectional ties
as a result of interaction between an infant
and a significant other
(mother, father, sibling, caretaker).

 Catabolism:
A destructive process that converts
living cells into simpler compounds.
Process involved in involution (changes) of
the uterus after child birth

 Decidua:
Term referring to the endometrium
during pregnancy. All except the deepest
layer is shed after childbirth

 Diastasis Recti:
Separation of the longitudinal muscles
of the abdomen (rectus abdominis) during
pregnancy

 Dysparenuia:
Difficult or painful coitus in women

 En Face:
Position that allows eye-to-eye contact
between the newborn and a parent. Optimal
distance is 20 to 22cm ( 8 to 9 inches)

 Engorgement:
Swelling of the breasts resulting
from increased blood flow and the presence
of milk

 Engrossment:
Intense fascination and close face-
to-face observation between father and
newborn

 Episiotomy:
Surgical incision of the perineum to
enlarge the vaginal opening

 Involution:
Retrogressive changes that return
the reproductive organs, particularly the
uterus, to their nonpregnant size and
condition

 Kegel Exercises:
Alternate contraction and relaxing
of the pelvic muscles

 Lactation :
Secretion of milk from the breasts
The period of time of breast feeding

 Lochia alba:
Whitish or clear vaginal discharge

 Lochia rubra:
Reddish vaginal discharge

 Lochia Serosa
Pinkish or brown-tinged vaginal
discharge

 Milk-ejection reflex:
Release of milk from the alveoli
into the ducts. (letdown reflex)

 Oxytocin:
Posterior pituitary hormone that
stimulates uterine contractions and Milk-
ejection reflex

 Postpartum Blues:
Temporary, self-limiting
period of weepiness

 Prolactin:
anterior pituitary hormone
(growth of breast tissue and production
of milk)

 Puerperium:
Period from the end of childbirth
until involution of the uterus is complete,
approximately 6 weeks

 REEDA:
Acronym for Redness,
Ecchymosis, Edema, Discharge and
Approximation

Abdominal Gestation : Implantation of a
fertilized ovum outside the uterus but inside the
peritoneal cavity.
Abortion : Termination of pregnancy before the
fetus is viable and capable of extrauterine
existence, usually less than 20 weeks of gestation
or when the fetus weighs less than 500 g.
Abruptio Placentae : Partial or complete
premature separation of a normally implanted
placenta

Acini cells : Milk producing cells in the
breast.
AGA : Appropriate for Gestational Age.
Amniocentesis : Procedure in which needle is
inserted through the abdominal and uterine walls
into the amniotic fluid; used for assessment of
fetal health and maturity and for therapeutic
abortion.

Amnioinfusion : Infusion of normal saline
warmed to body temperature through an intra
uterine catheter into the uterine cavity in an
attempt to increase the fluid around the umbilical
cord and prevent compression during uterine
contractions.
Amnionitis : Inflammation of the amnion,
occurring most frequently after early rupture of
membrane.

Amniotic fluid embolism : Embolism resulting
from amniotic fluid entering the maternal blood
stream during labor and birth after rupture of
Membranes.
Amniotomy : Artificial rupture of the fetal
membranes (AROM).
Anencephaly : Congenital deformity
characterized by the absence of cerebrum,
cerebellum, and flat bones of the skull.

Apt test : Differentiation of maternal and fetal
Blood when there is vaginal bleeding.
Artificial rupture of membrane : Rupture of
membranes using a plastic amnihook or surgical
clamp.
Augmentation of labor : Artificial stimulation
of uterine contractions after labor has started
spontaneously but it is not progressing
satisfactorily.

Biophysical profile : Noninvasive assessment of
the fetus and its environment using
ultrasonography and uterine fetal monitoring;
includes fetal breathing movements, gross body
movements, fetal tone, FHR, and qualitative
amniotic fluid volume.
Bishop’s score : Rating system to evaluate
inducibility of the cervix; a higher score
increases the rate of successful induction of
labor.

Breech presentation : Presentation in which
buttocks or feet or nearest the cervical opening
and are born first.
Cephalopelvic disproposition
Cerclage : Use of nonabsorbable suture to keep
an incompetent cervix closed; released when
pregnancy is at term to allow labor to begin.
Cesarean Birth : Birth of fetus by an incision
through the abdominal wall and uterus.

Chorioamnionitis : Inflammatory reaction in
fetal membranes to bacteria or viruses in the
amniotic fluid, which then become infiltrated
with polymorphonuclear leucocytes.
Chorionic villi sampling (CVS) : Removal of
fetal tissue from placenta for genetic diagnostic
studies.
Conjoined twins : Twins who are physically
united. Siamese Twins

Curettage : Scrapping of endometrium lining of
the uterus with a curet to remove the contents of
the uterus or to obtain specimens for diagnostic
purpose.
Daily Fetal Movement Counts : Maternal
assessment of fetal activity; the number of fetal
movements within specific time are counted.
Dilatation and Curettage (D and C) : Vaginal
procedure in which the cervical canal is stretched
enough to admit passage of an instrument.

Disparate twins : Twins who are different and
distinct from one another.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
(DIC) : Pathologic form of coagulation in which
clotting factors are consumed to an extent that
generalized bleeding can occur; associated with
Abruptio Placentae, eclampsia, intrauterine fetal
demise, amniotic fluid embolism, and
hemorrhage.

Dizygotic : Related to or proceeding from two
zygotes.
Dizygotic Twins : Twins developed from two
separate ova fertilized by two separate sperm at
the same time. Fraternal Twins
Dubowitz assessment : Estimation of
gestational age of a newborn based on criteria
developed for that purpose.
Dysfunctional labor : Abnormal uterine contractions
that prevent normal progress of cervical dilatation and
progress

Dysfunctional Uterine Bleeding : Abnormal
bleeding from the uterus for reasons that are not
readily established.
Dystocia : Prolonged, painful or difficult birth
because of mechanical factors produced by the
passenger or the passage, inadequate powers, or
maternal position.

Eclampsia : Severe complication of pregnancy,
more often in primi gravida, characterized by
tonic and clonic convulsions, coma, high BP,
albuminuria, and oliguria occurring during
pregnancy or shortly after birth.
False labor : Uterine contraction that do not
result in cervical dilatation, are irregular often do
not lost more than 20 seconds, and don’t become
longer and stronger.

Forceps assisted birth : Birth in which two
curved bladed instruments are used to assist in
delivery of the fetal head.
Gestational Diabetes : Glucose intolerance first
recognized during pregnancy.
Gynecology : Study of disease of the female,
especially of the genital, urinary and rectal
organs.

HELLP syndrome : Condition characterized by
hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low
platelet count; is a form of severe eclampsia.
Hypotonic uterine dysfunction:weak,ineffective
uterine contractions usually occurring in the
Active phase of labor; often related to CPD or
Malposition of the fetus.

TAH-BSO : Total abdominal hysterectomy and
bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy; removal of
uterus, both tubes and ovaries.
Incompetent cervix : Cervix that is unable to
remain closed until pregnancy reaches term
because of a mechanical defect in the cervix
resulting in the dilatation and effacement usually
second or early third trimester of pregnancy.

IUGR : Fetal under growth of any cause, such as
deficient nutrient supply or intrauterine
infection, or associated with congenital
malformation.
Intrauterine resuscitation : Interventions
initiated when nonreassuring fetal heart rate
patterns are noted and are directed at improving
intrauterine blood flow.

External Cephalic Version (ECV) : Turning the
fetus to a vertex position by exertion of pressure
on the fetus externally through the maternal
abdomen.
Kangaroo Care : Skin-to-skin infant care,
especially for preterm infants, which provides
warmth to infant. Infant is placed naked or
diapered against mother’s or father’s bare chest
and is covered with parent’s shirt or a warm
blanket.

Large for Dates (Large for festational age
[LGA]): exhibiting excessive growth for
gestational age.
Low Birth Weight (LBW) : An infant birth weight
of less than 2500 g.
Multigravida : Woman who has been pregnant two
or more times
Multipara : Women who has carried two or more
pregnancies to viability, whether they ended in
live infants or stillbirths.

Non-stress Test (NST) : Evaluation of fetal
response (fetal heart rate) to natural contractile
uterine activity or to an increase in fetal activity.

Nulligravida : Women who has never been
pregnant.

Nullipara : Women who has not yet carried a
pregnancy to viability.

Oligohydramnios : Abnormally small amount or
absence of amniotic fluid; often indicative of
fetal urinary tract defect.

Percutaneous Umbilical Blood Sampling (PUBS)
: Procedure during which the fetal umbilical
vessel is accessed for blood sampling of for
transfusions.

Postdate Birth : Birth of an infant after 42 weeks
of gestation.

Post-mature Infant : Infant born at or after the
beginning of week 43 of gestation or later and
exhibiting signs of dysmaturity.
Precipitous Labor : Rapid or sudden labor of less 3
hours beginning from onset of cervical changes
to completed birth of neonate.
Preeclampsia : Disease encountered after 20 weeks
of gestation or early in the puerperium; a
vasospastic disease process characterized by
increasing hypertension, proteniuria, and
hemoconcentration

Pregestational Diabetes : Diabetes mellitus type I
or type II that exists before pregnancy

Pregnancy0Induced Hypertension (PIH) :
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy including
preeclampsia, eclampsia, and transient
hypertension

Preterm Birth : Birth occurring before 37 weeks of
gestation.

Preterm Rupture of Membranes : Spontaneous
rupture of membranes before 37 weeks of
gestation.
Prolapsed Cord : Protrusion of the umbilical cord
in advance of the presenting part.
PROM : Premature (before 38 weeks of gestation)
rupture of members.
Small for Dates (Small for gestational age [SGA])
: Refers to inadequate growth for gestational age.

Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes : Rupture of
membranes by natural means.
Stillbirth : The birth of a baby after 20 weeks of
gestation and 1 day or 350 g. (depending on the
state code) that does not show any signs of life.

Sub-involution : failure of a part (for example, the
uterus) to reduce to its normal size and condition
after enlargement form functional activity (for
example, pregnancy).

Tocolytic Drug : Drug used to relax the uterus, to
suppress preterm labor, or for version.

TORCH Infections : Infections caused by
acronym for toxoplasmosis, other (for example,
syphilis), rubella, cytomegalovirus and berpes
simplex.

Toxemia : Term previously used for hypertensive
states of pregnancy.

Uteroplacental Insufficiency (UPI) : Decline in
placental function-exchange of gases, nutrients
and wastes-leading to fetal hypoxia and acidosis;
evidenced by late fetal heart rate decelerations in
response to uterine contractions.

Vacuum Curettage : Uterine aspiration method of
early abortion

Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) : Giving
birth vaginally after having had a previous
cesarean birth.

Vasectomy : Ligation or removal of a segment of
the vas deferens, usually done bilaterally to
produce sterility in the male.

Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) : Refers to infant
weighing 1500 g or less at birth.

Viable, Viability : Capable, capability of living, as
in a fetus that has reached a stage of
development, usually 22 menstrual weeks (20
weeks of gestation), which will permit it to live
outside the uterus.

1. obg glossaries

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