OB Clinical Terms

➢ Tocodynamometer

A device for estimating the force of uterine contractions in labor.

➢ Fetal Decelerations (Early, Late and Variable)

A fall in the baseline fetal heart rate as recorded by the fetal monitor.

➢ Term

A normal period of pregnancy, approx. 10 lunar months or 38-42 weeks' gestation.

➢ Ultrasound (US)

A procedure that consists of high-frequency sound waves used to visualize internal organs and tissues by producing a real-time, three-dimensional image of the developing fetus and maternal structures (FHR, pelvic anatomy). Allows for early diagnosis of complications, permits earlier interventions, & decreases neonatal and maternal morbidity/mortality. Three types of ultrasound: external abdominal, transvaginal, and Doppler.

➢ Lithotomy Position

A surgical position used in gynecologic, rectal, and urologic procedures in which the patient lies on her back, thighs flexed on the abdomen, legs on thighs, thighs abducted. Common position for childbirth.

➢ Leopold Maneuver

Abdominal palpation of the number of fetuses, the fetal presenting part, lie, attitude, descent, and the probable location where fetal heart tones may be best auscultated on the woman's abdomen.

➢ Malpresentation

Abnormal position of the fetal presenting part, making natural delivery difficult or impossible. Labor is longer, and fetal descent may be impaired.

➢ AFP

Alpha-Fetoprotein

➢ Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)

An amniotomy is the artificial rupture of the amniotic membranes (AROM) by the provider using an Amnihook or other sharp instrument. Labor typically begins within 12 hr after the membranes rupture.

➢ Post-term

An infant born after the beginning of the 42nd week of gestation.

➢ Contraction Stress Test

Analysis of the FHR response to contractions (which decrease placental blood flow) determines how the fetus will tolerate the stress of labor. A pattern of at least three contractions within a 10-min time period with duration of 40 to 60 seconds each must be obtained to use for assessment data. Contractions may be generated by breast stimulation or by oxytocin challenge test. Used after 34 weeks.

➢ AROM

Artificial Rupture of Membranes

➢ Post-partum

Being or following the period after childbirth. Pertaining to the 6 week period after childbirth, during which the mother undergoes progressive physiological changes that restore uterine size and system functions to nonpregnant status.

➢ BPP

Biophysical Profile

➢ Vena Caval Syndrome (Supine Hypotensive Syndrome)

Blood pressure may appear to be lower while supine due to the weight and pressure of the gravid uterus on the vena cava, which decreases venous blood flow to the heart, and can cause maternal hypotension and fetal hypoxia. Signs and symptoms include dizziness, lightheadedness, and pale, clammy skin

➢ Bloody Show

Brownish or blood-tinged mucus discharge caused by expulsion of the cervical mucus plug resulting from the onset of cervical dilation and effacement

➢ CPD

Cephalopelvic Disproportion

➢ Cardinal Movements of Labor

Changes in the position of the fetal head, occurring with a vertex presentation, as it descends through the birth canal and exits the mother's body. The cardinal movements are: engagement, descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, external rotation and expulsion.

➢ Early Deceleration

Coincides with uterine contractions and reflects the fetal vagal response to head compression during these contractions. Normal baseline variability is evident throughout the interval between uterine contractions.

➢ CST

Contraction Stress Test

➢ Variable Deceleration

Does not occur at any consistent point during contractions. The monitor record also exhibits different degrees and shapes. Variable deceleration indicates interference with blood flow through the umbilical vessels caused by cord compression.

➢ Frequency

Established from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next.

➢ EBL

Estimated Blood Loss

➢ EDB

Estimated Date of Birth

➢ FTP

Failure to Progress

➢ FHR

Fetal Heart Rate

➢ FSE

Fetal Scalp Electrode

➢ Lightening

Fetal head descends into true pelvis about 14 days before labor; feeling that the fetus has "dropped;" easier breathing, but more pressure on bladder, resulting in urinary frequency; more pronounced in clients who are primigravida

➢ GTPAL

Gravida, Term, Preterm, Abortions, Living

➢ GBS

Group B Streptococcus

➢ Primigravida

Has completed one pregnancy to stage of viability

➢ Multigravida

Has completed two or more pregnancies to stage of viability

➢ Fetal Acceleration

Heart rate acceleration, the increase in heart rate associated with fetal movement. A reassuring sign during labor that the fetus is not experiencing intrauterine hypoxemia.

➢ H&H

Hemoglobin & Hematocrit

➢ IUPC

Intrauterine Pressure Catheter

➢ Nonstress Test (NST)

It is a noninvasive procedure that monitors response of the FHR to fetal movement. A Doppler transducer (monitors FHR) and a tocotransducer (monitor uterine contractions) are attached to the client's abdomen to obtain tracing strips. The client pushes a button whenever she feels a fetal movement, which is noted on the tracing. This allows a nurse to assess the FHR in relationship to the fetal movement.

➢ Nulligravida

No pregnancy beyond the stage of viability

➢ NST

Non-Stress Test

➢ NSVD

Normal Spontaneous Vaginal Delivery

➢ Parity

Number of pregnancies in which the fetus or fetuses reach viability (approximately 20 weeks) regardless of whether the fetus is born alive

➢ Pre-term

Occurring before the 38th week of gestation.

➢ Late Deceleration

Occurs after contraction and reflects insufficient blood flow through the intervillous spaces of the placenta.

➢ Engagement

Occurs when the presenting part, usually biparietal (largest) diameter of the fetal head passes the pelvic inlet at the level of the ischial spines. Referred to as station 0.

➢ Ante-partum

Period of pregnancy between conception and the onset of labor.

➢ PROM

Premature Rupture of Membranes

➢ Physiological Anemia of Pregnancy

Pseudoanemia of pregnancy due to an increase of plasma that exceeds the production of red blood cells.

➢ ROM

Rupture of Membranes

➢ Molding

Shaping of the fetal head by overlapping sutures to adapt itself to the dimensions of the birth canal during its descent through the pelvis

➢ Crowning

Sign of impending delivery as the presenting part moves into positive stations and begins to push against the pelvic floor; appearance of the fetal head at the perineum

➢ Quickening

Slight fluttering movements of the fetus felt by a woman, usually between 16 to 20 weeks of gestation

➢ SROM

Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes

➢ Intensity

Strength of the contraction at its peak described as mild, moderate, or strong.

➢ Stillborn

The birth of a dead fetus occurring after 22 weeks gestation. Identified risk factors include: excess maternal weight, maternal age over 35 years, and smoking during pregnancy.

➢ Amniotomy

The intentional rupture of the amniotic sac with a sterile amnihook, Allis' forceps, or amniotome to stimulate or augment labor.

➢ Gestation

The length of time from conception to birth. In humans the average length, as calculated from the first day of the last normal menstruation period, is 280 days, (38 weeks - 42 weeks). Infants born prior to the 38th week are considered premature and those born after the 42nd week are post mature.

➢ Fetal Presentation

The part of the fetus that is entering the pelvic inlet first. It can be the back of the head (occiput), chin (mentum), shoulder (scapula), or breech (sacrum or feet).

➢ Station

The relationship in centimeters between the presenting part and the level of the ischial spines.

➢ Fetal Lie

The relationship of the maternal longitudinal axis (spine) to the fetal longitudinal axis (spine).

➢ Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes

The rupture of the amniotic sac as a normal result of dilation of the cervix uterus in labor.

➢ Abortion

The spontaneous or induced termination of pregnancy before the fetus reaches a viable age. The legal definition of viability (usually 20-24 weeks) differs from state to state. Spontaneous abortion is when a pregnancy is terminated before 20 weeks of gestation (the point of fetal viability) or a fetal weight less than 500 g.

➢ Effacement

The thinning of the cervix as the internal os is slowly pulled up into the lower uterine segment.

➢ Duration

The time between the beginning of a contraction to the end of that same contraction.

➢ Intra-partum

Time during childbirth. The period from the onset of labor to its termination, marked by delivery of the placenta.

➢ TORCH

Toxoplasmosis, Other Agents, Rubella, Cytomegalovirus, Herpes Simplex

➢ Amniocentesis

Transabdominal puncture and aspiration of the amniotic sac by ultrasound to remove amniotic fluid. The sample is studied chemically and cytologically to detect genetic and biochemical disorders and maternal-fetal blood incompatibility and, later in the pregnancy, to determine fetal maturity. The procedure also allows for transfusion of the fetus with platelets or blood and instillation of drugs for treating the fetus. This procedure is usually performed no earlier than at 14 weeks' gestation. The procedure can cause abortion or trauma to the fetus.

➢ T&C

Type & Cross-Match

➢ US

Ultrasound

➢ Nägele's Rule

Used to calculate EDD (EDB, EDC). Take the first day of the woman's last menstrual cycle, subtract 3 months, and then add 7 days and 1 year, adjusting for the year as necessary.

➢ VBAC

Vaginal Birth After Previous C-Section

➢ VE

Vaginal Exam

➢ VDRL

Venereal Disease Research Laboratories

➢ Braxton Hicks Contractions

false contractions; painless, irregular, and usually relieved by walking

➢ Fetal Attitude

relationship of fetal body parts to one another.