GEORGIA BAPTIST COLLEGE OF NURSING

OF MERCER UNIVERSITY

NUR 330 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family

CHILDBIRTH TERMINOLOGY

AFTERBIRTH:

Placenta and membranes which pass out of the uterus during the third stage of labor.

AFTERPAINS:

Uterine contractions which occur in the postpartum period.

AMNIOTIC FLUID:

Water-like fluid contained in the balloon-like sac surrounding the baby; provides protection and prevents infection.

APGAR:

An index for evaluating newborns. Utilizes five categories of assessment on a scale of 1-10.

ANUS:

Outlet of rectum, located directly behind the birth outlet.

BIRTH CANAL:

The passage through which the baby passes to be born. (Vagina)

BLOODY SHOW:

A plug of heavy mucus which fills the cervical canal during pregnancy. Frequently discharged 12-72 hours prior to the onset of labor (Mucus plug)

BAG OF WATERS:

Amniotic membrane of sac which surrounds the baby and holds the amniotic fluid. (approximately one liter)

BRAXTON-HICKS CONTRACTIONS:

Also referred to as false labor. Irregular contractions of the uterus which fail to dilate the cervix.

CENTIMETERS:

The unit of measurement used to describe the extent of cervical dilation.

CERVIX:

The lower portion of the uterus which opens into the vagina and through which the baby must pass in the process of vaginal birth. Cervical opening is measured in centimeters with complete dilation or opening being equal to 10 cm.

COCCYX:

The small bone at the end of the spinal column. (Tailbone)

CONTRACTION:

Tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles during labor causing effacement and dilation of the cervix and contributing to the downward and outward descent of the bay.

CROWNING:

When the presenting part of the baby is visible on the perineum and no longer slides back out of sight between contractions.

DILATION:

Gradual opening of the cervix as a result of uterine contractions over a period of time. Expressed in centimeters.

DIAPHRAGM:

A dome-shaped muscle attached to the lower ribs which separates the chest from the abdomen.

EDC/EDD

Expected date of confinement. Expected date of delivery. Due date.

EFFACEMENT:

Thinning of the cervix, expressed as a percentage. Complete effacement equals 100%.

ENGAGEMENT:

Occurs when the presenting part of the baby accommodates to the opening of the pelvis and acquires an initial, necessary position for passage through the pelvis. Called lightening or dropping. Frequently occurs 2-6 weeks prior to the onset of labors.

EPISIOTOMY:

A cut made in the perineum to prevent tearing or facilitate delivery.

FETAL HEART TONES:

The baby's heart rate. Range 120-160 beats/minute.

FUNDUS:

Upper portion or top of the uterus.

GRAVIDA:

Pregnancy. Refers to the number of pregnancies a woman has had.

PARA:

Birth. Refers to the number of births a woman has had.

MULTIPARA: A woman who has had more than one birth.

PRIMIGRAVIDA: A woman who is pregnant for the first time.

PELVIS:

The boney structure which cradles the baby throughout pregnancy and through which the baby must pass in the process for vaginal birth.

PERINEUM:

The portion of the body located between the pubic bone in the front and the anus in the back.

PITOCIN:

A hormone used to induce or augment labor.

PLACENTA:

A flat, circular structure which is responsible for the transfer of all materials between mother and baby. Also called the Afterbirth.

STATION:

A measurement indicating the relationship between the presenting part of the baby and a portion of the mother's pelvis. Expressed on a scale of -3 to +3.

UTERUS:

A hollow, muscular pear-shaped organ which houses the developing baby.

UMBILICAL CORD:

The structure which connects baby and placenta.

VAGINA:

Also called birth canal. A canal 5-6 inches in length through which the baby passes in the process of vaginal birth.

VERNIX:

Cheese-like material covering the skin of newborns. Serves as a protective covering.

"Lab1b-BIRTHTRMLST"

Revised 4/23/01; 6/9/03

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