TERMINOLOGY

Abdominal :-Intrauterine Growth Retardation (IUGR), in which the size

of the fetus is estimated based on the measurement of the abdomen at the
level of liver and the left portal vein.

Abdominal pregnancy:- Ectopic pregnancy occurring in the cavity of the

abdomen.

Abortifacients :- Agents that induce abortion.

Abortion:- The termination of pregnancy before the fetus has attained a

stage of viability

Abruptio placenta:- Premature separation of normally implanted placenta.

The separation may be complete or partial and very often is considered a
medical emergency

Acme:- The time of greatest intencity. In obstetrics , the period when the
intencity of a contraction is at it's highi.

Acrocyanosis:- Cyanosis of the extremities, especially of the hands and

feet.

Active management of third stage of labor :- A series of systemic steps

adopted by the health care professinals to deliver the placenta so as to
prevent postpartum hemorrhage.

Adaptation:- Change in the behavior of a person in response to new or

modified situation, eg. Pregnancy.

Adolescent pregnancy:- When the pregnancy occur during teenage of a

female, usually before 19 years.

After birth:- The structure cast off after the expulsion of the fetus,
including the membranes and placenta with the attached umbilical cord.

Alpha fetoprotein test:- A blood test performed during pregnancy to

assess the fetal condition.

Amenorrhea:- Absence or suppression of the menstrual discharge.

Amniocentesiswal that amniotic Amniotomy :- The artificial rupture of
the amniotic sac to induce labor.
:- The perforation, by use of a needle, through the abdominal into obtain a
sample of amniotic fluid for the purpose of fetal genetic or fetal maturity
diagnosis.

Amnion :- The most internal of the fetal membranes containing the water
surround the fetus in utero.

Amniotic fluid embolism:- The blocking of a maternal artery with fluid

forced into it by strong uterine contractions.

Amniotic fluid index:- The sum of the vertical diameters of the largest
amniotic fluid pocket in each of the four quadrants of the maternal
abdomen.

Amniotic fluid:- The clear liquid that is 98% water contained in the
amnion. This fluid provides protection to the fetus, keeps the temperature
constant, and provides some nourishment to the fetus.

Android pelvis:- One of the four main types of female pelvis, generally
characterized as resembling the pelvis of a male and having a wedge-
shaped inlet and narrow anterior segment.

Anencephaly - A congenital deformity characterized by complete or

partial absence of the newborn's brain and the skull overlying the brain.

Anovulation:- Failure of the ovaries to release or produce mature eggs.

Antepartal:- The period from conception to the onset of labor; prenatal.

Anterior fontanel:- The dimond shaped space between the frontal and two
parietal bones in very young infants.

Anthropoid pelvis:- One of the four main types of femal pelvis, generally
characterized by a long anterio -posterior diameter of the inlet.

Apgar scoring system:- A system for appraising the condition of a

newborn on the basis of heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex
irritability, and color. The maximum score is 10. The evaluation is donc
at 10 minutes if the neonate is unstable.

Appropriate for gestational age:- The weight and size of the

fetus/newborn is within the range for his/her gestational age.
Areola:- The ring of pigment surrounding the nipple.

Artificial insemination:- The introduction of semen into the cervical os or

uterus.

Asynditism:- An oblique presentation of the fetal head in labor. Attitude:-

In obstetrics, the relation of the fetal parts to cach other in the uterus.

Azoospermia:- The absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculation.

Curettage:- The removal of substances from the wall of a cavity,

especially the uterine cavity, with a spoon shaped instrument called a
curret.

Decidua basalis:- The part lying directly under the embedded ovum that
form the maternal component of the placenta.

Decidua capsularis:- The portion that over lies the ovum, separating it
from the rest of the uterine cavity.

Decidua:- The structure of thickened endometrium that develops alter

conception and, except for the deepest layer, sheds during child birth.

Destructive operation :- Operative procedures done to reduce the size of

head, trunk, and shoulder, girdle of the dead fetus to allow its vaginal
delivery.

Diagonal conjugate measurement:- The chief internal pelvic measurement

made to determine the actual diameter of the pelvic passage. It is the
distance between the sacral promontory and the lower margin of the
symphysis pubis.

Diameters of pelvis:- Measurements used as a criteria to assess the

adequacy of pelvis to accommodate the fetus.

Diaphoresis:- In obstetrics it is part of the reversal of water metabolism,

in which excess fluid accumulated during pregnancy is eliminated.

Diaphrgm:- A dome-shaped rubber contraceptive device that is inserted

into the vagina and covers the anterior wall and cervix to act like a cap.

Diastasis:- Seperation of the abdominal recti muscles. Which may occur

during pregnancy, due to strechting of the abdominal wall.
Dilatation and evacuation:- A surgical procedure done in hospital at 12
weeks of pregnancy. In this procedure the cervical canal is enlarged with
insertion of a series of metal catheter and through suction the concepts is
evacuated.

Dilatation of cervix:- Due to strong contractions and retractions of the

uterine musculature, the cervix facilitates dilatation effacement of the
uterus.

Di-zygote:- When twins originate from two fertilized eggs/zygotes.

Dysmenorrhea:- Painful menstruation.

Dyspareunia:- Painful interfere with the normal progress of labor.

Dystocia:- Difficult, slow, or painful birth or delivery, it is distinguished

as maternal or fetal.

Echinocytes:- Contracted red blood cells with spiny projections, also

know s burr cells.

Edema:- Abnormal swelling due to large amounts of fluid on the tissues.

Effacement:- Obliteration in obstetrics refers to thinning and shortening
of the cervical canal.

Elderly Primi:- When a women becomes pregnant for the first time after
the age of 34.

Elective fetal monitor:-A system for monitoring fetal heart rate and
uterine activity by electrically operated instruments.

Embryo:- The product of conception in utero from the second though the
eight week gestation.

Embryo toxins:- Substances that kill or alter the embryo.

Emergency contraception:- A method of contraception that can be used to

prevent conception in the first few days of sexual intercourse.

Endometriosis:- Pathologic condition in which endometrial tissue is

present on the pelvic peritoneum, contribution to infertility
Endometritis:-Inflammatory condition of inner lining of the uterus
(endometrium).

Endorphin:- An opiate like substance naturally produced by the body.

Alpha fetoprotein test:- A blood test performed during pregnancy to

assess the fetal condition

Amenorrhea:- Absence or suppression of the menstrual discharge.

Amniocentesiswal that amniotic Amniotomy :- The artificial rupture of
the amniotic sac to induce labor.

:- The perforation, by use of a needle, through the abdominal into obtain a

sample of amniotic fluid for the purpose of fetal genetic or fetal maturity
diagnosis.

Amnion :- The most internal of the fetal membranes containing the water
surround the fetus in utero.

Amniotic fluid embolism:- The blocking of a maternal artery with fluid

forced into it by strong uterine contractions.

Amniotic fluid index:- The sum of the vertical diameters of the largest
amniotic fluid pocket in each of the four quadrants of the maternal
abdomen.

Amniotic fluid:- The clear liquid that is 98% water contained in the
amnion. This fluid provides protection to the fetus, keeps the temperature
constant, and provides some nourishment to the fetus.

Android pelvis:- One of the four main types of female pelvis, generally
characterized as resembling the pelvis of a male and having a wedge-
shaped inlet and narrow anterior segment.

Anencephaly - A congenital deformity characterized by complete or

partial absence of the newborn's brain and the skull overlying the brain.

Anovulation:- Failure of the ovaries to release or produce mature eggs.

Antepartal:- The period from conception to the onset of labor; prenatal.

Anterior fontanel:- The dimond shaped space between the frontal and two
parietal bones in very young infants.
Caput succedaneum:- An edematous swelling that sometimes appears on
the presenting part the fetal head during labor.

Cardinal movements:- Positional changes that helps the fetus meet

minimal resistance as it passess through the birth canal. These
movements include descent, flexion, internal rotation, extension, external
rotation, and expulsion.

Cephalic presentation:- presentation of any part of the fetal head in labor.

cephalic presentations are categorized into groups according to the
relation of the fetus, head to it body.

Cephalopelvic disproportion:- A condition in which the fetal head is

disproportionately large for passage through the maternal pelvis.

Cervicalcap:- A barrier method of contraception having a 1 1/410 /2

natural soft rubber dome with a flexible rim, which fits snugly over the
cervix and is held in place by suction between its rim and the base of the
cervix.

Cervicsl dilatation:- Enlargement of the cervical os from an orifice of few

millimeters in size to an aperature large enough to permit the passage of
the fetus

. of Chorio carcinoma:- A malignant sequel of a hydatidiform mole.

Cervical ripening:- The maturational process of softening and effacement

the cervix.

Ceasarean delivery:- Delivery of the fetus by an incision through the

abdominal and uterine walls.

Chadwick's sign:- The blue purple color on the mucous membrane of the
vagina just below the urethral orifice, caused by increased vascularity.

Chorio amnionitis:- An intrauterine infection of the fetal membranes and

amniotic fluid.

Chorion:- The outer most membrane of the growing zygote, or fertilized

ovum, that serves as a protective and nutritive covering.
Biophysical profile:- An antenatal ultrasound evaluation of fetal well-
being. It includes nonstress test test and amniotic Nuid index.
Biparietal diameter:- A maximum distance between the two fetal parietal
bones.

Bipolar disorders:- A mental condition in which the individual

demonstrates mania and depression

Birth trouma:- The physical injury that occurs during labor and delivery.

Blastocyst:- the inner solid mass of cell within the fertilized ovum that
develop into the embryo and embryonic membranes.

Braxtonhicks contractions:- Uterine contractions, that enlarge the uterus

to accomdate the growing fetus. During the third trimester, they are felt as
a painless hardening or tightening of the uterus, they can become painful
and are often difficult to differentiate from labor.

Breech presentation:- Fetal position in which the feet or buttocks are the
presenting part.

Broad ligament:- Fibrous sheath covered by peritoneum extending from

each side of the uterus to the lateral wall of the pelvis.

Brow presentation:- fetal position in which the largest diameter of the

fetal head, the occipitometal, presents at the pelvic inlet.

Calender method:- The use of a menstrual calendar based on calculations

of an eight -month of menstruation pattern to determine periods of
fertility.

Cancer cervix:- A continuous single disease process progressing

gradually from mild to sever degree of intra epithelial neoplasia.

Capacitation:- The process by which a spermatozoon is conditional to

fertilize an ovum after it is exposed to the female reproductive system.

C
Ballotment:- A term used in examination when the fetus can be pushed
about in the pregnant uterus.

Bartholin's glands:- glands situated one on each side of the vaginal canal
opening into the grove between the hymen and labiaminora.
Battledore placenta:- A placenta a characterized by a cord inserted at the
placental margin rather than in the center of the placenta as normal
insertion.

Bearing down:- reflex effort by the mother to help with the uterine
contractions.

Bifidus factor:- A growth enhance of lactobacilli found in the milk of

women but not in the mammalian species.

Bimanual palpation:- Examination of the pelvic organ of a woman by

placing one hand on the abdomen and the ſingers of the othet in the
vagina.

Engagement:- In clinical obstetrics, applies into the superior pelvic strait

and the beginning of the descent through the pelvic canal.

Edipural Space:- The outer convering of the dura, spinal fluid and cord, it
is filler with segments of nerve roots from the spinal cord fatty tissue, and
an intricate networking of blood vessels, it is surrounded by a series of
protective and supportive ligaments and the bony vertebral column.

Episiotomy:- Surgical incision of the vulvar orifice for obstetric purposes.

Eispadias:- A congenital anomaly in which the urethral meatus is located

on the dorsal surface of the penis.

Erb's palsy:- The upper arm type of brachial birth palsy, due to damage to
the upper plexus.

Escherichia coli:- A short, rod-shaped genus of gram-negative bacteria

found in the large intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals, which
often causes urinary tract infections, diarrhea and other infections,
commonly referred to as E.coli.

Esophageal atresia:- A congenital defect in which the esophagus closes

abnormally and ends in a blind pouch rather than a continuous tube to the
stomach. It is characterized by excessive drooling, gagging, coughing,
vomiting when fed, cyanosis, and dyspnea.

Essential amino acid:- Indispensable amino acids that cannot be

synthesized by human body and can be supplemented by diet only.
Essential intervention:- They are mandatory practices by healthcare
professionals for the mother and newborn to maintain their good health
and prevent morbidity and mortality.

Essential newborn card:- A set of basic preventive care measures given to

new borns to ensure their survival.

Estradiol:- An estrogen produced in ovarian follicles, it inhibits the

release of follicle-stimulating hormones prior to ovulation.

Estrogen:- A steroid hormone produced primarily by the ovaries but also

by the adrenal cortex, it is responsible for the development of secondary
sex characteristics and the cyclic nature of female reproductive
physiology.

Ethnocentrism:- The practice of judging different cultural beliefs or

practices by standards from one's own culture.

Euglycemia:- Blood glucose levels as near the normal range as possible.

Evisceration:- A destructive operation done on dead fetus in which the

fetal abdomen or thorax is incised with embryotomy scissors and the
visceral contents are evacuated.

Exophthalmos:- Abnormal protrusion of the eye.

Expected date of delivery (EDD):- The calculated date for the birth of the
fetus, which is usually based on the last menstrual period.

Extension:- Movement of the fetal head as it approaches the pelvic floor

to allow for delivery of the head, face, and chin.

External genitalia:- Organs which help in reproduction and are seen

outside the perineum.

External rotation:- In childbirth, a change in the position of the fetus

following the birth of the head during which the shoulders are born.

Face Presentation:- A less common head presentation in which the fetal

face (chin) enters the pelvic inlet first.

Failure of descent:- Absence of descent during the first stage,

deceleration phase, or second stage of labor.
Failure to progress:- The cessation of labor due to the inability of the
cervix to dilate normally. This occurs when the rate of progress in active
labor falls below the Friedman curve, but there is normal uterine activity
and no CPD.

Falls Labor:- A condition in the latter weeks of some pregnancies in

which irregular uterine contractions are felt but the cervix is not affected.

False pelvis:- The part of the pelvis superior to a plane passing through
the linea terminalis, which supports the uterus during late pregnancy and
directs the fetus into the true pelvis at the proper time.

Family dynamics:- An interaction of family unit with other members of

the family, their values and culture.

Family function:- The actions of the family that produce competent

persons who can survive in a complex ever changing world. These
functions include generating affection, ensuring continuity of
companionship, providing personal security and acceptance, giving
providing social placement and socialization, and instilling controls and a
sense of what is right.

Family planning:- A government program designed to control population,

for the economic development of the country.

Family welfare:- It is the couple's responsibility toward the welfare of its

family members and the freedom to select any contraceptive method for
sizing the family.

Fats:- Type of hydrocarbons usually soluble in organic solvents. They are

energy yielding course of nutrients.

Female Condom:- A prelubricated, polyurethane condom for vaginal use,

which has a closed end covering the cervix and an open end fitting in the
introitus.

Female pelvis:- Anatomical structure in female which holds the female

reproductive organs.

Female reproductive cycle (FRC):- The combination of the menstrual ad

ovarian cycles which makes childbearing possible and influences the
unique qualities and lives of women.
Femur length:- A diagnostic parameter used in determining gestational
age and skeletal dysplasia, whereby the femur is measured from the
origin to the distal end of the shaft.

Fertility awareness:- The development of familiarity with the bodily signs

of impending ovulation and bodily signs after ovulation, which enables a
woman to anticipate her fertile period and its ending.

Fertility rate:- The number of births per 1000 women aged 15 through 44
years. Fetal death:- Death of the fetus that occurs in the uterus prior to
birth.

Fertilization:- The fusion of the spermatozoon with the ovum; it makes

the beginning of pregrenency;

Fetal Activity:- Physical movements of the fetus in uterus. These

movements are monitored by mother, felt by palpation by nurse or
visualized by ultrasonography

Fetal attitude:- The relationship of fetal parts to one another, eg, in vertex
presentation, the fetal head is flexed to the chin and lies over the fetal
chest, it is called flexion attitude of the fetus.

Fetal cell isolation:- A method of detecting fetal chromosomal

abnormalities by evaluating various fetal cells that cross the placenta and
circulate in the maternal blood.

Fetal development:- Anatomical and physiological changes in the fetus

occur in the uterus throughout pregnancy.

Fetal distress:- A condition of fetal difficulty in utero that can occur

during either the antenatal or the intrapartum period. Signs re fetal
tachycardia, decrease in variability, and repetitive late or serve variable
decelerations.

Fetal heart rate (FAR):- The heart rate of the fetus, normally, it can be
heard about the middle of pregnancy and usually ranges between 120-160
beats per minute.

Fetal lie:- The relationship of the long axis (spine) of the fetus to the long
axis of the mother.
Fetal:- Pertaining to a fetus.

Fetal position:- it is the position adopted by the fetus in uterus. The

normal position adopted by the fetus is characterized by curved back,
flexed head and bent limbs drawn to abdomen.

Fetal skull:- Bony frame work of the fetal head consisting of cranium and
facial bones.

Fetus:- In humans, the product of conception from the end of the eighth
week to the moment of birth.

Fibroid uterus:- A noncancerous tumor of the uterus.

First stage of labor:- The dilating stage that begins with the onset of
regular labor contractions and ends with the complete dilatation of the
cervix.

Flexion:- In the mechanism of labor, when the fetal head descends, the
fetus adopts an attitude in which the head flexes and chin touches the
chest of the fetus, this is called flexion of fetal head.

Folic acid:- One of the vitamins of the B complex that is essential for
growth and necessary to the proper formation of blood in the body. Folic
acid is particularly important to the development of thee fetus.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH):- A gonadotropic hormone secreted

by the anterior pituitary, which stimulates the development of graafian
follicles.

Fontanels:- Intersections of sutures found on the upper part of the canium.

Food additives :- Preservative substances added to food to enhance
flavor, taste, and appearance

Food fads:- Combination of individual's life styles, trends and liking

towards a food for a period of time.

Forceps:- Two-bladed instrument with a handle for compressing, rotating

and performing traction to deliver the baby.

Fornix of the vagina:- The arched or vaulted surface of the vaginal

mucous membrane onto the cervix uteri.
Frequency:- The number of times a process repcats within a certain
period of time. In labor and delivery, the time between the beginning of
one contraction to the beginning of the next.

Fundal dominance:- During labor, contraction occurs in great intensity at

the fundus of the uterus and diminishes towards mid and lower parts of
the uterus.

Fundal height:- The measurement of the fundal position in relation to the

umbilicus in order to determine the length of the fetus or uterine status.

Fundus:- The upper rounded portion of the uterus between the insertion
points of the fallopian tubes.

Galactorrhea:- Lactation after cessation of breast-feeding.

Galactosemia:- An inherited autosomal recessive disease and an inborn

error of galactose metabolism caused by a lack of the enzyme necessary
for proper metabolism of galactose.

Gamate:- A sexual cell; a mature germ cell, as an unfertilized egg or

mature sperm cell.

Gastroschisis:- An abdominal wall defect in which abdominal organs are

not contained by peritoneal membranes but spill from the abdomen
freely.

Genetic anomaly:- A marked deviation from the expected standard as a

resuh of an inherited defect.

Genetic counseling:- A procedure of counseling with regards to genes

affecting reproduction

Genetics:- The science of heredity.

Genital herpes:- A viral skin disease of the genitals marked by groups of

vesicles 3mm to 6 mm in diameter.

Genotype:- An individual's entire genetic composition. Gestational age:

The number of weeks the neonate remains in utero. Gestational diabetes:-
Diabetes initially diagnosed during pregnancy, due to glucose intolerance.
Glycosuria:- The presence of glucose (sugar) in the urine.
Gonadotropin:- A substance produced by the anterior pituitary and
placenta that has an affinity for or a stimulating effect on the gonads.

Gonorrhea:- A disease that is caused b Neisseria gonorrhea,spread by

sexual contact, and affects the mucosa of the genital tract. The disease
may be asymptomatic in women, except for a vaginal discharge. It can
produce puerperal infection if present in the cervix at the time of delivery.
The infection can infect the infant's eyes at birth.

Grasp reflex:- The reflex present at birth in an infant's hands and feet
causing the fingers and toes to curl around and object touching them.

Growth:- Increase in size, involving cell division and elaboration of cell

products.

Gynecologic age:- Number of years past onset of menarche.

Habituation:- The decreased response to a repeated stimulus.

"si

HELLP syndrome:- Hypertension during pregnancy characterized by

symptoms of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.

Hepatitis:- Inflammation of the liver.

Heterozygous:- Having dissimilar genes at a specific locus. that

Hypochromic:- Insufficient hemoglobin in the erythrocyte

Histoplasmosis - A systemic respiratory disease caused by Histoplasma

Capsulatum, a genus of parasitic fungi

Homologous:- Corresponding in structure or origin but not necessarily in

function; derived from the same source.

Human papilloma virus :- A virus belonging to the papilloma virus family

is responsible for causing infection in skin and mucous membrane.

Human sexuality:- Characteristics of an individual in relation to sexual

attitude and behavior

Hydrocephalus:- An excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the

ventricles of the brain with subsequent enlargement of the cranium.
Hypomenorrhea:- Short, seant menstrual flow.

Hysterectomy:- The abdominal or vaginal surgical removal of all or a

portion of the uterus.

Inborn errors of metabolism:- Hereditary deficiency of specific enzymes

needed for normal metabolism of specific chemicals.

Incomplete abortion:- An abortion in which some but not all the products
of conception are passed

Increment:- That by which anything is increased, In obstetrics, a period

when the intensity of a contraction increases.

Induced abortion:- An abortion that is produced artificially and

intentionally.

Laceration:- irregular tear of wound tissue; in obstetrics, it usually refers

to a tear in the perineum, vagina, or cervix caused by childbirth.

Lactation:- Function of secrcting milk, or period during which milk is

secreted. Lactase:- Enzyme necessary for the digestion of lactose.
Lactation:- Function of secreting milk, or period during which milk is
secreted. bones, and forming the base of the triangular posterior
fontanelle.

Lactogenic:- Stimulating the production of milk.

Lactogenic hormone :- Gonadotropin produced by anterior pituitary and

responsible for promoting growth of breast tissue and lactation; prolactin;
luteotropin.

Lactosuria : - Presence of lactose in the urine during late pregnancy and

during lactation. Must be differentiated from glycosuria.

Lamaze method - method of psychophysical preparation for childbirth

developed in the 1950s by by a French obstetrician, Fernand Lamaxe. It
requires classes, practice at home, and coaching during labor and birth.

Lambdoid :- Having the shape of the Greek letter lambda.

Lambdoid suture :- Suture line extending across the posterior third of the
skull, separating the occipital bone from the two from two parietal

Lanugo :-Downy, fine hair characteristic of the fetus between 20 weeks'

gestation and birth that is most noticeable over the shoulder, forhead, and
cheeks but is found on nearly all parts of the body except the palms of the
hands soles of the feet, and the scalp.

Laparoscopy:- Examination of the interior of the abdomen by inserting a

small telescope through the anterior abdominal wall.

Large for dates:- Exhibiting excessive growth for gestational age.

Induction:- Artificial initiation of labor after the fetus is viable.

Internal rotation :- The process in the delivery of a baby in which the fetal
head is rotated so that is enters the pelvis in the, transverse position and
exits in the anteroposterior position.

Inverted nipple:- A nipple that recedes rather than becoming erect when
gentle pressure is used to compress the area behind the nipple.

Jaquemier 'sign: During pregnancy because of increased vascularity

results in a violet bluish color of the vaginal mucosa and cervix. The
deepened color ,termed Chadwick's sign or Jaquemier's sign.

Jethydroterapy: - Use of warm water under pressure to relax muscles and

promote comfort.

Kahn test:- Precipitation test for flocculation test for the diagnosis of
Syphilis.

Karyotype:- Schematic arrangement of the chromosomes with in a cell to

demonstrate their numbers and morphology.

Kegel exercises: - Exercises to strengthen the pubo coccygeal muscles.

Kernicterus: - Bilirubin encephalopathy involving the deposit of

unconjugated bilirubin in brain cells, resulting in death or impaired
intellectual, perceptive, or motor function, and adaptive behavior.

Klumpke's palsy- Atrophic paralysis of forearm.

Labor:- Series of processes by which the fetus is expelled from the uterus;
parturition; child birth.

Labor-delivery-recovery-room (LDR): Unit in which a woman labors,

gives birth, and recovers during the fourth stage of labor.

Labor-delivery-recovery-postpartum room (LDRP): An LDR in which a

woman continues to stay after recovery until discharge home.

Learned helplessness: Belief that one is powerless and unable to act

independently, the result of socialization.

Lecithin/ Lecithin - A phospholipid sphingomyelin ration:- Ratio of

lecithin to sphingomyelin in the amniotic fluid. This is used to assess
maturity of the fetal lung

Leopold's maneuver: - Four mancuvers for diagnosing the fetal position

by external palpation of the mother's abdomen.

Let-down reflex: - Oxytocin-induced flow of milk from the alveoli of the

breasts into the milk ducts.

Leukorrhea:- White or yellowish mucous discharge from the cervical

canal.

Libido: Sexual drive.

Lie:- Relationship existing between the long axis of the fetus and the long
axis of the mother.

Ligation:- Act of suturing, sweing, of otherwise tying shut.

Ligation of tubes :- Abdominal operation in which the fallopian tubes are

tied off and a section is removed to interrupt tubal continuity and thus
sterilize the woman.

Lightening :- Sensation decreased abdominal distention produced by

uterine descent into the pelvic cavity as the fetal presenting part settles
into the pelvis.

Linea nigra :- line of darker pigmentation seen in some women during the
latter part of pregnancy that appears over the midline of the abdomen and
extends from the symphysis pubis towards the umbilicus.
Linea terminalis:-Line dividing the upper (false) pelvis from the lower
(true) pelvis.

Lithotomy position:- Position in which the woman lies on her back with
her knees flexed and abducted thighs drawn up toward her chest.

Live birth :- Bithr in which the nconate, regardless of gestational age,

manifests any hear beat, breathes, or displays voluntary movement.

Lochia :- Vaginal discharge during the puerperium, consisting of blood,

tissue, and mucus.

Lochia alba: - Thin, yellowish to white, vaginal discharge that follows

lochia serosa on about the tenth postpartum day and that may last from
the end of the third to the sixth postpartum weck.

Lochia rubra :- Red, distinctly blood-ringed vaginal flow that follows

birth and lasts 2 to 4 days.

Lochia serosa :- Serous, pinkish brown, watery vaginal discharge that

follows lochia rubra until about the tenth postpartum day.

Lumpectomy :- Excision of a breast lump, usually followed by radiation

and chemotherapy

Lunar month :- four weeks (28 days)

. Lutein:- Yellow pigment derived from the corpus luteum, egg yolk, and
fat cells.

Lutein cells:- Ovarian cells involved in the formation of the corpus

luteum and that contain a yellow pigment.

Luteinizing hormone(LH):- Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary

that stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Luteotropin (LTH) :-Lactogenic hormone; prolactin; an

adenohypophyseal hormone

Lymphederma :- Collection of excessive fluid in tissue when lymph

nodes or vessels have been removed.
Lysis of adhesions:- Operation to free adhesions (hands of scar tissue)
that have caused organs to be abnormally drawn or lied to cach other.

Meconium :- First stools of infant viscid, sticky; dark greenish brown,

almost black; sterile; odorlesss.

Meiosis:- Process by which germ cells divide and and decrease their
chromosomal number by one half.

Melia :- Pertaining to a limb or part of a limb or extremity, as in Amelia

(absence of a limb) or phocomelia (absence of part of arms or legs).

Membrane:- Thin, pliable layer of tissue that lines a cavity or tube,

separates structures, or covers an organ or structure; in obstertrics, the
amnion and chorion surrounding the fetus.

Menarche :- Onset, or beginning, of menstrual function. Menorrhagia:-

Abnormally profuse of excessive menstrual flow. Mentum :- Chin, a fetal
reference point in designating position. Metritis :- Infammation of the
endometrium and myometrium.

Meningomylocele :- Saclike protrusion of the spinal cord through

congenital defect in the vertebral column.

Menopause:- From the Greek words men (month), pausis (to stop), the
actual permanent cessation of menstrual cycles.

Menses :- Periodic vaginal discharge of bloody fluid from the

nonpregnant uterus that occurs from the age of puberty to menopause.

Metrorrhagia:- Abnormal bleeding from the uterus, particularly when it

occurs at any time other than the menstrual period.

Microcephaly :- Congenital anomaly characterized by abnormal

smallness of the head in relation to the rest of the body and by
underdevelopment of the brain, resulting in some degree of mental
retardation.

Micrognathia:- Abnormal smallness of mandible or chin.

Lysozyme:- Enzyme with antiseptic qualities that destroys foreign

organisme and taat is found in blood cells of the granulocytic and
monocytic series and is alus normally drawn or tied to each other.
Maceration: Process of softening a solid by soaking it in a fluid.

Macroglossia: Ilypertrophy of tongue or tongue large for oral cavity, seen

in some preterm neonates and in neonates with down syndrome.

Macrophage: - Any phagocytic cell of the reticuloendothial system,

including kupffer cell in the liver, splenocyte in the spleen, and histocyte
in the loose connective tissue

Macrosomia: - Large body size as seen in neonates of diabetic or

prediabetic mothers; macrosomatia.

Malpractice: - Professional negligence that is the proximate cause of

injury or harm to a client.

Mammograpby: – X-ray examination technique used to screen for and

evaluate breast lesions.

Manic depressive psychosis:- Major affective disorder characterized by

episodes of mania and depression.

Mastalgia:- Breast sorenesss or tenderness.

Mastectomy :- Excision, or removal of the mammary gland. Mastitis: -

Inflammation of mammary tissue of the breasts.

Maturation:- Process of attaining maximum development. Maturational

crisis:- Crisis that arises during normal growth and development.

Meatus : - Opening from an internal structure to the outside. (e.g.,

urethral meatus)

Midwife : - One who practices the art of helping and aiding a woman to
give birth.

Misogyny:- Hatred of women.

Moniliasis:- Infection of the skin or mucous membrane by a yeastlike

fungus, Candida albicanns.

Monitrice:- One trained in psychoprophylactic methods and in supporting

womon during labor.
Monozygotic:- Originating or coming from a single fertilized ovum, such
as identical twin.

Mortality:- Quality or state of being subject to death.

Morula: - Developmental stage of the fertilized ovum in which there is a

solid mass of cells resembling a mulberry.

Mourning - Expressions and behaviors of grief.

Multigravida :- Woman who has been pregnant two or more times.

Multipara :- Woman who has carried two or more pregnancies to viability

whether they ended in live infants or still births.

Mutation:- Changes in a gene or chromosome in gametes that may be

transmitted to offspring.

Natal :- Relating or pertaining to birth.

Navel:- Depression in the center of the abdomen, where the umbilical

cord was attached to the fetus; umbilicus.

Neonatology:- Study of the neonate.

Live birth :- Bithr in which the nconate, regardless of gestational age,

manifests any hear beat, breathes, or displays voluntary movement.

Lochia :- Vaginal discharge during the puerperium, consisting of blood,

tissue, and mucus.

Lochia alba: - Thin, yellowish to white, vaginal discharge that follows

lochia serosa on about the tenth postpartum day and that may last from
the end of the third to the sixth postpartum weck.

Lochia rubra :- Red, distinctly blood-ringed vaginal flow that follows

birth and lasts 2 to 4 days.

Lochia serosa :- Serous, pinkish brown, watery vaginal discharge that

follows lochia rubra until about the tenth postpartum day.
Lumpectomy :- Excision of a breast lump, usually followed by radiation
and chemotherapy

Lunar month :- four weeks (28 days)

. Lutein:- Yellow pigment derived from the corpus luteum, egg yolk, and
fat cells.

Lutein cells:- Ovarian cells involved in the formation of the corpus

luteum and that contain a yellow pigment.

Luteinizing hormone(LH):- Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary

that stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum.

Luteotropin (LTH) :-Lactogenic hormone; prolactin; an

adenohypophyseal hormone

Lymphederma :- Collection of excessive fluid in tissue when lymph

nodes or vessels have been removed.

Lysis of adhesions:- Operation to free adhesions (hands of scar tissue)

that have caused organs to be abnormally drawn or lied to cach other.

Neo-plasia:- Growth of new tissue; tumor that serves no physiologic

function; maybe benign or malignant.

Neural tube :- Tube formed from fusion of the neural folds from which
develops the brain and spinal cord.

Neutral temperature range:- That grouping of environmental conditions in

which the neonate's oxygen consumption is at a minimum and
temperature is within normal limits.

Nidation:- Implantation of the fertilized ovum in the endometrium, or

lining, of the uterus.

Non stress test (NST): - Evaluation of fetal response (fetal heart rate) 10
natural contractile uterine activity or to an increase in fetal activity.

Nosocomial :- Pertaining to a hospital.

Nulligravida:- Woman who has never been pregnant.

Nulli-para:- Woman who has not yet carried a pregnancy to viability.

Nurse practitioner:- Registered nurse who has additional education to

practice nursing in an expanded role.

Obstetrics:- Midwife; from obstare, to stand before.

Oliguria:- Diminished secretion of urine by the kidneys.

Omphalic:- Concerning or pertaining to the Umbilicus.

Omphalitis:- Inflammation of the umbilical stump.

Oxytocin:- Hormone produced by the posterior pituitary gland that

stimulates uterine contractions and the release of milk on the mammary
gland. Pelvis:- The lower part of the body bounded by the two hip bones,
the sacrum, and the coccyx.

Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS a sample of clood from

theumbilical cord inside the placenta to study developments of various
fetal biologic parameters.

):- A method of obtaining

Perimenopause:- The period beginning from irregular fertility and menses

through at least 1 year after permanent cessation.

Perinatal mortality:- Refers to the rate of both fetal and neonatal deaths.

Perinatal:- Pertaining to the time before and after birth; conception

through the 28th day of life.

defined as beginning at

Pernium:- The muscle and fascia between the vagina and the rectum.

Period of reactivity:- A phase in which the newborn exhibits outbursts of

diffuse, purposeless movements that alternate with periods of relative

immobility in a quiet alert state.

Periodic breathing:- Normal pauses, lasting up to 20 seconds, in the

newborn's respiration
Peritoneum:- A strong serous membrane investing the inner surface of the
abdominal walls and the viscera of the abdomen

Peritonitis:- A major life-threatening infection of the peritoneum.

Oogenesis:- Formation and development of the ovum.

Oophorecromy:- Excision or removal of an ovary.

Operculum:- Plug of mucus that fills the cervical canal during pregnancy.

Opisthatonos:- Tetanic spasm resulting in an arched, hyperextended

position of the body

Orchitis:- Inflammation of one or both of the testes.

Orgasmic platform :- Congestion of the lower vagina during sexual

intercourse.

Orifice:- Normal mouth, or opening.

Ossification:- Mineralization of fetal bones.

Otomy:- Combining form meaning cutting,

incision, section.

Outlet:- Opening by which something can exit.

Ovary:- One of two glands in the female situated on either side of the
pelvic cavity that produce the female reproductive cell, the ovum, and
two known hormones, eastrogen and progesterone.

Ovulation - Periodic ripening and discharge of the un-impregnated ovum

from the ovary, usually 14 days before the onset of menstrual flow.

Ovum:- Female germ, or reproductive cell, produced by the ovary: egg.

Progression of labor:- Regular, frequent, rhythmic contraction of the

uterus which leads to spontaneous dilatation of cervix and effacement to
make possible For the spontaneous descent of the fetus that results in
vaginal delivery.
Prolactin:- A proteohormone from the anterior pituitary that stimulates
lactation in the mammary glands.

Prolapse of umbilical cord:- Delivery of the umbilical cord in labor prior

to the delivery of the fetus.

Proliferative phase:- The phase of the menstrual cycle that occurs just
after menstruation when the endometrium is growing or proliferating.
Also called the follicular or estrogenic phase.

Prolonged deceleration:- A drop in the FHR that is outside the normal

generally a decrease of 30 beats/min below the fetus normal baseline, for
up to 10 minutes.

Prolonged labor:- When labor prolongs for more than 24 hours. It is due
to the prolonged latent phase, ie, more than 20 hours in primi mothers and
more than 14 hours in multi mothers.

Prostate gland:- A gland in the male that surrounds the neck of the
bladder .

and urethra

Proteins:- Large biological molecules consists of one of more chains of

amino acids. They are body building source of nutrients.

Protracted active phase dilation:- A slower than normal rate of cervical

dilation.

range,

Preterm birth:- The termination of pregnancy spontaneously or

therapeutically, after the fetus is viable but before the end of 37 weeks
generation.

Preterm labor:- Laborthat occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Prickly heat:- A closely grouped, pin-head size rash of papules and

vesicles most often on the face and neck caused by the blockage of sweat
pores.

Primary infertility:- Couples unable to conceive or have children despite

having unprotected sex for one year after marriage.
Primary prevention:- Prevention of disease or high-risk situations through
health promotion efforts, such as education and immunization.

Primigravida:- A woman who is pregnant for the first time.

Primordial follicle:- The whole structure of the ovum and surrounding

cells in its underdeveloped state at birth.

Probable signs of pregnancy:- Signs strongly suggesting that the

likelihood of pregnancy is great. These include enlargement of the
abdomen, changes in the size, shape, and consistency of the uterus, fetal
outline felt by palpation, Hicks contractions, and a positive

ballottement, changes in the cervix, Braxton pregnancy test.

Progesterone:- The pure hormone contained in the corpus luteum whose

function is to prepare the endometrium for the reception and development
of the fertilized ovum.

insomnia, headache, pain in the breasts, abdominal distention, nausea,

anorexia, constipation, emotional instability, and urinary frequency.

Premonitory signs:- Symptoms experienced before the onset of labor that

warn of the forthcoming event.

Prenatal screening:- The testing procedure done in the antenatal period

for detecting defects or abnormalities in embryo or fetus before it is born.

Prepared childbirth:- The methods by which presents or patterns actively

participate in childbirth. Some approaches include the concepts and
techniques of Dick-Read. Lamaze, and Bradley.Also called natural
childbirth.

Prescription drugs:- Drugs that are available only by written instruction

and prescription from an authorized physician.

Present obstetrical history:- The history of the mother, which includes

current history of pregnancy, complaints, investigation done and
treatment taken/taking.
Presentation:- Term used to designate that part of the fetus nearest the
internal os, or that part that is felt by the examiner's hand when doing a
vaginal examination.

Presumptive signs of pregnancy:- Signs that suggest but do not prove that
a healthy woman is pregnant. These include menstrual suppression,
nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, tenderness and other changes of
breasts, "quickening," Chadwick's sign, and fatigue.

Protracted descent:- Delayed descent of the fetal head in the active phase
of labor.

Protraction disorders:- Disorders of labor and delivery characterized by

descent.

protracted active phase dilation and protracted

Psychosis:- A condition that effects the mind.

Puberty:- The entire transitional period between childhood and sexual

maturity.

Pubis:- The os pubis or public bone forming the front of the pelvis.

Pudendal Block:- The blocking of neuropathways of pain by injecting a

local anesthetic into the pudendal never. It abolishes pain in the vagina,
perineum, and rectum.

Puerperal infection:- A wound infection of the birth canal after childbirth.

Which sometimes extends to cause phlebitis or peritonitis.

Puerperium:-The period elapsing between the termination of labor and

the return of the reproductive organs to their prepregnant condition, about
6 weeks.

Pulmonary embolism:- Obstruction of the pulmonary artery. This is

caused by a thrombus fragment that usually originates in the uterine of
pelvic vein and is carried by venous circulation to the right side of the
heart.

Pulse oximeter:- A noninvasive method of oxygen monitoring in the

newborn that uses an infrared light source to determine the amount of
saturated oxygen in tissues and red out the client's pulse rate.
 Respiratory acidosis:- A condition secondary to pulmonary insufficiency
in which an increase in hydrogen ion concentration lowers blood pH
below 7.35 and results in retention of carbon dioxide.

Respiratory distress syndrome:- A disease of premature infants

characterized by the formation of a translucent membrane in the
respiratory passages and the incapacity of the lungs to expand adequately.

Resuscitation:- The immediate sequential interventions given to the

newborn to assist for a successful transition from intrauterine life to
extrauterine life so as to enable it to adapt with physiological changes,
and to initiate spontaneous respiration

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP):- An acquired disease of the retina

resulting in eye injury and blindness in the low-birth-weight newborn.

Retraction ring:- A ridge on the uterus marking the physiologic boundary

between the upper, or contracting, segment and the lower, or dilating,
segment of the uterus.

Rh factor:- A term applied to an inherited antigen in the human blood.

Rheumatic heart disease:- Any pathologic condition of the heart resulting

from consequences of rheumatic fever, such as recurrent inflammation
and valvular scarring

Rh-incompatibility:- Rh factor is a red blood cell surface antigen.

Rhincompatibility is a condition that occurs when an Rh-negative mother
is exposed to Rh- positive fetal red blood cell causing development of
Rh-antibodies.

Recurrent abortion:- Three or more consecutive first-trimester

spontaneous losses.

Red reflex:- A reflex of the eye that causes the pupil to appear as a small
redorange circular spot when light is directed at it.

Regional blockade:- The use of local anesthetic to interfere with a group

of sensory nerve fibers.
Relative infertility:- It is also referred to as sub fertility. The mother has a
chance of becoming pregnancy in each month is reduced in case of
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or fibroid uterus.

Relaxation:- State of being relaxed mentally and physically.

Renal function:- It is the excretory function of kidneys where Glomerular

Filtration Rate (GFR) and Creatinine Clearance Rare (CCR) are assessed.

Reproduction:- The total process by which organisms produce offspring.

Reproductive history:- Includes the history of reproductive behavior,

reproductive cycle, sexual behavior and contraceptive methods.

Reproductive wastage:- Loss of the products of conception.

Research utilization:- A complex activity involving planned change, the

transfer of specific research-based knowledge into practice, and the
activity of client problem-solving.

Phelonephritis:- Inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis due to

bacterial infection. In pregnancy, hormonal and anatomic changes cause
narrowing of the lower ureter and dilation of the upper ureter and renal
pelvis, thus increasing the risk of infection.

Quickening:- Perception of first fetal movements by the pregnant woman,

usually at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Rape:- Sexual contact in the absence of consent.

Rape trauma syndrome:- Psychological cri-sis experienced by most

victims of sexual assault, characterized by initial symptoms of confusion
and disorganization of reaction, proceeding through an intermediate
adjustment phase, and concluding with a long-term reorganization
process.

Real-time ultrasonography:- B-mode ultrasonography that relies on

several detectors to reflect echoes from the fetal structures and quickly
provide multiple images in the form of motion.

Reassuring patterns of FHR:- Patterns of FHR that include a normal

baseline rate, accelerations with fetal movement of stimulation, and the
absence of decelerations.
Recommended dietary allowances:- Standards for the daily dietary intake
of

calories and nutrients for the people of the United States set by the
National Research Council.

Rectocele:- The protrusion by hernia of a part of the rectum into the

vagina, caused by disruption of the recto-vaginal fascia during childbirth.

Recurrent abortion:- Three or more consecutive first-trimester

spontaneous losses.

Red reflex:- A reflex of the eye that causes the pupil to appear as a small
redorange circular spot when light is directed at it.

Regional blockade:- The use of local anesthetic to interfere with a group

of sensory nerve fibers.

Relative infertility:- It is also referred to as sub fertility. The mother has a

chance of becoming pregnancy in each month is reduced in case of
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or fibroid uterus.

Relaxation:- State of being relaxed mentally and physically.

Renal function:- It is the excretory function of kidneys where Glomerular

Filtration Rate (GFR) and Creatinine Clearance Rare (CCR) are assessed.

Reproduction:- The total process by which organisms produce offspring.

Reproductive history:- Includes the history of reproductive behavior,

reproductive cycle, sexual behavior and contraceptive methods.

Reproductive wastage:- Loss of the products of conception.

Research utilization:- A complex activity involving planned change, the

transfer of specific research-based knowledge into practice, and the
activity of client problem-solving.

Phelonephritis:- Inflammation of the kidney and renal pelvis due to

bacterial infection. In pregnancy, hormonal and anatomic changes cause
narrowing of the lower ureter and dilation of the upper ureter and renal
pelvis, thus increasing the risk of infection.
Quickening:- Perception of first fetal movements by the pregnant woman,
usually at 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Rape:- Sexual contact in the absence of consent.

Rape trauma syndrome:- Psychological cri-sis experienced by most

victims of sexual assault, characterized by initial symptoms of confusion
and disorganization of reaction, proceeding through an intermediate
adjustment phase, and concluding with a long-term reorganization
process.

Real-time ultrasonography:- B-mode ultrasonography that relies on

several detectors to reflect echoes from the fetal structures and quickly
provide multiple images in the form of motion.

Reassuring patterns of FHR:- Patterns of FHR that include a normal

baseline rate, accelerations with fetal movement of stimulation, and the
absence of decelerations.

Recommended dietary allowances:- Standards for the daily dietary intake

of

calories and nutrients for the people of the United States set by the
National Research Council.

Rectocele:- The protrusion by hernia of a part of the rectum into the

vagina, caused by disruption of the recto-vaginal fascia during childbirth.

Rho-GAMA:- preparation of anti-Rh antibodies administered by injection

sensitized Rh-negative women following childbirth or abortion, to
prevent the development of endogenous antibodies that could later lead to
erythroblastosisfetalis (Rh disease of the fetus) in a subsequent
pregnancy.

Rhythm method:- A birth control method relying on abstinence from

sexual intercourse before, during, and after the period of time the ovum is
capable of being fertilized.

Risk approach:- A set of operational risk measuring strategies which

intend to mobilize community action.
Role:- Behavior that reflects the goals, values, and sentiments operating
in a certain situation.

Role allocation:- The assignment of roles to family members based on the

role structure of the family.

Role conflict:- Tension of interruption in role relations; Also referred to

as role strain.

Role differentiation:- Structuring and delineating a role; the association of

certain behaviors with each role.

Role identity:- The attitude and behavior that are consistent with the
particular acı played by the individual.

The act of giving specificinstructions regarding a certain facet

Role modeling:- of behavior and providing examples of desired behavior

to assist with the socialization of an individual.

to un

Valsalva’s maneuver:- Bearing down efforts accompanied by long and

sustained pushes without audible sounds.

Variation in pelvis shape:- Anatomical changes in the shape and size of

the pelvis occur due to morphological factors.

Vasectomy:- The surgical interruption and ligation of the vas deferens ,

the spermatic duct, to prevent sperm from being in the cjaculate.

Velamentous placenta:- Abnormality of the umbilical cord in which the

blood vessels course unprotected for long distances through the
membranes to insert into the margin of the placenta.

Vernix caseosa:- "Cheesy varnish" the layer of fatty matter that covers
the skin of the fetus.

Version:- An obstetrical procedure, where the fetus is turned to feet or

head towards the cervix from a transverse lie. It is done by internal and
external methods.
Very low birth weight:- Babies who are born weighing less than
1500gms. the

Vestible of vagina:- a triangular space between the attachments lines of

the labia minora; the urinary meatus and the vagina open into it.

Viability:- The capacity of the fetus to live outside the uterus at the
earliest gestational age.

Vulva:- The external genitals of the female.

Vulval hematoma:- Collection of blood in the vulval region due to injury

to blood vessels, without damage skin, usually after delivery.

Whartone's jelly:- The jelly like mucous tissue composing the bulk of the
umbilical cord.

Witches'milk:-. A milky fluid secreted from the breast of the newborn.

Umbilical cord:- The cord connecting the placenta with the umbilicus of
the fetus that provides nutrition to the fetus and in turn removes the fetus
waste.

Uterine atony:- Lack of uterine tone or strength due to stretching of the

uterus. Uterine dysfunction:- An abnormal or impaired functioning of the
uterus. Uterus arcuatus:- Mild thicking of middle fundal myometrium of
the uterus. Uterus sub-septum:- An incomplete uterine sub-septum.

Uterine displacement:- A condition in which the uterus is displaced due

to week and elastic support you structures of the uterus.

Uterine prolapse:- Descent of uterus towards introitus due to weak

cardinal and utero-sacral ligaments.

Uterine retroversion:- When the uterus is displaced from its original place
to backward.

Uterus:- The hallow, thick-walled, muscular organ in the female designed

for the lodgement and nourishment of the fetus during its development
until birth.

Uterus bicornis bicollis:- A partial or complete separation of uterine

cavity as well as the uterine wall.
Uterus didelphys:- A condition in which there are two separate uterine
bodies and two separate cervices form in a women.

Uterus unicornis:- A malformation of uterus that is formed from one of

the perineal mullarian duct remains under developed or rudimentary.

Vacuum extraction:- An obstetrical procedure that involves the removal

of fetus through suction device when spontaneous delivery is not
possible.

Vagina:- The dilatable , mucus membrane-lined passage between the

bladder and the rectum.

Vaginosis:- An infection of the vagina.

Third stage of labor:- The placental stage that begins with the birth of the
newborn and terminates with the delivery of the placenta.

Threatened abortion:- A condition in which the women observes spotting

and the cervical os is closed. Abortion may or may not occur.

Tocodynamometer:- An instrument that measures the expulsive force of

uterine contractions in child birth.

Tocolytic drug:-A drug used to inhibit uterine contractions primarily in an

effort to suppress preterm labor.

Transverse arrest:- An abnormal fetal position in which rotation of the

head is in complete an the head is stopped in the transverse position.

Trial of labor:- An attempted labor to determine whether the fetal head

can pass through the pelvis with adequate contractions.

Ttrichomonas vaginalis:- A grenus of parasitic flagellate protozoa

sometimes found in the vagina and skene's ducts.

Trimester:- The division of pregnancy in 3 months sections and each

section is termed one trimester.

Trophoblast:- The outer layer of the fertilized ovum, which attached the
fertilized ovum to the uterine wall, secure food for the embryo, and
develop into chorion.
True pelvis:- The part of the pelvis inferior to a plane passing through the
linea terminalis that forms the vony canal through which the fetus must
pass during parturition.

Tubal ligation:- A contraceptive surgical procedure designed to block the

tubal conduit through which spermatozoa and ova pass, by binding or
tying a the vessel with a substance such as string or catgut.

Tubal pregnancy:- An ectopic pregnancy in which the fertilized ovum is

embedded in one of the fallopian tubes rather than the wall of the uterus.

Spontaneous abortion:- An abortion that starts of its own accord through

natural causes; commonly called a miscarriage.

Station:- An imaginary line drawn between the ischial spine, It is called

"zero" station when the presenting part reaches at the level of ischial
spine. When it is above it is called “minus” station and when it comes
below spines, it is “plus” station.

Sterilization:- A permanent method of contraception; a surgical procedure

by which an individual is made incapable of reproduction.

Striaegravidarum:- Elongated streaks of red or pink often found on the

abdomen and breast of a pregnant woman; stretch marks.

Stripping the membranes:- The manual separation of chorioamniotic

membranes from the lower uterine segment.

Sub-involution:- Failure of uterus to return to its normal size following

child birth.

Succenturiate placenta:- An anomaly in which one or more small

accessory lobes of the placenta develop in the membranes at a distance
from the main placenta.

Surrogate motherhood:- The contractual hiring of a woman to bear

another couple's child. The fathers sperm impregnates the surrogate or the
surrogate is implanted with the genetic parent's embryo.

Sutures:- Non ossified membranes present at the margin of bones to unite

the flat bones of the skull.
Symphysiotomy:- A surgical procedure in which the cartilage of the
symphysis pubis is divided to widen the pelvis allowing childbirth when
there is a difficulty for vaginal delivery.

Testosterone:- the principal male sex hormone produced in the testes in

response to the luteinizing hormone.

Sexual abuse:- Sexual contact and mistreatment without consent , usually

with the intent to harm.

Sexuality:- The complex feelings, attitudes, preferences, and behaviors

related to the individual's expression of the sexual self and croticism that
are influenced biologically and culturally.

Shirodhkar's operation:- A surgical procedure done in women with

incompetent os. The cervical os is closed with sutures to retain pregnancy
and is opened at term.

Shoulder dystocia:- A serious complication in the birth of an oversized

infant whose unusually large shoulders arrest at either the pelvic brim or
the outlet.

Shoulder presentation:- A complication of birth in which the infant lies

crosswise in the uterus instead of longitudinally, thus the shoulder is
usually the fetal part in the brim of the inlet.

Show:- The blood-tinged mucus discharged from the cervix after the
mucus plug has become dislodged.

Sim's position:- A position of labor in which the women lies on her left
side with her left leg extended and her right knee flexed at her side and up
against the abdomen both knees flexed.

Small for gestational age (SGA):- Pertaining to a neonate weighing below

the 10th percentile or standard deviations below the norm for the
gestational age.

Sperm:- A male gamete or reproductive cell.

Sperm count:- It is a laboratory procedure of semen analysis that

measures the concentration of sperm in man's ejaculation to measure the
number, motility and quality of sperm 20-150 million sperm per
milliliter.
Sperm mobility:- The ability of sperm to move spontaneously and
actively through the epididymis to the zona pellucida.

Spermatogenesis:- Tge production and release of spermatozoa from the

testes.Role structure:- The way a family is organized based on cach
member's values goals, and ability to perceive and attach meaning to
events.

transition:- Life changes make an alteration in social or occupational

status. It is adjustment to changes that one undergoes when moving from

one state to another

Rooming-in:- A family-centered, hospital practice in which newborns

remain in the mother's room with the family all the time, except for
necessary examinations or procedures. Salpingitis:- Inflammation of the
fallopian tube.

Second stage labor:- The pelvic stage that begins with the complete
dilatation of the cervix and ends with the delivery or birth of the newborn.

Secondary areola:- A circle of faint color sometimes seen just outside the
original at about the 5th month of pregnancy.

Secondary arrest of dilation:- The lack of progress in cervical dilation

during active labor for more than 2 hours.

Secondary infertility:- It is the inability of the women to become pregnant

again following the birth of 1 or 2 children.

Secretory phase:- The last 14+1-2 days of the menstrual cycle, during
which progesterone is released in addition to estrogen.

Semen:- The fluid secreted by the male reproductive organs that contains
spermatozoa and nutrients.

Seminiferous tubules:- Coiled ducts, located within the lobules of the

testes, where spermatogenesis occurs.

Sex chromosome:- One of two chromosomes in human cells that are

associated with the determination of the sex of the individual (X,Y).
Withdrawal:- The practice of retracting the penis from the vagina in
intercourse prior to ejaculation, used as a method of contraception.

X-linked recessive disorder:- A condition resulting from abnormal genes

located on the x chromosome.

Yolk-sac:- A type of membranous sac attached to the embryo and

providing early nourishment.

Zygote. A cell resulting from the fusion of two gameles that contains the
characteristics of the woman and man

Zygote intra fallopian transfer(ZIFT):- An assisted reproductive

procedure in which eggs are retrieved, fertilized in vitro, and transferred
to the fallopian tube at the pronuclear stage prior to cell division.