The inner of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. 

(AM-nee-on)

A liquid produced by and contained within the fetal embranes during pregnancy. this fluid protects the fetus from trauma and temperature variations, helps to maintain fetal oxygen supply, and allows for freedom of movement by the fetus during pregnancy. 

(am-nee-OT-ik fluid)

The darker pigmented, circular area surrounding th enipple of each breast; 

also known as the areola mammae or the areola papillaris. 

(ah-REE-oh-lah)

A technique of using the examiner's finger to tap against the uterus, through the vagina, to cause the fetus to "bounce" within the amniotic fluid and feeling it rebound quickly. 

(bal-ot-MON)

Irregular, ineffective contractions of the uterus that ocur throughout pregnancy. 

(BRACKS-ton HICKS con-TRAK-shuns)

Suturing the cervix to keep it from dilating prematurely during the pregnancy. This procedure is sometimes referred to as a "purse string procedure." The sutures are removed near the end of the pregnancy. 

(sair-KLAZH)

A surgical procedure in which the abdomen and uterus are incised and a baby is delivered transabdominally. Also called cesarean birth or cesarean delivery. 

(see-SAYR-ee-an section)

The bluish-violet hue of the cervix and vagina after approximately the sixth week of pregnancy. 

Patches of tan or brown pigmentation associated with pregnancy, occurring mostly on the forehead, cheeks, and nose; also called the "mask of pregnancy."

(kloh-AZ-mah)

The outer of the two membrane layers that surround and contain the fetus and the amniotic fluid during pregnancy. 

(KOH-ree-on)

sexual intercourse; copulatin

(KOH-ih-tus)

The thin, yellowish fluid secreted by the breasts during pregnancy and the first few days after birth, before lactation begins. 

(koh-LOSS-trum)

The union of a male sperm and a female ovum; also termed fertilization

(con-SEP-shun)

A mass of yellowish tissue that forms within the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation. It functions as a temporary endocrine gland for the purpose of secreting estrogen and large amoutns of the progesterone, which will sustain pregnancy, should it occur, until the placenta forms. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will degenerate approximately three days before the beginning of menstruation. 

(COR-pus LOO-tee-um)

Needle aspiration, through the vagina, into the cul-de-sac area (area in the peritoneal cavity immediately begine teh vagina) for the purpose of removing fluid from the area for examination or diagnosis. Aspiration of unclotted blood from the cul-de-sac area may indicate bleeding from a ruptured fallopian tube. The aspiration of clear fluid from the area would rule out a ruptured fallopian tube. 

(kull-doh-sen-TEE-sis)

The enlargement of the diameter of teh cervix during labor. The calculation of the amount of dilatation is measured in centimeters (cm). When the cervix has dilated to 10cm, it is said to be completely dilated. 

Also known as dilation. 

(dill-ah-TAY-shun)

The most severe form of hypertension during pregnancy, evidenced by seizures (convulsions). 

(eh-KLAMP-see-ah(

Thinning of the cervix, which allows it to enlarge the diameter of its opening in preparation for childbirth. This occurs during the normal processes of labor 

(eh-FACE-ment)

The name given to the product of conception from the second through the eighth week of pregnancy (through the second month)

(EM-bree-oh)

The inner lining of the uterus. 

(en-doh-MEE-tree-um)

A surgical procedure in which an incision is made into the woman's perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery of teh baby. This incision is usually made shortly before the baby's birth (second stage of labor) to prevent tearing of teh perineum. 

(eh-pis-ee-OT-oh-mee)

A special stethoscope for hearing the fetal hearbeat through the mother's abdomen. 

(FEET-oh-skohp)

The name given to the developing baby from approximately the eighth week after conception until birth. 

(FEE-tus)

The fringelike end of the fallopian tube. 

(FIM-bree-ay)

Superior aspect of the uterus. 

A mature pserm or ovum. 

(GAM-eet)

A return, or reflux, of gastric juices into the esophagus, resulting in a burning sensation. 

(gas-troh-eh-soff-ah-JEE-al REE-flucks)

The term of pregnancy, which equals approximately 280 days from the onset of the last menstrual period. The period of intrauterine development of teh fetus from conception through birth; also termed the gestaional period. 

(jess-TAY-shun)

A complication of pregnancy in which the expectant mother develops high blood pressure after 20 weeks' gestation, with no signs of proteinuria or edema. 

A mature, fully-developed ovarian cyst containing the ripe ovum. 

(GRAF-ee-an FALL-ih-kls)

Softening of the lower segment of the uterus; a probable sign of pregnancy. 

(HAY-garz sign)

An increase in the pigmentation of the skin. 

(high-per-pig-men-TAY-shun)

High blood pressure; a common, often asymptomatic, disorder in which the blood persistently exceeds 140/90 mmHg. 

Low blood pressure; an abnormal condition in which the blod pressure is not adequate for normal passage through the blood vessels or for normal oxygenation of the body cells. 

A state of extreme physical collapse and exhaustion due to massive blood loss; "less than normal" blood volume. 

(high-poh-voh-LEE-mik)

The production and secretion of mild from the female breasts as nourishment for the infant. Lactation can be referred to as a process or as a period of time during which the female is breastfeeding. 

(lak-TAY-shun)

Channels or narrow tubular structures that carry milk from the lobes of each breast to the nipple. 

(lak-TIF-er-us ducts)

Visualization of the abdominal cavity with an instrument called a laparoscope through an incision into the abdominal wall. 

(lap-ar-OS-koh-pee)

A white discharge from the vagina. 

(loo-koh-REE-ah)

A darkened vertical midline appearing on the abdomen of a pregnant woman, extending from the fundus to the symphysis pubis. 

(LIN-ee-ah NIG-rah)

A position in which the patient lies on her back, buttocks even with the end of the table, with her knees bent back toward her abdomen and the heel of each foot resting in an elevated foot rest at the end of teh examination table. 

(lith-OT-oh-mee position) 

A forward curvature of the spine, noticeable if the person is observed from the side. 

(lor-DOH-sis)

Four weeks or 28 days; approximately the amount of time it takes the moon to revolve the earth. 

(LOON-ar)

The female breasts. 

(MAM-ah-ree glands)

A woman who has been pregnant more than once. 

(mull-tih-GRAV-ih-dah)

A woman who has given birth tow or more times aftre 20 weeks' gestation. 

(mull-TIP-ah-rah)

A formula that is used to calculate the date of birth: Subtract three months from the first day of the last normal menstrual period and add one year and seven days to that date to arrive at the estimated date of birth. 

(NAY-geh-leez)

The branch of medicine that specializes in the treatment and care of the diseases and disorders of the newborn through the first four weeks of life. 

(nee-oh-nay-TALL-oh-jee)

A woman who has never completed a pregnancy beyond 20 weeks' gestation.

(null-IP-ah-rah)

The field of medicine that deals with pregnancy; the delivery of the baby, and the first six weeks after delivery (the immediate postpartum period).

(ob-STET-riks)

The act of giving birth.

(par-too-RISH-un)

The area between the vaginal orifice and the anus. It consists of muscular and fibrous tissue and serves as support for the pelvic structures.

(pair-ih-NEE-um)

A state during pregnancy in which the expectant mother develops high blood pressure, accompanied by proteinuria or edema, or both, after 20 weeks' gestation.

(pre-eh-KLAMP-see-ah)

Pertaining to the period of time during pregnancy; that is, before the birth of the baby.

(pre-NAY-til)

A woman who is pregnant for the first time.

(prigh-mih-GRAV-ih-dah)

A female homrone secrted by the corpus luteum and the placenta. It is primarily responsible for the changes that occur in the endometrium in anticipation of a fertilized ovum and for development of the material placenta after implantation of a fertilized ovum.

Also known as progestin.

(proh-JES-ter-on)

The presence of protein (albumin) in the urine; also called albuminuria. This can be a sign of pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

(proh-teen-YOO-ree-ah)

The period of life at which the ability to reproduce begins; that is, in the female, it is the period when the female reproductive organs become fully developed and secondary sex characteristics appear.

Heartburn; indigestion.

(pye-ROH-sis)

The first feeling of movement of the fetus felt by the expectant mother; usually occurs at about 16 to 20 week's gestation.

Surgical removal of a fallopian tube.

(sal-pin-JEK-toh-mee)

Stretch marks that occur during pregnancy due to the great amount of stretching that occurs. They appear as slightly depressed, pinkish-purple streaks in the areas of greatest stretch (which are the abdomen, the breats, and the thighs).

(STRIGH-ay grav-ih-DAR-um)

Low blood pressure that occurs in a pregnant woman where she is lying on her back. It is caused by the pressure of the pregnant uterus on the vena cava; also known as supine hypotension syndrome or vena cava syndrome.

(soo-PINE high-poh-TEN-shen)

A subjective indication of a disease or a change in condition as perceived by the patient; something experienced or felt by the patient.

(SIM-toms)

Rapid heartbeat, consistently over 100 beats per minute.

(tak-eh-CAR-dee-ah)

One of the three periods of approximately three months into which pregnancy is divided. The first trimester consists of weeks 1 to 12, the second trimester consists of weeks 13 and 27, and the third trimester consists of weeks 28 to 40.

(TRY-mes-ter)

A noninvasive procedure that involves that use of reflected sound waves to detect the presence of the embryo or fetus.

(ull-trah-son-OG-rah-fee)

The hollow, pear-shaped organ of the female reproductive system that houses the fertilized, implanted ovum as it develops throughout pregnancy; also the source of the monthly menstrual flow from the nonpregnant uterus.

(YOO-ter-us)

Backache is common during the second and third trimester of pregnancy and is due to the body's adaptation to the stressed placed upon the back as the pregnancy progresses.

Recommended treatment includes encouraging good posture, wearing comfortable shoes, getting adequate rest, and benind from the knees - not from the waist.

Usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy, disappears during the second trimester, and returns toward the end of the pregnancy. This is due to the body's adjustment to the stresses of pregnancy.

Recommended treatment includes encouraging at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep per night an allowing for short naps during the day.

This discomfort occurs mainly in the last few weeks of pregnancy due to the pressure exerted on the esophagus by the enlarged, pregnant uterus.

Recommended treatment includes avoiding greasy or spicy foods, drinking plenty of water, avoiding coffee, eating several small meals instead of three larger meals, sitting upright for an hour after eating, and lying with head and shoulders elevated.

develops as a result of the increasing pressure on the are due to the progressing pregnancy.

Recommended treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids to avoid constipation, soaking in warm-water baths, and applying topical anesthetic ointments.

usually occurs during the first trimester of pregnancy and is known as "morning sickness," although it may occur during the morning, in the afternoon, or throughout the day.

The termination of a pregnancy before the fetus has reached a viable age (under 500g or 20 weeks of gestation); that is an age at which the fetus could live outside of the uterine environment. 

Most spontaneous abortions occur within the first three months. 

The premature sepration of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall after the pregnancy has passed 20 weeks' gestation or during labor (the birthing process). 

(ah-BRUP-she-oh pla-SEN-tah)

This severety depends on the amount of bleeding and the size of the clot that forms. Is dangerous and potentially life-threatening. 

Abnormal implantation of a fertiized ovum outside the uterine cavity; also called a tubal prenancy. 

90% of these occur in the fallopian tubes. Can occur in abodmen and ovaries. These rarely come to term. 

A disorder in which women who are not diabetic before pregnany develop diabetes during the pregnancy; that is, they develope an inability to metabolize carbohydrates (glucose intolerance), with resultant hyperglycemia. 

This generally develops during the latter part of the pregnancy. 

The acronym HELLP stands for Hemolytic anemia, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. 

Is a group of symptoms that occur in approximately 10% of pregnant women with preclampsia or eclampsia. 

Most commonly is seen in older Caucasian women who have had multiple births. 

Early diagnosis is critical. 

An abnormal condition that begins as a pregnancy and deviates from normal development very early. The diseased ovum deteriorates, and he chrionic villi of the placenta change to a mass of cysts resembling a bunch of grapes. 

Mass growth happens much more rapidly than with normal pregnancy.

(high-dah-TID-ih-form mohl)

An abnormal condition of pregnancy characterized by severe vomiting that results in maternal dehydration and wieght loss. 

In most woman is self-limiting. A great factor is emotional feelings against baby or becoming a mother. 

(high-per-EM-eh-sis grav-ih-DAR-um)

A condition of pregnancy in which the placenta is implanted in the lower party of the uterus and precedes the feturs during the birthing process. 

(plah-SEN-tah PRE-vee-ah)

The development of hyptertention during pregnancy in women who had normal blood pressure readins prior to pregnancy. 

Gestational Hypertension: development after 20' weeks gestation. Blood pressure reading 140/90 mmHg. 

Preeclampsia: is the development of hypertension with proteinuria or edema after 20 weeks' gestation. 

Eclampsia: is the most severe form of hypertension during pregnancy and is evidenced by the presence of seizures. 

Bloody Show

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Braxton Hicks Contractions

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Increased Vaginal Discharge

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

Lightening

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

The expectant mother will notice that she can breat easier because the descent of the baby relieves the pressure from her diaphragm. 

"baby had dropped"

Lightening is more obvious in women who are having their first baby. 

Rupture of the Amniotic Sac

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

This may occur prior to the onset of labor, may occur during labor, or may not occur without assistance. Expectatn mothers are usually advised to report to the hospital or birthing center for evaluation if the membranes rupture prior to the onset of labor. This is important because the amniotic sac serves as a barrier between the baby and the unsterile outside environemtn, and when broken the chance for infection is incfreased. 

"water broke" 

Sudden Burst of Energy

(Sign and Symptoms of Labor)

AFP Screening

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a serum screening test for birth defects such as spina bifida, Down syndrome, and trisomy 18 (severe mental retardatoin and sevre birth defects). 

Offered to women between 15 and 21 weeks' gestation. 

A surgical puncture of the aminotic sac for the purpose of removing amniotic fluid. 

Used to detect fetal abnormalities and maternal-fetal blood incompatibilities and to determine fetal maturity 

(am-nee-oh-sen-TEE-sis)

Chorionic Villus Sampling

(CVS)

is a prenatal diagnostic test performed in the first trimester of pregnancy to detecl chromosomal abnormalities in an unborn child. 

a small amount of placental tissue is removed during the 11th to 13 week of pregnancy

(koh-ree-ON-ik VILL-us sampling)

Contraction Stress Test

(CST)

A stress test used to evaluate the ability of the fetus to tolerate the stress of labor and delivery (CST);

also known as oxytocin challenge test

A noninvasive technique that produces basically the same resutls as the contraction stress test by having the pregnant woman stimulate the nipples of her breasts by rubbing them between her fingers.

(less stressig to the uterus)

The process of measuring the female pelvis, manually or by X-ray, to determine its adequacy for childbearing.

(pell-VIM-eh-tree)