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Reproductive Terminology
Reproductive Terminology
100
Health Care
Undergraduate 3
02/28/2013
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Term
Abortion:
 Definition
the intentional termination of a pregnancy through surgical or pharmaceutical means. Such termination may be selected by the pregnant woman for personal reasons or when a pregnancy poses certain health risks to the pregnant woman or when a fetal abnormality is detected. Common types include dilation and evacuation (D & E), vacuum extraction, or injecting a saline solution into the amniotic sac. In the United States, 1 out of 3 women will have an intentional termination by the time she is age 45.
Term
Amniocentesis:
 Definition
a procedure that involves sampling the amniotic fluid in order to test the fetus for genetic disorders and chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome. It is typically conducted between weeks 16-20 of a pregnancy. If the results are abnormal, counseling is provided to help the pregnant woman (and her partner, as appropriate) determine the type of abnormality and associated risks as well as their options in regard to continuing or terminating the pregnancy.
Term
Anesthetic:
 Definition
a substance which when ingested by inhalation or injection produces a loss of sense of touch or pain (for example: ether, chloroform, twilight sleep)
Term
Antisepsis:
 Definition
prevention of infection by destroying or inhibiting the growth of micro-organisms. Following the empirical discoveries of Oliver Wendell Holmes and Ignaz Semmelweis in the 1840s, some physicians followed a regimen of washing their hands before examining women in labor as a measure of preventing infection. Not until the discoveries of Louis Pasteur and other early bacteriologists in the 1980s, 1870s, and 1880s did scientists understand the role of microorganisms in causing infection.
Term
Antiseptic:
 Definition
a substance that will inhibit the growth and development of micro-organisms. Scottish physician Joseph Lister, applying Pasteur’s theories, discovered the effectiveness of these substances for preventing infection in surgery in the 1860s, and his techniques were first incorporated into medical practice during the last third of the 19th century.
Term
Basal Body Temperature:
 Definition
a means to identify the time when ovulation occurs. Frequently used by individuals who are actively trying to conceive as well as those who use the rhythm method in an attempt to avoid conception.
Term
Bacteria:
 Definition
one-celled micro-organisms, many of which cause infectious diseases in humans.
Term
Birthing Chair (or Birthing Stool):
 Definition
used since medieval times, this device was designed to support the laboring woman (especially her back) while allowing gravity to assist with the birth process. In Colonial America, its use was common and it had a cut-out seat to allow a midwife to have access to the birth canal and assist with the birth.
Term
Blastocyst:
 Definition
a thin-walled, hollow sphere made up of an outer layer of cells, a fluid-filled cavity, and an inner cell mass containing stem cells. Also called the blastula, this develops at approximately five days post-conception—after early cell division has begun but prior to implantation. Further development will occur only if this successfully implants in the uterus.
Term
Bradley Method:
 Definition
a childbirth education program that focuses on “natural” childbirth (that is, childbirth without the use of drugs) and emphasizes the role of the husband as “coach” during labor and delivery. Individuals (and couples) who follow this program are “taught how to work with their bodies to reduce pain and make their labors more efficient.”
Term
Breech Presentation:
 Definition
when the fetus presents feet or buttocks first during labor. Vaginal delivery can still occur in such presentations. However, it is more common for care providers to attempt external version and, if such attempts to are unsuccessful, to deliver the fetus via C-section.
Term
Cephalic Presentation:
 Definition
presentation of any part of the fetal head during labor.
Term
Cesarean Section:
 Definition
delivery of the fetus by incision through the abdominal and uterine wall. Typically performed when a vaginal delivery will put the life of the mother or fetus at risk, but often performed by request in the United States.
Term
Chloroform:
 Definition
a clear, colorless, volatile liquid (CHCl3) administered by inhalation as an anesthetic. Introduced into obstetrics in America by 1848.
Term
Confinement:
 Definition
the time period of labor and delivery; childbirth. In early America, this was also known as “lying in” period.
Term
Contraceptive:
 Definition
any of a number of devices, drugs, chemicals, or practices designed to prevent the union of egg and sperm. Examples include IUDs, condoms, sterilization, withdrawal method, rhythm method, and diaphragm.
Term
Contractions:
 Definition
the periodic or rhythmic tightening of the uterine muscle during labor; stimulated by the release of the hormone oxytocin. During labor, these cause the upper part of the uterus (fundus) to tighten and thicken while the cervix and lower portion of the uterus stretch and relax, thereby enabling the body to pass the fetus from the uterus and into the birth canal for delivery. They are timed during labor and typically get more frequent, last longer, and are more intense as labor progresses.
Term
Craniotomy (also known as craniocentesis):
 Definition
the process of destruction of the fetal head in order to facilitate delivery. This procedure is used in certain cases of obstructed labor with fetal death as a means of reducing the size of the fetal head in order to make delivery possible and avoid the risks associated with cesarean section. For example, may be used to reduce the size of a hydrocephalic head to make vaginal delivery possible.
Term
Dilation:
 Definition
the opening of the cervix that occurs during the labor process. The degree to which the cervix is opened, measured by manual exam (using fingers inserted into the vagina) and in centimeters (from 1-10) with 10 centimeters considered fully opened and ready for delivery of the fetus to begin.
Term
Douche:
 Definition
a stream of water, gas, or vapor directed against a part or into a cavity. In obstetrics and gynecology, this refers to the washing out of the vagina.
Term
Eclampsia:
 Definition
the final and most severe stage of preeclampsia; occurs when preeclampsia is left untreated. Symptoms include those associated with preeclampsia as well as convulsions sometimes followed by coma and death occurring in a pregnant woman or fetus before, during, or after childbirth.
Term
Edema:
 Definition
excessive fluid within the body tissues. Some degree of this is considered normal during pregnancy; however, excessive amount may signal a serious problem relating to the circulatory system or blood pressure.
Term
Effacement:
 Definition
the thinning of the cervix in the period leading up to and during labor. It is measured in percentages, from 0% (not at all) to 100% (complete). When the cervix reaches 100% it becomes, in essence, like part of the uterine wall and ready for the fetus to pass through.
Term
Embryo:
 Definition
the developing human offspring from fertilization up to 8 weeks.
Term
Engagement:
 Definition
the entrance of the fetal head (or presenting part of the fetus) into the pelvis during the birthing process. It marks the beginning of the descent of the fetus through the birth canal and pelvis.
Term
Epidural:
 Definition
a process that involves the injection of anesthesia into the area surrounding the spinal cord and is commonly used in labor in the United States. It numbs pain in the lower part of the body (from the ribs downward); a laboring woman does not feel contractions, but contractions continue. Side effects can include loss of sensation in other parts of the body, nervous system damage, paralysis, and even death.
Term
Episiotomy:
 Definition
a surgical cutting the perineal tissues (between the vagina and the anus) in order to increase the vaginal opening and facilitate delivery. After birth, it is repaired with sutures. At present, approximately 40% of vaginal deliveries in the United States include this procedure.
Term
Ergot:
 Definition
a fungus-derived medication that contracts smooth muscle fibers. It is used to check hemorrhage in the mother after childbirth. It may also be used to hasten labor.
Term
Ether:
 Definition
a colorless liquid (C4H10O), the vapor of which may be inhaled as a general anesthetic. First used in obstetrics in America in 1847.
Term
Fetal Monitor:
 Definition
any one of a number of devices used to measure and track the heart rate of the fetus for signs of stress during labor. Types include fetoscope, Doppler, electronic, internal, and telemetric.
Term
Fetus:
 Definition
the developing offspring after the end of the second month of gestation (8 weeks to time of delivery).
Term
First Trimester:
 Definition
a human pregnancy from conception to week 12. If born during this time, the offspring is said to have miscarried and will not survive outside the womb.
Term
Follicle Aspiration:
 Definition
a procedure involving the retrieval of eggs. During this process, a woman’s ovaries are stimulated using one of any number of medications (such as Metrodin) and once the eggs ripen, they are surgically retrieved while the woman is under general anesthesia.
Term
Footling Presentation:
 Definition
presentation of the fetus during labor with one or both feet prolapsed into the vagina.
Term
Forceps:
 Definition
an instrument with two blades and handles; placed on either side of the fetal head, used to guide the fetus from the birth canal during delivery.
Term
Gamete Intrafallopian Transfer (GIFT):
 Definition
an assistive reproductive technology that is used to assist individuals or couples that have difficulty conceiving. It can only be used if a woman has at least one functioning fallopian tube. In this procedure, eggs and sperm are placed into a catheter and inserted into the fallopian tube in the hope that spontaneous conception will occur. This method is favored by many whose religious beliefs prohibit conception outside of the body.
Term
Germ Theory:
 Definition
the theory of disease based on bacteriological findings about the role of pathogenic microorganisms in causing disease.
Term
Gestation:
 Definition
in mammals, the carrying and development of offspring inside the womb of the female, from time to fertilization to time of delivery. In human beings, the normal length for this is 40 weeks, although 38-42 weeks are also considered to be within normal range.
Term
Gestational Diabetes:
 Definition
high blood sugar that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy. Symptoms are typically mild and may include fatigue, high blood pressure, blurred vision, and increase thirst. The condition generally resolves itself after the pregnancy. Effects on the fetus can be significant including large size at birth (may have to be delivered via cesarean section), jaundice, low blood sugar, and increased risk of diabetes and obesity.
Term
Grandmultipara:
 Definition
a woman who has given birth to six or more offspring past the point of viability.
Term
Gravid Uterus:
 Definition
the pregnant uterus; a uterus that is carrying an embryo or fetus.
Term
Higher Order Multiple Births:
 Definition
births involving three or more offspring from a single pregnancy. Such pregnancies pose serious risks for both offspring and mother. Rates of such births have increased in recent decades with the use of various assistive reproductive technologies. Examples include the Dionne quintuplets born in Ontario, Canada in 1934, the McCaughey septuplets born in Iowa in 1997, and the Suleman octuplets born in California in 2009.
Term
Hyperemesis Gravidarum:
 Definition
severe nausea and vomiting that lasts beyond the 4th month of pregnancy.
Term
Iatrogenic:
 Definition
resulting from the activity of physicians.
Term
Induction:
 Definition
the use of medications to bring on labor or to increase the frequency and/or intensity of uterine contractions. In 2006 in the U.S., 1 in 5 childbirths in the U.S. used this method. Risks include placental abruption, uterine rupture, and fetal stress due to abnormally long and strong contractions.
Term
Infertility:
 Definition
according to most medical guides, this is diagnosed when a woman is unable to get pregnant after one year of attempting to conceive. It may result from a variety of factors including, for example, blocked fallopian tubes or ovulation disorders in females or low sperm count or low testosterone levels in males.
Term
Intrauterine Insemination:
 Definition
a procedure that involves the use of a catheter to insert sperm in the cervix or higher in the uterine cavity. It is used by some (both individuals and couples) who wish to conceive without the use of intercourse. It is also used as a treatment in some cases of infertility.
Term
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF):
 Definition
a common method used to help those who experience difficulty conceiving, including women with blocked, scarred, or missing fallopian tubes. This procedure involves the joining of egg and sperm in a controlled environment (a petri dish); the resulting embryo is then transferred into the woman’s uterus with the hope that it will implant and continue to develop. This method has been increasingly used by gays and lesbians (both individuals and couples) as a means of conceiving.
Term
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection:
 Definition
fertilization of the egg that is achieved by inserting a fine gauge needle into the egg and injecting a sperm into the center of the egg. The fertilized egg is then allowed to grow in the laboratory for approximately 5 days before being transferred to the womb.
Term
Kelly Pad:
 Definition
a rolled rubber sheet used to carry the discharges off the bed during labor and delivery. Developed by Howard Kelly of the Johns Hopkins University Medical School, its use was encouraged to keep the birthing bed clean and reduce the possibility of postpartum infection.
Term
Labor:
 Definition
the process by which the fetus is expelled from the uterus through the vagina and into the outside world. Also called childbirth, parturition, or accouchement.
Term
Lamaze:
 Definition
a method of childbirth preparation that aims to increase women’s confidence in their ability to give birth. It is perhaps best known for its used of controlled breathing techniques as a means of managing the pain associated with labor and delivery. It asserts that women have the right to give birth free from medical interventions and advocates informed consent for women who wish to have any type of intervention during labor and delivery (such as an epidural, episiotomy, or external fetal monitor).
Term
Linea Nigra:
 Definition
a dark line that runs the midline of the pregnant woman’s abdomen, typically from either the sternum or umbilicus to the symphsis pubis. It is caused by increased hormone levels and disappears after pregnancy.
Term
Midwife:
 Definition
a trained health care provider who is a specialist in low-risk pregnancy and childbirth. These individuals provide care to the pregnant woman before, during, and after childbirth. They generally strive to help women have a physiological, drug-and-intervention-free childbirth experience and do not intervene unless necessary. A pregnant woman who works with this type of health care provider may give birth in a variety of settings including at home, in a hospital, or at a birthing clinic.
Term
Miscarriage:
 Definition
the spontaneous loss of the fetus prior to the 23rd week of pregnancy (according to the World Health Organization) and due to naturally occurring reasons (not selective termination of the pregnancy). Sometimes called a spontaneous abortion.
Term
“Mississippi Appendectomy”:
 Definition
the forced sterilization of African-American women in the U.S. South. Compared by some to German policies of eugenic sterilization.
Term
Multigravida:
 Definition
a woman who is pregnant for the third (or more) time.
Term
Multipara:
 Definition
a woman who has had two or more pregnancies that resulted in viable offspring.
Term
Norplant:
 Definition
a form of birth control that involves the insertion of 5 matchstick-sized, silicone, hormone-containing capsules under the skin of the upper arm in women. It can only be inserted by a physician and once inserted, is effective for 5 years. It must be removed by a physician. The manufacturer of this contraceptive, Wyeth, discontinued shipment of this product to the U.S. in the mid-1990s due to a significant number of lawsuits that complained of serious side effects of the drug. This contraceptive, however, is still used in developing countries throughout the world.
Term
Nulligravida:
 Definition
a woman who has never been pregnant.
Term
Nullipara:
 Definition
a woman who has never delivered an offspring past the point of viability.
Term
Obstructed Labor:
 Definition
when the process of childbirth is hindered by some type of blockage such as a tumor in the birth canal or an immature/narrow pelvis and the fetus cannot pass through the birth canal. Also referred to as compacted labor. Can result in death of mother and/or fetus. May also result in rectovaginal or vesicovaginal fistulas.
Term
Opium:
 Definition
the dried juice of the opium poppy plant. Opium produces relaxation, sleep, and pain relief for birthing women. Used fairly often in early obstetrics, seldom at present.
Term
Parturient:
 Definition
a woman in labor.
Term
Parturition:
 Definition
labor; the act or process of giving birth to a child.
Term
Pessary:
 Definition
an instrument placed in the vagina to support the uterus. Used in treatment of pelvic organ prolapse (such as uterine prolapsed).
Term
Placental Abruption:
 Definition
the premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall, either the entire placenta or part of the placenta. In most cases, this requires delivery of the fetus via emergency cesarean section. In its most severe form, it can cause fetal death.
Term
Placenta Previa:
 Definition
a placenta that is implanted in the lower portion of the uterus so that it covers (either in part or completely) the cervical opening. Typically, a cesarean section is required to deliver the fetus.
Term
Postpartum:
 Definition
occurring after childbirth or after delivery of the fetus.
Term
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis:
 Definition
also referred to as embryo screening, this involves various procedures that are used to evaluate the embryo for diseases (such as sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, and fragile X syndrome) prior to the embryo being transferred to the womb. If abnormalities are found, the parents have the option of selective termination.
Term
Preterm Labor:
 Definition
labor that begins prior to 37 weeks gestation.
Term
Presentation:
 Definition
the part of the fetus that is touched by the examining finger through the cervix; the presenting part.
Term
Primigravida:
 Definition
a woman pregnant for the first time.
Term
Primipara:
 Definition
a woman who has had one pregnancy that resulted in a viable child, regardless of whether it was a single or multiple birth.
Term
Prolapsed Uterus:
 Definition
the falling down or sinking of the uterus into the birth canal and perhaps even through the vaginal opening. In the 19th century, this was reported as a common postpartum problem. May be treated through the use of a pessary.
Term
Pudenal Block:
 Definition
a method of pain relief that involves injecting a local anesthesia through the vaginal wall and into a nerve located in the interior cavity of the pelvis (near the sacrospinous ligament). Successful use of this method will provide pain relief almost immediately and can ease the pain associated with contractions and delivery. Risks include serious systemic toxicity.
Term
Puerperal Fever:
 Definition
a fever that lasts for more than 24 hours, occurs within the first ten days after a woman has given birth, and is caused by childbirth-related infection. It is most often the result of infection at the placental site within the uterus.
Term
Quickening:
 Definition
fetal movement within the uterus as it is perceived or felt by the pregnant woman; for many women, it feels like “flutters.” This typically occurs for the first time around weeks 13-16 of a pregnancy.
Term
Rectovaginal Fistula:
 Definition
an abnormal opening between the rectum and the vagina, often the result of prolonged or obstructed labor and/or difficult delivery of the fetus. The result is the “leaking” of feces, but can be surgically repaired.
Term
Second Trimester:
 Definition
weeks 13-27 of a human pregnancy. If born toward the early portion of this period, the fetus has little chance of surviving. However, if born at 24 weeks gestation or later, the offspring is said to be “premature” and thought to have a reasonable chance of survival with medical support.
Term
Septicemia:
 Definition
a widespread infection caused by the presence of microorganisms and their associated toxins in the bloodstream. It is characterized by chills, fever, and severe weakness; also called septic infection.
Term
Shoulder Presentation:
 Definition
common when the fetus is in a transverse lie during labor; the presenting part is the shoulder, arm, or upper back. Rare type of presentation and typically delivered via C-section.
Term
Sitz Bath:
 Definition
immersing the perineal region in warm water in order to reduce pain, swelling, and itching in the perineum and aid healing for an episiotomy, for example, or tearing of the perineum that can result from childbirth.
Term
Sperm Spinning:
 Definition
a method of sorting male gametes using centrifugal force in an effort to separate X and Y sperm from one another. It is a type of assistive reproductive technology and frequently used by individuals who wish to increase their likelihood of having a child of a particular sex (either a daughter or a son).
Term
Stage One (of Labor):
 Definition
lasts from onset of labor contractions through the full dilation of the cervix (10cm).
Term
Stage Two (of Labor):
 Definition
involves the fetus passing through and exiting the birth canal; birth.
Term
Stage Three (of Labor):
 Definition
the period following the birth of the fetus and ending with the expulsion of the placenta and membranes from the uterus.
Term
Stage Four (of Labor):
 Definition
after the delivery of the placenta; deemed to end once the mother has had a satisfactory reaction (health-wise) to the delivery. Also known as the “rest, repair, relaxation” period immediately following labor and delivery. The mother’s vitals are checked; any tearing may be repaired as necessary.
Term
Station:
 Definition
refers to the placement of the fetus’ head (or presenting part) in relation to the pregnant woman’s pelvis. It is measured in centimeters ranging from -4 (the head of the fetus just coming into the pelvis) to +4 (the head of the fetus is on the perineum or ready to be born). The moving of the head into the pelvis may occur before labor (more typical in primigravidas) or during labor (more typical in multigravidas).
Term
Subinvoluted Uterus:
 Definition
a uterus that has not returned to its normal size, shape, and condition following childbirth. Causes may include retained fragments of the placenta, uterine growths, or infection. Leads to increased post-partum bleeding, sometimes life-threatening.
Term
Surrogacy:
 Definition
human reproduction whereby a woman agrees to become pregnant and deliver a child to a contracted party (either an individual or, more often, a couple). The woman may or may not be biologically related to the offspring. The contracted party may or may not be biologically related to the offspring. Conception is typically conceived through means of ARTs.
Term
Symphsiotomy:
 Definition
surgical separation of the pubic bones, sometimes performed to allow a vaginal delivery when the fetal head cannot otherwise pass through the mother’s pelvis.
Term
Term (also called “full term”):
 Definition
in humans, the complete length of a “normal” pregnancy, from ovulation to birth; typically calculated at 40 weeks, but 38-42 week range is also considered “normal.”
Term
Third Trimester:
 Definition
weeks 28-42 of a human pregnancy. If born during this stage, the fetus has an increased chance of survival.
Term
Twilight Sleep:
 Definition
semi-narcotic and amnesiac effect produced by the administration of a combination of scopolamine and morphine during labor and delivery. This became a popular method of pain relief during the early part of the 20th century in the U.S. and its use continued throughout much of the 20th century.
Term
Ultrasound:
 Definition
introduced in the 1950s and often used as a diagnostic tool during pregnancy. Involves the use of very high-frequency sound waves that are emitted from an instrument (a transducer) that is placed in contact with the mother’s abdomen in order to provide an image of the uterus, placenta, and embryo or fetus.
Term
Venesection:
 Definition
the opening of a vein for the purpose of letting blood. In obstetrics, blood-letting was used to encourage muscle relaxation and in an effort to aid labor’s progress. It was commonly used at the beginning of the 19th century.
Term
Version:
 Definition
turning the fetus within the uterus in an effort to facilitate vaginal delivery (and avoid cesarean section). For example, cephalic version involves turning the head of the fetus down and into the maternal pelvis in cases of breech presentation or shoulder presentation. Also known as external version.
Term
Vesicovaginal fistula:
 Definition
an abnormal opening from the bladder to the vagina, often the result of prolonged or obstructed labor and/or difficult delivery of the fetus. The result is the uncontrolled “leaking” of urine. Can be surgically repaired.
Term
Viability:
 Definition
the point at which a fetus is capable of living outside of the womb, either with or without the aid of medical support. Although there is no definitive “age” for viability, the World Health Organization considers 23 weeks to be point at which a fetus has a reasonable chance of survival outside of the womb. Neonatologists generally do not provide care to embroys or fetuses born prior to 23 weeks given the fact that such offspring have little chance of survival, even with advanced medical technology.
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