List of obstetric topics
Obstetrics is the study of the reproductive process within the female body, including fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth.
Glossary of Obstetric Terms[edit | edit source]
This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of terms commonly used in obstetrics. Obstetrics is the medical specialty concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth.
Basic obstetric terms[edit | edit source]
- amniocentesis: A procedure to sample amniotic fluid for testing chromosomal abnormalities and other conditions.
- amnion, amniotic sac: The protective membrane surrounding the fetus filled with amniotic fluid.
- amniotic fluid: The protective liquid in the amniotic sac surrounding and cushioning the fetus.
- antenatal care, prenatal care: Medical and nursing care provided to a woman during pregnancy.
- breastfeeding: The practice of feeding an infant with milk produced by the mother's breasts.
- cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus opening into the vagina.
- childbirth: The process by which a baby is born.
- chorionic villus sampling: A prenatal test sampling cells from the placenta to check for chromosomal abnormalities.
- contraception: Methods to prevent pregnancy.
- embryo: The developing baby during the early stages of pregnancy.
- embryology: The study of embryo development.
- fallopian tube: A pair of tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus.
- fetus: The developing baby from the end of the 8th week after conception until birth.
- gestation: The period of development from conception to birth.
- gynecology: The medical practice focusing on the female reproductive system.
- hormone: A chemical messenger regulating various bodily functions.
- identical twin: Twins resulting from the splitting of a single embryo.
- In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A medical procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body.
- Labor, labour - see childbirth
- lactation: The production of milk by the mammary glands.
- Lamaze: A childbirth preparation method emphasizing breathing techniques.
- live birth: Birth in which the baby is alive.
- menstrual cycle: The regular natural process of ovulation and menstruation.
- midwifery: The practice of assisting women in childbirth.
- mother: A woman who has given birth.
- natural childbirth: Childbirth without medical interventions.
- ovary: Female reproductive organ producing eggs.
- ovum or egg: The female reproductive cell.
- oxytocin or pitocin: A hormone inducing or strengthening labor contractions.
- pediatrics: The medical practice focused on infants, children, and adolescents.
- placenta: Organ providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
- pregnancy: The period when a woman carries a developing baby.
- sterilization: A permanent method to prevent pregnancy.
- twin: One of two children born to the same mother at the same birth.
- ultrasound: A diagnostic method using sound waves to visualize the fetus.
- umbilical cord: The cord connecting the fetus to the placenta.
- umbilicus: The navel or belly button.
- uterus or womb: The muscular organ where the fetus develops.
- vagina: The muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body.
- Womb - see uterus
Complications of pregnancy and childbirth[edit | edit source]
A list of medical conditions or complications that might arise during pregnancy or childbirth.
- abortion: The ending of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus.
- abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus.
- bacterial vaginosis: A vaginal condition causing discharge, resulting from an overgrowth of bacteria.
- breech birth: Birth in which the baby's buttocks or feet emerge first.
- cephalo-pelvic disproportion: When the baby's head is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.
- caesarean section, cesarean section, C-section: Surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
- diabetes: A condition where blood glucose levels are too high.
- eclampsia: Severe complication of preeclampsia characterized by seizures.
- ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
- gestational diabetes: High blood sugar affecting pregnant women.
- Group B Streptococcus infection: Bacterial infection which can be transmitted to the baby during birth.
- HELLP syndrome: A severe form of preeclampsia.
- hypertension: High blood pressure.
- hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus.
- Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Slow fetal growth during pregnancy.
- macrosomia (big baby): A baby significantly larger than average.
- malpractice: Professional negligence by a healthcare provider.
- miscarriage or stillbirth: The loss of a pregnancy.
- obstetric fistula: An abnormal opening between the vagina and bladder or rectum.
- obstetric hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during or after childbirth.
- placenta praevia: When the placenta covers the cervix, leading to bleeding.
- pre-eclampsia: A pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure.
- premature birth, preterm labor or prematurity: Birth before 37 weeks of gestation.
- small for gestational age (SGA): Babies who are smaller than usual for the number of weeks of pregnancy.
- uterine rupture: Tearing of the uterus, often at the site of a previous C-section scar.
See also[edit | edit source]
- gynecology - study of female reproductive system
External links[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD