Maternity Nursing Care
Glossary

(Appendix D)

A

ABO incompatibility: Condition that occurs when the blood types of the mother and the fetus do not match.
Abortion: Expulsion of the products of conception (termination of pregnancy) before fetal viability.
Abruptio placentae: Premature placental separation from the uterine wall; separation may be partial or complete, involve small or large areas, and be hidden.
Acceleration: An increase in fetal heart rate above the baseline level, with a return to baseline within 10 minutes.
Accretion: Growth in size, especially by addition or accumulation.
Acme: Peak or time of greatest intensity of a uterine contraction.
Acquaintance rape: Sexual assault that occurs when a perpetrator with whom the victim has had a previous relationship uses deceit and coercion to obtain sex.
Acquired disorder: Condition resulting from environmental factors rather than genetic circumstances.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome/human immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS/HIV): Retrovirus that causes progressive and severe impairment of the body's natural immunologic function (HIV), resulting in serious opportunistic infections, various cancers, and eventual death (AIDS).
Acrocyanosis: The transient bluish skin color of an infant's feet or hands after delivery.
Active phase: The second phase of the first stage of labor during which the cervix dilates from 4 to 8 cm.
Acupressure: Application of pressure along certain meridians of the skin.
Acupuncture: Insertion of needles into the skin along certain meridians.
Adolescence: Period of life beginning with the appearance of secondary sex characteristics and ending with the cessation of growth, approximately 11 to 18 years of age; passage from childhood to maturity.
Adolescent pregnancy: Pregnancy in girls ages 11 to 19.
Adult maltreatment syndrome: ICD-9 diagnostic code category for the adult who is abused.
Advanced reproductive age: Women between ages 45 and 50 who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal.
Afterpains: Abdominal cramping caused by the uterus contracting or involuting.
Agonists: Drugs that block or reduce the action of a substance in the human body.
Air-block syndrome: Term used to encompass pneumomediastinum and pulmonary interstitial emphysema in ventilated infants.
Allantois: Small diverticulum of the yolk sac.
Allele: Alternative expression of a gene at a given locus.
Allopathy: Traditional or established medical or surgical procedures, both invasive and noninvasive, used in the diagnosis and treatment of mental or physical illness.
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP): Protein produced by the developing fetus that can be used as a marker for neural tube defects (increased AFP) and Down syndrome (decreased AFP).
Alternative therapies: Therapies used instead of conventional biomedicine.
Alveoli: Secretory units of the mammary gland in which milk production takes place.
Amenorrhea: Absence of menstruation for 3 or more months in women who have established menstrual cycles.
Amniohook: A plastic instrument with a blunt hook at the distal end used for amniotomy.
Amniocentesis: Prenatal diagnostic procedure that consists of withdrawal of a small sample of amniotic fluid for genetic analysis of embryonic cells.
Amnioinfusion: An instillation of an isotonic, glucose-free solution into the uterus to cushion the umbilical cord or thin out meconium.
Amnion: Inner membrane of the two fetal membranes; it forms the sac in which the fetus and the amniotic fluid are contained.
Amniotic fluid: Fluid surrounding the developing fetus during pregnancy; formed from maternal serum and fetal urine.
Amniotic fluid embolism: Life-threatening condition in which amniotic fluid and particulate matter such as lanugo, vernix caseosa, meconium, or other fetal cells enter the maternal circulation and obstruct the pulmonary circulation, resulting in classic embolic symptoms.
Amniotomy: Artificial rupture of the fetal membranes (AROM) using a plastic amniohook or sometimes a fetal scalp electrode.
Amylophagia: Ingestion of nonfood substances, such as laundry starch or cornstarch.
Analgesia: Relief of pain.
Anal wink reflex: Drawing together of the buttocks in response to a stroking motion. The buttocks come together at the exact anatomic position of the anal opening.
Anencephaly: Complete or partial absence of the cerebral hemispheres and the skull overlying the brain.
Anesthesia: Absence of sensation.
Anesthesiologist: Physician who has completed a postgraduate residency in anesthesia.
Aneuploidy: Abnormal chromosome pattern in which the total number of chromosomes is not a multiple of the haploid number (n = 23).
Anorexia nervosa: Condition of self-starvation motivated by excessive concern with weight and an irrational fear of becoming fat.
Anovulatory: Lack of ovulation.
Anovulatory cycle: Menstrual cycle in which no ovum is discharged.
Anterior fontanel: The diamond-shaped open space formed by the anterior and posterior sagittal and frontal sutures on an infant's skull.
Anticipatory grieving: Emotional responses based on the perception of potential or expected loss.
Antioxidant: A substance that slows down the oxidation of hydrocarbons, oils, and so on, and thus helps to check deterioration.
Antiretroviral therapy: Course of medications used to suppress HIV replication and viral load.
Apgar score: A scoring system used to evaluate newborns at 1 minute, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes after delivery. The total score is achieved by assessing heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and skin color, and assigning a score of 0 to 2 in each of the five categories. The highest possible score is 10.
Apnea: Cessation of respirations for more than 20 seconds.
Areola: Pigmented ring of tissue surrounding the nipple.
Asphyxia: Interference with gas exchange resulting in decreased oxygen delivery (hypoxemia), accumulation of carbon dioxide (hypercapnia), development of respiratory and metabolic acidosis, and inadequate perfusion of the tissues and major organs (ischemia).
Assault: Intentional act of inflicting physical injury on another person.
Asymmetric intrauterine growth restriction: Fetal growth in which the length and head circumference are at higher percentiles than the measurement for weight based on standardized graphs.
Atony: Lack of uterine muscle tone.
Attachment: Process of connecting with another human being over time.
Auditory brain evoked response: A hearing screen designed for newborns that records electrical potentials arising from the auditory nervous system.
Augmentation of labor: Stimulation of uterine contractions after labor has already started.
Autonomy: An individual's right to hold a particular view, make choices, and undertake actions based on values and beliefs.
Autosome: The 22 pairs of chromosomes that do not greatly influence sex determination at conception; excludes the sex chromosomes, X and Y.
Ayurvedic medicine: Traditional medicine of India meaning knowledge of life or science of longevity.
B
Ballottement: Rebounding of the floating fetus against the examiner's fingers.
Barrier to service utilization: Any deterrent, either real or perceived, that prevents or delays use of available health care.
Basal metabolism: Energy used to support body functions while the body is at rest.
Baseline fetal heart rate: The fetal heart rate between contractions and accelerations.
Beat-to-beat variability: Short-term variability in the fetal heart rate from one beat to the next.
Behavioral medicine: Branch of medicine that focuses on behavior and cognitive, emotional, motivational, and biobehavioral interactions.
Behavioral state: Continuum of levels of consciousness, encompassing quiet sleep, drowsiness, wakeful attentiveness, and hyperalert, agitated, or crying states.
Beneficence: The practice of doing good, which may include prevention of harm, removal of evil, or promotion of good.
Biischial diameter: Distance between the two ischial tuberosities.
Bilirubin: Product of red cell destruction, which may be by natural or hemolytic process.
Binge eating: An eating disorder of periodic binge eating (several thousand calories) not normally followed by vomiting, use of laxatives, or excessive exercise.
Bioavailability: Rate at which a nutrient enters the bloodstream and is circulated to specific organs or tissues.
Biomedicine: The scientific-based professional medicine taught in medical schools and generally practiced in the United States and Canada.
Biophysical profile (BPP): Noninvasive dynamic assessment of the fetus and the fetal environment.
Birth rate: Number of births per 1,000 population.
Blastocyst: Mammalian conceptus in the postmorula stage; consists of the trophoblast and an inner cell mass and develops into the embryo.
Blended family: Family formed through remarriage.
Bloody show: Release or expulsion of the thick, tenacious mucous plug that is inside the cervical canal 24-48 hours before the onset of labor.
Body mass index (BMI): Ratio that defines the relationship between height and weight. BMI is calculated by the formula: BMI = weight (kg)/height (m²) X 100, or weight (lb) X 700/height (in²).
Boggy: Term used to describe a fundus that is soft, atonic, and nonpalpable; bogginess is a warning sign of uterine atony and possible postpartum hemorrhage.
Botanicals: All parts of plants that have medicinal value: roots, rhizomes, leaves, stems, and flowers.
Brachial palsy: Paralysis of the muscles involving the upper extremity; occurs as a result of a prolonged and difficult labor followed by a traumatic delivery.
Braxton Hicks contractions: Intermittent painless contractions of the uterus observed throughout pregnancy; also known as false labor.
Breech presentation: Fetal descent in which the fetal buttocks, legs, feet, or combination of these parts is found first in the maternal pelvis.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD): Chronic lung disease in the neonate defined as an oxygen or impairment at 36 weeks' corrected gestational age.
Brow presentation: Fetal descent in which the area between the anterior fontanel and the fetal eyes descend into the maternal pelvis first.
Bulimia nervosa: Condition characterized by binge eating, or excessive consumption of calories over a short period of time; purging by self-induced vomiting; use of laxatives or diuretics, or both; excessive exercise; or periods of severe caloric restriction.
C
Calorie: Amount of energy needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water (about 4 cups) from 1^oC.
Calorimetry: Measurement of the quantity of heat; used for measuring the energy produced by food when oxidized in the body.
Cancer: Uncontrolled growth or spread of abnormal cells, resulting from malfunction of genes that control cell growth and cell division.
Capacitation: Process by which the spermatozoon (sperm) is capable of penetrating the ovum.
Caput succedaneum: Soft tissue edema or swelling from birth trauma that crosses suture lines; localized between the skin and the periosteum.
Carcinoma in situ: Cancer that involves only the cells of the organ in which it began and has not spread to any other tissue.
Carotenoids: Pigments in fruits and vegetables, which include alpha carotene, beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, and many other compounds.
Case management, care coordination: Process of coordinating care and services to ensure that clients receive appropriate care and services in a timely manner.
Categorical imperative: Supreme rule that governs actions.
Cephalhematoma: Subperiosteal hemorrhage from birth trauma that causes a swelling that does not cross suture lines.
Cephalopelvic disproportion (CPD): Abnormal relationship in which the maternal pelvis will not permit the descent of the fetal head for delivery.
Cerclage: Suturing to manage an incompetent cervix.
Certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA): Advanced practice nurse who has graduated from an accredited program of nurse anesthesia education and has passed the National Certification Examination.
Cervical cancer: Neoplasm of the uterine cervix.
Cervical cap: Barrier contraceptive device that is held in place by suction over the cervix.
Cervical dilation: Widening of the cervical opening that occurs from myometrial contractions in labor, which allow the cervix to accommodate passage of the fetal head through the birth canal.
Cervical infection: Inflammation of the cervix caused by a microorganism or foreign body.
Cesarean section: Birth of the fetus through a surgical incision in the mother's abdomen.
Chadwick's sign: Dark blue or purple coloration in the mucous membranes of the cervix, vagina, and vulva during pregnancy.
Chi: Concept in Asian medicine that refers to the subtle material or energy that influences physiologic function and maintains the health and vitality of the individual.
Chi gong: The Asian practice of working the chi or exercises to maintain health and vitality.
Child abuse: Physical or mental injury, sexual abuse, exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child.
Childbirth education: Originally, specific techniques for breathing, relaxation, and positioning to prepare women for labor that reduce the need for medication and unnecessary medical interventions.
Chloasma: Brownish pigmentation of the face commonly called the mask of pregnancy.
Choanal atresia: Abony or membranous separation between the nose and the pharynx.
Chorioamnionitis: An infection of the amniotic fluid that can be transferred to the infant before delivery, which places the infant at risk for a life-threatening condition.
Chorion: Outermost portion of the fetal membrane composed of trophoblast and mesoderm lining; develops villi and becomes vascularized; forms the fetal portion of the placenta.
Chorionic villi: Vascular protrusions along the chorion.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Procedure that obtains fetal cells in the first trimester of the developing pregnancy.
Chorioretinitis: Inflammation of the membrane of the retina of the eye.
Chromosome: Filament-like nuclear structure consisting of chromatin that stores genetic information as base sequences in DNA and whose chromosome number is constant in each species.
Chronic grief: Prolonged and recurrent sorrow felt by parents whose child has a serious physical anomaly or mental disability but does not die at birth.
Chronic hypertension: Hypertension that occurs before the 20th week of gestation, or continues beyond the 42nd postpartum day.
Civil law: Protects individuals by punishing wrongs against the individual.
Clastogen: Agent capable of producing chromosome breakage.
Cleansing breath: Initial breath taken at the beginning of uterine contraction activity or other conscious breathing technique; helps replenish the oxygen deficit.
Cleft lip: Congenital fissure or elongated opening of the lip.
Cleft palate: Congenital fissure in the palate.
Clubfoot (talipes equinovarus): Congenital deformity in which portions of the foot and ankle are twisted out of normal position.
Coarctation of the aorta: Acongenital condition characterized by the narrowing of the arterial walls of the aorta. This condition may be diagnosed in infancy by diminished femoral pulses as compared to radial pulses, a systolic blood pressure 90 mmHg, and a difference of 10 mmHg or more lowered systolic blood pressure between the infant's arm and thigh.
Code: Definition of professional obligations and responsibilities expected of practitioners by society.
Cognitive development: Age-related development of intellectual reasoning and perception.
Cohabitation: Couple living together without entering into marriage.
Coitus interruptus: Contraceptive method involving removal of the penis from the vagina before ejaculation.
Colostrum: A yellowish, protein-rich fluid secreted from the breast during pregnancy and for 3 to 4 days following delivery.
Communal family: Group of individuals, couples, or families living together and jointly carrying out family functions.
Complementary therapies: Therapies used in addition to or as an adjunct to biomedicine for the promotion of health and well-being.
Congenital disorder: Anomaly present at birth; results from genetic or prenatal environmental factors, or both.
Congenital heart defect: Astructural abnormality or defect of the heart that is present at birth.
Containment: Developmental technique using the caregiver's hands or cloth boundaries to support an infant's arms and legs close to the body.
Contraception: Prevention of pregnancy.
Contracted maternal pelvis: Abnormalities in pelvic measures or shapes that fall short of the measures or shapes required for an average delivery.
Contraction: Tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles during labor, causing effacement and dilation of the cervix.
Contraction stress test (CST): Evaluation of uterine contractions for the purpose of assessing fetal response.
Corona radiata: Layer of cells surrounding the zona pellucida of the ovum.
Corpus luteum: Yellow glandular mass in the ovary formed by an ovarian follicle that has matured and discharged its ovum.
Cost-benefit analysis: Process of measuring and comparing the cost of doing something against the outcome in monetary terms.
Cost containment: Reduction of expenses by working more efficiently.
Cost-effectiveness analysis: Process of comparing the cost of doing something and measuring the outcomes in nonmonetary terms.
Cotyledons: Subdivisions along the uterine surface of the placenta.
Couvade: Physical symptoms experienced by an expectant father during pregnancy; also the ritualistic behaviors he performs during labor and birth.
Criminal law: Addresses public concerns and punishes the wrongs that threaten a group or society.
Crisis: Situation in which the balance in an individual or family life is disrupted and new coping strategies must be developed.
Critical thinking: Formal and structured type of reasoning used in nursing as the foundation for sound clinical judgment.
Crowning: The point at which the fetal head is visible at the vulvar opening.
Cultural competence continuum: Progressive description of the ability of an individual or institution to respond to the individual culturally specific needs of the people.
Cultural competency: Process of integrating cultural awareness in the delivery of culturally appropriate clinical care.
Culture: An individual's way of looking at life, encompassing the person's feelings, beliefs, attitudes, and practices in dealing with family, community, and society.
Cyanosis: The bluing of the skin or mucous membranes that results from the inability of the circulatory system to properly oxygenate the tissues. Cyanosis in infancy may be noted centrally on the chest and face or peripherally in the fingers and toes.
Cytogenetics: The study of chromosomes, with special focus on chromosome abnormalities.
Cytotrophoblast: Inner layer of the trophoblast; also referred to as Langhan's layer.
D
Daily Reference Values (DRVs): Standards for daily intake of total fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, total carbohydrate, dietary fiber, and protein.
Date rape: Assault between a dating couple without the consent of one of the participants.
Deceleration: Slowing of the fetal heart rate in response to parasympathetic activity.
Decidua: Term applied to the endometrium during pregnancy.
Decidua basalis: Portion on which the implanted ovum rests.
Decidua capsularis: Portion directly overlying the implanted ovum.
Decidua parietalis: Decidua exclusive of the area occupied by the implanted ovum.
Deletion: Loss of chromosomal material.
Deontology: Form of ethical reasoning that focuses on duty; right actions are those that fulfill duty.
Dermatome: Area of the body innervated by a specific spinal nerve.
Descent: Progression of the fetal head into the pelvis.
Desire phase: First phase of human sexual response in which an individual develops a motivation or intention to be sexual.
Developmental care: Infant care protocol designed to promote optimal physical, cognitive, and emotional development in the first weeks or months of life.
Developmental crisis: Adjustment of an individual to new stages of development.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH): Malformation of the hip involving varying degrees of deformity, ranging from subluxation to complete dislocation.
Developmental tasks: Competencies in psychosocial development related to identity formation, sexual identity, vocational identity, and autonomy and independence.
Diaphragm: Barrier contraceptive device that fits over the cervix.
Diaphragmatic hernia: Condition in which the diaphragm fails to close during the seventh or eighth week, allowing the abdominal organs to be displaced into the left chest.
Diastasis recti: Muscle separation midline in the abdomen due to pregnancy.
Dietary Guidelines for Americans: Guidance on diet and health for the general population with practical recommendations that meet nutritional requirements, promote health, support an active lifestyle, and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Dilation: The widening of the external os of the uterine cervix from closed to a maximum of 10 cm, at which time the cervix is said to be fully dilated.
Dilemma: Choice between two equally unsatisfactory alternatives.
Diploid: Cell that contains two copies of each chromosome; the diploid number (2n) in humans is 46.
Disease prevention: Activities taken to prevent the onset of a disease or disorder.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): Hemorrhagic disorder that occurs following the uncontrolled activation of clotting factors and fibrinolytic enzymes throughout small blood vessels, resulting in tissue necrosis and bleeding.
Dizygotic: Derived from two separate zygotes (e.g., fraternal twins).
Doctrine of the golden mean: Virtues at the midpoint between extremes of less desirable characteristics.
Dominant: Allele that is phenotypically expressed in single copy (heterozygote) as well as double copy (homozygote).
Doppler blood studies: Measurement of blood flow velocity and direction in major fetal and uterine structures; also known as umbilical vessel velocimetry.
Dosha: Term used in Ayurvedic medicine to refer to metabolic types of people.
Doula: A woman who is employed by the pregnant woman to assist her through labor by helping her cope with the pain.
Ductus arteriosus: Fetal shunt that connects the pulmonary artery to the descending aorta.
Ductus venosus: Fetal shunt passing through the liver that connects the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava.
Due care: Legal and ethical standard of performance by which nursing professionals are expected to abide.
Duration: Period from the beginning of one contraction to the end of the same contraction.
Dyad: Group of two people.
Dysfunctional grieving: Extended, unsuccessful use of intellectual and emotional responses by which individuals, families, or communities attempt to work through the process of modifying self-concept based on the perception of loss.
Dysfunctional labor pattern: Labor that does not proceed normally.
Dysfunctional uterine bleeding (DUB): Any significant deviation from the usual menstrual pattern; also known as abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB).
Dysmenorrhea: Painful menses or cramping associated with menstruation.
Dysmotility: Low rate of gastrointestinal peristalsis.
Dyspareunia: Painful sexual intercourse.
Dystocia: Failure of labor to progress.
E
Early detection: The use of screening techniques to identify the stages of a disease, when early treatment may reduce its development.
Early onset deceleration: Slowing of the fetal heart rate corresponding to the onset of a uterine contraction and a slow return to the baseline soon after the contraction ends, like a mirror image; caused by fetal head compression.
Eclampsia: Seizures in a pregnant woman.
ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation): A type of cardiopulmonary bypass therapy.
Ecologic environment: Combined societal context in which a family resides.
Ectopic pregnancy: Implantation of a fertilized ovum in a location other than the endometrial lining of the uterus.
EDB: Estimated date of birth.
EDC: Estimated date of confinement or "due date";
EDD: Expected date of delivery.
Effacement: Shortening and thinning of the cervix that occurs during the labor process.
Elderly primigravida: A woman over age 35 who is pregnant for the first time.
Elective abortion: Voluntary termination of pregnancy before fetal viability at the request of the client.
Embryo: Period of human development from the second week until the eighth week after fertilization; period characterized by cell differentiation and hyperplasic growth.
Embryo transfer (ET): Transfer of an externally fertilized egg in embryonic stage by transcervical or other methods.
Emergency childbirth: Childbirth that occurs too rapidly for the mother to get to the hospital.
Emergency contraception: Postcoital prevention of pregnancy.
Empowering: A therapeutic approach that encourages the family to actively participate in the solution to their problems and acknowledge that capacity.
Empowerment: Process of assisting clients to care for themselves.
Enablement: Process of assisting clients in locating needed services and resources.
Enabling: The approach to interventions that allows competencies to develop in the client.
Encephalocele: Herniation of the brain and meninges through a skull defect.
Endometrial cancer: Malignant neoplasm of the uterine lining.
Endometriosis: Chronic disorder caused by implantation of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.
Endometritis: Infection of the uterine lining.
Endometrium: Cellular lining of the uterus that is shed monthly at the time of menses.
En-face positioning: Face-to-face positioning between parent and newborn.
Engorgement: Process of swelling of the breast tissue due to vascular congestion following delivery and preceding lactation.
Engrossment: Process characterized by intense paternal interest in the newborn.
Enhancement: Process of building on a client's existing strengths to increase capacity for problem solving and self-care.
Epidural: Technique used to produce analgesia or anesthesia of the lower body by placing opioid and/or local anesthetic within the epidural space, which then diffuses into the nerve roots as they exit the dura.
Episiotomy: Surgical incision made to enlarge the vaginal opening for delivery of the baby's head.
Epispadias: Condition in which the urethral meatus is located on the dorsal surface of the penis.
Erythema toxicum: A transient, red, irregular rash appearing shortly after birth first on the infant's face and then spreading to the chest and extremities. The cause of the rash is unknown and no special treatment is required.
Erythroblastosis fetalis: Vast destruction of fetal red blood cells by maternal antibodies, resulting in fetal anemia.
Esophageal atresia: Condition in which the esophagus ends in a blind pouch or narrows into a thin cord and is not connected to the stomach.
Estrogen: Female sex hormone produced primarily by the ovary and stored in fat cells.
Estrogen deficiency vulvovaginitis: Vulvovaginal burning related to estrogen decline.
Ethic of care: Perspective that recognizes the personal concerns and vulnerabilities of clients in health and illness.
Ethics: Branch of philosophy that provides rules and principles that can be used for resolving ethical dilemmas.
Ethnic group: Community of people who share the same cultural and social beliefs, which have been passed from one generation to another.
Euploid: Cell (and, by extension, an individual) whose chromosome number is a multiple of 23.
Evidence-based practice: Systematic approach to finding, appraising, and judiciously using research results as a basis for clinical decisions.
Excitement phase: Phase of the human sexual response in which physical and emotional changes take place in the person to increase interest in intercourse.
Exstrophy of the bladder: Anomaly in which the anterior wall of the bladder and lower portion of the abdominal wall are absent, causing the bladder to lie open and exposed on the lower abdomen.
Extended family: Family that includes generations beyond the parents and their children such as grandparents or aunts and uncles; two or more nuclear families together.
External cephalic version: Procedure by which the physician manipulates the fetus externally through the maternal abdomen to turn the fetus from an abnormal presentation (usually breech) to a cephalic presentation.
Extrauterine life: Life outside of the uterus following birth.
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW): Weight of 1,000 grams or less at birth.
F
Face presentation: Fetal descent in which hyperextension of the fetal head and neck allows the fetal face to descend into the maternal pelvis, as opposed to flexion, which results in fetal vertex presentation.
Facial palsy: Paralysis of one side of the face.
Facilitated tucking: Gentle handling of an infant by providing boundary support.
False discharge: Fluid appearing on the nipple or areolar surface that is not secreted by the breast tissue.
Family: Group of adults and children linked by biological, kinship, or social bonds.
Family boundaries: The demarcations between individuals within a family and between the family and the rest of society.
Family dynamics: Concept from psychology that refers to patterns in the interrelationships within the family.
Family planning: Cognitive decisions and behavioral practices that enable individuals to conceive a wanted pregnancy and avoid an unwanted or badly timed pregnancy.
Family structure: Configuration of the family unit, including who is in the family and their relationship to each other.
Femicide: Homicide of women.
Fern test: Procedure done to determine presence of amniotic fluid.
Fertility rate: Number of births per 1,000 women ages 15 to 44.
Fertilization: Process by which the male's sperm unites with the female's ovum.
Fetal alcohol effects: Detectable effects of maternal alcohol consumption.
Fetal alcohol syndrome: Acollection of deformities and disabilities seen in offspring of women who use alcohol heavily in pregnancy.
Fetal attitude: Relationship of fetal body parts to one another.
Fetal circulation: The pathway of blood circulation in the fetus.
Fetal distress: Nonreassuring fetal heart rate responses to the intrauterine environment. Distress reflects hypoxia and respiratory or metabolic acidosis.
Fetal fibronectin (fFN) testing: Screening procedure for the prediction of preterm labor.
Fetal heart rate (FHR): The number of times the fetal heart beats per minute.
Fetal lie: Relationship of the fetal long axis to that of the maternal long axis or spinal cord.
Fetal movement counting (FMC): Daily maternal assessment of fetal activity by counting the number of fetal movements within a specified time period.
Fetal position: Relationship of the fetal presenting part to the left or right side of the maternal pelvis.
Fetal presentation: Anatomic part of the fetus that is either in, or closest to, the birth canal.
Fetal tissue sampling: Direct biopsy of fetal tissue.
Fibroadenoma: Painless solid breast mass or tumor.
Fibrocystic changes: Hormonal age-related changes most commonly involving cyst formation and thickening of breast tissue.
Fibroid tumor: Benign tumor arising in the myometrium that can protrude into the uterine cavity, bulge through the outer uterine layer, and grow within the myometrium.
Fidelity: Quality of being faithful.
Fimbriae: Fine, hair-like structures.
First stage of labor: Begins with regular contractions and ends when the cervix is completely dilated. The first stage of labor is divided into three phases: latent, active, and transition.
Flexion: Occurs when the fetal head meets resistance from the pelvic floor and wall at the cervix, causing the fetal head to flex the chin against the fetal chest.
Focal point: Internal or external point of reference that serves as a centering factor. This is used to focus cognitive attention away from the discomforts of labor.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Hormone produced by the anterior pituitary whose function is to stimulate the ovary to prepare a mature ovum for release.
Follicular phase: Phase of the ovarian cycle in which a follicle becomes mature and prepared for ovulation.
Follow-up services: Health care services provided following hospital discharge.
Fontanel: Point of intersection where the skull bones are united by membranes that allows the head to mold during the birthing process.
Food Guide Pyramid: Translation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans into practical eating portions and, if foods are chosen carefully, they also meet the recommended daily allowances (RDA) and Dietary Reference Intakes (DRI).
Foramen ovale: An opening in the septum between the right and the left atria of the fetal heart.
Forceps: Metal instruments used on the fetal head to assist in delivery.
Foremilk: Thin, watery breast milk secreted at the beginning of a feeding.
Fourth stage of labor: First 4 hours after delivery of the placenta.
FPAL: Acronym for the four digits of parity: full-term deliveries (37 and 40 weeks gestation); premature or preterm deliveries (between 20 and 36 weeks' gestation); abortions, spontaneous or induced (termination of pregnancy before 20 weeks' gestation); and living children born to the client who are alive at time of data collection.
Frequency: Period of time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next contraction.
Fundus: Top portion of the uterus; massaged with the hands after delivery to ascertain and maintain firmness.
G
Galactopoiesis: Maintenance of established lactation.
Galactorrhea: White discharge from the nipples.
Gamete: Mature reproductive cell; spermatozoon or ovum.
Gametogenesis: Series of mitotic and meiotic divisions that occurs in the gonads that leads to the production of gametes; in males, spermatogenesis, and in females, oogenesis.
Gastroesophageal reflux (GER): Spontaneous passage of acidic gastric contents from the stomach into the esophagus.
Gastroschisis: Abdominal wall defect to the right of the umbilicus through which the abdominal organs have herniated.
Gavage feeding: Feedings given through a tube that is passed through the nose or the mouth into the stomach.
Gene: Segment of nucleic acid that contains genetic information necessary to control a certain function, such as the synthesis of a polypeptide (structural gene); also referred to as a site, or locus, on a chromosome.
General anesthesia: Loss of sensation from the entire body secondary to loss of consciousness produced by intravenous and/or inhalation anesthetic agents.
Genetic counseling: Process by which genetic information is given to clients and their families.
Genetic disorder: Inherited defect transmitted from generation to generation.
Genotype: Genetic constitution of an individual at any given locus.
Geophagia: Ingestion of nonfood substances such as dirt or clay.
Gestational diabetes: Diabetes diagnosed in pregnancy.
Glycosuria: The presence of sugar (glucose) in the urine.
Goals: Broad statements of a desired outcome.
Gonadal: Pertaining to the ovaries in the female and the testes in the male.
Gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn-RH): Neurohormone released by the hypothalamus that acts on the pituitary to stimulate the release of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and prolactin.
Goodell's sign: Marked softening of the cervix in early pregnancy.
Graafian follicle: Fully mature ovum and surrounding elements just before ovulation.
Gravida: Number of pregnancies, regardless of duration or outcome.
Gravidity: Number of times a woman has been pregnant.
Grief: Intense and personal experience in response to a loss.
Grief work: Work that includes acceptance of painful emotions, active review of the experience and events, and testing new patterns of interaction and integration of the loss into daily living.
GTPAL: A five-digit number that indicates (1) the number of conceptions; (2) the number of full-term deliveries; (3) the number of premature or preterm deliveries; (4) the number of abortions; and (5) the number of children born to the client who are alive at the time of data collection.
H
Habituation: A newborn's ability to alter response to a repeated stimulus by decreasing and finally eliminating the response after repetitions of the stimulus.
Haploid: Cell that contains one copy of each chromosome; the haploid number (n) in humans is 23.
Harm: Interference with the mental or physical well-being of others.
Healing: Restoring to health.
Health care informatics: Integration of computer science, information science, and various health care professionals involved in collecting, processing, and managing data.
Health maintenance: Preventing, or detecting early, particular health deviations through routine periodic exams and screenings.
Health promotion: Process, action, program, or endeavor to obtain the goal of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.
Health protection: Includes provision of safe childbearing through adequate prenatal and postnatal care, safe delivery, and effective family planning for child spacing and desired family size; it also includes prevention, early diagnosis, and appropriate treatment for infections, cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
Heavy metal: A chemical substance, such as lead or mercury, that may be a by-product of industry.
Hegar's sign: Softening of the isthmus of the uterus in pregnancy.
HELLP syndrome: A severe manifestation of PIH with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets.
Heme iron: Iron from animal sources, which constitutes about half of the iron available from animal sources.
Hemizygous: Condition in which an allele is present in a single copy.
Hemochromatosis: Rare genetic defect in iron metabolism in which excess iron is deposited in tissues, causing skin pigmentation, hepatic cirrhosis, and decreased carbohydrate tolerance, which eventually ends in multiple organ failure.
Hemolytic disease of the newborn: Destruction of the neonate's red blood cells due to isoimmunization (RH or ABO incompatibility) or inadequate vitamin K, which leads to the inability to produce clotting factors and consequent risk of hemorrhage.
Hemosiderosis: Iron storage disorder resulting in iron toxicity.
Herbicide: Chemical designed to kill unwanted plant life such as weeds.
Herbs: Leafy plants that do not have woody stems.
Heterozygote: Individual who has two different alleles at a given locus on a pair of homologous chromosomes.
Hindmilk: Thicker, high-fat breastmilk secreted at the end of a feeding.
Holism: Philosophy of integration of body, mind, and spirit within a dynamic environment.
Home care: Provision of technical, psychologic, and other therapeutic support in the client's home environment rather than in an institution.
Home care nursing: Delivery of nursing care in the home environment.
Home visit: Visit occurring in the family's place of residence or in any such facility where a family may be housed, such as a homeless shelter, group home, church, or halfway house.
Homologous: Refers to chromosomes with matching genes.
Homozygote: Individual who has a pair of identical alleles at a given locus.
Homozygous: Individual possessing a pair of identical alleles of a given gene.
Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): Hormone secreted by the corpus luteum of the ovary after conception.
Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS): Retrovirus that causes progressive and severe impairment of the body's natural immunologic function (HIV), resulting in serious opportunistic infections, various cancers, and eventual death (AIDS).
Human placental lactogen (hPL): Hormone produced by the syncytiotrophoblast cell as early as 3 weeks after ovulation and is detectable in the maternal serum at 4 weeks after fertilization.
Hyaline membrane disease (HMD): Surfactant deficiency characterized by collapsed alveoli and low lung volume.
Hydramnios: Excess of amniotic fluid.
Hydrocele: Collection of serous fluid in the scrotum.
Hydrocephalus: Increased circulating cerebrospinal fluid, resulting in an increase in the size of the fetal head.
Hydrocephaly: Condition that results from an excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain, caused by an imbalance between CSF production and absorption.
Hydrops fetalis: Severe form of fetal hemolytic disease; severe anemia results in hypoxia, cardiac decompensation, and hepatosplenomegaly.
Hyperbilirubinemia: Elevated level of bilirubin in the blood.
Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe vomiting during pregnancy.
Hyperglycemia: Blood glucose level greater than 125 mg/dL in the term infant and greater than 150 mg/dL in the preterm infant.
Hyperkalemia: Infant's serum potassium greater than 7 mg/dL.
Hypernatremia: Infant's serum sodium greater than 155 mg/dL.
Hyperthermia: Dangerous elevation in body temperature due to fever or external heat sources.
Hypertonic contractions: Elevated uterine resting tone or contractions that are either too strong in intensity or more frequent than 5 in 10 minutes.
Hypertonic labor: Uterine activity characterized by uterine irritability, poor resting tone, and contractions occurring at a frequency of closer than every 2 minutes.
Hyperventilation: Achange in the oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange; a consequence of breathing too rapidly and too deeply.
Hypocalcemia: Low level of calcium in the blood (less than 7 mg/dL).
Hypochromic anemia: Anemia characterized by red blood cells lacking in color.
Hypoglycemia: Aless than normal amount of glucose in the blood; in the newborn, a plasma glucose level of less than 40 mg/dL.
Hypomagnesemia: An abnormally low amount of magnesium in the blood.
Hyponatremia: Infant's serum sodium less than 125 mg/dL.
Hypophyseal-pituitary-ovarian axis: Transport mechanism of gonadotropin releasing hormone from the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary that, in turn, causes stimulation of the ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone.
Hypospadias: Congenital anomaly in which the urethral meatus is located on the ventral surface of the glans penis instead of at the end.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis: Triad of the hypothalamus, pituitary, and ovaries that must function in synchrony in order for conception to occur.
Hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis: Transport mechanism of gonadotropin releasing hormone (Gn-RH) from the hypothalamus that stimulates the release of gonadotropins from the anterior pituitary, which then causes stimulation of the ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone.
Hypothermia: Rectal or axillary temperature below 97^oF.
Hypotonic labor: Abnormal labor pattern in which uterine contractions are inadequate in terms of frequency, intensity, or duration.
Hypovolemia: Decreased circulating blood volume.
I
Imperforate anus: A group of anomalies of the rectum and anus.
Implantable contraception: Contraceptive surgically implanted into the client.
Implantation: Embedding of the fertilized ovum into the endometrium.
Impotence: Inability of the male to achieve or maintain an erection.
Incest: Sexual relations between blood relatives or surrogate family members.
Incompetent cervix: Used to describe painless dilation of the cervix, which causes the pregnancy to be lost.
Induced abortion: Termination of pregnancy brought on intentionally by medical or surgical intervention. Induced abortions may be classified as therapeutic, performed for physical or mental health reasons, or as elective, performed at the request of the client.
Infant of a diabetic mother (IDM): Infant born to a mother who has diabetes mellitus.
Infertility: Diminished or absent ability to produce an offspring despite regular unprotected intercourse for 1 year.
Informed consent: Information regarding treatment procedures given to clients, and their consent is secured.
Injectable contraception: Contraceptive administered by intramuscular injection.
Insensible water loss (IWL): Evaporation of water through the skin and mucous membranes.
Insoluble fiber: Fiber that resists absorption into the body.
Integrated medicine: Provision of health care services combining both biomedical and complementary medicine.
Intensity: Strength of the contraction at its peak.
Interdisciplinary team: Health care delivered by individuals from various disciplines who share responsibility, authority, and decision-making.
Interspinous diameter: Transverse diameter between the two ischial spines of the pelvis.
Intracranial hemorrhage: Collection of blood within the cranium.
Intrathecal: Technique used to produce analgesia of the lower body by placing a small amount of opioid drug into the cerebrospinal fluid.
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR): Term to describe an infant whose birth weight, length, and head circumference are less than the 10th percentile based on standardized graphs.
Intrauterine pressure catheter (IUPC): A fetal monitoring device that accurately monitors internal uterine pressure during labor.
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH): Hemorrhage into the ventricles of the brain; common in preterm infants.
Invasive breast cancer: Cancer that has extended beyond the local epithelium and has the potential to spread from the breast to other parts of the body.
Invasive cancer: Cancer that has spread or infiltrated beyond the original site or organ.
Inversion of the uterus: Turning of the uterus inside out, resulting in serious hemorrhage and shock.
Involution: Reduction in size of the uterus following childbirth.
Ionizing radiation: Energy in wave or particle form (such as X-ray) that is capable of releasing ions from irradiated tissue.
J
Jaundice: Accumulation of bilirubin that produces a yellow discoloration of the newborn's skin, mucous membranes, and sclera.
Justice: Division of benefits and burdens in society.
K
Kangaroo care: Skin-to-skin contact between mother and infant.
Karyotype: Chromosome constitution of an individual represented by a laboratory-made display, in which chromosomes are arranged by size and centromere position.
Kernicterus: Excess accumulation of unbound, unconjugated bilirubin deposited in brain tissues, especially the basal ganglia.
Ketoacidosis: Acidosis with the accumulation of ketone bodies in the body's tissues and fluids.
Kleihauer-Betke test: A test used to note evidence of fetal cells in maternal circulation, which is of special significance for Rh-negative pregnant women.
L
Labor: Physiologic process by which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled through the uterus; also known as parturition.
Labor augmentation: Process of stimulating more effective uterine activity through the use of oxytocin.
Labor induction: Stimulation of uterine contractions before the onset of labor for the purpose of accomplishing delivery.
Laceration: A tear in the perineum, vagina, or cervix caused by childbirth.
Lactation consultant: Specially trained health care provider whose primary focus is providing assistance to help new mothers establish breastfeeding.
Lactation discharge: Any secretory breast discharge occurring as a physiologic response to the normal hormonal stimulation of pregnancy, postpartum, or after weaning.
Lactogenesis: The process of milk production 2-5 days postpartum.
La Leche League: International organization that promotes breastfeeding.
Langhan's layer: Inner layer of the trophoblast; also referred to as the cytotrophoblast.
Lanugo: Downy hair that is present on the fetus between the 13th week and birth.
Large for gestational age (LGA): Term to describe an infant whose birth weight is 2 standard deviations above the mean weight for gestational age or above the 90th percentile.
Latching-on: Proper attachment of the infant to the breast for feeding.
Latent phase: First phase of the first stage of labor, from 0-4 cm of cervical dilation.
Late onset deceleration: Slowing of the fetal heart rate that commences after the onset of the contraction. The fetal heart rate returns to baseline after the contraction has ended. This ominous pattern is caused by uteroplacental insufficiency and occurs in conjunction with diminished or absent variability.
Laws: Rules governing human behavior that represent the minimum standard of mortality.
Leopold's maneuvers: Method of abdominal palpation to determine the presentation and position of the fetus.
Let-down reflex: Milk ejection from the breast triggered by nipple stimulation or emotional response to the infant.
Letting-go phase: Final phase of maternal adjustment characterized by role attainment and relationship adjustment.
Leydig cells: Interstitial tissue cells of the testes that produce testosterone.
Liability: Accountability for professional conduct according to standards that have been set.
Libido: Conscious or unconscious sexual desire.
Life expectancy: Average number of years for which a group of individuals of the same age are expected to live.
Lightening: Movement of the presenting part of the fetus into the true pelvis.
Linea nigra: Dark line of pigmentation that extends from the symphysis pubis to the umbilicus, in the midline of the abdomen, during pregnancy.
LMP: Last menstrual period.
Local anesthetic: Class of drugs that produces reversible blockade of electrical impulses along nerve fibers.
Local infiltration anesthesia: Loss of sensation in a small area owing to blockade of neural impulses as a result of infiltration of tissue with an anesthetic drug such as lidocaine.
Localized breast cancer: Cancer that has not metastasized, is usually less than 2 cm in size, is considered noninvasive beyond the breast, and has the best outcome.
Lochia: Normal uterine discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue following childbirth.
Long-term variability (LTV): Type of fetal heart rate variability measured in minute intervals from the baseline and rated as decreased, 0-5 bpm; average, 6-25 bpm; or marked, 25 bpm (on a 3-point scale).
Low birth weight (LBW): Weight of 2,500 grams or less at birth.
Low-lying placenta: A condition in which the exact relationship of the placenta to the cervical os is not determined, or when apparent placenta previa occurs before the third trimester of pregnancy.
Luteal phase: Phase of the ovarian cycle after ovulation when the corpus luteum secretes hormones to prepare the uterine endometrium for implantation until the placenta matures and assumes the function of providing nutrients for the embryo.
Luteinizing hormone (LH): Anterior pituitary hormone whose surge occurs immediately before ovulation and is responsible for release of the ovum.
M
Macrocephaly: A head circumference that measures more than 38 cm at delivery and remains 38 cm or larger at 48 hours of life.
Macro-environment: Elements that define the caregiving milieu, that is, conditions that define the surrounding space in which caregiving occurs.
Macronutrients: Any of the chemical elements, such as carbon, required in relatively large quantities for growth.
Macrosomia: Infant with a birth weight above the 90th percentile for gestational age or birth weight greater than 4 kg (8 lb, 12.8 oz).
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Noninvasive diagnostic tool that provides high-resolution cross-sectional images of fluid-filled soft tissues.
Malposition: Fetal position other than occiput anterior, including occiput transverse, occiput posterior, and oblique, or acynclytic, positions.
Malpractice: Negligence involving the actions of professionals.
Malpresentation: Fetal presentation other than vertex, including breech, transverse, compound, shoulder, face, and brow.
Mammogenesis: Mammary growth.
Managed care: Health care plan with a selected list of providers and institutions from which the recipient is entitled to receive health care that is reimbursed by the insurer.
Marginal placenta previa: The placenta lies within 2-3 cm of the cervical os.
Mastectomy: Excision (removal) of the breast.
Mastitis: Infection in the breast, usually confined to a milk duct, characterized by influenza-like symptoms and redness and tenderness in the infected breast.
Material principles of justice: Guidelines that can be used to justify the distribution of benefits.
Maternal-infant bonding: Formation of an emotional attachment between mother and newborn.
Maternal role attainment: Process by which a women acquires knowledge of maternal behavior that aids in transforming her maternal identity.
Maternal sensitization: Process by which the maternal immunologic system forms antibodies against fetal blood cells.
Maternal serum-alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP): Screening of maternal blood (MS) for the presence and volume of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP).
Mature milk: Breast milk that contains 10% solids for energy and growth.
Meconium: Initial stool developed in the fetus; it is viscid, sticky, dark in color, sterile, and odorless.
Meconium staining: Staining of the newborn's skin and nails; results from fetal passage of stool in utero.
Medicalization of childbirth: Treatment of childbirth as a medical event rather than a natural process.
Medical model: Biomedical approach to health care oriented to treating specific diagnoses and focused on physical problems.
Meiosis: Process by which germ cells divide and decrease their chromosomal number by half.
Menarche: Initiation of the first menses.
Meningocele: Spinal cord defect in which an external sac protrudes through the defect and contains meninges and cerebrospinal fluid.
Menopause: Natural or surgically imposed cessation of menses.
Menses: Monthly bleeding from the lining of the uterus.
Menstrual phase: Phase of the menstrual cycle when a woman experiences vaginal bleeding.
Meridian: In Asian medicine, the channels or pathways in the body through which Chi travels.
Mesenchyme: Meshwork of embryonic connective tissue that forms the connective tissue of the body, blood vessels, and lymph vessels.
Metastatic breast cancer: Breast cancer that is found in parts of the body in addition to the breasts.
Microcephaly: Condition in which there is a normalsized head that contains a small brain.
Microcytic anemia: Anemia characterized by red blood cells of small size.
Micro-environment: Elements that are specifically related to the individual infant's environment or care experiences.
Micronutrients: Any of the chemical elements, such as iron, required in minute quantities for growth.
Midpelvis: Second of three pelvic planes.
Milia: Small, white pimples that appear on the infant's face and chin after delivery.
Mitosis: Process in which body cells duplicate themselves and then separate into two new daughter cells.
Mittelschmerz: Abdominal pain occurring at the time of ovulation.
Modified-paced breathing: Controlled pacing of the increased respiratory rate needed for adequate oxygenation as labor progresses.
Molding: Overlapping of the fetal skull bones that helps the fetal head adapt to the size and shape of the maternal pelvis.
Mongolian spots: The dark purple-blue or blue-green diffuse skin color noted on the buttocks of an infant.
Monosomy: Aneuploid condition of having a chromosome represented by a single copy in a somatic cell; that is, the absence of a chromosome from a given pair.
Monozygotic: Derived from one zygote (e.g., identical twins).
Montevideo units: A numerical method of calculating adequacy of contraction strength.
Morbidity rate: Ratio of the number of cases of a disease or a condition to a given population.
Mortality rate: Ratio of the number of deaths in various categories to a given population.
Morula: Solid mass of cells formed by cleavage of a fertilized ovum.
Mosaicism: Condition that results in an individual (mosaic) with two or more genetically different cell populations.
Mottling: Atransient skin condition in infancy noted by a lacy framework of blue or red blood vessels surrounding whitened areas of skin in a "cobblestone"; appearance; also called cutis marmorata.
Moxibustion: In Asian medicine, the burning of herbs near the skin in order to affect movement of Chi.
Multifactorial: Resulting from interactions between genetic and environmental factors.
Multipara: A woman who has given birth following two or more pregnancies of at least 20 weeks' gestation each.
Multiple gestation: Carrying more than one fetus during the same pregnancy.
Mutation: Abrupt genetic alteration in an individual, which is transmitted to the offspring.
Myelomeningocele: Spinal cord defect in which part of the spinal cord is herniated into an external sac, which contains meninges, neural tissue, and cerebrospinal fluid.
N
Naegele's rule: Method for calculating the "due date"; from the date of last menstrual period.
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC): An acquired disease process characterized by necrosis of the mucosal and submucosal layers of the gastrointestinal tract.
Neglect: Withholding of essential components of daily living such as food, clothing, medications, and shelter.
Negligence: Unintentional wrong caused by failure to act as a reasonable person would under similar circumstances.
Neonatal abstinence syndrome: A collection of symptoms that may include sneezing, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, and seizures seen in newborns withdrawing from prenatal exposure to narcotics.
Neonatal death: A live-born infant who dies before completing 28 days of life, regardless of gestational age.
Nephrocalcinosis: Renal calcifications of unknown etiology; may be associated with premature infants who require furosemide therapy, fluid retention, and calcium supplementation.
Nesting: Burst of energy experienced by many women 24-48 hours before the onset of labor.
Neurohormonal: Pertaining to hormones formed by neurosecretory cells and liberated by nerve impulses.
Neutral thermal environment: A set of environmental conditions created to maintain normal body temperature and minimize oxygen consumption and caloric expenditure.
Neutropenia: Decreased number of neutrophils.
Nipple discharge: Fluid produced by and accumulating within a secretory unit of the breast exiting through the nipple.
Nitrazine test: A test for the presence of anmiotic fluid. Nitrazine paper is sensitive to pH and turns blue when in contact with the alkaline amniotic fluid.
Nondisjunction: Failure of homologous chromosomes, or chromatids, to separate properly during anaphase meiosis I and II, or mitosis, resulting in daughter cells with unequal chromosome numbers; meiotic nondisjunction may result in gametes with abnormal chromosome number, which on fertilization may produce aneuploidy; miotic nondisjunction that occurs in a developing embryo may result in mosaicism.
Nonheme iron: Dietary iron from foods other than meats, in which the iron is not bound in the hemoglobin molecule; comprises half of the iron found in animal sources and all of the iron found in plant sources, including grains and cereals.
Nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF): Severe edema of the fetus that is not the result of isoimmunization.
Nonmaleficence: Acting to prevent harm to others.
Nonperiodic fetal heart rate changes: Transient changes in fetal heart rate not associated with contractions, although they can occur during a contraction.
Nonstress test (NST): Evaluation of fetal heart rate in response to an increase in either spontaneous or stimulated fetal activity.
Nuchal cord: Umbilical cord encircling the fetal neck.
Nuclear family: Unit composed of two generations, parents and their children.
Nutrition Facts Food Label: Labeling on processed packaged foods that lists credible health and nutrient content claims, standardized serving sizes, and percent daily values (DVs) based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
O
Obesity: Body weight of 20% or more over ideal body weight.
Objectives: Specific short-term achievements expected to result in the accomplishment of a goal. These are generally written in specific measurable outcomes.
Obstetrical conjugate: Anterior-posterior diameter of the pelvic inlet plane; indirect measurement estimated from the sacral promontory to the back of the symphysis pubis.
Oligohydramnios: Condition in which the amount of amniotic fluid is significantly less than the amount expected for the third trimester of pregnancy (less than 500 mL) or less than 5 cm total of a four-quadrant sonographic assessment.
Oliguria: Diminished urine production in relation to fluid intake.
Omphalocele: Defect covered by a peritoneal sac at the base of the umbilicus, into which portions of the abdominal organs herniate.
Opioid: Type of drug that binds to opioid receptors and produces a degree of analgesia; also known as a narcotic.
Opsonization: Action of opsonins (substances that coat foreign antigens) to facilitate phagocytosis.
Organogenesis: Development of organs.
Orgasmic phase: Phase of the human sexual response after the plateau phase in which immense sexual tension is released.
Osteopenia: Bone mass below normal levels.
Osteoporosis: Progressive bone loss, increased bone fragility, and increased risk for bone fractures, which occurs in postmenopausal women.
Ovarian cancer: Malignant neoplasm of the ovary.
Overshoot: A rebound increase in fetal heart rate following a variable deceleration.
Ovulation: Release of a mature ovum in preparation for conception.
Ovulation prediction: Contraceptive method involving female prediction of fertile period through the use of basal body temperature charts and/or cervical mucus changes.
Oxytocin: Hormone produced by the posterior pituitary that stimulates uterine contractions and the release of milk from the mammary glands.
P
Paced breathing: Deep breathing that is consciously paced to no less than half the woman's normal respiratory rate; used during pregnancy and during the early phase of labor to promote relaxation.
Pagophagia: Ingestion of nonfood substances such as ice and ice frost.
Pap smear: A screening device for cervical cancer; the results identify women at risk.
Para: Number of births after 20 weeks' gestation, whether live or stillbirth.
Parenteral: Administration of drug via intramuscular or intravenous routes.
Parity: Number of past pregnancies that have reached a gestation of viability regardless of whether the infant or infants were alive or stillborn.
Partial previa: A class of placenta previa in which the placenta is within 3 cm of the cervical os but does not completely cover it.
Parturient: Woman giving birth.
Parturition: Physiologic process by which the fetus, placenta, and membranes are expelled through the uterus; also called labor.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA): Continued patency of the ductus arteriosus (blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery with the aorta) after the first 24 hours of life.
Paternalism: Interference in the liberty of a person, in which the interference is justified by promoting the well-being of that individual.
Pathologic discharge: Results from pathologic conditions affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, prolactin levels, or breast diseases that affect both breasts.
Pathologic grief: Distortion of the normal bereavement process, including stoic responses to a death.
Pathologic jaundice: Jaundice of the newborn caused by the excessive breakdown of red blood cells as a result of hematologic incompatibility.
Patterned-paced breathing: Similar to modified-paced breathing but with the addition of a rhythmic pattern.
PCBs and PBBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls and polybromated biphenyls, respectively, chemicals now banned but once produced in industry, that are highly stable and thus last for extended periods of time in the environment and human body. Exposure is hazardous in pregnancy, causing spontaneous abortion, growth deficits, and other problems in fetuses.
Pedigree (genogram): Diagram that describes family relationships and gender, disease status, or other relevant information about a family.
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID): Inflammation of the uterus, fallopian tubes, or ovaries caused by ascent of vaginal flora or bacteria.
Pelvic inlet: First of three pelvic planes encountered by the fetal head during the delivery process; often termed the brim of the true pelvis.
Pelvic outlet: Third of the pelvic planes defined by the ischial tuberosities and the tip of the coccyx.
Pelvic relaxation: The loss of muscle support of the pelvic organs.
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUB): Evaluation technique that provides direct access to the fetal circulation and involves direct aspiration of fetal blood.
Perimenopause: Time period before the cessation of menses.
Perinatal asphyxia profound: Metabolic acidosis at birth associated with Apgar scores of 3 or less that persist after 5 minutes and is associated with multisystem organ dysfunction and neurologic manifestations.
Perinatal education: Education offered during the childbearing years to expectant families that provides insight and information about pregnancy, preparation for childbearing, family adaptation, and newborn care and development.
Periodic fetal heart rate changes: Changes in the fetal heart rate associated with uterine contraction.
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL): Symmetric, nonhemorrhagic lesion within the periventricular white matter of the brain.
Perpetrator: Person accused of a criminal offense.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn (PPHN): A condition caused by a sustained elevation in pulmonary vascular resistance after birth, preventing transition to the normal extrauterine circulatory pattern.
Pesticide: Chemical designed to kill insects, rodents, or other unwanted small life forms harmful to crops or human habitation.
Phenotype: Any observable or measurable expression of gene function.
Phototherapy: Special ultraviolet light used in the treatment of jaundice in the newborn.
Physiologic anemia of pregnancy: Disproportionate increase of the plasma volume compared with the red blood cell volume, resulting in a lower-than-normal hemoglobin and hematocrit level during pregnancy.
Physiologic discharge: Result of physiologic conditions affecting all breast tissue equally, involving secretory tissue in each breast and resulting in milky white or multicolored fluid.
Physiologic jaundice: Benign form of jaundice that usually occurs after the third day of life and is caused by the normal breakdown of superfluous red blood cells.
Phytochemicals: Plant-based chemicals.
Phytotherapy: The therapeutic use of plants, often referring to herbal remedies.
Pica: Psychobehavioral disorder that manifests as persistent ingestion of substances having little or no nutritional value or the craving of unnatural articles as food during pregnancy.
Placenta percreta: Abnormal placental attachment that completely penetrates the uterine myometrium.
Placenta previa: Implantation of the placenta in the uterus that ranges from completely covering the cervical os (complete previa) to lying next to the os (marginal previa).
Placental stage: The third stage of labor that begins as soon as the fetus is delivered and lasts until the placenta is delivered.
Plateau phase: Phase of human sexual response occurring just before orgasm.
Plethora: Deep rosy red color of the skin often seen with polycythemia, hyperoxia, or overheating.
Plumbism: Ingestion of nonfood substances such as lead paint flakes.
Pneumatosis intestinalis: Intraluminal gas in the bowel wall commonly seen with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
Polycystic ovary syndrome: Endocrine disorder characterized by long-term anovulation and an excess of androgens circulating in the blood; characterized by formation of cysts in the ovaries, a process related to the failure of the ovary to release an ovum.
Polycythemia: Increased number of red blood cells.
Polydactyly: Presence of more than five fingers or five toes on an infant's hand or foot. The extra digits may or may not include bone and are characteristics of family members.
Polygenic: Referring to a trait whose phenotypic expression results from the cooperation of various genes.
Polyhydramnios: Condition in which the amount of amniotic fluid in the uterus is increased to 2 or more liters within the third trimester.
Position statement: Formalized statement by a professional organization to express the opinion of its membership.
Postconceptional age: An infant's age from conception described in weeks.
Posterior fontanel: The triangular-shaped open space between the sagittal suture and the lambdoidal suture.
Posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus: Excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
Postnatal circulation: The normal extrauterine circulatory pattern of blood flow through the heart, lungs, and body.
Post-term infant: An infant determined to be greater than 42 weeks' gestational age by exam.
Postterm pregnancy: A pregnancy that is greater than 42 postmenstrual weeks.
Prana: Term used in Ayurvedic medicine referring to vital energy.
Precipitate labor: Labor that progresses rapidly and ends with the delivery occurring less than 3 hours after the onset of uterine activity.
Precipitous delivery: Unduly rapid progression of labor or occurrence of a delivery in which no physician is in attendance.
Precocious: Developing maturity very early or rapidly.
Preconception care: Consultation with health care professionals by a client before pregnancy to facilitate optimal pregnancy outcomes.
Pre-eclampsia: Toxemia of pregnancy characterized by hypertension, edema, and proteinuria.
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH): One of the three signs of pre-eclampsia (proteinuria, edema, and hypertension).
Premature ovarian failure: Failure of ovarian estrogen production and ovulation after menarche and before age 40, in which the woman experiences the symptoms of menopause.
Premature rupture of membranes (PROM): Spontaneous rupture of the amniotic membranes before the onset of labor.
Prematurity: Delivery at 37 weeks' or less gestation.
Premenstrual syndrome: Cyclic cluster of behavioral, emotional, and physical symptoms that occurs during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and are of sufficient severity to interrupt normal activity.
Presenting part: The part of the fetus that lies closest to the internal os of the cervix.
Preterm: An infant born at less than 38 weeks' gestation.
Preterm birth: Birth occurring before 37 weeks of gestation.
Preterm infant: An infant determined to be younger than 37 weeks' gestational age by exam.
Preterm labor: Labor that ensues before 37 completed weeks of gestation.
Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM): Spontaneous rupture of the amniotic membranes before the onset of labor (PROM), which occurs before 37 completed weeks of gestation.
Prima facie: A conditional duty that can be overridden by a more stringent duty.
Primary amenorrhea: Absence of menarche until age 16 or absence of the development of secondary sex characteristics and menarche until age 14.
Primary apnea: A self-limited condition characterized by absence of respiration; occurs in the early stage of asphyxia.
Primary dysmenorrhea: Painful menses from uterine causes but without pelvic pathology; usually occurs within 3 years of the onset of menstrual cycling.
Primary powers: Involuntary uterine contractions.
Primipara: Term for a woman who has given birth from her first pregnancy of at least 20 weeks' gestation.
Proactive: Development of capacity to deal with stressors before a crisis.
Proband: Clinically identified person who displays the characteristics or features of the disease; also referred to as index case, or propositus (proposita).
Progesterone: Antiestrogenic hormone produced by the corpus luteum of the ovary that assists in maintenance of pregnancy through implantation.
Prolactin: Hormone from the pituitary gland that triggers milk production in response to tactile stimulation of the breast.
Proliferative phase: Phase of the menstrual cycle in which the endometrium becomes prepared for implantation.
Prostaglandins: Class of hormones found in many tissues that affects vasodilatation, constriction, and uterine smooth muscle.
Pseudomenstruation: Pinkish-white mucoid vaginal discharge noted shortly after birth owing to the maternal transfer of estrogen.
Puberty: Period in which the secondary sex characteristics begin to develop and the capability of sexual reproduction is attained; onset of the process of physical maturity.
Pudendal block: Technique using local anesthesia to block transmission through the pudendal nerves.
Puerpera: Term assigned to the woman during the puerperium.
Puerperal sepsis: Postpartum infection.
Puerperium: Postpartum period; the period of time lasting from delivery of the placenta to approximately 6 weeks after delivery; also known as the fourth trimester.
Pulmonary vascular resistance: Resistance in the pulmonary vascular bed against which the right ventricle must eject blood.
Pushing stage: Second stage of labor that begins when the cervix is completely dilated and effaced and ends when the fetus is expelled.
Pustular melanosis: A skin condition that develops in utero with blister formation that resolves after delivery with the peeling of the outer layer of skin, leaving behind a scale of darker, pigmented skin.
Q
Quickening: First fetal movement felt by the mother; usually noticed at about 18 to 20 weeks' gestation.
R
Race: Group of people defined by similar physical features, such as skin color, facial features, and texture of body hair.
Rape: Nonconsensual sexual penetration of another by force or threat of force.
Reactive nonstress test: Presence of at least two spontaneous fetal heart rate accelerations of at least 15 bpm and at least 15 seconds duration each within a 10-minute window.
Recessive: Allele whose phenotypic expression occurs in homozygous or hemizygous conditions.
Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs): Average daily nutrient intake levels recommended for healthy Americans.
Reconstituted family: Family formed through remarriage.
Recovery stage: Fourth stage of labor defined as the first 4 hours after delivery of the placenta.
Reducing agent: Any substance that reduces another substance, or brings about reduction, and is itself oxidized in the process.
Reference Daily Intakes (RDIs): Standards that address the vitamin and mineral content of foods.
Refractory period: Period of time after orgasm when the human is incapable of further sexual activity.
Regional anesthesia: Loss of sensation from a large area of the body owing to a blockade of neural impulses.
Relactation: Reinstitution of lactation after it has been discontinued.
Relinquishment: The pregnant woman's decision to "give up" or relinquish her rights to parent her child.
Renal solute load: The sum of solutes that must be excreted by the kidneys.
Reproductive loss: Any loss related to reproductive function that may result in the process of grieving, including monthly menstruation for the infertile couple, miscarriage, preterm birth, birth of a child with an anomaly, death of one or more of a multiple gestation, intrauterine fetal death, neonatal death, relinquishment, and sudden infant death syndrome.
Residual urine: Urine remaining in the bladder after elimination.
Resolution phase: Phase of human sexual response when the physiologic changes in the body that occur as a result of sexual activity return to normal.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS): A membrane disease, also known as hyaline membrane disease, causing breathing difficulty in infants.
Resting tone: Firmness of the uterus between contractions.
Resuscitation: Basic emergency procedure used for life support consisting of airway management, positive pressure ventilation, chest compressions, medication, and thermal support.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP): Proliferation of abnormal blood vessels in the newborn retina.
Rh incompatibility: Hemolytic disease caused by the incompatibility of Rh factors in maternal and fetal blood; also known as isoimmunization.
Risk assessment: Process of examining the risk factors that may place an individual at risk for disease.
Risk-benefit analysis: Determination of the risk of a given procedure versus its potential benefits.
Role attainment: Completing the developmental tasks of a new social role.
Role mastery: Successful attainment of developmental tasks.
Role transition: Process of adopting new behaviors to accomplish change and developmental tasks.
Rooting reflex: Normal response of the newborn to move toward whatever touches the area around the mouth.
S
Saltatory pattern: Marked long-term variability; a baseline that is chaotic and jumps up and down multiple times each minute.
Screening: A test or examination to detect the most characteristic signs of a disorder or disease that may require further investigation.
Secondary amenorrhea: Absence of menses for at least 6 months or for three cycles after previously experiencing menstrual cycles.
Secondary apnea: An abnormal condition that occurs in the late stages of asphyxia in which respiration is absent and does not resume spontaneously without resuscitation.
Secondary dysmenorrhea: Painful menses accompanied by a pathologic process.
Secondary powers: A woman's intentional effort to push out the fetus.
Second stage of labor: Begins when the cervix is completely dilated and effaced and ends when the fetus is expelled.
Secretory phase: Phase of the menstrual cycle that occurs after ovulation and before menstruation.
Seminiferous tubules: Tubules that carry semen from the testes.
Sepsis: Systemic bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection that invades the bloodstream.
Serial monogamy: Practice of having one sexual partner at a time but several partners during a lifetime.
Seroconversion: Conversion of blood serum from negative to positive for any infecting agent.
Sexual dysfunction: Related to a disorder of one of the phases of human sexual response.
Sexual maturation: Establishment of menstruation and ovulation in females and the development of spermatogenesis in males.
Short bowel syndrome: Occurs with extensive resection of the gastrointestinal tract. This loss of absorptive surface results in diarrhea, dehydration, and poor growth.
Short-term variability: Type of fetal heart rate variability measured in beat-to-beat changes in the baseline as either present or absent. It is only measurable with internal mode of fetal monitoring.
Shoulder: An acceleratory phase preceding or following a variable deceleration.
Shoulder dystocia: Condition in which fetal shoulder width prevents the fetal shoulders from being freely delivered beneath the maternal symphysis pubis; related to large fetal size and/or small size of maternal pelvis.
Shoulder presentation: Fetal descent in which the shoulder precedes the fetal head in the maternal pelvis alone or along with the fetal arm and hand.
Situational crisis: Event or situation that occurs in a personal or a family life that requires the adaptation or acquisition of new coping mechanisms.
Sleep-wake cycle: Stages of newborn sleep pattern.
Small for gestational age (SGA): Term to describe an infant whose birth weight is smaller than expected for the gestational age.
Social assets: Assets or benefits to one's health that are related to one's social position and socioeconomic status.
Soluble fiber: Fiber that binds bile acids and coats the intestines, thus inhibiting absorption.
Solvent: Organic compound widely used in industry to clean and manufacture mechanical or electronic components, which is hazardous to fetal well-being.
Somite: One of the paired segments along the neural tube of the embryo.
Spermatogenesis: Entire process of development and maturation of sperm cells.
Spermatozoon: Male gamete or sex cell; spermatozoa (plural).
Sperm capacitation: Process by which the tail is removed from the sperm, enabling it to penetrate and fertilize an egg.
Spermicide: Chemical method of contraception.
Spina bifida: Congenital defect in which the spinal canal does not close and protrudes from the back.
Spinnbarkeit: Stringy, elastic character of cervical mucus at the time of ovulation.
Spontaneous abortion: Expulsion of products of conception that occurs naturally; commonly referred to as miscarriage.
Stalking: Course of conduct directed at a specific person that involves repeated visual or physical proximity; nonconsensual communication; violence toward property; verbal, written, or implied threats; or a combination thereof.
Standards of care: Documents developed by members of a profession to establish a mutually adopted level of practice.
Station: Relationship between the ischial spines and the presenting part of the fetus in the birth canal.
Sterilization: Surgical procedure resulting in permanent loss of reproductive capability.
STORCH: An acronym used to describe a titer for syphilis, toxoplasmosis, other, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes.
Stranger rape: Nonconsensual sexual experience between a victim and assailant who are strangers.
Stress incontinence: Involuntary discharge of urine with a cough, sneeze, or laughter owing to the loss of muscular support at the neck of the urethra.
Stressor: Illness or change in family structure or circumstances that may result in change.
Striae: Stretch marks.
Striae gravidarum: Pinkish or darkened streaks resulting from stretching of the skin during pregnancy that occurs predominantly on the breasts and abdomen.
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Collection of blood in the subarachnoid space of the brain.
Subdural hemorrhage: Collection of blood in the subdural space of the brain.
Subinvolution: Failure of the uterus to return to a nonpregnant state; occurs when the process of involution is prolonged or stopped owing to hemorrhage, infection, or retained placental parts.
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): An unexpected baby death in which a thorough postmortem examination, medical history, and case study demonstrate adequate care before death.
Supine hypotension: Condition of reduced blood flow to the right atrium when the pregnant woman lies in a supine position.
Surfactant: Complete lipoprotein that reduces the surface tension of pulmonary fluids, allowing the exchange of gases in the alveoli of the lungs.
Symmetric intrauterine growth restriction: Term to describe fetal growth in which weight, length, and head circumference are all less than the 10th percentile based on standardized graphs.
Sympathomimetic: A drug that stimulates the sympathetic nervous system.
Syncytiotrophoblast: Outer layer of the trophoblast.
Syndactyly: Condition in which fingers or toes are joined together by skin or bone; often called "webbing".
Systemic vascular resistance: Resistance against which the left ventricle must eject its stroke volume with each heartbeat.
T
Tachycardia: Arapid heart rate. In a neonate, especially one that is above 160 bpm.
Tachypnea: Arapid respiratory rate. In a neonate, especially one that is equal to or above 70 respirations/minute.
Taking-hold phase: Second phase of maternal adjustment characterized by an increased readiness to be involved with the newborn.
Taking-in phase: Initial, early period of maternal adjustment characterized by basic maternal needs for food, care, and comfort.
Tanner Stages: Five stages of female and male physiologic development.
Teratogen: Environmental substance that can cause physical defects in the developing embryo and fetus.
Term infant: An infant who is determined to be between 37 and 42 weeks' gestational age by exam.
Testosterone: The most potent naturally occurring androgen (male) hormone that is made in the testes, ovary, and adrenal cortex.
Thelarche: Beginning of the development of the breasts at puberty, with prominence of glandular tissue behind the nipples; the first sign of puberty.
Therapeutic abortion: Pregnancy is terminated because of health risks to the mother in continuation of the pregnancy or for fetal disease.
Thermoregulation: The control of heat production and heat loss, specifically the maintenance of body temperature through physiologic mechanisms activated by the hypothalamus.
Third stage of labor: Begins when the fetus is delivered and lasts until the placenta is delivered.
Thrombocytopenia: Decreased platelet count (100,000/mL).
Thyrotoxicosis: A disorder of the thyroid gland; hyperthyroidism.
TORCH: A syndrome of infections that includes toxoplasmosis, other infections including hepatitis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes, of which all have been linked to fetal or neonatal harm.
Tort: Civil wrong that may be caused either intentionally or unintentionally.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN): Intravenous fluid that provides daily requirements of carbohydrates, protein, electrolytes, vitamins, and minerals.
Tracheoesophageal fistula: Condition in which the trachea and esophagus are abnormally connected.
Transient tachypnea of the newborn: Mild, self-limited, respiratory disorder characterized by increased respiratory rate and mild cyanosis; thought to be related to delayed resorption of fetal lung fluid.
Transition: The third phase of the first stage of labor during which the cervix dilates from 8 to 10 cm.
Transitional milk: Milk produced at the end of colostrum production and immediately before mature milk comes in the breast.
Translocation: Misplacement of genetic material from one chromosome to another.
Transverse lie: Involves the fetus assuming a more horizontal position in the uterus.
Trisomy: Aneuploid condition caused by the presence of an extra chromosome, which is added to a given chromosome pair and results in a total number of 47 chromosomes per cell; Down syndrome is the most common human autosomal trisomy.
Trophoblast cells: Peripheral cells of the blastocyst that attach the fertilized ovum to the uterine wall and develop into the placenta and membranes.
True labor: Rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the uterus with progressive effacement and dilation of the cervix.
Tubal ligation: Surgical method of permanent female sterilization in which the fallopian tubes are severed and tied.
Turtle sign: Deviation or interruption in fetal descent in which the fetal head pulls back instead of completing the external rotation process and progressing forward to the maternal perineum.
Type I diabetes mellitus: Insulin-dependent diabetes.
Type II diabetes mellitus: Non-insulin-dependent diabetes.
U
Ultrasonography: Use of high-frequency (20,000 Hz) sound waves to detect differences in tissue density and to visualize outlines of structures within the body.
Umbilical cord compression: Pressure from a fetal body part or the uterine wall applied directly to the umbilical cord in utero, resulting in decreased circulation and oxygenation of the fetus for a period of time.
Umbilical cord prolapse: Condition in which a length of umbilical cord precedes the presenting part through the cervix and birth canal.
Undulating variability: A fetal heart rate variability waveform pattern that is repetitive and uniform in appearance.
Universalizability: Rule used to guide actions that could be followed in all other similar situations.
Upper intake level (UL): Maximum level of daily nutrient intake.
Urge incontinence: Occurs when the urge to void is present but the bladder is unable to empty normally.
Uterine atony: Inability of the uterus to contract.
Uterine rupture: Separation of the uterine wall that may allow protrusion of fetal parts into the abdomen.
Uteroplacental insufficiency: Decline in placental function leading to fetal hypoxia and acidosis; evidenced by late onset fetal heart rate decelerations.
Utilitarianism: Type of ethical thinking focusing on the consequences of actions; actions are right if they bring about the best possible outcomes and the least bad effects for the greatest number of persons.
V
Vaginal infection: Inflammation of the vagina caused by a microorganism or foreign body.
Vaginal ring: Contraceptive device that delivers steroids through the vaginal mucosa.
Vaginismus: Painful spasms of the muscles of the introitus that prevent penetration.
Variability: Fluctuations in the fetal heart rate.
Variable deceleration: Slowing of the fetal heart rate not necessarily associated with uterine contractions, caused by umbilical cord compression.
Varicocele: Varicose veins in the spermatic cord.
Vasa previa: Involves the cord vessels crossing the cervical os and results in significant compression and possible rupture from the pressure of the fetal head during descent.
Vasectomy: Surgical method of permanent male sterilization in which the vas deferens are severed and tied.
Vegan: Vegetarian who consumes no animal products.
Velamentous insertion of the cord: Condition in which the umbilical cord joins the placenta at the edge.
Ventricular peritoneal shunt (VPS): A tunneled, external ventricular drain for excess spinal fluid that empties into the peritoneal cavity, where the excess spinal fluid is reabsorbed.
Veracity: Truthfulness.
Vertex: Crown of the fetal head.
Vertical transmission: Transmission of HIV by the mother to the fetus or neonate during pregnancy, delivery, and postnatally, during breastfeeding.
Very low birth weight (VLBW): Weight of 1,500 grams or less at birth.
Virtue: Character trait that is valued.
Virtue ethics: The way in which personal characteristics of the moral agent or person guide moral action.
Vitalism: Term used in 19th century Europe and America referring to a type of vital energy or life force.
W
Weaning: Process of discontinuing breastfeeding and accustoming an infant to another feeding method.
Wet nurse: Woman employed to breastfeed infants who are not her own.
Wharton's jelly: Soft, jelly-like substance of the umbilical cord.
Wife rape: Forced sexual experience with a common law or legally married spouse.
Z
Zona pellucida: Transparent, noncellular layer surrounding the ovum.
Zygote: Cell resulting from the union of the ovum and spermatozoon.

Source: Littleton, Lynna R., and Joan C. Engebretson. Maternity Nursing Care. Clifton Park, NY: Thomson Delmar Learning, 2005. 946 pp.

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Maternity Nursing Care
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