AMNIOTIC SAC

A thin membrane that completely surrounds the embryo and

contains a protective fluid. It function is to protect the “baby”.

PLACENTA

A circular vascular structure that collects wastes.

UMBILICAL CORD

Connects the developing embryo or fetus to the placenta.

Developed from the same zygote as the fetus. Supplies the fetus with oxygenated, nutrient-rich

blood from the placenta

AMNIOCENTESIS

Procedure usually performed between weeks 14 and 20 weeks.

A needle is inserted into the abdomen which removes

amniotic fluid, that contains fetal infections. Test detects birth defects. Done to a mother 35

years or older.

ULTASOUND

An instrument used to visually evaluate the baby and detect any

abnormalities.

ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION

Inserts sperm into the uterus.

IN VITRO FERTILIZATION

Surgical procedure where the eggs are removed after fertilization drugs were

administered. The eggs are then fertilizes outside of the body and

then reinserted back into the uterus.

FORCEPS

A tool used to help extract the baby late in labor.

VACUUM EXTRACTOR

Uses suction to adhere to the baby’s head. With this method of delivery the baby is gently

pulled out as the woman pushes through labor

EPIDURAL

Regional anesthesia that blocks pain. It is delivered in the lower

back. Catheter is threaded through the needle. Catheter is

left in place so medication can be given periodically.

Symptoms of a Pregnant Woman

Extreme pressure on the internal organs may cause: difficulty

breathing, indigestion or decrease in appetite, constipation, gas, and

pain or discomfort

LINEA NIGRA

A dark line appearing on the abdomen.

MASK OF PREGNANCY

Spots and patches of a yellowish-brown color on the face due to

hormones of pregnancy

SWOLLEN ANKLES

A pregnant woman will have two times the amount of blood in her body so swelling can be the end

result.

NORMAL DELIVERY (BIRTH)

The baby should be exiting the vaginal canal face first facing the

mother’s back.

DILATED CERVIX

The baby can be delivered when the cervix is dilated 10 cm.

EFFACEMENT

The thinning of the cervix lining.

BREECH BIRTH

Birth presentation in which the “baby” is not head first. It could

either be buttocks or feet first

ABRUPTIO PLACENTAE

When the placenta separates from the uterus of the mother

prematurely

PLACENTA PREVIA

When the placenta is underneath the baby coming out first.

Cesarean delivery is recommended for nearly all

women with this because it can prevent severe bleeding.

ETOPIC PREGNANCY

The pregnancy tissue or embryo becomes implanted in the

fallopian tubes or somewhere else in the abdomen besides the

uterus. The embryo may die and frequently must be removed by

surgery.

RH INCOMPATIBILITY

The woman’s blood produces an antibody that attacks a substance in the infant’s blood cells. This

may occur if the woman Rh negative and the infant is Rh positive. The problem can be

avoided by injections that prevent a woman’s blood from making

Rh antibody.

TOXEMIA

The pregnant woman has high blood pressure, swelling and

protein in the urine. Untreated can result in convulsions, coma,

and death of both mother and infant. It is most common among

teenagers, older women and women who already have health

problems.

MISCARRIAGE

The pregnancy tissue or embryo is expelled from the uterus before it is sufficiently developed. May

be caused by genetic defect, illness in the mother, drugs the

mother has taken, or other factors, Usually occurs within the

first 3 months of pregnancy

STILL BIRTH

An infant is born dead 22 weeks or more after conception.

CESAREAN SECTION

Delivery through the birth canal is considered to be risky for any

reason. An incision is make through the abdomen and uterus,

and the baby is taken from the mother’s body