Perinatal Medicine Glossary

External cephalic version: manual manipulation to turn a breech fetus to vertex presentation.

Thinning and shortening of the cervix during labor preparation and progression.

Ultrasound-derived calculation predicting fetal weight before delivery.

Surgical incision made in the perineum during childbirth to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate delivery.

Manual manipulation of the fetus through the maternal abdomen to convert breech presentation to vertex presentation.

Neuroendocrine response triggered by fetal head pressure on the cervix and vagina, increasing oxytocin release.

Protein marker used to predict risk of preterm delivery when detected in cervical secretions.

An internal monitoring device attached directly to the fetal scalp to provide continuous fetal heart rate monitoring. Ab...

Soft spots on a newborn's skull where the cranial bones have not yet fused.

Measurement from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, used to assess fetal growth.

Glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy.

A pregnant woman, typically used with a number to indicate total pregnancies (including current).

Bacterial infection screening performed in pregnant women between 35-37 weeks to prevent neonatal transmission during de...

Female pelvic type characterized by rounded inlet and adequate dimensions, most favorable for vaginal delivery.

Severe variant of preeclampsia characterized by Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count.

Abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in fetal brain ventricles, often complicating delivery due to macrocephaly.

Severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and weight loss.

Condition where the cervix opens prematurely during pregnancy without contractions, leading to pregnancy loss or preterm...

Condition where fetal growth is significantly below expected parameters for gestational age.

A monitoring device inserted into the uterine cavity to measure the strength and frequency of uterine contractions. Abbr...

The return of the uterus to its non-pregnant size and condition after delivery.

Fine, downy hair covering the fetus and newborn, typically shed before or shortly after birth.

A test of amniotic fluid that assesses fetal lung maturity by measuring surfactant components. Abbreviated as L/S ratio.

Systematic abdominal palpation technique to determine fetal presentation and position.