Perinatal Medicine Glossary

The descent of the fetal presenting part into the pelvis near term, causing the uterine fundus to lower.

Pneumonia affecting an entire lobe of the lung, of particular concern in newborns and pregnant women.

Normal vaginal discharge containing blood, mucus, and tissue that occurs after childbirth for several weeks.

Fetal condition characterized by excessive birth weight, typically defined as greater than 4000-4500 grams or above the...

Medication used in obstetrics for neuroprotection, tocolysis, and treatment of severe preeclampsia.

Any fetal presentation other than vertex (head-down) at term.

Respiratory complication in newborns caused by inhalation of meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Intestinal obstruction in newborns caused by abnormally thick, sticky meconium blocking the small intestine.

Amniotic fluid that appears green or brown due to the presence of fetal meconium. Indicates potential fetal distress and...

Overlapping of fetal skull bones during passage through the birth canal.

Twin pregnancy where fetuses share one placenta but have separate amniotic sacs.

A measurement of uterine contraction strength calculated by multiplying contraction amplitude by frequency. Used to asse...

The condition of having given birth to two or more viable offspring.

Prenatal monitoring test assessing fetal heart rate response to fetal movement.

Non-reassuring fetal heart tracing: patterns indicating potential fetal compromise requiring intervention.

Umbilical cord wrapped around the fetal neck, occurring in approximately 25-30% of deliveries.

Fetal malpresentation where one or both hands are positioned behind the fetal neck during delivery, complicating vaginal...

Ultrasound measurement of fluid accumulation at the back of a fetus's neck, used for chromosomal abnormality screening.

Fetal head position with the back of the head toward the mother's spine, complicating delivery.

Condition of decreased amniotic fluid volume during pregnancy, potentially indicating fetal or maternal complications.

Assisted vaginal birth using forceps or vacuum extraction to facilitate fetal descent and delivery. Requires specific in...

Number of pregnancies carried to viability (20+ weeks), regardless of outcome.

Graphical record of labor progress showing cervical dilation and fetal descent over time.

Failure of normal circulatory transition at birth, resulting in continued high pressure in pulmonary vessels.