Nurse Key

Premature labor Onset of rhythmic uterine contractions that produce cervical changes after fetal viability but before fetal maturity Usually occurs between 20 and 37 weeks’ gestation Fetal prognosis dependent on…

Placenta previa Placental implantation in the lower uterine segment, encroaching on the internal cervical os Common cause of bleeding during the second half of pregnancy (in patients who develop placenta…

Oligohydramnios Condition in which amniotic fluid volume is severely reduced (typically, the amount is less than 500 ml at term) and fluid is highly concentrated May result in prolonged, dysfunctional…

Multiple gestations Pregnancy involving more than one fetus (see Types of twins, page 72) Considered a complication of pregnancy because the woman’s body must adjust to the effects of the…

Isoimmunization Condition in which the pregnant woman is Rh negative but her fetus is Rh positive If left untreated, isoimmunization can lead to hemolytic disease in the newborn Before the…

Hyperemesis gravidarum Severe and unremitting nausea and vomiting that persists after the first trimester Usually occurs with the first pregnancy and commonly affects pregnant women with conditions that produce high…

Human immunodeficiency virus infection The causative organism for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome A sexually transmitted infection; can have serious implications for a pregnant woman and her fetus (see How HIV replicates)…

Gestational hypertension High blood pressure, most commonly occurring after the 20th week of gestation in a nulliparous woman Previously referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension Carries a high risk for intrauterine…