Ectopic pregnancy
Ectopic pregnancy Implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube (see Implantation sites of ectopic pregnancy, page 58) Prognosis good with prompt diagnosis,…
Dysfunctional labor
Dysfunctional labor Sluggishness in the force of labor (contractions) Prolonged labor as a result Also known as inertia Causes Problems related to the passenger: fetal malposition or malpresentation or an…
Diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus Metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia (elevated serum glucose level) resulting from lack of insulin, lack of insulin effect, or both A disorder of carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism…
Cervical insufficiency
Cervical insufficiency A premature dilation of the cervix Generally occurs in the 4th to 5th month of gestation, most commonly around 20 weeks’ gestation Also called premature cervical dilation or…
Cephalopelvic disproportion
Cephalopelvic disproportion A disproportion between the size of the normal fetal head and the pelvic diameters, referring to narrowing of the birth canal Results in failure to progress in labor…
Cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease Women with cardiac disease now able to become pregnant because of medical improvements Involves some type of impaired cardiac function Determining the degree of risk—whether a woman with…
Amniotic fluid embolism
Amniotic fluid embolism The escape of amniotic fluid into maternal circulation Results from a defect in the membranes after rupture or from partial abruptio placentae Increases fetal risk for deposition…
Abruptio placentae
Abruptio placentae Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall Usually occurs after 20 weeks’ gestation, most commonly during the third trimester Cause of bleeding during the second half…
Ballard gestational-age assessment tool
Ballard gestational-age assessment tool To complete this assessment, evaluate and score the neonate’s neuromuscular and physical maturity, total the score, and then plot the sum in the maturity rating box…
Assessing fetal head diameters at term
Assessing fetal head diameters at term The illustration below depicts three commonly used measures of fetal head diameters. The reference measurements in the illustration are averages for term neonates. Individual…
