Key Terms

amniotomy

procedure performed during labor and delivery in which a health-care provider intentionally breaks the amniotic sac or amniotic membrane; known as the artificial rupture of membranes (AROM)

delayed cord clamping

allowing extra time for blood in the cord and placenta to flow to the baby by waiting to clamp the cord, usually for 1 minute after birth

first-degree laceration

tear of the labia and perineum that affects the skin and subcutaneous tissue

fourth-degree laceration

tear that extends through the skin, subcuticular tissue, muscles of the perineum, and anal sphincter into the rectal mucosa; includes damage to the pelvic floor and surrounding anal and rectal mucosa

involution

process by which the uterus begins to return to its prepregnant size

lochia

vaginal discharge composed of blood, mucus, and tissue during the postpartum period

obstetric examination

medical assessment conducted by a health-care provider to evaluate and monitor the health and progress of the pregnant person and their developing fetus throughout pregnancy

obstetric triage

rapid assessment and prioritization of care based on the specific obstetric and gynecologic needs

open glottis pushing

spontaneous or natural pushing, a technique used during the second stage of labor

postpartum hemorrhage

postpartum bleeding that exceeds 500 mL for a vaginal delivery and 1,000 mL for a cesarean birth

retained placenta

when the placenta fails to spontaneously separate from the uterus during the third stage of labor within 30 minutes after birth

second-degree laceration

tear that affects the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscle of the perineum as well as the vagina

shoulder dystocia

condition presenting during delivery in which the head of the newborn is delivered but a shoulder is trapped behind the birthing person’s pubic bone

skin-to-skin contact

placing of the newborn directly on the skin of a parent to promote bonding

third-degree laceration

perineal tear that extends to or through the anal sphincter

uterine atony

lack of muscle tone in the uterus following birth

uterotonics

medications that increase the tone and contractility of the uterus

vaginal examination

medical assessment conducted by a health-care provider to evaluate and monitor the health and progress of the pregnant person during labor, to include cervical dilation, effacement, cervical position, station, and presenting part and position of the fetus