ABPS Obstetrics & Gynecology key terms

A pregnancy-specific hypertensive disorder, generally arising after 20 weeks, defined by new hypertension plus proteinuria or maternal organ dysfunction such as renal, hepatic, hematologic, or neurologic involvement. It can progress to seizures (eclampsia) or HELLP syndrome.

A severe variant of preeclampsia characterized by Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelets. It may occur without marked hypertension or proteinuria and carries high risk of maternal and fetal morbidity.

New-onset generalized tonic-clonic seizures in a patient with preeclampsia that cannot be attributed to another cause. Management centers on magnesium sulfate for seizure control and prevention of recurrence, plus delivery planning.

A parenteral medication used for seizure prophylaxis and treatment in preeclampsia and eclampsia, and for fetal neuroprotection in anticipated preterm birth. Toxicity monitoring includes reflexes, respiratory rate, urine output, and serum levels.

Daily low-dose aspirin started in the late first or early second trimester for patients at elevated risk of preeclampsia, reducing the likelihood of developing the disorder and its complications.

Glucose intolerance first recognized during pregnancy, diagnosed by screening and diagnostic oral glucose testing. It raises risks of macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and hypertensive disorders, and is managed first with diet and activity.

Rupture of the fetal membranes before 37 weeks gestation and before the onset of labor. Management weighs gestational age, infection risk, and fetal status, often involving antibiotics and antenatal corticosteroids.

Betamethasone or dexamethasone given to patients at risk of preterm delivery to accelerate fetal lung maturation and reduce neonatal respiratory distress, intraventricular hemorrhage, and mortality.

Failure to deliver the fetal shoulders after the head has delivered, requiring specific maneuvers to free the impacted anterior shoulder. It is an obstetric emergency associated with brachial plexus injury and neonatal hypoxia.

Abnormally large fetal size, often defined as estimated weight above roughly 4000 to 4500 grams. It increases the risk of prolonged labor, shoulder dystocia, and perineal trauma.

Excessive blood loss after delivery, conventionally over 1000 mL or any loss causing hemodynamic instability. Uterine atony is the most common cause; others include retained placenta, genital tract trauma, and coagulopathy.

Failure of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery of the placenta, leading to uncontrolled bleeding from the placental site. First-line treatment is uterine massage combined with uterotonic medications.

Administration of intrapartum antibiotics, typically penicillin, to laboring patients who are colonized with group B Streptococcus or have other risk factors, in order to prevent neonatal early-onset sepsis.

A nonreassuring fetal heart rate pattern with absent baseline variability plus recurrent decelerations or bradycardia. It predicts abnormal fetal acid-base status and generally warrants immediate evaluation and possible expedited delivery.

A gradual fetal heart rate decrease that begins after the peak of a uterine contraction and returns after the contraction ends. It suggests uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxemia.

An abrupt fetal heart rate drop, often with a V shape, that varies in timing relative to contractions. It most often reflects umbilical cord compression and may respond to position change or fluid administration.

Painless cervical dilation and shortening in the second trimester that can lead to pregnancy loss or preterm birth without contractions. It may be treated with cerclage in selected patients.

Abnormal adherence or invasion of the placenta into the myometrium or beyond, usually after prior cesarean delivery and placenta previa. It risks severe hemorrhage at delivery and often requires planned cesarean hysterectomy.

Implantation of the placenta over or very near the internal cervical os. It can cause painless third-trimester vaginal bleeding and generally requires cesarean delivery when it persists near term.

Implantation of a fertilized ovum outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in a fallopian tube. It is a life-threatening cause of early pregnancy pain and bleeding and may be managed medically or surgically.

Use of a folate antagonist to treat selected early ectopic pregnancies or to manage certain benign gynecologic conditions. Eligibility depends on stability, size, and absence of significant fetal cardiac activity.

Periodic testing with cytology and/or high-risk human papillomavirus testing to detect cervical precancer and cancer early. Screening intervals and starting ages follow risk-based guidelines.

Immunization against high-risk human papillomavirus types that cause cervical and other anogenital cancers. It is most effective when given before sexual debut and is recommended in adolescence.

Magnified visual examination of the cervix, vagina, and vulva after application of dilute acetic acid, used to evaluate abnormal screening results and to guide biopsy of suspicious areas.

Overgrowth of the endometrial lining, often driven by unopposed estrogen. Atypical forms carry a substantial risk of progression to endometrial carcinoma and usually require hysterectomy or close surveillance.

The most common gynecologic malignancy, typically presenting with postmenopausal bleeding. Most cases are estrogen-driven endometrioid tumors diagnosed by endometrial sampling.

Any vaginal bleeding occurring after 12 months of amenorrhea in a person not on hormone therapy. It requires evaluation for endometrial cancer, usually starting with transvaginal ultrasound and endometrial biopsy.

Twisting of the ovary and its vascular pedicle, causing ischemic pain, nausea, and tenderness. It is a surgical emergency; timely detorsion preserves ovarian function.

A common endocrine disorder diagnosed by ovulatory dysfunction, clinical or biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. It is associated with insulin resistance, infertility, and endometrial hyperplasia.

Use of medications such as letrozole or clomiphene to stimulate follicular development and ovulation in anovulatory infertility. Letrozole is often first-line in polycystic ovary syndrome.

Assisted reproduction in which oocytes are retrieved and fertilized outside the body, then embryos are transferred to the uterus. It is used for tubal disease, severe male factor infertility, and other causes.

An iatrogenic complication of ovarian stimulation marked by ovarian enlargement, capillary leak, ascites, and hemoconcentration. Severe cases require fluid management and sometimes paracentesis.

Involuntary urine loss with increases in intra-abdominal pressure such as coughing or lifting, due to urethral sphincter weakness or hypermobility. Conservative therapy includes pelvic floor muscle training.

Descent of the vaginal walls or uterus from their normal position, often after childbirth and with aging. Symptoms include bulge, pressure, and voiding or defecatory difficulty; treatment ranges from pessary to surgery.

A synthetic or biologic tape placed under the midurethra to support it during stress, a common surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence. Risks include voiding dysfunction and mesh complications.

Risk-stratified use of mechanical or pharmacologic measures around gynecologic surgery to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. Choice depends on procedure type and patient risk factors.

A multimodal perioperative care pathway using preoperative counseling, limited fasting, opioid-sparing analgesia, and early feeding and ambulation to speed recovery and shorten hospital stay after gynecologic surgery.

A process in which a clinician discloses the nature of a proposed intervention, its risks, benefits, and alternatives, and confirms the patient's voluntary decision-making capacity and agreement before proceeding.

A collaborative process in which clinician expertise and patient values and preferences are combined to choose among reasonable care options. It supports patient autonomy and is distinct from merely obtaining a signature.