Provimi i Shtetit - Mami key terms

The length of a pregnancy measured in completed weeks, counted from the first day of the last menstrual period or confirmed by early ultrasound. It guides timing of screening, fetal assessment, and decisions about term or preterm care.

The calculated date on which a pregnancy is expected to reach 40 weeks. It is set from menstrual history or early ultrasound and is used to plan monitoring and anticipate post-term pregnancy.

The structured record kept at each antenatal visit documenting weight, blood pressure, fundal height, fetal heart rate, test results, and counseling given. It supports continuity of care and early detection of complications across visits.

The distance in centimeters from the symphysis pubis to the top of the uterus, measured with a tape. Between roughly 20 and 36 weeks it should approximate gestational age in weeks and helps screen for growth restriction or excess fluid.

Birth occurring before 37 completed weeks of gestation. It is a leading cause of newborn death and illness, so identifying women at risk and giving antenatal corticosteroids when indicated are key midwifery actions.

A pregnancy that continues beyond 42 completed weeks of gestation. It raises the risk of stillbirth and difficult birth, so increased fetal surveillance and discussion of induction are usually recommended.

A pregnancy-specific disorder marked by new high blood pressure after 20 weeks together with protein in the urine or other organ involvement. It can progress to seizures or liver and kidney damage and requires close monitoring and timely referral.

The occurrence of generalized seizures in a woman with preeclampsia, without another cause. It is an obstetric emergency requiring airway protection, magnesium sulfate, blood pressure control, and urgent delivery planning.

A medicine given intravenously or intramuscularly to prevent and treat seizures in preeclampsia and eclampsia. The midwife watches for toxicity such as loss of deep tendon reflexes, slow breathing, or reduced urine output.

Bleeding from the birth canal after 24 weeks of pregnancy and before birth. Placenta previa and placental abruption are major causes, and the woman needs urgent assessment, intravenous access, and transfer.

A condition in which the placenta lies over or very near the internal cervical opening. It causes painless vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy, and vaginal examination must be avoided until its position is known.

Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall before birth. It typically causes painful bleeding, a hard tender uterus, and fetal distress, and can rapidly threaten both mother and baby.

A fetus that is smaller than expected for its gestational age because of poor growth in the womb. It is detected by fundal height tracking and ultrasound and increases the risk of stillbirth and newborn problems.

A graphic record of labor progress plotting cervical dilatation, fetal head descent, contractions, and maternal vital signs against time. It helps detect slow or obstructed labor early so that referral or intervention is not delayed.

The part of the first stage of labor from about 5 to 6 centimeters dilatation until full dilatation, when the cervix opens more quickly. Progress is judged mainly by dilatation and descent rather than by time alone.

The early part of the first stage of labor, with painful regular contractions and slow cervical change up to about 5 centimeters. It may last many hours, and supportive care with reassurance is more appropriate than early intervention.

Labor in which the baby cannot descend because of a mechanical barrier, such as a contracted pelvis or malposition. Signs include a band of retraction, poor progress, and maternal exhaustion, and it needs urgent referral for operative birth.

A tear through the wall of the uterus, most often during labor in a woman with a previous uterine scar. Sudden severe pain, loss of contractions, fetal distress, and maternal shock require immediate laparotomy and blood replacement.

Artificially starting contractions before labor begins on its own, using medicines or mechanical methods. It is used when continuing the pregnancy poses more risk than birth, and requires a clear indication and fetal assessment.

Listening to or recording the baby's heartbeat during pregnancy and labor to assess wellbeing. Abnormal patterns such as persistent slowing may signal poor oxygen supply and prompt repositioning, oxygen, and urgent review.

A package of actions to prevent bleeding after birth: giving a uterotonic medicine, controlled cord traction, and uterine massage. It reduces the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, the leading cause of maternal death worldwide.

Excessive bleeding after birth, commonly defined as more than 500 milliliters after vaginal birth or 1000 milliliters after cesarean. Uterine atony is the usual cause, and prompt drugs, massage, and fluids save lives.

Failure of the uterus to contract firmly after birth, leaving blood vessels open at the placental site. It is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage and is treated with massage and uterotonic medicines.

A hormone and medicine that stimulates uterine contractions. It is used to induce or speed labor and, given after birth, to prevent and treat bleeding from a relaxed uterus; doses must be measured carefully.

A quick assessment at one and five minutes after birth of heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, and color, each scored zero to two. It summarizes the newborn's condition and response to resuscitation but does not alone diagnose asphyxia.

The stepwise support given to a baby who is not breathing well at birth: warming, drying, clearing the airway, and giving positive pressure ventilation if needed. It must begin within the first minute, often called the golden minute.

The newborn's limited ability to keep a stable body temperature, making heat loss through evaporation, conduction, and cold air a real danger. Skin-to-skin contact, drying, and covering the head prevent hypothermia and its complications.

Feeding an infant only breast milk, without water, other fluids, or solid food, for the first six months of life. It provides ideal nutrition and immune protection and supports the mother's recovery after birth.

A family planning approach that relies on full breastfeeding, no return of periods, and a baby under six months old to reduce pregnancy risk. It works only when all three conditions are met and requires clear counseling.

A structured, respectful conversation helping a person choose a family planning method that fits their health, preferences, and circumstances. It includes explaining effectiveness, side effects, correct use, and the option to switch methods.

Methods used after unprotected intercourse to prevent pregnancy, such as emergency contraceptive pills or a copper intrauterine device. Effectiveness falls with delay, so prompt access and counseling about follow-up are important.

An infection passed between people mainly through sexual contact, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and HIV. Many are silent, so screening in pregnancy and partner treatment prevent complications and transmission to the baby.

A set of measures, including HIV testing, antiretroviral treatment for the mother, safe birth practices, and infant prophylaxis, that reduce passing HIV from mother to baby. Early antenatal testing and adherence are central to its success.

A person's voluntary agreement to a test, treatment, or procedure after receiving clear information about benefits, risks, and alternatives. It is a legal and ethical requirement and may be withdrawn at any time.

The professional duty to keep a client's health information private and share it only with those who need it for care or with the client's permission. It builds trust and is protected by law and professional codes.

Care during pregnancy and birth that protects dignity, privacy, and choice, and is free from abuse, neglect, and discrimination. It includes keeping the woman informed, allowing a companion, and supporting her decisions.

Cleaning the hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rub at the correct moments, such as before and after touching a patient or body fluids. It is the single most effective measure for preventing infection in maternity care.

Basic infection control practices applied to every patient regardless of diagnosis, including hand hygiene, gloves, protective clothing, safe sharps handling, and safe waste disposal. They protect both the woman and the midwife from bloodborne and other infections.

Infection of the genital tract after birth, with fever, pelvic pain, and abnormal discharge, sometimes progressing to shock. Clean birth practices, hand hygiene, and early antibiotic treatment are essential to prevent and treat it.