EHPLE Midwifery key terms

The age of a fetus calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period, expressed in completed weeks; used to schedule screening, assess growth, and guide decisions about viability and post-term care.

The anticipated date of birth, usually calculated by adding 280 days to the first day of the last menstrual period and adjusted by early ultrasound; it informs the timing of antenatal tests and discussions about induction.

The distance in centimetres from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, measured from about 24 weeks; a value differing from gestational age by 2–3 cm prompts further assessment of fetal growth.

A fetus whose estimated weight is below the 10th centile for its gestational age; it may be constitutionally small or growth-restricted and requires surveillance for placental insufficiency.

Failure of a fetus to achieve its genetically determined growth potential, often due to placental insufficiency; it increases the risk of stillbirth, hypoxia in labour, and neonatal morbidity, so closer monitoring is needed.

A continuous recording of fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, used in labour to assess fetal well-being; interpretation involves baseline rate, variability, accelerations, and decelerations.

The average fetal heart rate over a 10-minute period, excluding accelerations and decelerations; a normal baseline lies between 110 and 160 beats per minute, with values outside this range prompting further assessment.

A temporary decrease in fetal heart rate below the baseline; early decelerations mirror contractions and are benign, variable decelerations suggest cord compression, and late decelerations suggest uteroplacental insufficiency.

A procedure to obtain a small sample of fetal scalp blood during labour to measure pH or lactate when the cardiotocograph is abnormal; it helps distinguish fetuses needing immediate delivery from those who can labour safely.

A package of care to prevent postpartum haemorrhage, typically including a prophylactic uterotonic, controlled cord traction, and uterine massage after delivery of the placenta.

Bleeding of 500 mL or more after vaginal birth or 1000 mL or more after caesarean birth, or any bleeding causing haemodynamic compromise; it is a leading cause of maternal death and requires urgent uterotonic and resuscitative measures.

A drug that stimulates uterine contraction, such as oxytocin, ergometrine, or carboprost; used prophylactically in the third stage and therapeutically to control postpartum haemorrhage.

Feeding an infant only breast milk, without additional food or drink, for the first six months; it supports immunity and growth and is recommended by the World Health Organization.

The process by which the breast develops the capacity to produce milk; lactogenesis I begins in pregnancy, and lactogenesis II (the onset of copious milk) occurs about two to three days after birth.

Placing a naked newborn prone on the mother's bare chest immediately after birth; it promotes thermoregulation, breastfeeding initiation, and maternal–infant bonding.

The newborn's ability to maintain body temperature through mechanisms such as brown adipose tissue metabolism and flexed posture; immature control makes hypothermia and cold stress common without prompt drying and warming.

A rapid assessment of a newborn at one and five minutes after birth, scoring heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and colour from 0 to 2 each; it guides the need for resuscitation.

A structured sequence of interventions for a newborn not breathing adequately at birth, beginning with drying, warming, and airway positioning, then positive pressure ventilation and, if needed, chest compressions and drugs.

A pregnancy-specific disorder characterised by new hypertension after 20 weeks' gestation with proteinuria or other organ dysfunction; it can progress to eclampsia and requires close monitoring and timely delivery.

A drug given intravenously to prevent or treat seizures in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia; nurses and midwives monitor respiratory rate, deep tendon reflexes, and urine output for signs of toxicity.

Glucose intolerance first recognised during pregnancy; it increases risks of macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, and neonatal hypoglycaemia, and is managed with diet, exercise, and sometimes insulin.

A bacterium carried in the vagina or rectum of some pregnant women; it can cause severe neonatal infection, so intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is offered to carriers or women with risk factors.

A birth emergency in which the fetal anterior shoulder becomes impacted behind the maternal pubic symphysis after the head is delivered; it requires prompt manoeuvres to free the shoulder and prevent fetal hypoxia.

A person's voluntary agreement to a healthcare intervention after receiving and understanding information about its purpose, risks, benefits, and alternatives; it is a legal and ethical requirement in midwifery care.

A person's ability to make a specific decision at a specific time, assessed by whether they can understand, retain, weigh, and communicate relevant information; presumed unless proven otherwise.

Action taken to protect children and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, or exploitation; midwives must recognise indicators, document concerns, and refer to appropriate agencies.

A small rod inserted under the skin of the upper arm that releases progestogen for up to three years; it is a long-acting reversible contraceptive with high effectiveness.

A small device inserted into the uterus for contraception; copper devices are non-hormonal, while levonorgestrel-releasing devices also reduce menstrual bleeding and are long-acting and reversible.

Methods used to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse, including copper intrauterine devices and oral levonorgestrel or ulipristal; effectiveness depends on the method and timing of use.

A test that detects abnormal changes in cervical cells or the presence of high-risk human papillomavirus, aiming to prevent cervical cancer through early treatment; offered to eligible people at regular intervals.

A structured conversation about a person's sexual practices, partners, and symptoms to assess risk of sexually transmitted infections and provide appropriate testing, treatment, and education.

The formation of a blood clot in a vein, often in the leg or lung, with increased risk during pregnancy and the puerperium; prevention includes risk assessment and thromboprophylaxis when indicated.

The period of about six weeks after birth during which the reproductive organs return to their pre-pregnant state; it is a time of risk for haemorrhage, infection, and thromboembolism.

Damage to the perineal tissues during birth, classified from first-degree (skin only) to fourth-degree (involving the anal sphincter and rectal mucosa); third- and fourth-degree tears require surgical repair and follow-up.

A global programme of standards for maternity services that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding through practices such as early skin-to-skin contact, rooming-in, and avoiding unnecessary supplements.

Changes in drug absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion during pregnancy, such as increased plasma volume and renal clearance; these can alter drug levels and may require dose adjustment.