Midwifery Licensing key terms

The age of a fetus calculated from the first day of the last menstrual period, typically expressed in weeks and days; used to assess growth, schedule screenings, and guide management decisions.

A method for estimating the estimated due date by adding 7 days to the first day of the last menstrual period and subtracting 3 months, assuming a 28-day cycle.

The calculated date on which a pregnancy is expected to reach 40 weeks of gestation; used for scheduling prenatal care and determining post-term pregnancy.

The measurement in centimeters from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus; between 20 and 36 weeks it roughly correlates with gestational age in weeks.

A clinical measurement of uterine size used to screen for fetal growth abnormalities; typically measured in centimeters and plotted on a growth curve.

A fetal protein measured in maternal serum or amniotic fluid; elevated levels may indicate neural tube defects, while low levels may suggest chromosomal abnormalities.

A maternal serum test performed in the second trimester that measures AFP, hCG, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin A to estimate risk of fetal anomalies.

A noninvasive prenatal screening test that analyzes fetal DNA in maternal blood to estimate the risk of certain chromosomal conditions such as trisomy 21.

A process of providing information and support to individuals or couples about genetic risks, testing options, and reproductive decisions.

A prenatal test that combines ultrasound assessment of fetal breathing, movement, tone, and amniotic fluid volume with a nonstress test to evaluate fetal well-being.

A fetal surveillance test that records fetal heart rate patterns in response to fetal movement; a reactive result indicates adequate oxygenation of the fetal brain.

The use of electronic or intermittent auscultation to assess fetal heart rate patterns during pregnancy and labor, helping to identify fetal distress.

A fetal heart rate pattern with a baseline of 110–160 beats per minute, moderate variability, no late or variable decelerations, and absent or present accelerations; considered normal.

A gradual decrease in fetal heart rate that begins after the peak of a uterine contraction and returns to baseline after the contraction ends; often associated with uteroplacental insufficiency.

An abrupt decrease in fetal heart rate that varies in timing relative to contractions and is often caused by umbilical cord compression.

Inadequate blood flow between the uterus and placenta, which can reduce fetal oxygen supply and lead to late decelerations or fetal growth restriction.

A condition in which the umbilical cord descends through the cervix ahead of the presenting fetal part, risking cord compression and fetal hypoxia; requires emergency intervention.

A cesarean delivery performed urgently due to immediate threats to the mother or fetus, such as cord prolapse, placental abruption, or nonreassuring fetal status.

Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall, which can cause vaginal bleeding, abdominal pain, and fetal distress.

A serious coagulation disorder that can occur with placental abruption or postpartum hemorrhage, leading to widespread clotting and bleeding; requires urgent medical management.

Excessive bleeding after childbirth, commonly defined as blood loss of 500 mL or more after vaginal birth or 1,000 mL or more after cesarean birth.

Failure of the uterus to contract effectively after delivery of the placenta, which is the most common cause of postpartum hemorrhage.

Vaginal discharge after childbirth consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue; it progresses from lochia rubra to serosa to alba over several weeks.

The process by which the uterus returns to its prepregnancy size and position, typically taking about six weeks and assessed by fundal height and lochia patterns.

A systematic physical examination of a newborn after birth to identify abnormalities, assess gestational age, and monitor adaptation to extrauterine life.

A rapid assessment tool used at 1 and 5 minutes after birth that evaluates heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color to guide newborn care.

A public health program that tests newborns for treatable metabolic, genetic, and infectious conditions to enable early intervention and prevent disability or death.

Emergency interventions for a newborn who does not breathe or have a adequate heart rate at birth, including stimulation, airway management, and positive pressure ventilation.

A standardized training program for healthcare providers in the evidence-based resuscitation of newborns at birth.

A client-centered discussion to help individuals choose a contraceptive method that aligns with their health status, preferences, and reproductive goals.

A collaborative process in which the clinician and client exchange information about options, risks, and preferences to reach a mutually agreed-upon plan of care.

The process of obtaining a client's voluntary agreement to a procedure or treatment after providing clear information about risks, benefits, and alternatives.

The defined set of responsibilities, activities, and procedures that a healthcare professional is permitted to perform under their license and state regulations.

The degree of care and skill that a reasonably prudent clinician with similar training would provide under similar circumstances; used to evaluate professional conduct.

The systematic recording of clinical assessments, interventions, and outcomes in the medical record, serving as a legal and communication tool for care.

A hormone and medication used to induce or augment labor and to prevent or treat postpartum hemorrhage by stimulating uterine contractions.

The use of medications to suppress premature uterine contractions and delay preterm birth, allowing time for corticosteroids or transfer to a higher level of care.

Medications given during preterm labor to accelerate fetal lung maturation and reduce complications of prematurity, such as respiratory distress syndrome.

Regular uterine contractions with cervical changes occurring before 37 weeks of gestation, requiring assessment and possible intervention to prevent preterm birth.

The integration of the best available research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values to guide clinical decision-making and improve outcomes.

A systematic approach to analyzing and improving healthcare processes and outcomes using data, feedback, and iterative changes.

Recommendations developed from evidence to assist clinicians and patients in making decisions about appropriate healthcare for specific circumstances.