acrocyanosis - ANSWER bluish color of the hands and feet, not pathological in
newborns
asphyxia - ANSWER inadequate oxygenation that causes unconsciousness and,
without intervention, death
Braxton-Hicks contraction - ANSWER painless, ineffective uterine contractions that
occur during late pregnancy
Colostrum - ANSWER white to yellowish fluid that precedes breast milk
Counterpressure - ANSWER application of pressure to the sacrum during
contractions
Cradle Cap - ANSWER infant scalp dermatitis manifesting as thick yellowish scales
Effacement - ANSWER thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for
childbirth
Effleurage - ANSWER light massage or stroking, usually on the patient's abdomen,
in rhythm with breathing during contractions
Engagement - ANSWER entrance of the fetal presenting part into the upper pelvic
channel or birth canal
Fetus - ANSWER unborn child still inside the uterus
Friable - ANSWER easily broken
Hydramnios - ANSWER excessive amniotic fluid
Lanugo - ANSWER fine, downy hair on the fetus after 20 weeks of gestation
Leopold Maneuvers - ANSWER a series of four types of abdominal palpitation for
determining fetal position
Let-down reflex - ANSWER release of breast milk in response to oxytocin, also
called the milk-ejection reflex
Lightening - ANSWER descent of the uterus into the pelvic cavity about 2 weeks
before term labor
, Moro Reflex - ANSWER expected newborn response to a loud noise or other readily
perceived stimulus, demonstrated as arm flexion and an embracing posture
Placenta Previa - ANSWER implantation of the placenta low in the uterus and
completely or partially covering the cervix
Quickening - ANSWER perception of fetal movement
Preterm - ANSWER referring to the period of a pregnancy prior to 37 weeks of
gestation
Supine hypotension - ANSWER a drop in blood pressure due to altered venous
return from a gravid uterus exerting pressure on the ascending vena cava
Umbilical Cord - ANSWER the long structure that connects a fetus with the placenta
and encases two arteries and one vein surrounded by a clear gel called Wharton's
jelly
Vernix Caseosa - ANSWER a grayish white protective substance that coats fetal skin
and has a cream-cheese-like consistency
Viability - ANSWER Capability of living outside the uterus, generally at 20 weeks of
gestation and beyond
At what stage in pregnancy can you hear a fetal heartbeat? - ANSWER With a
ultrasound fetoscope at 10-11 weeks, a regular stethoscope at 18-20 weeks
Where do you listen to the fetal heartbeat? - ANSWER Midline, just above
symphysis pubis
Regular fetal heart rate - ANSWER 110-160 bpm
How many weeks gestation is the Ballard Score used? - ANSWER 20-44 weeks
FOr newborns younger than 26 weeks gestation, when should you perform the
Ballard Score? - ANSWER sooner than 12 hours after birth
For newborns beyond 26 weeks gestation, when should you perform the Ballard
Score? - ANSWER Within 96 hours of birth
What are the components of the neuromuscular portion of the Ballard Score exam? -
ANSWER posture, square window, arm recoil, popliteal angle, scarf sign, and heel to
ear
How is the newborn positioned for all of the neuromuscular portion of the Ballard
Score exam? - ANSWER Supine
How do you assess newborn posture? - ANSWER Assess posture for the degree of
flexion of the extremities. At term, a newborn's legs and arms are moderately flexed
at rest.