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amnioinfusion
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process of replacing amniotic fluid by adding fluid back to the uterus
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anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy (ASP)
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(also:
amniotic fluid embolus
) anaphylactic reaction to amniotic fluid entering the respiratory system
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Bishop score
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tool used to determine if the cervix is favorable
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dystocia
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lack of progress during labor, which could make it prolonged or difficult
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fetal dystocia
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complication in which the fetal head is unable to navigate through the pelvis
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induction of labor
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stimulation of uterine contractions prior to the spontaneous onset of labor
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inversion of the uterus
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uterus turning inside out, protruding through the vagina, and causing a life-threatening complication in the third stage of labor
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labor augmentation
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enhancement of inadequate uterine contractions that have failed to cause cervical dilation, effacement, or fetal descent
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McRoberts maneuver
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process of flexing the laboring person’s legs until the thigh touches the abdomen
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meconium-stained amniotic fluid
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brown or green staining of amniotic fluid due to the fetal passage of meconium
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obstetric forceps
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metal instruments placed on the fetal head to assist in delivery of the fetus
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operative delivery
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refers to the use of forceps or vacuum to assist with a vaginal birth
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pelvic dystocia
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labor complication that occurs when the size of the fetal head is larger than the size of the maternal pelvis due to a small capacity of the pelvic inlet, midpelvis, or pelvic outlet
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precipitous labor
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delivery that is extremely rapid and usually less than 3 hours from start of the contractions to birth
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prolapsed cord
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umbilical cord lying beside or in front of the fetal presenting part
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shoulder dystocia
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impaction of the fetal shoulder into the symphysis pubis or sacral promontory, preventing the delivery of the fetus
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spontaneous abortion (SAB)
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loss of a pregnancy prior to 20 weeks’ gestation
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succenturiate lobe
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accessory lobe that is separate from the main placenta
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uterine dystocia
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labor complication in which lack of cervical dilation occurs due to insufficient contraction strength, frequency, or duration
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uterine rupture
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tearing or opening in the muscle of the uterus
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uterine tachysystole
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more than five contractions occurring in 10 minutes averaged over 30 minutes
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vacuum extractor
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device that uses suction to help deliver the fetal head
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vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC)
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successful trial of labor and eventual birth after a previous cesarean birth
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vasa previa
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condition in which fetal vessels implant into the membranes and cross over the cervix in front of the fetal presenting part
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velamentous insertion of the cord
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complication in which the vessels of the umbilical cord branch before reaching the placenta