Download Birth Glossary

Birth Glossary
Abruptio placenta
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ACNM
ACOG
Adhesion
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AFP
AFP
ALACE
AMA
Alphafetoprotein
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Amniocentesis
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Amnion
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Amniotomy
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Anterior placenta
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Anthropoid pelvis
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Apgar score
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Premature detachment of a normally situated placenta after
the 20th week of gestation. It occurs about once in 200 births.
Because it often results in severe bleeding, it is serious. If it is
not at the end of the pregnancy, the mother rests in bed and is
watched carefully. If the pregnancy is close to the end (usually 7
months or more) the baby is often delivered by cesarean
section. Although the cause is unknown, maternal hypertension
has a strong correlation.
American College of Certified Nurse-Midwives
American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
Developed by 55-100% of gynecological surgery patients, it is
defined as an attachment of parts normally separated.
Adhesions develop as a result of scar tissue and can cause
infertility, pelvic pain and abnormalities of bowel function. New,
or "de novo" adhesions may form at a site where none existed
before but a surgical procedure was performed. Examples
include a myomectomy incision or an ovarian incision at the time
of ovarian cystectomy. De novo adhesions may also develop
away from the site of surgery, such as adhesions developing
around the tubes and ovaries at the time of a cesarean section.
Adhesions may also reform following surgical repair.
Association of Family Practitioners
See alphafetoprotein
Assocation of Labor Assistants & Childbirth Educators
Against Medical Advice; also American Medical Association
An antigen present in the human fetus and in certain
pathological conditions in the adult. The maternal serum level
can be evaluated at 16 to 18 weeks of pregnancy to detect fetal
abnormalities. Elevated levels indicate the possibility that neural
tube defetcs are present in the fetus; decreased levels may
indicate an increased risk of having a baby with Down
syndrome. Test results may be abnormal in persons with
diabetes, multiple pregnancies, obesity.
Transabdominal puncture of the amniotic sac under ultrasound
guidance using a needle and syringe in order to remove amniotic
fluid. The sample obtained is studied chemically and
cytologically to detect genetic and biochemical disorders and
maternal-fetal blood incompatibility and, later in the pregnancy,
to determine fetal maturity. The procedure can cause abortion
or trauma to the fetus.
The membrane that covers the fetal side of the placenta. It
contains the amniotic fluid.
Artifical rupture of membranes; Surgical rupture of the fetal
membranes to induce or expedite labor.
Anterior means before or in front of. In the case of pregnancy,
the placenta is formed at the front of the uterus. It can indicate
difficulty in auscultation of heart tones.
Pelvis in which the brim is oval in shape, with an increase in
the anteroposterior diameter and a corresponding decrease in
the transverse diameter; the sacrum is long and narrow and may
contain six vertebrae from fusion of the fifth lumbar vertebra wit
the sacrum. This increases the inclination of the pelvic brim and
is called high assimilation; it tends to hinder engagement of the
fetal head. Noted in tall, well-built women. Labor is usually
easy. AKA pithecoid pelvis.
Tool used to evaluate the newborn's cardiopulmonary status
during the first 5 minutes of life. Apgar is rated on heartrate,
breathing, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color, each having
AROM
Asyncliticism
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Auscultation
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Beta strep
BF
BH
Bicornate uterus
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Bilirubin
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Biophysical profile
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BJM
Braxton Hicks
contractions
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Breech
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Burns-Marshall
Maneuver
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a point value of 0 to 2.
See amniotomy
An oblique presentation of the fetal head in labor. The head
tilts sideways so that a parietal bone enters the pelvic brim.
Given strong uterine contractions and molding of the fetal head,
the head may pass through the brim. Vaginal delivery is then
possible.
Listening for fetal heart tones with either a stethoscope or
fetoscope, or the ear pressed against the bare belly.
See Group B Strep
Breastfeeding
See Braxton Hicks Contractions
A heart shaped uterus. Patients with this condition are at risk
for preterm labor and delivery, because the uterine cavity does
not expand in the same manner to permit enlargement of the
term-sized fetus, possibly resulting in preterm contractions.
A reddish yellow pigment produced by the breakdown of
hemoglobin. Found in bile, blood, urine, and gallstones.
A series of tests which, in combination, offer an assessment of
fetal/placental wellbeing. The test has a false positive rate
(normal test, distressed infant) of 0.5 percent and a false positive
rate of 43 percent (abnormal test, normal infant). If the test is
abnormal and the baby is felt to be fine by the mother and care
providers, another test should be done within 24 hours.
Assessment is based on amniotic fluid level, fetal kick count,
fetal breathing movements, muscle tone, and a non-stress test.
Each item is rated from 0-2 points each. A score of 8 to 10 is
normal, and a score ranging between 4 and 6 can improve,
especially with improvement of mother's condition (especially an
improvement in maternal diet). Intervention is only appropriate if
there are oligohydramnios. A score of 0 to 2 will not improve,
and is an indication of high mortality rate.
British Journal of Medicine
John Braxton Hicks was a British gynecologist (1823-1897)
who first described these contractions in 1872. Braxton Hicks
contractions are intermittent painless uterine contractions that
may occur every 10 to 20 minutes. They occur after the third
month of pregnancy. These contractions are not true labor pains
but are often interpreted as such. They are not present in every
pregnancy. AKA Hicks sign.
A variation of normal presentation of the baby in the uterus in
which the buttocks, or breech, of the baby is presenting first.
One baby in four will present breech at some stage in
pregnancy, but by the 34th week most of these babies have
turned. Acupuncture, chiropractic and external version are
options for turning a breech baby. For vaginal breech delivery,
an epidural is not recommended and the Burns-Marshall
maneuver or Mauriceau-Smellie-Veit maneuver may be utilized,
providing a normal vaginal delivery. AKA frank breech, footling
breech, knee breech, or full breech.
For breech delivery, the baby is allowed to hang by its own
weight for a few moments to facilitate descent and flexion of the
head. When the nape of the neck and hairline come into view,
showing that the head is ready to be born, the baby is grasped
by its ankles and, using slight traction, the trunk is carried up in a
wide arc over the mother's abdomen. The perineum should then
be depressed with the fingers to expose the mouth of the fetus.
It is cleared of mucus to allow the fetus to breathe without
inhaling the fluid. As soon as the nose appears at the vulva the
nostrils are cleared. The birth of the head then proceeds very
slowly indeed. If it were allowed to 'pop out' very quickly the
sudden release of pressure could easily give rise to an
intracranial hemorrhage. To avoid this danger the obstetrican
C/SEC
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Caput
Caput succedaneum
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CBAC
CBE
Cephalhematoma
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Cervix
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Chorion
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Chorionic villi
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Classical cesarean
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CNM
CPD
CPM
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CS; C/S
Ctx
Dehiscence
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DEM
DONA
Doppler
Doula
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applies Wrigley's or Neville Barnes forceps to the after-coming
head. This enables him to control exactly the speed with which
the head is born. It is brought down until the baby's mouth and
nose are acccessible so that the air passages can be cleared
and oxygen can be given as soon as the baby gasps.
Cesarean Section; also Cesarean Support, Education and
Concern (inactive organization).
See caput succedaneum.
A pressure-caused, fluid-filled swelling of the fetal scalp as a
result of the forces of labor. Usually disappears within 24 to 48
hours.
Cesarean Birth After Cesarean
Childbirth Educator
A subperiosteal hemorrhage of the newborn that is caused by
trauma to the fetal skull during birth.
The neck of the uterus; the lower part from the internal os
outward to the external os. It is rounded and conical, and a
portion protrudes into the vagina. It is about 1 in. long and is
penetrated by the cervical canal, through which the fetus and
menstrual flow escape. It may be torn in childbirth, especially in
a primigravida, and deeper tears may occur in manual dilatation
and use of forceps; breech presentation may also be a cause.
The outermost membrane layer which arises from the
trophoblast and helps in forming the placenta.
The chorion develops chorionic villi, which are finger-like
projections on its surface. The chorionic villi extend downward
through the uterine lining into the maternal blood supply to help
supply the developing embryo with oxygen and nutrients. A CVS
test, or chorionic villi sampling, can detect abnormalities in the
baby by the removal of tissues from what will be the placenta
sometime between the 9th to 11th week of pregnancy. CVS can
damage the embryo, cause miscarriage, cervical lacerations,
hemorrhage and infection. CVS is contraindicated in cases of
vaginal infection, Rh sensitization, multiple gestation, or
markedly retroflexed uterus.
A cesarean section performed with a vertical incision on the
uterus. Surgical records should be reviewed to determine if the
uterine scar is vertical in addition to the external scar.
Certified Nurse-Midwives
Cephalo Pelvic Disproportion
Certified Professional Midwife; also Cesarean Prevention
Movement (now ICAN)
Cesarean Section
Contractions
Classified as a uterine rupture, dehiscence involves the
myometrium but not the pelvic peritoneum which remains intact.
Also called uterine window, occult, or silent rupture, it tends to
present with less violent and dramatic signs and symptoms,
possibly due to the avascular nature of the scar tissue.
Dehiscence is sometimes diagnosed after delivery, especially in
cases where there are no signs and symptoms before delivery
(as is the instance in 35.3 percent of cases).
Dehiscence can be prevented by assessing nutritional status
and risk factors such as obesity or malnourishment before
surgery, and by ensuring proper nutrition.
Direct-Entry Midwife
Doulas of North America
See Ultrasound.
An experienced labor companion who provides continuous
emotional support and assistance before, during, and after birth.
Doulas have been shown to shorten first-time labor, decrease
DPO
Dubowitz score
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Shoulder Dystocia
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Dystocia
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EDC
EDD
Edema
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Effacement
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Effleurage
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EFM
Endometriosis
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Engagement
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Epidural
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Episiotomy
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EPO
External version
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FBS
Fetal lie
Fontanel
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cesarean section and the need for pain medication, helps fathers
participate with confidence, and leads to more successful
breastfeeding.
Days post ovulation
A means of assigning gestational age by certain physical
characteristics and responses of the newborn.
After delivery of the head, the infant's anterior shoulder
becomes wedged above the symphysis pubis instead of entering
the true pelvis; or the posterior shoulder may have passed the
sacral promontory and entered the true pelvis, where it may be
jammed against the sacrum. Incidence of shoulder dystocia is
generally reported as being less than 1 percent; it occurs in from
0.15 percent to 0.6 percent of all deliveries. Risk factors for
shoulder dystocia are maternal diabetes, history of macrosomia,
maternal obesity, postdates (14 days past EDD), history of CPD,
or prolonged second stage. In deliveries with one or more risk
factors present, an epidural is contraindicated as the mother
should be able to quickly change positions as indicated by the
caregiver to unwedge the stuck shoulder.
(diss-toe'-shah) Abnormal or difficult labor or childbirth. See
also shoulder dystocia.
Expected date of confinement
Estimated Due Date; Estimated Date of Delivery
A local or generalized condition in which the body tissues
contain an excessive amount of tissue fluid.
The shortening, or thinning, of the cervical canal from its usual
length of 2 to 3 cm to the point where the cervical canal is
obligerated, leaving only the external os as the circular orifice
with thin edges. This shortening results from the lengthening of
the muscular fibers around the internal os as they are taken up
into the lower uterine segment.
A massage technique used in the Lamaze and other
psychoprophylactic methods of childbearing. Effleurage means
"feather touch," which describes the amount of pressure to be
used in doing it. It is usually done by the laboring woman, using
both hands and following a definite pattern over primarly her
lowever abdomen.
Electronic Fetal Monitor
The presence of the endometrial tissue outside the uterus. The
most common places for implantation are the ovaries, fallopian
tubes, bladder and intestines, uterine wall, lining of the pelvis
and may be found in the cesarean section scar, and the vaginal
wall.
The point at which the widest diameter of the infant's
presenting part has passed through the pelvic inlet.
The two main components of the ordinary epidural are the
drugs bupivacaine hydrochloride and fentanyl epinephrine.
These drugs are injected in the space around the bag of nerves
at the base of the spine (the epidural space) to stop the
messages of pain from being sent to the brain, thus eliminating
partially or completely the sensation of pain in childbirth.
Incision of the perineum at the end of the second stage of
labor to avoid spontaneous laceration of the perineum and to
facilitate delivery.
Evening Primrose Oil
Manual turning of the baby from any presentation other than
vertex which utilizes the hands on the pregnant abdomen.
Fasting Blood Sugar
The position of the fetus in utero, AKA presentation.
Membrane-covered space where fetal or newborn skull sutures
intersect. The anterior fontanel is a diamond-shaped space
bordered by the sagittal and coronal sutures. The posterior
FP
FTP
GBS
GD
Hypertension
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Gestational
hypertension
Glucose Tolerance Test
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GP
Grand multipara
Gravida
Group B Strep
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GTT
HBAC
HELLP
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Hyperemesis
gravidarum
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iatrogenic
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ICAN
Induction
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IUGR
JAMA
Kegel exercises
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L&D
Lanugo
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LBW
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fontanel is a triangular space bordered by the sagittal and
lambdoidal sutures.
Family Practitioner
Failure to Progress
See Group B Strep
Gestational Diabetes
A blood pressure reading of 140/90 or higher on at least two
occasions, six hours apart.
See hypertension.
A test used for screening for diabetes in pregnancy which
involves a random oral glucose tolerance test after a 50 g.
glucose (sugar) load. Giving a woman concentrated refined
sugar load before testing is not recommended; she can have a
physiological reaction to the glucose overload which can mimic
diabetes. A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth
by Enkin et al and published in 1989 indicated the oral GTT
should be abandoned.
General Practitioner
A woman who has given birth seven or more times.
A pregnant woman.
Group B Strep is a bacteria (beta-hemolytic streptococci) that
is a leading cause of early-onset neonatal infections and lateonset post-partal infections. In women, this is marked by urinary
tract infection, chorioamnionitis, postpartum endometritis,
bacteremia, and wound infections complicating cesarean
section. It can lead to inflammation of the amniotic sac, the
uterine lining, or urinary tract in the mother. Occasionally a
newborn will have a local infection. About 15 to 30 percent of all
women have asymptomatic strep B in their vaginas. As many as
50 to 75 percent of their babies contract strep, but only 2 to 3 per
1000 get sick. Of these, 7 percent are born under 2 pounds.
Late onset newborn infections occur in 0.5 to 1 case per 1000
births. There is increased risk for the baby with premature
rupture of membranes or cesarean delivery, although the strep
bacteria can permeate the intact membranes.
See Glucose Tolerance Test
Home Birth After Cesarean
HELLP syndrome, a unique variant of preeclampsia (toxemia),
an acronym meaning H (hemolysis, which is the breaking down
of red blood cells), EL (elevated liver enzymes), and LP (low
platelet count).
During pregnancy, nausea and vomiting severe enough to
cause systemic effects such as acidosis, dehydration, and
weight loss.
Any adverse mental or physical condition induced in a patient
through the effects of treatment by a physician or surgeon.
International Cesarean Awareness Network
The process of causing or producing, as in induction of labor
with oxytocic drugs in cases of uterine dysfunction.
Intrauterine Growth Retardation
Journal of the American Medical Association
An exercise for strengthening the pubococcygeal and levator
ani muscles. Basically, the patient tightens those muscles that
could be used in attempting to prevent defecation or urination.
Increse in the strength of the muscles helps to control urinary
and fecal incontinence, aids in the childbirth process, and may
enhance the pleasure derived from sexual intercourse.
Labor & Delivery
Downy hair covering the fetus from the 20th to 38th week of
gestation.
Low birthweight
Leopold’s maneuvers
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LGA
LLL
LM
LMP
LOA
Lochia alba
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Lochia rubra
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Lochia serosa
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LOP
Lotus birth
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Macrosomia
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MANA
McRobert's maneuver
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Meconium
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Methergine
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Monitrice
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Mucous plug
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Multipara
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MW
NARM
NEJM
NFP
NST
Nullipara
OB
Occiput
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Maneuvers used to evaluate the unborn infant: palpations to
determine fetal lie, attitude, presentation and position; estimation
of fetal growth; assessment of amniotic fluid volume; evaluation
of fetal responsiveness.
Large for Gestational Age
La Leche League
Lay Midwife, also Licensed midwife
Last menstrual period
Left Occiput Anterior
Postpartum discharge lasting from approximately the tenth
through the fourteenth postpartum days. It is creamy white with
leukocytes and cellular debris.
Postpartum discharge lasting from approximately the first
through the fourth postpartum days. It is dark red containing
blood and placental and decidual debris.
Postpartum discharge lasting from approximately the fourth
through the tenth postpartum days. It is pinkish, thin, and
serosanguineous containing serous exudate, shreds of
degenerating decidua, erythrocytes, leukocytes, cervical mucus,
and numerous microorganisms.
Left Occiput Posterior
Birth without the cutting of the cord; the cord falls off while still
attached to the placenta 4 to 10 days postpartum.
In a newborn, birthweight of 4000 grams (8 pounds 13 ounces)
or more, or above the 90th percentile on the intrauterine growth
curve.
Midwives Alliance of North America
The woman lies on her back and draws her knees up to her
chest, thereby lifting her buttocks a little off the bed. This is
ordinarily used for shoulder dystocia but can also be used in a
breech delivery where the fetal head is trapped behind an
incomplete cervix. The exaggerated flexion of the patient's legs
results in a straighteneing of the sacrum relative to the lumbar
spine. Although this maneuver does not change the dimensions
of the true pelvis, rotation of the symphysis superiorly frees the
impacted anterior shoulder. AKA exaggerated lithotomy
position.
The contents of the fetal and/or newborn colon. Comprised of
epithelial cells from the intestinal tract, mucus, skin cells, and
hair (lanugo) that the fetus had swallowed with the amniotic
fluid. Passage of meconium in utero may indicate fetal distress.
Methylergonovine maleate; Drug used in the prevention and
treatment of postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony or
subinvolution. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Should not be
administered via I.V. because of the risk of severe hypertension
and stroke.
Professional labor assistant, or doula, who also has medical
knowledge and may perform some minor medical procedures
The plug of mucus that fills the opening of the cervix on
impregnation. *SYN: bloody show
A woman who has borne more than one viable fetus, whether
or not the offspring were alive at birth. The number of deliveries
may be recorded as para II, para III, and so on. SYN:
multigravida
Midwife
North American Registry of Midwives
New England Journal of Medicine
Natural Family Planning
Non-Stress Test
A woman who has never produced a viable offspring.
Obstetrician
The back part of the skull. On the fetal head, it is used to
OFP
Oligohydramnios
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Para
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Pelvic rock
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Perineum
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Peritoneum
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Pitocin
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Placenta
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Placenta accreta
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Placenta previa
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Placental abruption
Podalic version
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Polyhydramnios
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Post-dates
Posterior
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determine the position of cephalic presentations in relation to the
maternal pelvis
Optimal Foetal Positioning
An abnormally small amount of amniotic fluid that may be
symptomatic of a variety of problems, including fetal renal
agenesis and intrauterine growth retardation.
A woman who has produced a viable infant (weighing at least
500g or of more than 20 weeks' gestation) regardliess of whether
the infant is alive at birth. A multiple birth is considered to be a
single parous experience.
The Pelvic Rock is an exercise that will improve circulation,
and help relieve low backaches by strengthening the muscles of
your abdomen and lower back. It also benefits the proper
alignment of the fetal head in the pelvis.
To perform the Pelvic Rock, get on your hands and knees with
your arms straight. Tighten your tummy muscles, tuck your hips
and buttocks under so that the small of your back is pushed back
as far as possible. Hold this position for 5 – 10 seconds. Relax
your back flat again (not arched). Repeat 10 – 30 times per day;
5 days per week.
The structures occupying the pelvic outlet and constituting the
pelvic floor.
The external region between the vulva and anus in a female or
between the scrotum and anus in a male. It is made up of skin,
muscle, and fasciae.
The serous membrane reflected over the viscera and lining the
abdominal cavity.
Synthetic oxytocin used to induce or augment labor by causing
potent and selective stimulation of uterine and mammary gland
smooth muscles. Risks include brain hemorrhage, seizures or
coma, hypertension, arrhythmias, abruptio placenta, uterine
rupture, infant brain damage, low Apgar scores at 5 minutes,
neonatal jaunce. Contraindicated when cephalopelvic
disproportion is present, prematurity, placenta previa. Extreme
caution should be used in first or second stage because cervical
laceration, uterine rupture, and maternal and fetal death have all
been reported.
A temporary organ, the placenta anchors the developing
embryo and fetus to the uterus and provides a bridge for the
exchange of nutrients, oxygen, protective antibodies, and waste
products that pass from the baby to the maternal circulation.
The placenta produces protein and steroid hormones to sustain
the pregnancy.
A placenta in which the cotyledons have invaded the uterine
musculature, resulting in difficult or impossible separation of the
placenta.
The location of the placenta over, or very near, the cervical os.
May result in hemorrhage and/or fetal death.
See abruptio placenta
To convert a malpresentation, a hand is inserted into the
vagina and uterus and, by manipulation on the abdomen with
one hand and by internal manipulation with the other, a foot is
grasped and drawn down, so that the presentation is converted
to a breech. A bipolar podalic version is performed similarly with
only two fingers in the uterus and the other hand on the
abdomen.
An excess of amniotic fluid in the bag of waters in pregnancy.
(Taber, 1519)
Pregnancy that goes beyond 42 weeks, or 294 days.
Toward the rear end; opposite of anterior. In fetal positioning,
P-PROM
Pre-eclampsia
Primigravida
Prodromal
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PROM
Relaxin
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ROA
ROP
Round ligament
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RRL
SGA
Sim’s position
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Sinciput
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Sonogram
SROM
Staphylococcus
Station
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Syntocinon
TOL
TOLAC
Toxemia
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Transverse
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Transverse arrest
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TTC
UC
Ultrasound
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means the back of the babies head is facing the back of the
mother.
Preterm-Premature Rupture of Membranes
See Toxemia
A woman during her first pregnancy.
The initial stage of labor; the interval between the earliest signs
of labor and active labor.
Premature Rupture of Membranes
A polypeptide hormone secreted in the corpus luteum during
pregnancy. It is obtained commercially from the ovaries of
pregnant sows. In certain rodents, it relaxes the symphysis,
inhibits uterine contractions, and softens the cervix.
Right Occiput Anterior
Right Occiput Posterior
The uterus is suspended in the abdomen by the utero-sacral
ligaments and the round ligaments. Round ligaments are
attached to the pelvic bones from the front-middle area of the
uterus. Normal pain from stretching the round ligaments as the
uterus grows can be felt as an ache, bruise-type pain, or a sharp
spasm.
Red Raspberry Leaf Tea
Small for Gestational Age
Named after James Marion Sims; a semi-prone position with
the patient on the left side, right knee and thigh drawn well up,
left arm along the patient's back, and chest inclined forward so
patient rests upon it.
The fore and upper part of the cranium; the upper half of the
skull.
See ultrasound
Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes
Term applied loosely to any pathogenic bacteria.
The relationship between the leading edge of the presenting
part of the baby and an imaginary line drawn between the ischial
spines.
Synthetic pitocin. See also Pitocin.
Trial of Labor
Trial of Labor After Cesarean
Coma and convulsive seizures between the 20th week of
pregnancy and the end of the first week postpartum. It develops
in 1 out of 200 patients with pregnancy-induced hypertension.
Controversy exists over whether this is caused by a lack of
adequate nutrition which compromised liver function.
SYN: Metabolic Toxemia of Late Pregnancy (MTLP) or
Eclampsia.
Fetal lie that is at right angles to the long axis of the body;
crosswise.
A condition of occipitoposterior position, the fetal head may
attempt a long rotation, but become caught in the transverse
diameter of the outlet, between the ischial spines, should they be
unduly prominent. This is suspected if there is delay in the
second stage of labor and on examination per vaginam the
sagittal suture is found in the transverse diamter of the pelvis
with a fontanelle at each end, close to the ischial spines.
Rotation of the fetal head to an anterior position and delivery by
vacuum extraction or forceps is required.
Trying to conceive
Unassisted Childbirth
Transmission of inaudible sound in the frequency range of
approximately 20,000 to 10 billion cycles per second.
Ultrasound has different velocities in tissues that differ in density
and elasticity from others. This property permits the use of
UR
US
Uterine Rupture
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VBAC
VBAcC
Vertex
WBAC
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ultrasound in outlining the shape of various tissues and organs in
the body. Heating effects are produced by beams of low
intensity, paralytic effects by those of moderate intensity, and
lethal effects by those of high intensity. When doppler
ultrasonography is used, the shift in frequency produced when
an ultrasound wave is echoed from something in motion. The
use of the doppler effect permits measuring the velocity of the
blood flow in a vessel (such as the heartbeat of a baby).
See Uterine Rupture
See Ultrasound
A complete uterine rupture is a tear through the thickness of
the uterine wall at the site of a prior cesarean incision. It is a
potentially life threatening condition for both the mother and/or
the baby and requires immediate surgical intervention. However,
uterine ruptures have also been known to occur in some women
who have never had a cesarean. This type of rupture can be
caused by weak uterine muscles after several pregnancies,
excessive use of labor inducing agents, prior surgical procedure
on the uterus, or mid-pelvic use of forceps.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean
Vaginal Birth After Classical Cesarean
The top of the head. In fetal lie, presenting head down.
Water Birth After Cesarean
Sources:
Epregnancy.com
Handbook of Maternal Newborn Nursing, by Buckley & Kulb
Heart & Hands by Elizabeth Davis
Mayes Midwifery, 12th edition by Betty Sweet
Mayes Midwifery, 12th Edition
Ministry of Midwifery by Patti Barnes
Mosby Medical Encyclopedia
Mothering the Mother by Marshall Klaus, John Kennell and Phyllis Klaus
Nursing Drug Handbook, by Springhouse Publishers
Obstetric Myths vs. Research Realities by Henci Goer
Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary, 18th Edition
Understanding Lab Work in the Childbearing Year by Anne Frye
Varney's Midwifery, 3rd edition
VBAC.com
Women's Surgery Group.com