Obstetrical Emergencies Health Article

KEY TERMS

Amniotic fluid—The liquid in the placental sac that cushions the fetus and regulates temperature in the placental environment. Amniotic fluid also contains fetal cells.

Cesarean section—The surgical delivery of a fetus through an incision in the uterus.

Embolism—Blood vessel obstruction by a blood clot or other substance (i.e., air, cell matter).

Episiotomy—Incision of the perineum, the area between the vulva and the anus, to assist delivery and avoid severe tearing of the perineum.

Postpartum—After childbirth.

Laparoscopic—A minimally-invasive surgical or diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope (laparoscope) to view and operate on structures in the abdomen.