N
neonatal - Refers to the newborn infant or the first four weeks of life after birth.
NPO - Latin abbreviation, nil per os; nothing by mouth.
nulligravidi - A woman who has never been pregnant.
nullipara - A woman who has not delivered a child who reached viability.
O
obstetrics - The branch of medicine concerned with the care of a woman during
pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartal period.
oliguria - Secretion of a diminished amount of urine in relation to the fluid intake.
operative obstetrics - Refers to a number of special procedures (episiotomy, forceps
delivery, cesarean section, induction of labor) which the physician may use to assist
the patient in labor and delivery.
P
palpation - Examination by touch or feel.
para - A woman who has delivered a viable child (not necessarily living at birth).
placenta - A specialized disk-shaped organ that connects the fetus to the uterine
walls for gas and nutrient exchange; also referred to as the afterbirth.
placental abruption - Premature separation of a normally implanted placenta.
placenta previa - A placenta that is implanted in the lower uterine segment so that
it adjoins or covers the internal os of the cervix.
polycythemia - An abnormal condition that is characterized by an excess of red
blood cells.
polyuria - The passage of a large volume of urine in a given period.
postnatal - Occurring after birth.
postpartum - The period after childbirth, or after delivery.
G-4
MD0922