Marguerite Smith

Biology 120

Gynecology is a branch of medicine

specializing in the disorders of the female

reproductive system.

Modern gynecology deals with menstrual

disorders, menopause, infectious disease and

maldevelopment of the reproductive organs,

disturbances of the sex hormones, benign

and malignant tumor formation, and the

prescription of contraceptive devices.

A branch of gynecology, reproductive medicine, deals with infertility and utilizes artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilizations, where a human egg is harvested, fertilized in a test tube, then implanted into the womb.

Some gynecologists also practice obstetrics. Surgical gynecology began to make progress in the 19th cent., when the introduction of anesthesia and antisepsis paved the way for many advances.

Labor occurs in three stages.

When contractions begin, the baby moves down into the pelvis as the cervix effaces (thins) and dilates (opens).

The first stage begins with the onset of labor and ends when the cervix is completely opened. This is the longest stage of labor and can usually last 12 to 19 hours. You can usually chill, watch tv or even go for a walk as well as eating and drinking liquids as long as it is permitted by your doctor. If one is at home, it is good to time the contractions.

The doctor will monitor the progress of labor by periodically checking the cervix as well as the baby's position and station. as one nears the end of the first stage in labor, the contractions will become longer and harder.

In the second stage of labor, the actual delivery of the baby is involved. This stage can last from 20 minutes to 2 hours. The woman usually push between contractions and rest in between contractions. When the top of your baby's head fully appears (crowning), your doctor will tell you when to push and deliver your baby. Your doctor may make a small cut, called an episiotomy, to enlarge the vaginal opening. Most women in childbirth do not need episiotomy. Sometimes, forceps or suction is used to help guide the baby through the birth canal. This is called assisted vaginal delivery. After your baby is born, the umbilical cord is cut.

The third stage involves delivery of the placenta (afterbirth). It is the shortest stage, lasting 5 to 30 minutes. Contractions will begin 5 to 30 minutes after birth, signaling that it's time to deliver the placenta. You might have chills or shakiness. Labor is over once the placenta is delivered. Your doctor will repair the episiotomy and any tears you might have.

Strictly speaking, gestational age of the fetus or infant is a measurement of time in utero (inside of the uterus). Gestational age can be determined prior to birth or at birth.

Prior to birth, intrauterine fetal growth can be determined using ultrasound by measuring the diameter of the head and by comparing the ratios of the head circumference and the abdominal circumference.

Following birth, assessing an infant's weight, length, head circumference, condition of skin, hair, reflexes, muscle tone, posture, and vital signs can provide a 'relative' or 'developmental' gestational age. The 'developmental' gestational age may not match the calendar gestational age.

For example, an infant born with a gestational age of 36 weeks may actually have a developmental gestational age of 38 weeks, and therefore behave more like a term infant than a premature infant.

Determination of gestational age is an important factor in planning appropriate care for the fetus or infant. It provides important information regarding expected or potential problems and directly affects the medical treatment plan for the baby.