1. Marguerite Smith
Biology 120

2.  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.

3.  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.

4.  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.

5.  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.

6.  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.

7.  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.