Resources

Periodicals
Chamberlain, Geoffrey, and Phillip Steer. "Obstetric Emergencies." British Medical Journal. 318
, no.7194 (May 1999):1342.

Organizations
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Clearinghouse. Bldg 31, R
oom 2A32, MSC 2425, 31Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892-2425. (800) 370-
2943. http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/health.htm.

Key terms

Amniotic
fluid — The liquid in the placental sac that cushions the fetus and regulates temperature in the pl
acentalenvironment. 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 deliv
ery and avoid severe tearing of the perineum.
Laparoscopic — A minimally-
invasive surgical or diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible endoscope (laparoscope) to
view and operate on structures in the abdomen.
Postpartum — After childbirth.