When we talk about gynecology and obstetrics, we often hear acronyms. They aim to simplify and make communication faster for doctors, midwives, and nurses. You can find these acronyms not only while they speak but often they will show up in your medical records. However, most of us are not acquainted with these terms. Therefore, I prepared this list of acronyms so you can always have them on hand if necessary.
AB = abortion
ABM = artificial baby milk
AFI = amniotic fluid index
APGAR = assessment of the baby's vitality in the 1st and 5th minutes of life.
APH = antepartum hemorrhage
AROM = artificial rupture of membranes
AUB = abnormal uterine bleeding
ATB = antibiotic
BC = birth control
BCP = birth control pill
BF = breastfeeding
BLW = Baby Lead Weaning
BM = breast milk
BP = blood pressure
C/S = cesarian section
CE = cervical exam
CPD = cephalopelvic disproportion
CTG = cardiotocography
CTX = contractions
CI = contraindication
DUB = dysfunctional uterine bleeding
EAB = elective abortion
ECV = External Cephalic Version
EDD = estimated date of delivery, also called due date
EFM = external fetal monitoring
EGA = estimated gestational age
EP = epidural
EPISIO = episiotomy
FBPP= fetal biophysical profile
FF = formula feeding
FHR = fetal heartbeat
FLM = fetal lung maturity
FM = fetal movements
FSE: fetal spinal electrode (internal fetal heart rate monitor)
FTP = failure to progress
GA = gestational age
GBS = group B strep
GDM = gestational diabetes mellitus
GHTN: gestational hypertension
GP = general practicioner
GTT = glucose tolerance test
GYN = gynecology
HB = homebirth
HELLP = hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet (complex syndrome of worsening pre-eclampsia in pregnancy)
IA= food introduction
ICU = intensive care unit
IVF = in vitro fertilization
IUGR = intrauterine growth restriction
L&D = labor and delivery
LGA = large for gestational age
LM = licensed midwife
LMP = date of last menstrual period
NICU: neonatal intensive care unit
NSVD = normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
OB = obstetrics
OBGYN= obstetrician-gynecologist
OCP = oral contraceptive pill
OR = operating room
PCOS = polycystic ovary syndrome
PRE-E: pre-eclampsia
PET = pre-eclampsia toxemia
Pit: pitocin, artificial oxytocin given to induce or augment labor by causing contractions
PP = postpartum
PPD = post-partum depression
PPH = postpartum hemorrhage
PROM = Premature rupture of membranes
PPROM = Preterm Premature rupture of membranes
PTL = preterm labor
RR = respiratory rate
ROM = rupture of membranes
RM = registered midwife
SAB = spontaneous abortion
SB = stillborn
SGA = small for gestational age
SROM = spontaneous rupture of membranes
TTC: trying to conceive
UTI = urinary tract infection
UI = urinary infection
US = ultrasound
VBAC = vaginal birth after c-section = normal birth after cesarean section.
VBAxC = vaginal birth after x c-sections = normal birth after X cesarean sections
WHO = World Health Organization
Whenever I hear, or read a new one, I will add to the list. If you remember one that is not on this list, please comment here, so I can add it too!!!
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