Obstetrics Gynaecology ENGLISH

Inglés para Obstetricia y Ginecología: Vocabulario y Frases Esenciales

Tanto si eres un estudiante de medicina que se prepara para sus rotaciones clínicas, un médico especialista en obstetricia y ginecología formado en el extranjero que trabaja en un sistema sanitario anglófono, o una enfermera especialista que desea reforzar su vocabulario profesional, esta guía te proporciona 48 términos fundamentales — con definiciones precisas y ejemplos clínicos auténticos — para que te comuniques con confianza en todos los ámbitos de la práctica obstétrica y ginecológica.

48 terms · 6 topics

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"estimated date of delivery"

The predicted due date, calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period or by ultrasound biometry

"The sonographer confirmed an estimated date of delivery of 15 March based on first-trimester crown–rump length measurements."

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"nuchal translucency scan"

An ultrasound measurement of the fluid-filled space at the back of a fetus's neck, used in first-trimester Down syndrome screening

"The nuchal translucency scan at 12 weeks showed a measurement of 1.8 mm, placing her in the low-risk category."

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"hyperemesis gravidarum"

A severe form of pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting causing dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and weight loss requiring hospital admission

"She was admitted at eight weeks with hyperemesis gravidarum; IV fluids and antiemetics were commenced immediately."

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"ectopic pregnancy"

A pregnancy in which the fertilised egg implants outside the uterine cavity, most commonly in the fallopian tube, posing a risk of tubal rupture

"A transvaginal ultrasound confirmed an ectopic pregnancy in the right tube; emergency salpingectomy was performed."

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"placenta praevia"

A condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the internal cervical os, causing painless antepartum haemorrhage and obstructing vaginal delivery

"The 32-week ultrasound revealed a complete placenta praevia; the team planned an elective caesarean section at 37 weeks."

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"gestational diabetes mellitus"

Carbohydrate intolerance first recognised in pregnancy, increasing risks of macrosomia, stillbirth, and neonatal hypoglycaemia

"A 75g oral glucose tolerance test at 26 weeks confirmed gestational diabetes mellitus; dietary modification and metformin were initiated."

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"intrauterine growth restriction"

A condition in which the fetus fails to achieve its genetically determined growth potential, often due to placental insufficiency

"Serial growth scans identified intrauterine growth restriction; the Doppler waveforms showed absent end-diastolic flow in the umbilical artery."

Embarazo y atención prenatal

"pre-eclampsia"

A multisystem disorder of pregnancy characterised by hypertension and proteinuria after 20 weeks, with risk of maternal stroke, eclampsia, and placental abruption

"She presented with a blood pressure of 158/102 mmHg and 3+ proteinuria, meeting the criteria for pre-eclampsia."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"induction of labour"

A clinical procedure to artificially initiate uterine contractions before spontaneous onset, using methods such as cervical ripening agents, amniotomy, or oxytocin infusion

"Induction of labour was recommended at 41 weeks to reduce the risk of stillbirth associated with post-dates pregnancy."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"Bishop score"

A pre-labour cervical assessment scale scoring dilation, effacement, consistency, position, and fetal station to predict the likelihood of successful induction

"A Bishop score of 4 indicated an unfavourable cervix; a Foley catheter was inserted for mechanical ripening before oxytocin."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"cardiotocography"

Continuous electronic monitoring of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions, used to assess fetal wellbeing during labour

"Cardiotocography revealed variable decelerations with each contraction; fetal blood sampling was performed to exclude acidosis."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"caesarean section"

Surgical delivery of the baby through incisions in the abdominal wall and uterus, performed electively or as an emergency procedure

"An emergency caesarean section was performed at full dilatation due to an obstructed labour and a non-reassuring CTG."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"instrumental delivery"

Assisted vaginal birth using forceps or a vacuum extractor to facilitate delivery of the fetal head when maternal pushing is insufficient or contraindicated

"An instrumental delivery was performed with Kielland's forceps to rotate and deliver the baby from a persistent occiput posterior position."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"shoulder dystocia"

An obstetric emergency in which the fetal anterior shoulder becomes impacted behind the maternal pubic symphysis after delivery of the head

"Shoulder dystocia was called; the team applied McRoberts' manoeuvre and suprapubic pressure, delivering the baby within two minutes."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"episiotomy"

A surgical incision of the perineum and posterior vaginal wall made during the second stage of labour to enlarge the vaginal opening

"A mediolateral episiotomy was performed to expedite instrumental delivery and reduce the risk of a third-degree tear."

Trabajo de parto y parto

"cord prolapse"

An obstetric emergency in which the umbilical cord descends through the cervix ahead of the presenting part, causing cord compression and fetal hypoxia

"On vaginal examination the registrar felt a pulsating loop of cord; cord prolapse was declared and theatre was alerted for immediate caesarean."

Patologías ginecológicas

"endometriosis"

A chronic condition in which endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, and subfertility

"Laparoscopy confirmed stage III endometriosis with deposits on the ovaries and uterosacral ligaments; she was counselled on surgical excision versus hormonal suppression."

Patologías ginecológicas

"polycystic ovary syndrome"

A common hormonal disorder characterised by anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology on ultrasound, associated with insulin resistance

"She was diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome after presenting with oligomenorrhoea, acne, and a testosterone level at the upper limit of normal."

Patologías ginecológicas

"uterine fibroid"

A benign smooth-muscle tumour of the uterus that can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure symptoms depending on size and location

"Pelvic MRI identified a 7 cm intramural uterine fibroid; myomectomy was planned as she wished to preserve fertility."

Patologías ginecológicas

"cervical ectropion"

Eversion of the columnar epithelium from the endocervical canal onto the ectocervix, presenting as a red appearance and causing contact bleeding or excess discharge

"Colposcopy confirmed a cervical ectropion rather than a dysplastic lesion; she was reassured and the ectropion was treated with cryotherapy for symptomatic relief."

Patologías ginecológicas

"pelvic inflammatory disease"

An infection of the upper female genital tract including the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, usually caused by ascending sexually transmitted pathogens

"She presented with lower abdominal pain and cervical motion tenderness; pelvic inflammatory disease was diagnosed and dual antibiotic therapy was started."

Patologías ginecológicas

"ovarian torsion"

A gynaecological emergency in which the ovary twists on its ligamentous supports, compromising blood supply and causing acute severe pelvic pain

"An urgent ultrasound with Doppler showed absent blood flow in the right ovary; ovarian torsion was confirmed and emergency laparoscopic de-torsion was performed."

Patologías ginecológicas

"vulvodynia"

Chronic unexplained vulvar pain lasting three months or more without an identifiable cause, significantly impairing quality of life and sexual function

"After excluding infective and dermatological causes, a diagnosis of vulvodynia was made; she was referred to a pelvic-floor physiotherapist and psychosexual counsellor."

Patologías ginecológicas

"abnormal uterine bleeding"

Any change in menstrual frequency, duration, regularity, or volume that deviates from the normal pattern, evaluated using the PALM-COEIN classification

"The FIGO PALM-COEIN assessment attributed her abnormal uterine bleeding to an endometrial polyp; hysteroscopic polypectomy was offered."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"in vitro fertilisation"

An assisted reproductive technology in which oocytes are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in the laboratory, and one or more embryos are transferred to the uterus

"After two failed intrauterine insemination cycles, the couple proceeded to in vitro fertilisation using the woman's own eggs and donor sperm."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome"

A potentially serious complication of ovarian stimulation in IVF, characterised by enlarged ovaries, ascites, and haemoconcentration; severe cases risk thromboembolism

"She developed severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome after egg collection; her cycle was frozen and transfer deferred to the next month."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"antral follicle count"

An ultrasound-based measure of the number of small follicles visible in both ovaries at the start of the menstrual cycle, used as a surrogate marker of ovarian reserve

"An antral follicle count of 6 suggested diminished ovarian reserve; the dose of FSH for stimulation was increased accordingly."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"anti-Müllerian hormone"

A glycoprotein secreted by granulosa cells of preantral and small antral follicles, whose serum level reflects ovarian reserve and is used in IVF planning

"Her anti-Müllerian hormone level of 0.4 pmol/L confirmed poor ovarian reserve and prompted a discussion about donor egg IVF."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"intracytoplasmic sperm injection"

A laboratory technique in which a single spermatozoon is injected directly into an oocyte to achieve fertilisation, used when sperm count or motility is severely impaired

"Owing to severe oligospermia with 2 % normal morphology, intracytoplasmic sperm injection was recommended to maximise fertilisation rates."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"endometrial receptivity"

The physiological state of the uterine lining during the implantation window, characterised by specific molecular and morphological changes that permit embryo attachment

"A repeat frozen embryo transfer was planned after a hysteroscopy to optimise endometrial receptivity by correcting a uterine septum."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"recurrent miscarriage"

The loss of three or more pregnancies before 24 weeks of gestation, warranting investigation for anatomical, thrombophilic, chromosomal, and immunological causes

"Following a third consecutive first-trimester loss, she was referred to the recurrent miscarriage clinic for thrombophilia screening and karyotyping."

Fertilidad y medicina reproductiva

"sperm analysis"

A laboratory assessment of semen parameters including volume, concentration, motility, morphology, and vitality, performed as part of the initial subfertility workup

"Sperm analysis revealed a total motile count of 3 million; the andrologist recommended repeat testing before proceeding to ICSI."

Oncología ginecológica

"cervical intraepithelial neoplasia"

A spectrum of premalignant squamous cell changes of the cervix classified as CIN 1, 2, or 3 based on the proportion of epithelium replaced by dysplastic cells

"Colposcopy-directed biopsy confirmed CIN 2; large loop excision of the transformation zone was performed under local anaesthesia."

Oncología ginecológica

"FIGO staging"

The International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics system for staging gynaecological cancers based on clinical examination, imaging, and surgical findings

"Pelvic MRI and CT thorax/abdomen placed her endometrial cancer at FIGO stage IB; robotic hysterectomy with lymphadenectomy was recommended."

Oncología ginecológica

"total abdominal hysterectomy"

Surgical removal of the uterus and cervix through an abdominal incision, performed for benign or malignant indications

"A total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy was performed for stage IA endometrial adenocarcinoma."

Oncología ginecológica

"colposcopy"

A diagnostic procedure using a magnifying instrument to examine the cervix, vagina, and vulva under illumination after application of acetic acid, used to evaluate abnormal smear results

"She was referred for colposcopy following two consecutive smears showing high-grade dyskaryosis; a biopsy was taken from a dense acetowhite area."

Oncología ginecológica

"sentinel lymph node biopsy"

A surgical technique to identify and remove the first lymph node draining a tumour site to determine whether cancer has spread, minimising the morbidity of full lymphadenectomy

"Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed using indocyanine green at the time of hysterectomy; all nodes were negative for metastatic disease."

Oncología ginecológica

"cisplatin-based chemoradiation"

A concurrent treatment regimen combining external beam radiotherapy with weekly cisplatin chemotherapy, used as primary treatment for locally advanced cervical cancer

"Following MDT review of her FIGO stage IIB cervical cancer, she was enrolled in a cisplatin-based chemoradiation protocol with a planned brachytherapy boost."

Oncología ginecológica

"CA-125"

A serum tumour marker elevated in ovarian cancer and other conditions; used in combination with ultrasound to risk-stratify adnexal masses and monitor treatment response

"A CA-125 of 890 U/mL in conjunction with a complex bilateral pelvic mass raised strong suspicion of ovarian carcinoma; urgent MDT referral was made."

Oncología ginecológica

"debulking surgery"

An operative procedure aiming to remove the maximum possible volume of tumour, often performed for advanced ovarian cancer to improve chemotherapy efficacy and survival

"Primary debulking surgery achieved optimal cytoreduction with no residual disease greater than 1 cm; platinum-based chemotherapy was started six weeks later."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"antenatal care pathway"

A structured schedule of appointments, investigations, and interventions for monitoring a pregnant woman from booking through to delivery

"The community midwife explained the antenatal care pathway, outlining appointments at 8, 16, 25, 28, 31, 34, 36, 38, 40, and 41 weeks."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"multidisciplinary team meeting"

A scheduled case conference involving obstetricians, midwives, neonatologists, anaesthetists, and other specialists to plan complex maternity or gynaecological care

"The multidisciplinary team meeting reviewed her cardiac condition and agreed on a plan for consultant-led care with delivery in a tertiary centre."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"informed consent"

A process by which a clinician explains the nature, benefits, risks, and alternatives of a proposed procedure, and the patient voluntarily agrees to proceed

"Informed consent for caesarean section was obtained by the obstetric registrar, covering anaesthetic risks, haemorrhage, and implications for future pregnancies."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"obstetric early warning score"

A track-and-trigger tool using vital signs to detect deterioration in a pregnant or postpartum woman and prompt escalation of care

"A rising obstetric early warning score prompted the midwife to call the on-call registrar; sepsis secondary to chorioamnionitis was subsequently diagnosed."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"postpartum haemorrhage protocol"

A standardised emergency management bundle for blood loss exceeding 500 mL after delivery, including uterotonic drugs, fluid resuscitation, and surgical escalation

"When blood loss reached 1,000 mL, the postpartum haemorrhage protocol was activated; the cell saver was prepared and tranexamic acid was administered."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"pelvic-floor assessment"

A physiotherapy or clinical evaluation of the strength, coordination, and integrity of the pelvic-floor muscles, conducted antenatally or postnatally to prevent or treat dysfunction

"A six-week postnatal pelvic-floor assessment identified grade 2 uterovaginal prolapse; supervised pelvic-floor exercises were prescribed before surgical referral."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"safeguarding referral"

A formal notification to social services or child protection teams when concerns are raised about the safety or welfare of a woman or her unborn or newborn child

"A disclosure of domestic abuse during the antenatal booking prompted the midwife to complete a safeguarding referral to the local authority the same day."

Práctica profesional y clínica

"birth debrief"

A structured conversation offered to women after a difficult or traumatic birth experience, aimed at clarifying events, addressing concerns, and reducing the risk of postnatal PTSD

"Following an emergency caesarean under general anaesthetic, a birth debrief was offered at the six-week check to help her process the experience."

Preguntas frecuentes

¿Qué nivel de inglés necesito para usar este vocabulario de forma eficaz?

Esta guía está diseñada para aprendices de nivel B2–C1 con base en inglés médico general. Cada término incluye una definición clara y una oración clínica realista, haciéndola accesible a médicos, enfermeras y matronas internacionales que ya cuentan con habilidades básicas de inglés sanitario y desean ampliarlas hacia la especialidad de obstetricia y ginecología.

¿En qué se diferencia el inglés obstétrico-ginecológico del inglés médico general?

El inglés en obstetricia y ginecología combina dos especialidades distintas. El vocabulario obstétrico se centra en la fisiología del embarazo, el manejo intraparto y la transición neonatal, mientras que la terminología ginecológica abarca el sistema reproductor femenino, los trastornos hormonales, la cirugía pélvica y la oncología. Ambas áreas emplean terminología latina y griega muy específica que rara vez aparece en los cursos de inglés médico general.

¿Qué categorías deben priorizar los médicos internacionales para la práctica clínica?

Para una comunicación segura, da prioridad a las categorías «Trabajo de parto y parto» y «Oncología ginecológica», ya que los errores en estas áreas conllevan el mayor riesgo para la seguridad del paciente. La categoría «Práctica profesional y clínica» es igualmente esencial para las conversaciones de consentimiento informado, el traspaso de pacientes y la documentación — competencias evaluadas en exámenes de registro profesional como el PLAB o el AMC.

¿Se utilizan estos términos del mismo modo en el Reino Unido, EE. UU. y Australia?

El vocabulario central está estandarizado internacionalmente; no obstante, existen algunas diferencias ortográficas: el inglés británico usa «gynaecology» mientras que el americano usa «gynecology». Los sistemas de estadificación como el de la FIGO son universales. Los ejemplos de esta guía siguen las convenciones clínicas britano-internacionales, pero la terminología es reconocida en todos los grandes sistemas sanitarios de habla inglesa.

¿Cómo puedo practicar el inglés obstétrico-ginecológico más allá de leer definiciones?

Combina el aprendizaje pasivo y activo: escucha pódcast especializados como «The ObGyn Podcast» y visiona sesiones de grand rounds de grandes hospitales universitarios. Practica en voz alta la presentación de casos clínicos usando el vocabulario de esta guía. Simula conversaciones de consentimiento informado y escenarios de traspaso de pacientes con colegas. Los ejercicios de comprensión auditiva de esta plataforma enlazan con contenido clínico auténtico en inglés sobre salud materna y reproductiva.

Refuerza tu vocabulario de obstetricia y ginecología escuchando conferencias clínicas, presentaciones de casos y pódcast médicos auténticos en inglés.

Practica con videos reales en inglés →