The world of obstetrics and gynecology is an intricate specialty, and can be confusing even to medical providers. Trying to decipher medical abbreviation, particularly as a non-medical professional, can be a time-consuming challenge; OB/Gyn abbreviations add to that complexity. This list of the most common OB/GYN abbreviations will help you decipher medical records and evaluate these types of cases.
AB: abortion
- SAB: spontaneous abortion
- EAB: elective abortio
- TAB: therapeutic abortion
- GAB: genetic abortion
AFI: amniotic fluid index (determined by ultrasound)
ASCUS: atypical cells of undetermined significance (determined by pap smear)
AUB: abnormal uterine bleeding
BBOW: bulging bag of water
BCP: birth control pills
BPP: biophysical profile (ultrasound determination of fetal well-being)
BPD: biparietal diameter (ultrasound measurement)
BSO: bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
BTBV: beat-to-beat variability (comment about fetal monitoring)
- LTV: long-term variability
- STV: short-term variability
BTL: bilateral tubal ligation (“beetle”)
BUS: Bartholin’s/urethra/Skene’s
C/D/I: clean, dry and intact (referring to a surgical incision)
CIN: cervical intraepithelial neoplasia
CMT: cervical motion tenderness
CPD: cephalopelvic disproportion
C/S: C-section
CST: contraction stress test
CTA: clear to auscultation
CTX: contractions
CX: cultures
D&C: dilatation and curettage
D&E: dilatation and evacuation
DMPA: Depo-Provera (medroxyprogesterone acetate)
DUB: dysfunctional uterine bleeding
EDC: estimated date of confinement (“due date”)
EFM: external fetal monitoring
EGA: estimated gestational age
ERT: estrogen replacement therapy
FF: fundus firm
FH: fundal height
FHT: fetal heart tones
FHR: fetal heart rate
FLM: fetal lung maturity
FM: fetal movement
HGSIL: high grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (pap smear)
HRT: hormone replacement therapy
IUFD: intrauterine fetal demise
IUGR: intrauterine growth restriction
IUP: intrauterine pregnancy
L&D: labor and delivery
LEEP: loop electrosurgical excision procedure (to treat cervical dysplasia)
LGA: large for gestational age
LGSIL: low grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (pap smear)
LMP: last menstrual period
LOA: lysis of adhesions
LOF: leakage of fluid
LTCS: low transverse c-section
NST: non-stress test
NSVD: normal spontaneous vaginal delivery
OCP: oral contraceptive pill
OCT: oxytocin challenge test
PG: phosphatidyl glycerol
PIH: pregnancy-induced hypertension
PNV: prenatal vitamins
PPD: post-partum day
PPROM: preterm premature rupture of membranes
PROM: premature rupture of membranes
PTL: preterm labor
ROM: rupture of membranes
RRR: regular rate and rhythm
SDE: suction, dilatation, and evacuation
SGA: small for gestational age
SROM: spontaneous rupture of membranes
SUI: stress urinary incontinence
TAH: total abdominal hysterectomy
TOA: tubo-ovarian abscess
TVH: total vaginal hysterectomy
VBAC: vaginal birth after c-section
VFI: viable female infant
VMI: viable male infant
WNL: within normal limits
