Pregnancy Today's Glossary

Glossary of Pregnancy & Labor Terms

Pregnancy is a whole new world for expectant parents - a place filled with jargon and medical procedures, some of which can be quite confusing. Below you will find some common pregnancy and labor terms and their definitions to help you find your way. Have a word you'd like to see here? Let us know.

Abruption	When the placenta prematurely breaks away from the uterine wall. Also called abruptio placentae.
ACOG	The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is a private, voluntary, nonprofit organization of women's healthcare professionals. The ACOG currently has over 37,000 physician members. For more information, visit their website at http://www.acog.com/.
Active Labor	The period of time when your cervix dilates between four and eight centimeters. Contractions usually come between three and five minutes apart, dilating the cervix approximately one centimeter (one "finger") per hour.
Alpha-Fetoprotein	A test that assesses the risk (does not diagnose) of neural tube defects and Down Syndrome. Usually given between the 15-20 weeks; preferred at 16 weeks.
Amniocentesis	This procedure entails drawing a small quantity of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus. The particles of the baby's sloughed-off skin cells floating in the water are then tested for fetal abnormalities.
Amniotic Fluid	This protective liquid, consisting mostly of water, fills in the sac surrounding the fetus.
Amniotic Sac	The sac that holds the protective liquid called amniotic fluid that surrounds the fetus.
Anemia	An iron deficiency common in pregnancy.
Anesthesiologist	A doctor who administers drugs like an epidural.
Anterior	Baby faces the correct way (face down) when emerging from the uterus.
Apgar Score	This is a measurement of a newborn's response to birth and life outside the womb. Ratings are based on Appearance (color); Pulse (heartbeat); Grimace (reflex); Activity (muscle tone) and Respiration (breathing). The score is taken at 1 and 5 minutes (sometimes also at 10 minutes) after birth, the high score being 10 and the low score being 1. This scale was named for its creator, Virginia Apgar (1909-1974). More information here.
Areola	The dark area encircling the nipple. (When breastfeeding, you will need to make sure the baby latches onto the areola, not just the nipple.)
AROM	Acronym stands for artificial rupture of membranes. It means that a doctor or midwife breaks the woman's water to begin labor.
Bags of Water	Another term for the membranes that surrounds the fetus.
Basal Body Temperature (BBT)	Your base body temperature - that is, before movement, caloric consumption or anything else is factored in.
Betamethasone	A common drug used to help develop the baby's lungs when it appears the woman will deliver prematurely. Given by injection into the mother's muscle.
Bilirubin	The waste product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin molecules from worn out red blood cells. It is normally excreted from the body as the main component of bile. See Jaundice.
Birthing Ball	A large rubber ball, about 25 inches in circumference, used during labor. The woman can sit on the ball and rock or bounce lightly, or she can lie on top of the ball and rock.
Birthing Center	A medical facility used as an alternative to a homebirth or a hospital birth. Usually simulates the homebirth experience, but has medical resources.
"Bloody Show"	Blood-tinged mucous from the vagina. May mean you are losing the mucous plug that has sealed off the cervix up to this point.
"Bradley Method"	Also known as "Husband-coached Childbirth," instructors teach natural breathing, encourage husband support, breastfeeding, etc. For more information, see the Bradley Method site.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions	These "practice" contractions occur at various times during pregnancy, but can increase in intensity during your last month. They happen at random and are typically not painful. They do not dilate the cervix as "real" contractions do.
Breech Presentation	Where the fetus is positioned head up to be born buttocks first or with one or both feet first. Breech positioning is relatively uncommon, occurring in fewer than five percent of all births.
Brethine (Terbutaline)	Drug used in pregnancy to slow or stop labor because even though it is an asthma medication, it relaxes smooth muscles, and the uterus is a smooth muscle.
Catheter	A small, flexible tube. Catheters are commonly used in epidurals and when a woman cannot urinate (a catheter is placed up the urethra and into the bladder)--commonly referred to as "being cathed."
Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)	The term given when the size, presentation, and position of the baby's head in relationship to the mom's pelvis prevents dilation of the cervix and/or decent of the baby's head.
Cervidil	A medication used to ripen the cervix before induction (or to induce labor by itself).
Cervix	The entrance to the uterus.
Cesarean	The baby is delivered via an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. (-section, -birth, -delivery)
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)	This procedure tests for genetic fetal defects by analyzing a piece of chorion, which is the outer tissues of the sac surrounding the embryo. CVS can be done earlier than amniocentesis, typically between 9 and 11 weeks of pregnancy.
Colostrum	Baby's first food, this is a thin white fluid discharged from the breasts at the beginning of milk production, and usually noticeable during the last few weeks of pregnancy (though may appear in tiny amounts as early as 16 weeks). Colostrum is rich in antibodies.
Complete Breech	The baby's buttocks are presenting at the cervix, but the legs are folded "indian style," making vaginal delivery difficult or impossible.
Conception	When the sperm penetrates the egg, a new life has been created.
Contraction	The regular tightening of the uterus, working to dilate and efface the cervix and to push the baby down the birth canal.
Cord Prolapse	Describes a condition where the umbilical cord slips down below the baby and into the vaginal canal during birth and is directly blocking the baby from being born without compressing the cord (which would cut off baby's oxygen and blood supply).
Crowned/Crowning	Describes when the baby's head is pushing though the fully dilated cervix and ready to pass into the birth canal.
Demerol	A narcotic pain reliever commonly used in labor and delivery.
Dilation	The amount the cervix has opened in preparation for childbirth, dilation is measured in centimeters or, less accurately, in "fingers." "Fully dilated" means you're at 10 centimeters and are ready to push.
Doppler	A device which employs ultrasound to listen to the fetal heart. Sometimes referred to as a Doptone.
Doula	The Greek definition is "trusted servant" or "woman's servant." Also known as a monitrice, the term refers to a woman who helps a couple through childbirth.
Early labor	This is usually when you've had regular contractions for two hours or more, as frequent as every five minutes to every twenty minutes. Your cervix dilates up to three or four centimeters during this stage.
Eclampsia	Pregnancy-induced hypertension, a dangerous condition that may occur during pregnancy. Symptoms may include elevated maternal blood pressure, swelling of ankles and hands, sudden weight gain and protein in the urine. More information here. See also pre-eclampsia.
Ectopic (Tubal) Pregnancy	A pregnancy that occurs outside of the uterus. The large majority of ectopic (tubal) pregnancies occur in the fallopian tube, but some can occur in the abdominal cavity as well.
Edema	Swelling of soft tissues as a result of excess water retention.
Effacement	This refers to the thinning of the cervix in preparation for birth, and is expressed in percentages. You'll be 100% effaced when you begin pushing.
Electronic Fetal Monitor (EFM)	This electronic instrument is used to record the heartbeat of the fetus and contractions of the mother's uterus.
Embryo	From conception to the eighth week of pregnancy, the baby growing inside you is called an embryo.
Endometrium	The blood-rich mucus membrane lining the uterus (which is usually shed as your period). The embryo implants into this lining, and takes early nourishment from it.
Engaged	When the baby's presenting part (usually the head) has settled into the pelvic cavity, usually in the last month of pregnancy. You are likely to notice that the baby's position has visibly changed and may also feel increased pressure on your bladder.
Epidural	A common method of administering anesthesia during labor. A small amount of anesthesia is inserted through a narrow catheter threaded thorough a needle inserted into the dura space near the spinal cord.
Episiotomy	An incision made during childbirth to the perineum, the muscle between the vagina and rectum, to widen the vaginal opening for delivery.
External Version	Performed late in pregnancy, this is where a doctor manually attempts to move a breech baby into the typical head-down position for birth.
Face Presentation	A relatively uncommon labor presentation, when the baby is head down but has its neck extended, as if looking down the birth canal, rather than with its chin tucked. (Also similar: brow presentation)
Failure to Progress	Also called dysfunctional labor. Diagnosis given to a woman who does labor does not follow a "normal" pattern and is severely prolonged.
Fallopian Tubes	Two narrow "tubes" leading from either side of the uterus to the ovaries.
False Labor	This is where you experience regular and/or painful contractions that do not dilate or thin the cervix. It may be impossible for you to differentiate from "real" labor.
Fentanyl	A narcotic drug generally used sparingly. Many hospitals do not offer this type of narcotic for labor pain.
Fetal Distress	When the baby is not getting enough oxygen or is experiencing some other complication. Immediate delivery may be required.
Fetal Scalp Electrode	Instrument used to monitor the baby's heartbeat while still in the uterus. This device is placed just under the skin of the baby's scalp. See Internal Monitoring.
Fetus	The baby in utero, after 8 weeks of pregnancy until delivery. (Before then, it's considered an embryo.) The word fetus means "young one." (Derivative: fetal)
Fontanelle	One of two 'soft spots' between the unfused sections of the baby's skull. These spots may allow the baby's head to compress slightly during passage through the birth canal.
Footling Breech	The baby is "upside-down" and one or both of the baby's feet are presenting at the cervix before the buttocks.
Forceps	A tong-like instrument which may be placed around the baby's head to help guide it out of the birth canal during delivery.
Frank Breech	The baby's buttocks are presenting at the cervix and the baby's legs are extended straight up to the baby's head.
Gestation	The length of pregnancy is called "Gestation."
Gestational Diabetes	A form of diabetes that appears during pregnancy (gestation). Most pregnant women are tested for this condition. It may or may not remain after the baby is born.
Group B Strep	An infection that affects 10-25% of all pregnant women and can cause serious health problems in a newborn. Many doctors screen pregnant women now because the infection can be passed to the newborn during delivery, more commonly under certain conditions (mother has fever or infection is present, amniotic bag has been ruptured for more than 18 hours or baby is premature). The bacteria that causes Strep B is commonly found in the vagina and intestinal tract.
Hemorrhage	Bleeding or flow of blood either internally or externally.
Hemorrhoid	Enlarged veins in the anus or rectum, generally caused by constipation or straining to have a bowel movement. Very common in pregnancy or after childbirth.
High-Risk Pregnancy	A pregnancy where there are complications or special circumstances that may require specific medical attention or bed rest.
Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG)	The hormone pregnancy tests look for, secreted by the placenta. This hormone prolongs the life span of the corpus luteum as well as stimulates production of progesterone, thereby creating the ideal environment for the embryo.
Hydramnios	The medical term for a condition which involves having too much amniotic fluid.
Hyperemesis	Extremely severe nausea ("morning sickness"), resulting in weight loss of five percent or more, ketosis, and electrolyte imbalance. It can lead to hospitalization if dehydration occurs.
Hypospadias	A congenital defect of the penis where the urethra is not at the tip of the penis, but rather in the shaft. Corrected surgically.
Incompetent Cervix	A cervix that does not function properly during pregnancy and is likely to dilate prematurely and cause a miscarriage.
Incontinence	Inability to control excretions. During pregnancy, urinary incontinence can occur as the baby becomes heavy on the bladder.
Induced Labor	When labor is started or accelerated through intervention, such as by using an IV drip of the hormone oxytocin (Pitocin), placing prostaglandin gel on the cervix, or by rupturing the membranes.
Internal Monitoring	During labor, internal monitoring may be needed and is usually in the form of an electrode placed under the baby's scalp. See Fetal Scalp Electrode.
Intramuscular Narcotics	Pain relievers that are administered by injection into the muscle.
Intrathecal	This procedure involves administering medicine into the fluid around the spinal cord.
Intubate	Meaning "to put a tube in," refers to procedure where a tube is placed down the person's throat to assist breathing or for other medical reasons.
IUGR	Intrauterine growth retardation: The growth of the fetus is abnormally slow. After the birth, the baby appears smaller than the dates say he or she should be.
Jaundice (neonatal)	A somewhat common condition in newborn babies, marked by a yellowing of the skin and caused by the immature liver's inability to process excess red blood cells. Treatment for mild cases will include allowing your baby to spend time in sunlight, though in more severe cases, the baby will be admitted to the hospital and placed under lights which synthesize the sun's rays (minus harmful UV radiation).
Kegel Exercises	These exercises are done in order to strengthen the pelvic floor during delivery (to help you push more efficiently) and to assist your body in recovering from childbirth. They are most simply done by contracting and holding the muscles used to stop the flow of urine.
Labia	The inner and outer "lips" of the vulva (vagina) - the external female genitalia. The outer labia (labia majora) usually have pubic hair and the smaller inner lips (labia minora) are mostly hidden inside.
Labor	Regular contractions of the uterus that result in dilation and effacement of the cervix.
Lamaze	A childbirth preparation method where relaxation, breathing techniques and informed decisions are paramount. For more information, see the Lamaze homepage.
Leopold Maneuver	A set of four movements used to ascertain the baby's position within the uterus. This is done by your healthcare provider placing his or her hands on your belly, and to used determine the baby's presentation (head up or down) and lie (facing right, left, back or front).
Leukorrhea	Whitish mucousy vaginal discharge, common during pregnancy. Talk to your healthcare provider if there is a lot of discharge, you notice a strong or offensive odor, or if accompanied by labial/.vaginal itching or swelling.
Lightening	When the baby "drops" in preparation for delivery. See also Engagement.
LMP	Acronym stands for last menstrual period.
Lochia	A period-like discharge from the vagina that occurs after delivery. The discharge will probably be exceptionally heavy at first and may last five to six weeks.
Magnesium Sulfate	One of the stronger drugs given through IV to stop or slow labor.
Malpresentation	Baby is not "presenting" (positioned in the pelvis) in the anterior (normal) position. There are different types of malpresentation (see breech presentation, face presentation, and posterior).
Meconium	Baby's first bowel movement, this is the greenish substance that builds up in the bowels of a growing fetus and is normally discharged shortly after birth.
Midwife	A DEM (Direct Entry Midwife) assists homebirths while a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) assists births that take place in the hospital or birthing center. Both health care providers offer prenatal care and strive to reduce c-section rates, traumatic deliveries and un-needed medical intervention.
Mittelschmerz	Some women feel an abdominal pain or twinge - mittelschmerz, literally meaning "middle pain" - upon ovulation.
Molding	Because the newborn's skull bones are not yet fused (to assist the birthing process), baby's heads can look "coned" or squished. This molding will not be permanent.
Mucous Plug	Pinkish mucous discharge - which blocks the cervix during pregnancy - that you may see when the cervix starts to open. Also called the 'show' or 'bloody show,' it is generally considered a sign that labor will soon begin.
Neonatal	Referring to the newborn period (the first four weeks of life).
Neonatalogist	A specialist who cares for newborns.
NICU	Acronym stands for neonatal intensive care unit.
Non-stress Test	A noninvasive test in which fetal movements are monitored and recorded, along with changes in fetal heart rate.
Nubain	Synthetic narcotic pain reliever commonly used in labor and delivery.
Obstetrician	A doctor who specializes in pregnancy, labor and delivery.
Oligohydramnios	The medical term for a condition which involves having too little amniotic fluid.
Oxytocin	The hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates contractions and the milk-eject reflex (let-down). Pitocin is the synthetic form of this hormone.
Pelvic Floor	Describes the area of the vulva, perineum, and anus. The pelvic floor muscles are the muscles a woman tries to loosen while giving birth.
Perineum	The muscle and tissue between the vagina and the rectum.
Phenergan	A drug used as a sedative and also to control nausea and vomiting.
PIH	Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. See Eclampsia and Pre-eclampsia.
Pitocin	Synthetic oxytocin (a hormone that stimulates contractions, among other things) given through intravenous drip (IV) to stimulate labor.
Placenta	This is the tissue which connects the mother and fetus that transports nourishment and takes away waste.
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