Here is an A to Z guide of terms that you may or may not already know, but it never hurts to brush up on your vocab and possibly even learn some things too! So when the nurses and doctors are throwing around all these words, you will know exactly what they are talking about!!!
Amniotic Fluid- the serous fluid in which the embryo or fetus is suspended within the uterus.
APGAR Score- an index used to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant based on a rating of 0, 1, or 2 for each of the five characteristics of color, heart rate, response to stimulation of the sole of the foot, muscle tone and respiration. 10 is a perfect score. This is usually performed in the delivery room right after the baby is born.
Areola- The pigmented area around the nipple on the breast.
Back Labor- Located in the lower back, pain and discomfort due to uterine contractions, which most commonly occurs with posterior presentation.
Bloody Show (aka mucus plug) - Throughout pregnancy, a mucus plug blocks the opening of the cervix to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Before labor, this mucus plug is expelled so that the cervix can open to allow the baby to pass through during labor and birth. It may be clear, slightly pink or blood tinged in color. It may be stringy mucus or sticky discharge. Some women may not even notice the loss of their mucus plug because there is already an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
BP- Blood Pressure, The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. It's measurement is recorded by two numbers. The first (systolic pressure) is measured after the heart contracts and is highest. The second (diastolic pressure) is measured before the heart contracts and lowest. A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pressure. Elevation of blood pressure is called "hypertension".
Billirubin-A common condition in newborns, jaundice refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted as bile through the intestines. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up faster than a newborn's liver can break it down and pass it from the body.
Bishop Score- A Bishop's Score refers to a group of measurements used to determine a woman's readiness for labor. Bishop's Score is based on station, dilation, effacement, position and consistency.
Braxton Hicks- Painless, irregular contractions of the pregnant uterus, beginning during the first trimester and increasing in frequency as the pregnancy advances. Can feel like tightening of the uterus or pressure.
Breech- Usually a few weeks before birth, most babies will move into delivery position, with their head moving near the birth canal. If this does not happen, the baby's buttocks and/or feet, will be in place to be delivered first. This is called a breech presentation.
Cesarean Section- A cesarean birth happens through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than through the vagina.
Cervical Lip (also knowas an Anterior Cervical Lip) - the entrapment of the final centimeter of cervix between the pelvic brim and the fetal head just prior to complete dilatation.
Cervix- The neck of the uterus. This is what dilates to allow the baby to come out of the uterus.
Contraction- A contraction is the rhythmic tightening of the uterus, usually causing the cervix to dilate and allow the passage of the baby. In labor contractions get stronger, closer together and longer.
Dilation- Dilation is measured in centimeters, from 0 to 10. Your cervix is fully open and you should be able to push when it is dilated to 10 centimeters.
Estimated Due Date -(also called EDD or Due Date) The expected date of confinement (pregnancy). The average pregnancy is calculated from the last menstrual period (LMP), by adding 280 days. Many pregnancies go beyond this time period or before this arbitrary date.
Edema- swelling of any part of the body due to the collection of fluid in the tissues.
Effacement- Refers to the softening and thinning of the cervix. You won't feel this happening; it may only be measured with a vaginal exam. Effacement is measured in percent. When your cervix is normal, it is considered to be 0% effaced. When you're 50% effaced, your cervix is half its original thickkness. When your cervix is 100% effaced it is completely thinned out and you are ready for vaginal delivery.
Epidural- anesthesia used for labor, birth, cesarean section, and other procedures. It is an injection anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater enveloping the spinal cord.
Enema: the infusion of a fluid into the rectum for cleansing.
Episiotomy- Incision of the perineum during childbirth.
False Labor- A period of contractions that does not lead to the changes in the cervix associated with the birth of your baby.
Fetal Monitor- An ultrasound device used in labor and in non-stress testing to monitor the baby's heart rate and contractions. This device is secured to a belt and placed around mother's stomach during labor.
Forceps - Metal tongs sometimes used to assist with the delivery of a baby.
Fundus- The top of the uterus.
Group B Strep (also called GBS or Beta Strep) - One of the numerous types of bacteria which can colonize the body. About 25% of women carry this bacteria in their vagina or rectum without symptoms. Towards the end of your pregnancy you'll be tested for Group B Strep. If your doctor finds presence of it, you will be treated with antibiotics during labor. This is done to prevent a Group B Strep infection in your newborn.
Hemorrhoids - Varicose veins of the rectum.
Hypertension - (Also known as PIH, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension) High arterial blood pressure, in adults, usually defined as pressures exceeding 140/90. Though in certain patient the rate of rise over mid trimester is more accurate in diagnosis.
Hypotension- Low blood pressure. Can cause dizziness and even periods of fainting.
Hep Lock (Heparin Lock) -The saline or heparin lock is a type of vein access that is used for many low risk mothers in labor at a hospital. It allows immediate access to the vein in the event of a complication or to deliver IV fluids or medications.
Induction - To artificially start labor for medical reasons.
Kegel - This is a pelvic floor exercise designed to exercise the pubococcygeal muscle (PC muscle). This muscle is a part of your perineum and a well toned PC muscle can help prevent urinary incontinence, the need for episiotomy, help with giving birth to your baby and even heighten sexual pleasure.
Labor - The period of contractions that change the cervix and ends with the birth of your baby.
Lightening- Your baby changing positions in station of the uterus before labor, usually described as the baby "dropping." First time moms can see this as a few weeks before their due date, while other moms will not notice this until labor begins.
Meconium - The dark green intestinal contents formed before birth and present in a newborn.
Mucus Plug - See Bloody Show
Perineum: The area between the external genitalia and the anus.
Placenta - The organ within the pregnant uterus through which the fetus derives its nourishment; at term it averages one-sixth the weight of the fetus; is is disk-shaped, about 2.5 cm thick, and 17.5 cm in diameter.
Posterior Presentation - When a baby is head-down but facing your abdomen, he's said to be in the occiput posterior (OP) position — or posterior position, for short. The term refers to the fact that the back of your baby's skull (the occipital bone) is in the back (or posterior) of your pelvis.
Postpartum - The period of time after the birth of your baby, where your body recovers from pregnancy. Lasts technically six weeks.
Pre Term Labor- Labor that begins prior to 37 weeks of gestation. Usually noted with more than 5 contractions per hour, or other symptoms.
Station- Term used to describe the descent of the baby into the pelvis. An imaginary line is drawn between the two bones in the pelvis (known as ischial spines). This is the "zero" line, and when the baby reaches this line it is considered to be in "zero station." When the baby is above this imaginary line it is in a minus station. When the baby is below, it is in a "plus" station. Stations are measured from -5 at the pelvic inlet to +4 at the pelvic outlet.
Transition -The last part of active labor that will take you from 8 cm dilation to 10 cm dilation, which is complete dilation. This is right before you are ready for the pushing stage.
Umbilical Cord - The cord that connects the placenta to the baby, it helps removes waste products and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
Uterus - Female reproductive organ that weighs about 2-3 ounces and is about the size of a small woman's fist prior to pregnancy. During pregnancy this organ becomes 10 by 14 inches and weighs in at about 2-3 pounds. This is where a normal pregnancy takes place.
Vena Cava - Major vein in your body, that after 16 weeks the weight of the uterus can restrict blood flow if you lay on your back.
Vernix -More formally known as vernix caseosa, the vernix is a white cheesy substance that covers and protects the skin of the fetus and is still all over the skin of a baby at birth. Vernix is composed of sebum (the oil of the skin) and cells that have sloughed off the fetus' skin.
Amniotic Fluid- the serous fluid in which the embryo or fetus is suspended within the uterus.
APGAR Score- an index used to evaluate the condition of a newborn infant based on a rating of 0, 1, or 2 for each of the five characteristics of color, heart rate, response to stimulation of the sole of the foot, muscle tone and respiration. 10 is a perfect score. This is usually performed in the delivery room right after the baby is born.
Areola- The pigmented area around the nipple on the breast.
Back Labor- Located in the lower back, pain and discomfort due to uterine contractions, which most commonly occurs with posterior presentation.
Bloody Show (aka mucus plug) - Throughout pregnancy, a mucus plug blocks the opening of the cervix to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. Before labor, this mucus plug is expelled so that the cervix can open to allow the baby to pass through during labor and birth. It may be clear, slightly pink or blood tinged in color. It may be stringy mucus or sticky discharge. Some women may not even notice the loss of their mucus plug because there is already an increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy.
BP- Blood Pressure, The blood pressure is the pressure of the blood within the arteries. It is produced primarily by the contraction of the heart muscle. It's measurement is recorded by two numbers. The first (systolic pressure) is measured after the heart contracts and is highest. The second (diastolic pressure) is measured before the heart contracts and lowest. A blood pressure cuff is used to measure the pressure. Elevation of blood pressure is called "hypertension".
Billirubin-A common condition in newborns, jaundice refers to the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is produced by the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Normally, bilirubin passes through the liver and is excreted as bile through the intestines. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up faster than a newborn's liver can break it down and pass it from the body.
Bishop Score- A Bishop's Score refers to a group of measurements used to determine a woman's readiness for labor. Bishop's Score is based on station, dilation, effacement, position and consistency.
Braxton Hicks- Painless, irregular contractions of the pregnant uterus, beginning during the first trimester and increasing in frequency as the pregnancy advances. Can feel like tightening of the uterus or pressure.
Breech- Usually a few weeks before birth, most babies will move into delivery position, with their head moving near the birth canal. If this does not happen, the baby's buttocks and/or feet, will be in place to be delivered first. This is called a breech presentation.
Cesarean Section- A cesarean birth happens through an incision in the abdominal wall and uterus rather than through the vagina.
Cervical Lip (also knowas an Anterior Cervical Lip) - the entrapment of the final centimeter of cervix between the pelvic brim and the fetal head just prior to complete dilatation.
Cervix- The neck of the uterus. This is what dilates to allow the baby to come out of the uterus.
Contraction- A contraction is the rhythmic tightening of the uterus, usually causing the cervix to dilate and allow the passage of the baby. In labor contractions get stronger, closer together and longer.
Dilation- Dilation is measured in centimeters, from 0 to 10. Your cervix is fully open and you should be able to push when it is dilated to 10 centimeters.
Estimated Due Date -(also called EDD or Due Date) The expected date of confinement (pregnancy). The average pregnancy is calculated from the last menstrual period (LMP), by adding 280 days. Many pregnancies go beyond this time period or before this arbitrary date.
Edema- swelling of any part of the body due to the collection of fluid in the tissues.
Effacement- Refers to the softening and thinning of the cervix. You won't feel this happening; it may only be measured with a vaginal exam. Effacement is measured in percent. When your cervix is normal, it is considered to be 0% effaced. When you're 50% effaced, your cervix is half its original thickkness. When your cervix is 100% effaced it is completely thinned out and you are ready for vaginal delivery.
Epidural- anesthesia used for labor, birth, cesarean section, and other procedures. It is an injection anesthetic into the space outside the dura mater enveloping the spinal cord.
Enema: the infusion of a fluid into the rectum for cleansing.
Episiotomy- Incision of the perineum during childbirth.
False Labor- A period of contractions that does not lead to the changes in the cervix associated with the birth of your baby.
Fetal Monitor- An ultrasound device used in labor and in non-stress testing to monitor the baby's heart rate and contractions. This device is secured to a belt and placed around mother's stomach during labor.
Forceps - Metal tongs sometimes used to assist with the delivery of a baby.
Fundus- The top of the uterus.
Group B Strep (also called GBS or Beta Strep) - One of the numerous types of bacteria which can colonize the body. About 25% of women carry this bacteria in their vagina or rectum without symptoms. Towards the end of your pregnancy you'll be tested for Group B Strep. If your doctor finds presence of it, you will be treated with antibiotics during labor. This is done to prevent a Group B Strep infection in your newborn.
Hemorrhoids - Varicose veins of the rectum.
Hypertension - (Also known as PIH, Pregnancy Induced Hypertension) High arterial blood pressure, in adults, usually defined as pressures exceeding 140/90. Though in certain patient the rate of rise over mid trimester is more accurate in diagnosis.
Hypotension- Low blood pressure. Can cause dizziness and even periods of fainting.
Hep Lock (Heparin Lock) -The saline or heparin lock is a type of vein access that is used for many low risk mothers in labor at a hospital. It allows immediate access to the vein in the event of a complication or to deliver IV fluids or medications.
Induction - To artificially start labor for medical reasons.
Kegel - This is a pelvic floor exercise designed to exercise the pubococcygeal muscle (PC muscle). This muscle is a part of your perineum and a well toned PC muscle can help prevent urinary incontinence, the need for episiotomy, help with giving birth to your baby and even heighten sexual pleasure.
Labor - The period of contractions that change the cervix and ends with the birth of your baby.
Lightening- Your baby changing positions in station of the uterus before labor, usually described as the baby "dropping." First time moms can see this as a few weeks before their due date, while other moms will not notice this until labor begins.
Meconium - The dark green intestinal contents formed before birth and present in a newborn.
Mucus Plug - See Bloody Show
Perineum: The area between the external genitalia and the anus.
Placenta - The organ within the pregnant uterus through which the fetus derives its nourishment; at term it averages one-sixth the weight of the fetus; is is disk-shaped, about 2.5 cm thick, and 17.5 cm in diameter.
Posterior Presentation - When a baby is head-down but facing your abdomen, he's said to be in the occiput posterior (OP) position — or posterior position, for short. The term refers to the fact that the back of your baby's skull (the occipital bone) is in the back (or posterior) of your pelvis.
Postpartum - The period of time after the birth of your baby, where your body recovers from pregnancy. Lasts technically six weeks.
Pre Term Labor- Labor that begins prior to 37 weeks of gestation. Usually noted with more than 5 contractions per hour, or other symptoms.
Station- Term used to describe the descent of the baby into the pelvis. An imaginary line is drawn between the two bones in the pelvis (known as ischial spines). This is the "zero" line, and when the baby reaches this line it is considered to be in "zero station." When the baby is above this imaginary line it is in a minus station. When the baby is below, it is in a "plus" station. Stations are measured from -5 at the pelvic inlet to +4 at the pelvic outlet.
Transition -The last part of active labor that will take you from 8 cm dilation to 10 cm dilation, which is complete dilation. This is right before you are ready for the pushing stage.
Umbilical Cord - The cord that connects the placenta to the baby, it helps removes waste products and delivers oxygen and nutrients to the baby.
Uterus - Female reproductive organ that weighs about 2-3 ounces and is about the size of a small woman's fist prior to pregnancy. During pregnancy this organ becomes 10 by 14 inches and weighs in at about 2-3 pounds. This is where a normal pregnancy takes place.
Vena Cava - Major vein in your body, that after 16 weeks the weight of the uterus can restrict blood flow if you lay on your back.
Vernix -More formally known as vernix caseosa, the vernix is a white cheesy substance that covers and protects the skin of the fetus and is still all over the skin of a baby at birth. Vernix is composed of sebum (the oil of the skin) and cells that have sloughed off the fetus' skin.