- afterbirth
This third stage of birth is when the placenta, umbilical cord and other membranes detach from the woman's body and are expelled.
- alpha-fetprotein
A protein produced by the fetus in its liver and brain. This protein can be found in the amniotic sac and can be tested for genetic disorders. Abnormal levels may indicate brain and spinal cord defects.
- amniocentesis
A prenatal test that involves inserting a needle through the abdomen of the woman to withdraw a sample of amniotic fluid. The fluid contains fetal cells that can be examined for genetic disorders. This test is most often performed between the 15th and 18th week of pregnancy on women over 35 or when there is a family history of a genetic disorder.
- amniotic fluid
This is a clear and slightly yellowish fluid that surrounds the fetus during pregnancy.
- amniotic sac
The membrane containing the fetus, placenta and amniotic fluid.
- apgar score
A basic assessment of a newborn's health at birth. Using a scale of 0-10, physicians examine the baby's vital signs, such as its heart rate, breathing, skin color and reflexes.
- baby
From a medical perspective, a baby is a very young child (birth to 12 months). However, a fetus is commonly referred to as a baby after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
- baby blues
Mild depression in women during the first couple weeks after childbirth. See postpartum distress syndrome.
- birth canal
The lower part of the female reproductive tract that connects the uterus to the outside of the body. Also known as the birth canal.
- birthing center
A facility, either in a hospital or in an independent institution, that specializes in childbirth.
- birthing coach
Also known as a labor coach. This is an assistant, often the father, who provides support to the pregnant woman during labor and delivery. This support usually involves helping her relax by using breathing and meditation techniques learned in prenatal classes.
- birthing plan
A written statement that expresses your preferences regarding major decisions related to childbirth. Such decisions may include the use of pain medication or when to resort to a caesarean birth.
- bradley method
A method that prepares a mother for natural childbirth through education, exercise, nutrition, breathing and relaxation. This method stresses the importance of involving the father in the childbirth process.
- braxton-hicks contractions
These are random and irregular contractions that occur during pregnancy. They are not painful and do not dilate the cervix, but they do help prepare the uterus for labor. See cervix and false labor.
- breech position
The baby is positioned with its feet toward the uterus. About 4% of all babies remain in this position until birth. If the baby does not turn around or cannot be turned around by the physician during delivery, the baby will be delivered by cesarean. See external cephalic version.
- caesarian section
A surgical procedure to deliver the baby through an incision in the mother's abdominal wall and uterus. Recovery from caesarian delivery is longer than it is for natural childbirth. It is believed that Julius Caesar was born with this method.
- cervix
The opening of the uterus.
- choriosamniotis
An inflammation and infection of the amniotic sac.
- circumcision
A surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.
- colostrum
This is the first milk-like substance that the mother's breast produces after childbirth. It is rich in antibodies and is considered to be a pre-milk nutrient.
- contractions
This tightening of the uterus during childbirth helps squeeze the baby out of the womb.
- dilation
The amount the cervix opens during birth to allow for the passage and delivery of the baby.
- doppler
A device the prenatal care physician uses to listen to the fetal heartbeat throughout pregnancy.
- doula
A person who is trained to provide women physical and emotional support during labor. Doulas do not deliver babies.
- down syndrome
A combination of birth defects caused by the presence of an extra #21 chromosome. Ninety-five percent of all cases of Down Syndrome occur because there are three copies of the #21 chromosome.
PREGNANCY 101