Pregnancy Glossary

The phase of labor where the cervix dilates from 6 to 10 centimeters, with contractions becoming stronger, longer, and closer together.

A prenatal diagnostic test where a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the uterus to test for chromosomal abnormalities or genetic conditions.

The protective liquid surrounding the fetus within the amniotic sac, crucial for cushioning, temperature regulation, and lung development.

A condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, commonly iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy due to increased blood volume.

The period of time occurring before childbirth (also referred to as prenatal).

A quick clinical evaluation performed at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to assess a newborn's physical condition across heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes, and skin color.

The dark-pigmented circular area of skin surrounding the nipple, which often becomes darker and larger during pregnancy.

A yellow substance created when old red blood cells break down; high levels in newborns can cause neonatal jaundice.

A hollow ball of cells formed about 5 days after fertilization, which is the stage of embryonic development that implants into the uterine wall.

Sporadic, uterine contractions that are typically painless and irregular, often called 'practice contractions' as they do not dilate the cervix.

A fetal presentation where the baby's buttocks or feet are positioned to enter the birth canal first, rather than the head.

The surgical delivery of a baby through incisions made in the mother's abdomen and uterus.

The lower, narrow neck of the uterus that connects to the vagina and thins (effaces) and opens (dilates) during childbirth.

Dark, brownish patches of skin that appear on the face during pregnancy, commonly referred to as the 'mask of pregnancy' due to hormonal changes.

Tiny thread-like projections of placental tissue that share the mother's blood supply and are used in CVS testing.

The thick, yellowish first milk produced by the breasts late in pregnancy and just after birth, highly rich in antibodies and nutrients.

The fertilization of an egg by a sperm cell, marking the clinical start of embryonic development.

The periodic tightening and shortening of the uterine muscle fibers, serving to dilate the cervix and push the baby down the birth canal.

The time elapsed from the start of one uterine contraction to the start of the next contraction.

The opening of the cervix during labor, measured in centimeters from 0 (closed) to 10 (fully dilated).

A trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to a mother before, during, and shortly after childbirth.

A genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in developmental and intellectual delays.

The estimated date of birth, calculated as 280 days (40 weeks) from the first day of the last menstrual period.

A dangerous pregnancy complication where the fertilized egg implants outside the main uterine cavity, most commonly in a fallopian tube.

The thinning and shortening of the cervix during labor, measured in percentages from 0% (thick) to 100% (fully thinned).

The developing offspring from the second to the eighth week after fertilization, after which it is called a fetus.

The inner mucous membrane lining of the uterus, which thickens during ovulation to receive a fertilized egg.

A regional anesthetic injected into the epidural space of the spine to block pain sensation in the lower half of the body during labor.

A surgical incision made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) to enlarge the vaginal opening during childbirth.

A key pregnancy hormone produced by the ovaries and later the placenta, vital for uterine growth and blood circulation.

A faint, colorless line on a home pregnancy test that appears after the reaction time limit due to urine drying on the test window.

One of the two ducts connecting the ovaries to the uterus, through which eggs travel and where fertilization typically occurs.

The speed at which the baby's heart beats, normally ranging between 110 and 160 beats per minute in the womb.

The clinical term for the developing baby from the ninth week after fertilization until birth.

A synthetic form of vitamin B9 that is crucial in early pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida.

An assisted birth method where spoon-shaped metal instruments are placed around the baby's head to assist delivery.

The measurement from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus (fundus) in centimeters, usually matching the gestational week after week 20.

The top portion of the uterus, opposite the cervix.

The period of development in the uterus from conception to birth, typically lasting 38 to 40 weeks in humans.

The measure of pregnancy age in weeks, calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period.

A form of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, characterized by high blood sugar levels that usually resolve after birth.

A common bacterium found in the vagina or rectum of 25% of healthy women, tested at 36 weeks to determine if IV antibiotics are needed during labor.

The primary pregnancy hormone produced by cells that form the placenta, detected in blood and urine to confirm pregnancy.

Chemical messengers produced by the body that control various biological processes, including progesterone and estrogen in pregnancy.

A severe form of morning sickness characterized by persistent, severe nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration, weight loss, and electrolyte imbalances.

The attachment of the fertilized egg (blastocyst) to the endometrium (inner lining) of the uterus, occurring 6-12 days after conception.

Light spotting that occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to the uterine wall, often mistaken for a light period.

The artificial stimulation of uterine contractions before labor begins naturally to initiate childbirth, using medication or mechanical methods.

A medical term meaning 'located or occurring inside the uterus'.

A common condition in newborns where the skin and eyes appear yellow due to elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood.

Pelvic floor exercises that involve contracting and relaxing the muscles surrounding the urethra, vagina, and anus to improve muscle tone.

The process of childbirth, starting from uterine contractions that dilate the cervix and ending with the delivery of the baby and placenta.

Fine, soft hair that covers the fetus's body inside the womb to keep it warm and hold the vernix protective coating in place.

A dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy, running from the pubic bone to the navel, caused by hormones.

The vaginal discharge occurring after childbirth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, which can last for 4 to 6 weeks.

A newborn weight of less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces (2,500 grams) at birth, regardless of gestational age.

The second half of the menstrual cycle, starting after ovulation and ending with the start of a period.

An painful inflammation of breast tissue, commonly caused by a blocked milk duct or bacterial infection during breastfeeding.

The dark green, tar-like first stool of a newborn baby, which is sometimes passed into the amniotic fluid before birth due to fetal stress.

The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the 20th week of gestation.

Nausea and vomiting occurring during pregnancy, most commonly in the first trimester, which can happen at any time of day or night.

A thick accumulation of mucus that seals the cervical canal during pregnancy to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus.

A medical term used to describe a newborn infant during the first 28 days of life.

The embryonic structure that eventually develops into the baby's brain, spinal cord, and surrounding protective bones.

A blood screening test that analyzes cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood to assess the risk of chromosomal disorders (Down syndrome, etc.) as early as week 10.

A medical doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health.

The release of a mature egg from the ovary, making it available for fertilization in the fallopian tube.

A hormone that triggers uterine contractions during labor and stimulates milk ejection ('let-down') during breastfeeding.

A funnel-shaped basin of muscles and connective tissue that supports pelvic organs (uterus, bladder, bowels).

The area of skin and muscle between the vaginal opening and the anus, which stretches or can tear during childbirth.

A temporary organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall, providing nutrients, oxygen, and waste elimination.

A pregnancy complication where the placenta implants low in the uterus, partially or completely covering the cervix.

A pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks of gestation.

The period of recovery immediately following childbirth, typically considered the first 6 to 12 weeks after delivery.

A serious pregnancy condition characterized by high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and signs of organ damage (usually kidney or liver).

Labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy, requiring immediate medical evaluation.

An essential pregnancy hormone that relaxes uterine muscles to prevent early labor and maintains the thick endometrial lining.

The medical term for the postpartum period, lasting approximately six weeks after childbirth.

The first fetal movements felt by the expectant mother, usually occurring between weeks 16 and 22.

A pregnancy hormone that relaxes the joints and ligaments in the pelvis to prepare the body for delivery.

A sharp or jabbing pain felt in the lower belly or groin area, caused by the stretching of ligaments supporting the growing uterus.

The clinical term for when the amniotic sac ruptures and amniotic fluid leaks or gushes from the vagina, commonly known as 'water breaking'.

A test designed to assess the statistical risk of a condition (e.g. NIPT, glucose test), which does not provide a definitive diagnosis.

The release of the blood-tinged mucus plug from the cervix, indicating that the cervix is dilating and labor is approaching.

A congenital defect where the spinal cord fails to develop properly, preventable by taking folic acid.

Very light vaginal bleeding that doesn't soak a sanitary pad, common in early pregnancy but always worth reporting to a doctor.

The clinical loss of a baby after the 20th week of pregnancy.

Indented streaks or lines that appear on the abdomen, breasts, hips, or buttocks due to rapid skin stretching and hormonal shifts.

Surgical stitches used to repair perineal tears or episiotomies, or to close incisions after a C-section.

The intense final phase of first-stage labor, dilating the cervix from 8 to 10 centimeters.

One of the three 3-month segments of a standard 9-month human pregnancy.

An imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to visualize the fetus, placenta, and amniotic fluid inside the womb.

A diagnostic procedure using sound waves to check fetal anatomy, growth, and placental position.

The two blood vessels within the umbilical cord that carry deoxygenated blood and wastes from the fetus to the placenta.

A flexible cord-like structure containing blood vessels that connects the fetus to the placenta, carrying oxygen and nutrients.

The single blood vessel in the umbilical cord that carries oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood from the placenta to the fetus.

The muscular, hollow organ in the female pelvis where a fetus implants and grows during pregnancy, commonly called the womb.

An assisted vaginal delivery method where a soft suction cup is applied to the baby's head to guide them out during contractions.

The muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body, also serving as the birth canal during delivery.

The delivery of a baby through the vaginal birth canal without surgical intervention.

A greasy, cheese-like white substance that coats the skin of a newborn to protect it from amniotic fluid exposure.

The stage of fetal development (usually around week 24) where the baby has a chance of surviving outside the womb.

The rupture of the amniotic sac surrounding the baby, resulting in a trickle or gush of amniotic fluid.

The common term for the uterus.

A common vaginal fungal infection caused by Candida overgrowth, promoted by pregnancy hormones.

The single cell formed by the union of an egg and a sperm cell, before it begins dividing.