amniotic fluid
the liquid contained in the amniotic sac, also known as the bag of waters.

amniotic sac
the membranes composed of two layers, containing the fetus and amniotic fluid.

antepartum
the period of pregnancy from conception to birth; also called prenatal.

auscultation
process of listening to fetal heart tones

born in the caul
refers to when a baby is born in the amniotic sac

cervix
the narrow neck-like end of the uterus leading into the vagina which must thin out and open during labor to allow the baby to pass into the birth canal.

contractions
tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles during labor causing effacement and dilation of the cervix and contributing to the descent of the baby.

dilation
gradual opening of the cervix, accomplished by uterine contractions, to permit passage of the baby out of the uterus. Dilation is complete at 10 centimeters.

Doula
a Greek word used to describe a person who provides emotional and physical support through labor. For more information on Doulas check out Doulas of North America's website.

effacement
thinning and shortening of the cervix occuring before or during dilation, expressed in terms of percentage from 0-100 percent.

engagement
term indicating that the presenting part of the baby has secured itself into the upper opening (inlet) of the pelvic cavity and is in position to begin its passage through the pelvic bones.

episiotomy
an incision made into the perineum, prior to delivery, to enlarge the vaginal outlet.

fetal heart tones
the baby's heart beat, as heard through the woman's abdominal wall, normally 120-160 beats per minute.

fetoscope
instrument used for listening to fetal heart tones.

fundus
top or upper portion of the uterus.

fundal height
measurement from pubic bone to fundus that shows fetal growth over the course of the pregnancy.

gestation
condition or period of carrying a baby in the uterus; approximately 40 weeks long.

gravida
literally, a pregnant woman; used with numerals to designate the number of timess a woman has become pregnant. (In her first pregnancy a woman is a gravida I; in her second, a gravida II, etc.)

intrauterine or in utero
within the uterus.

Kegel
refers to a set of exercises devised by Dr. Arnold Kegal to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

labor
productive uterine contractions which produce dilation of the cervix, descent of the baby and its expulsion into the world.

lactation
the production and secretion of milk by the breasts.

Lactation Consultant
someone who specializes in breastfeeding support. For more information on breastfeeding support contact the La Leche League.

lanugo
fine downy hair on the body of the fetus after the fourth month; usually not apparent at birth.

let-down reflex
the involuntary ejection of milk that occurs during breastfeeding.

lochia
discharge of blood, mucous and tissue from the uterus after the birth of the baby.

meconium
the dark green or black tarry-like substance present in the baby's large intestine and wich comprises his first stools after birth.

membranes
the amnion and chorion which comprise the amniotic sac.

milia
tiny white bumps which sometimes appear on a newborn's face.

neonate
the newborn.

occiput
the back part of the baby's head.

oxytocin
hormone which stimulates uterine contractions and the let-down reflex.

para
refers to the number of births(para I-first baby, para II- second baby, etc).

pelvic floor
hammock-like ligaments and muscles support the reproductive organs.

perineum
the area between the vagina and the anus.

placenta
the temporary organ of pregnancy which exchanges oxygen, nutrients, and wastes between mother and fetus; afterbirth.

postpartum
refers to the time following the birth.

prenatal
after conception and before the birth of the child.

presentation
how the baby is positioned for birth; the part closest to the cervix is the presenting part.

quickening
the first movements of the fetus felt by the woman, usually felt between 16 and 18 weeks.

umbilical cord
cord-like structure containing two arteries and one vein that connects the fetus and placenta.

uterus
muscular pear-shaped organ of gestation; also called womb.

vagina
curved, very elastic canal, 4-6 inches long, from the uterus to the vulva.

vernix
white, cheese-like protective coating covering the baby's skin in utero.

vertex
the top or crown of the head.

vulva
the external female reproductive organs, consisting of the clitoris and the lips or folds on either side of the vaginal opening.

« return