When it comes to labor and birth, it’s important to be familiar with key terms that can help you navigate the experience. Here’s a breakdown of some commonly used terms:
- Abruptio Placenta: This condition occurs when the placenta detaches from the uterine wall before the baby is born.
- Amniotic Fluid: A protective liquid, primarily composed of fetal urine and water, that fills the sac around the fetus.
- APGAR Score: A quick test performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, assessing Appearance, Pulse, Grimace response, Activity, and Respiration to determine the baby’s health. Scores range from 1 to 10.
- Breech Presentation: When the fetus is positioned with the buttocks or feet facing down, instead of the head.
- Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD): A situation where the baby’s head is too large to pass safely through the mother’s pelvis.
- Cervidil: A medication used to prepare the cervix for labor induction.
- Cesarean Section: A surgical procedure where an incision is made in the abdominal and uterine walls to deliver the baby; commonly known as a C-section.
- Colostrum: The initial, nutrient-rich milk produced by the breasts in the early stages of breastfeeding, often noticeable in the last weeks of pregnancy.
- Complete Breech: The baby’s buttocks are presenting at the cervix, but its legs are folded in a way that makes vaginal delivery difficult or impossible.
- Contraction: The tightening of the uterine muscles, which helps push the baby through the birth canal.
- Crowning: This refers to when the baby’s head has descended into the birth canal and is visible at the vaginal opening.
- Dilation: The process of the cervix opening to prepare for delivery, measured in centimeters, with complete dilation being 10 centimeters.
- Effacement: The thinning of the cervix in preparation for birth, expressed as a percentage; 100% effaced means the cervix is fully thinned out.
- Engagement: When the presenting part of the baby (usually the head) descends into the pelvis, typically occurring in the last month of pregnancy.
- Epidural: A common form of anesthesia administered during labor, involving a catheter placed in the epidural space near the spinal cord.
- Episiotomy: A surgical cut made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening during delivery.
- Fetal Distress: A condition indicating that the baby is not receiving enough oxygen or is experiencing other complications.
- Fontanelle: The soft spots on a baby’s skull where the bones have not yet fused, allowing for slight compression during delivery.
- Forceps: A surgical instrument shaped like tongs used to assist in guiding the baby’s head out of the birth canal.
- Frank Breech: A type of breech presentation where the baby’s buttocks are at the cervix, and its legs are extended upward.
- Incontinence: The inability to control bodily functions, which may occur due to pressure from the baby on the bladder.
- Induced Labor: The process of starting or speeding up labor through medical interventions, such as applying prostaglandin gel or using an IV drip of oxytocin (Pitocin).
- Jaundice: A common condition in newborns where the skin appears yellow due to the liver’s inability to process excess red blood cells.
- Labor: The series of regular uterine contractions resulting in cervical dilation and effacement.
- Lightening: The term used when the baby drops lower into the pelvis, usually as labor approaches.
- Meconium: The greenish substance that accumulates in a baby’s intestines, typically passed shortly after birth.
- Neonatologist: A physician who specializes in the care of newborn infants.
- NICU: Stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where premature or ill newborns receive specialized care.
- Nubain: A synthetic narcotic analgesic commonly used during labor for pain relief.
- Oxytocin: A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates contractions and milk ejection; Pitocin is its synthetic version.
- Perineum: The area of muscle and tissue between the vagina and the rectum.
- Phenergan: A sedative medication that can also help control nausea and vomiting.
- Placenta: The organ connecting the mother and fetus, facilitating nutrient and waste exchange.
- Placenta Previa: A condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix.
- Posterior Position: When the baby is facing upwards during delivery; the typical position is anterior (facing down).
- Postpartum: The time period following childbirth.
- Post-term: A pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks.
- Premature: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation.
- Prostaglandin Cream: Medication used to prepare the cervix for labor induction.
- Ruptured Membranes: Refers to the breaking of the water bag surrounding the baby, which can happen as a sudden gush or a slow leak.
- Speculum: An instrument used to gently open the vagina for better visibility of the cervix.
- Timing Contractions: The process of measuring contractions from the start of one to the start of the next.
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In conclusion, understanding these terms can significantly ease the experience of labor and delivery. For more information on pregnancy and additional resources, Healthline provides excellent guidance. For a deeper dive into parenting dynamics, consider visiting Modern Family Blog for expert insights.