Glossary—Helpful words to know

Amniocentesis. The removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid for tests such as chromosome studies during early pregnancy or for an L/S ration (fetal lung maturity) when a cesarean is planned and the infant is not full-term.

Amniotic fluid. Water-like fluid contained in the sac surrounding the baby which helps support the baby, permits movement, prevents loss of heat, and absorbs shock.

Anesthetic. Agent used to induce loss of feeling with or without loss of consciousness; subdivided into “local” and “general.”

Apgar Score. A scoring system used to clinically evaluate the infants’ adaptation to life at one and five minutes after birth.

Areola. Pigmented tissue around the breast nipple.

Braxton-Hicks contractions. Intermittent contractions of the uterus noted in late pregnancy as the uterus is preparing itself for labor (false labor).

Breast shell or cup. A plastic cup with a hole in the center that, when placed on the areola of the breast, allows the nipple to protrude through an opening into the shell . Can be helpful for women with flat or inverted nipples.

Breech. Presentation of the baby with buttocks or feet first.

Centimeters. Unit of measurement used to describe progress in dilations.

Cervix. The neck-like, narrow end of the uterus opening into the vagina.

Cesarean section. Birth of the baby through an incision made through the abdominal and uterine walls; C-section.

Circumcision. Surgical removal of the foreskin of the penis.

Colostrum. The first secretions of the breast. It has a high protein content, provides some immunity properties and cleanses the baby’s intestines of mucous and meconium.

Contraction. Tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles during labor causing effacement and dilatation of the cervix, and contributing to the downward descent of the baby.

Dilatation. Gradual opening and drawing up of the cervix to permit passage of the baby . Progress is measured by estimating the diameter of the cervix in terms of centimeters.

Effacement. Thinning of the cervix.

Episiotomy. A surgical incision made into the perineum prior to delivery for the purpose of facilitating delivery or preventing laceration.

Fetal monitor. An electronic machine that is used to detect and record the baby’s heartbeat in relation to contraction of the uterus.

Fetus. Scientific term for the baby from the end of the third month of pregnancy until delivery.

Induction. Initiating labor by use of medication and/or rupture of the membrane.

Kangaroo Care. Skin-to-skin contact of baby and parent. Has many therapeutic benefits for baby and parents.

Labor. The contractions of the uterine muscles which move the unborn baby out of the uterus into the vagina, ending in birth.

Latch-on. When baby takes the entire nipple and most of the areola into his/her mouth and begins breastfeeding.

Lochia. The vaginal discharge coming from the placental site and present for several weeks after birth.

Meconium. The dark-colored first stool present in the baby’s large intestine at birth, passed for the first few days; almost odorless; tar-like consistency.

Molding. The shaping of the baby’s head to adjust itself to the size and shape of the birth canal.

Preeclampsia. Preeclampsia covers specific hypertensive (high blood pressure) conditions that develop during pregnancy and postpartum.

Pitocin. Also known as oxytocin hormone. Used to induce or stimulate the uterine contractions either for labor or immediate postpartum.

Placenta. The vascular structure developed in pregnancy through which nutrition and excretion take place between the mother and baby; afterbirth.

Postpartum (puerperium). After delivery. The period between childbirth and involution, or return of the uterus to normal size; approximately six weeks.

Premature. Gestation period less than 37 weeks.

Shaken Baby Syndrome. A syndrome in infants in which brain injury is caused by shaking of such violence that the child’s brain rebounds against the skull, resulting in bruising, swelling, and bleeding of the brain and often leading to permanent, severe brain damage or death.

Ultrasonography. The use of high frequency sound waves to determine placental placement, fetal heart beat, position of body parts of the fetus, as well as the amount of amniotic fluid.

Umbilical cord. Cord which connects fetus with placenta.

Uterus. Organ of gestation (“womb”); consists of a pear-shaped fundus and narrower, lower portion called the cervix.

Vacuum Extractor. A plastic cap placed on the baby’s head and attached to help baby’s movement through the end of the birth canal, sometimes called “mighty vac.”