Common Terms & Definitions
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 with either a Doppler
or Fetoscope
Born in the Caul
refers to a baby who is born within the amniotic sac
Cervix
the narrow neck-like opening f the uterus
leading into the vagina which must thin and open during labor to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal
Contractions
the rhythmic
tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles during labor which contributes to the descent of the baby
Dilation
gradual opening
of the cervix, accomplished by uterine contractions, to permit passage of the baby from the uterus. Dilation is complete at 10 centimeters
Doppler
a
handheld device to auscultate fetal heart tones using ultrasonic technology
Doula
a woman trained to provide emotional support, guidance,
and comfort measures during the childbirth process. For more information refer to Dona International: http://www.dona.org
Effacement
the
gradual thinning and shortening of the cervix occurring before or during dilation, expressed in terms of percentage from 0-100 percent
Engagement
the
term indicating that the presenting part of the baby has secured itself into the upper opening (inlet) of the pelvic cavity
Episiotomy
an
incision made into the perineum, prior to delivery, to enlarge the vaginal outlet (necessary only on very rare occasions)
Fetal Heart
Tones
the baby's heart beat, as heard through the woman's abdominal wall with either a Doppler or Fetoscope, normally 120-160 beats
per minute
Fetoscope
instrument used for listening to fetal heart tones, similar to a stethoscope
Fundus
top or upper portion of the
uterus
Fundal Height
measurement from the top of the 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 in length
Gravida
literal meaning: a pregnant woman; the number
of the pregnancy a woman is in; “in her third pregnancy a woman is said to be gravida 3”
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 begins with dilation of the cervix and ends with the birth of the baby
Pediatrician
a specialist in the
treatment of children’s diseases
Pelvic floor
the group of muscles and ligaments that support the reproductive organs
Perineum
externally,
area between the vagina and the anus; also part of the pelvic floor
Placenta
the temporary organ of pregnancy which exchanges oxygen,
nutrients, and wastes between mother and fetus; the tree of life or the afterbirth
Postpartum
refers to the time following the birth
Prenatal
refers to the time after conception and before the birth of the child
Presentation
describes the position of the baby for
birth; the part closest to the cervix is the presenting part
Quickening
the woman’s initial awareness of the fetus in her womb (uterus),
most commonly felt between 18 and 20 weeks
Umbilical cord
cord-like structure attaching the fetus to the placenta containing two arteries
and one vein to carry oxygen, nutrients, and waste between the mother and her baby
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 (also known as the labia)
