Pregnancy terms

[mummy~to~connor]

What you need to know about Pregnancy terms


A
Abortion: Termination or end of pregnancy. Giving birth to an embryo or
fetus before it can live outside the womb, usually defined as before 20
weeks of gestation. Abortion may be spontaneous, often called a
miscarriage, or induced as in a medical or therapeutic abortion
performed to terminate a pregnancy.

Alphafetoprotein (AFP): Substance produced by the unborn baby as it
grows inside the uterus. Large amounts of AFP are found in the amniotic
fluid. Larger-than normal amounts are found in the maternal bloodstream
if neural-tube defects are present in the fetus.

Amino acids: Substances that act as building blocks in the developing
embryo and fetus.

Amniocentesis: Removal of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac. Fluid
is tested for some genetic defects.

Amnion: Membrane around the fetus. It surrounds the amniotic cavity.

Amniotic fluid: Liquid surrounding the baby inside the amniotic sac.

Amniotic sac: Sac that surrounds baby inside the uterus. It contains
the baby, the placenta and the amniotic fluid.

Anemia: Any condition in which the number of red blood cells is less
than normal. Term usually applies to the concentration of the
oxygen-transporting material in the blood, which is the red blood cell.

Anencephaly: Defective development of the brain combined with the
absence of the bones normally surrounding the brain.

Angioma: Tumor, usually benign, or swelling composed of lymph and blood
vessels.

Anovulatory: Lack of or cessation of ovulation.

Areola: Pigmented or colored ring surrounding the nipple of the breast.


Arrhythmia: Irregular or missed heartbeat.

Aspiration: Swallowing or sucking a foreign body or fluid, such as
vomit, into an airway.

Atonic uterus: Flaccid; relaxed; lack of tone.

Autoantibodies: Antibodies that attack parts of your body or your own
tissues.

B

Back labour: Pain of labour felt in lower back.

Bilirubin: Breakdown product of pigment formed in the liver from
hemoglobin during the destruction of red blood cells.

Biophysical profile: Method of evaluating a fetus before birth.

Biopsy: Removal of a small piece of tissue for microscopic study.

Blastomere: One of the cells egg divides into after it has been
fertilized.

Bloody show: Small amount of vaginal bleeding late in pregnancy; often
precedes labour.

Braxton-Hicks contractions: Irregular, painless tightening of uterus
during pregnancy.

Breech presentation: Abnormal position of the fetus. Buttocks or legs
come into the birth canal ahead of the head.

C

Cataract, congenital: Cloudiness of the eye lens present at birth.

Cesarean section (delivery): Delivery of a baby through an abdominal
incision rather than through the vagina.

Chadwick's sign: Dark-blue or purple discoloration of the mucosa of the
vagina and cervix during pregnancy.

Chloasma: Extensive brown patches of irregular shape and size on the
face or other parts of the body.

Choriocarcinoma: Highly malignant cancer that grows in the uterus
during pregnancy or at the site of an ectopic pregnancy.

Chorion: Outermost fetal membrane found around the amnion.

Chorionic villus sampling: Diagnostic test done early in pregnancy. A
biopsy of tissue is taken from inside the uterus through the cervical
opening to determine abnormalities of pregnancy.

Colostrum: Thin, yellow fluid, which is the first milk to come from the
breast. Most often seen toward the end of pregnancy. It is different in
content from milk produced later during nursing.

Congenital problem: Problem present at birth.

Conization of the cervix: Surgical procedure performed on premalignant
and malignant conditions of the cervix. A large biopsy of the cervix is
taken in the shape of a cone.

Conjoined twins: Twins connected at the body; they may share vital
organs. Also called Siamese twins.

Constipation: Bowel movements are infrequent or incomplete.

Contraction stress test: Response of fetus to uterine contractions to
evaluate fetal well-being.

Corpus luteum: Area in the ovary where the egg is released at
ovulation. A cyst may form in this area after ovulation. Called a
corpus luteum cyst.

Crown-to-rump length: Measurement from the top of the baby's head to
the buttocks of the baby.

Cystitis: Inflammation of the bladder.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection: Group of viruses from the herpesvirus
family

D

D&C (dilatation and curettage): Surgical procedure in which the cervix
is dilated and the lining of the uterus is scraped.

Developmental delay: Condition in which the development of the baby or
child is slower than normal.

Diastasis recti: Separation of abdominal muscles.

Dizygotic twins: Twins derived from two different eggs. Often called
fraternal twins.

Dysplasia: Abnormal, precancerous changes in the cells of the cervix.

Dysuria: Difficulty or pain urinating.

E

EDC (estimated date of confinement): Anticipated due date for delivery
of the baby. Calculated from the first day of the last menstrual
period.

Eclampsia: Convulsions and coma in a woman with pre-eclampsia. Not
related to epilepsy.

Ectodermal germ layer: Layer in the developing embryo that gives rise
to developing structures in the fetus. These include skin, teeth and
glands of the mouth, the nervous system and the pituitary gland.

Ectopic pregnancy: Pregnancy that occurs outside the uterine cavity.

Effacement: Thinning of cervix.

Embryo: Organism in the early stages of development.

Embryonic period: First 10 weeks of gestation.

Endodermal germ layer: Area of tissue in early development of the
embryo that gives rise to other structures. These include the digestive
tract, respiratory organs, vagina, bladder and urethra. Also called
endoderm or entoderm.

Endometrial cycle: Regular development of the mucous membrane lining
the inside of the uterus. It begins with the preparation for acceptance
of a pregnancy and ends with the shedding of the lining during a
menstrual period.

Endometrium: Mucous membrane that lines inside of the uterine wall.

Enema: Fluid injected into the rectum for the purpose of clearing out
the bowel.

Engorgement: Congested; filled with fluid.

Enzyme: Protein made by cells. It acts as a catalyst to improve or
cause chemical changes in other substances.

Epidural block: Type of anesthesia. Medication is injected around the
spinal cord during labour or other types of surgery.

Episiotomy: Surgical incision of the vulva (area behind the vagina,
above the rectum). Used during delivery to avoid tearing or laceration
of the vaginal opening and rectum.

F

Face presentation: Baby comes into the birth canal face first.

Fallopian tube: Tube that leads from the cavity of the uterus to the
area of the ovary. Also called uterine tube.

False labour: Tightening of uterus without dilatation of the cervix.

Fasting blood sugar: Blood test to evaluate the amount of sugar in the
blood following a time period of fasting.

Fertilization: Joining of the sperm and egg.

Fertilization age: Dating a pregnancy from the time of fertilization. 2
weeks earlier than the gestational age.

Fetal anomaly: Fetal malformation or abnormal development.

Fetal goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid in the fetus.

Fetal-growth retardation (IUGR): Inadequate growth of the fetus during
the last stages of pregnancy.

Fetal monitor: Device used before or during labour to listen to and
record the fetal heartbeat. Can be external monitoring (through
maternal abdomen) or internal monitoring (through maternal vagina) of
the baby inside the uterus.

Fetal period: Time period following the embryonic period (first 10
weeks of gestation) until birth.

Fetus: Refers to the unborn baby after 10 weeks of gestation until
birth.

Forceps: Instrument used to help remove baby from the birth canal
during delivery.

Frank breech: Baby presenting buttocks first. Legs are flexed and knees
extended

G

Genetic counseling: Consultation between a couple and a specialist
about genetic defects and the possibility of genetic problems in a
pregnancy.

Genital herpes simplex: Herpes simplex infection involving the genital
area. It can be significant during pregnancy because of the danger to a
newborn fetus infected with herpes simplex.

Genitourinary problems: Defects or problems involving genital organs
and the bladder or kidneys.

Gestational age: Dating a pregnancy from the first day of the last
menstrual period; 2 weeks longer than fertilization age.

Gestational diabetes: Occurrence or worsening of diabetes during
pregnancy (gestation).

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTN): Abnormal pregnancy with cystic
growth of the placenta. Characterized by bleeding during early and
middle pregnancy.

Glucose-tolerance test: Blood test done to evaluate the body's response
to sugar.

Glucosuria: Glucose in the urine.

Gonorrhea: Contagious venereal infection, transmitted primarily by
intercourse. Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea.

Grand mal seizure: loss of control of body functions. Seizure activity
of a major form.

Group-B streptococcal infection: Serious infection occurring in the
mother's vagina and throat.

Gyri: Prominent, rounded elevation found on the surface of the brain
tissue.

H

Habitual abortion: Occurrence of three or more spontaneous
miscarriages.

Heartburn: Discomfort or pain that occurs in the chest. Often occurs
after eating.

Hematocrit: Determines the proportion of blood cells to plasma.
Important in diagnosing anemia.

Hemoglobin: Pigment in red blood cell that carries oxygen to body
tissues.

Hemolytic disease: Destruction of red blood cells.

Hemorrhoids: Dilated blood vessels in the rectum or rectal canal.

Human chorionic gonadatropin (HCG): Hormone produced in early
pregnancy. Measured in a pregnancy test.

Human placental lactogen: Hormone of pregnancy produced by the
placenta. Found in the bloodstream.

Hyaline membrane disease: Respiratory disease of the newborn.

Hydramnios: Increased amniotic fluid.

Hydrocephalus: Excessive accumulation of fluid around the brain of the
baby. Sometimes called water on the brain.

Hyperbilirubinemia: Extremely high level of bilirubin in the blood.

Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe nausea, dehydration and vomiting during
pregnancy. Occurs most frequently during the first trimester.

Hyperglycemia: Increased blood sugar.

Hypertension: Pregnancy-induced-high blood pressure that occurs during
pregnancy. Defined by an increase in the diastolic and/or systolic
blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism: Elevation of the thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.

Hypoplasia: Defective or incomplete development or formation of tissue.


Hypotension: Low blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism: Low or inadequate levels of thyroid hormone in the
bloodstream.

I

Immune globulin preparation: Substance used to protect against
infection with certain diseases, such as hepatitis or measles.

In utero: Within the uterus.

Incompetent cervix: Cervix that dilates painlessly, without
contractions.

Incomplete abortion: Miscarriage in which part, but not all, of the
uterine contents are expelled.

Inevitable abortion: Pregnancy complicated with bleeding and cramping.
Usually results in miscarriage.

Insulin: Peptide hormone made by the pancreas. It promotes the use of
glucose.

Invasive squamous-cell carcinoma: Cancer of the cervix that extends
beyond the cervix into surrounding tissues or deeper layers.

Iron-deficiency anemia: Anemia produced by lack of iron in the diet.
Often seen in pregnancy.

Isoimmunization: Development of specific antibody directed at the red
blood cells of another individual, such as a baby in utero. Often
occurs when an Rh-negative woman carries an Rh-positive baby or is
given Rh-positive blood.

J

Jaundice: Yellow staining of the skin, sclera (eyes) and deeper tissues
of the body. Caused by excessive amounts of bilirubin. Treated with
phototherapy.

K

Ketones: Breakdown product of metabolism found in the blood,
particularly in starvation or uncontrolled diabetes.

Kidney stones: Small mass or lesion found in the kidney or urinary
tract. Can block the flow of urine.

L

Laaoo: Process of expelling a fetus from the uterus.

Laparoscopy: Minor surgical procedure performed for tubal ligation,
diagnosis of pelvic pain or diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy.

Leukorrhea: Vaginal discharge characterized by a white or yellowish
colour. Primarily composed of mucus.

Lightening: Change in the shape of the pregnant uterus a few weeks
before labour. Often described as the baby "dropping."

Linea nigra: Line of increased pigmentation running down the abdomen
from the bellybutton to the pubic area during pregnancy.

M

Malignant GTN: Cancerous change of gestational trophoblastic disease.

Mammogram: X-ray study of the breasts to identify normal and abnormal
breasttissue.

Mask of pregnancy: Increased pigmentation over the area of the face
under each eye. Commonly has the appearance of a butterfly.

Meconium: First intestinal discharge of the newborn; green or yellow in
colour. It consists of epithelial or surface cells, mucus and bile.
Discharge may occur before or during labour or soon after birth.

Melanoma: Pigmented mole or tumor. It may or may not be cancerous.

Meningomyelocele: Congenital defect of the central nervous system of
the baby. Membranes and the spinal cord protrude through an opening or
defect in the vertebral column.

Menstruation: Regular or periodic discharge of a bloody fluid from the
uterus.

Mesodermal germ layer: Tissue of the embryo that forms connective
tissue, muscles, kidneys, ureters and other organs.

Metaplasia: Change in the structure of a tissue into another type that
is not normal for that tissue.

Microcephaly: Abnormally small development of the head in the
developing fetus.

Microphthalmia: Abnormally small eyeballs.

Miscarriage: See Abortion.

Missed abortion: Failed pregnancy without bleeding or cramping. Often
diagnosed by ultrasound weeks or months after a pregnancy fails.

Mittelschmerz: Pain that coincides with release of an egg from the
ovary.

Monilial vulvovaginitis: Infection caused by yeast or monilia. Usually
affects the vagina and vulva.

Monozygotic twins: Twins conceived from one egg. Often called identical
twins.

Morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting, without ill health, found
primarily during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Moruaa: Cells resulting from the early division of the fertilized egg
at the beginning of pregnancy.

Mucus plug: Secretions in cervix; often released just before labour.

Mutations: Change in the character of a gene. Passed from one cell
division to another.

N

Neural-tube defects: Abnormalities in the development of the spinal
cord and brain in a fetus. See Anencephaly; Hydrocephalus; Spina bifida

O

Oligohydramnios: Lack or deficiency of amniotic fluid.

Omphalocele: Presence of congenital outpouching of the umbilicus
containing internal organs in the fetus or newborn infant.

Organogenesis: Development of the organ systems in the embryo.

Ossification: Bone formation.

Ovarian cycle: Regular production of hormones from the ovary in
response to hormonal messages from the brain. The ovarian cycle governs
the endometrial cycle.

Ovulation: Cyclical production of an egg from the ovary.

Oxytocin: Medication that causes uterine contractions.

P

Pap smear: A routine screening test that evaluates the presence of
premalignant or cancerous conditions of the cervix.

Paracenrical block: Local anesthetic for cervical dilatation.

Pelvimetry: Evaluation of the size of the birth canal or pelvis.
Performed by X-ray.

Petit mal seizure: Attack of a brief nature with possible short
impairment of consciousness. Often associated with blinking or
flickering of the eyelids and a mild twitching of the mouth.

Phosphatidyl glycerol: Lipoprotein present when fetal lungs are mature.


Phospholipids: Fat-containing phosphorous. The most important are
lecithins and sphingomyelin, which are important in the maturation of
fetal lungs before birth.

Physiologic anemia of pregnancy: Anemia during pregnancy caused by an
increase in the amount of plasma (fluid) in the blood compared to the
number of cells in the blood.

Placenta: Organ inside the uterus that is attached to the baby by the
umbilical cord. Essential during pregnancy for growth and development
of the embryo and fetus.

Placenta accreta: Placenta that attaches to muscle of uterus.

Placenta increta: Placenta that grows into muscle of uterus.

Placenta percreta: Placenta that penetrates muscle of uterus.

Placenta previa: Low attachment of the placenta, covering or very close
to the cervix.

Placental abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the
uterus.

Placentamegaly: Abnormally large growth of the placenta during
pregnancy.

Pneumonitis: Inflammation of the lungs.

Premature baby: Baby born before 37 weeks.

Postnatal blues: Mild depression after delivery.

Postpartum depression: Depression after delivery.

Postpartum hemorrhage: Bleeding greater than 15 ounces (450ml) at time
of delivery.

Pre-eclampsia: Combination of symptoms significant to pregnancy,
including high blood pressure, edema, swelling and changes in reflexes.


Premature delivery: Delivery before 37 weeks gestation.

Presentation: Describes which part of the baby comes into the birth
canal first.

Proteinuria: Protein in urine.

Pruritis gravidarum: Itching during pregnancy.

Pubic symphysis: Bony prominence in the pelvic bone found in the
midline. Landmark from which the doctor often measures during pregnancy
to follow growth of the uterus.

Pulmonary embolism: Blood clot from another part of the body that
travels to the lungs. Can cause closed passages in the lungs and
decrease oxygen exchange.

Pyelonephritis: Serious kidney infection.

Q

Quickening: Feeling the baby move inside the uterus.

R

Rh-negative: Absence of rhesus antibody in the blood.

RhoGAM: Medication given during pregnancy and following delivery to
prevent isoimmunization. See Isoimmunization.

Round-ligament pain: Pain caused by stretching ligament on the sides of
the uterus during pregnancy.

Rupture of membranes: loss of fluid from the amniotic sac. Also called
breaking of waters

S

Seizure: Sudden onset of a convulsion.

Sickle-cell anemia: Anemia caused by abnormal red blood cells shaped
like a sickle or a cylinder.

Sickle-cell trait: Presence of the trait for sickle-cell anemia. Not
sickle-cell disease itself.

Sickle crisis: Painful episode caused by sickle-cell disease.

Sodium: Element found in many foods, particularly salt. Ingestion of
too much sodium may cause fluid retention.

Spina bifida: Congenital abnormality characterized by a defect in the
vertebral column. Membranes of the spinal cord and the spinal cord
protrude outside the protective bony canal of the spine.

Spinal anesthesia: Anesthesia given in the spinal canal.

Spontaneous abortion: Loss of pregnancy during the first 20 weeks of
gestation.

Stasis: Decreased flow.

Station: Estimation of the descent of the baby. Ranges from -4 to +4. 0
= directly at pelvis.

Stigma: Area on the ovary where the egg has been released at the time
of ovulation.

Stretch marks: Areas of the skin that have red marks where the skin has
been over stretched. Often found on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks and
legs.

Sulci: Groove or furrow on the surface of the brain.

Surfactant: Phospholipid present in the lungs. Controls surface tension
of lungs. Premature babies often lack sufficient amounts of surfactant
to breathe without assistance.

Syphilis: Sexually transmitted venereal infection caused by treponema
pallidum.

T

Tay-Sachs disease: Inherited disease characterized by mental and
physical retardation, convulsions, enlargement of the head and
eventually death. Trait is usually carried by Ashkenazi Jews.

Telangiectasias: Dilatation or swelling of a small blood vessel.
Sometimes called an angioma. During pregnancy, another common name is a
spider angioma.

Teratogenic: Causes abnormal development.

Thalassemia: Group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin metabolism,
which results in a decrease in the amount of hemoglobin formed.

Threatened abortion: Bleeding during the first trimester of pregnancy
without cramping or contractions.

Thrombosis: Formation of a blood clot (thrombus).

Thrush: Monilial or yeast infection occurring in the mouth or mucous
membranes of a newborn infant.

Thyroid disease: Abnormality of the thyroid gland and its production of
thyroid hormone.

Tocolysis: Stopping contractions during premature labour.

Toxoid: Poison.

Toxoplasmosis: Infection caused by toxoplasma gondii.

Transverse lie: Fetus is turned sideways in uterus.

Trichomonal vaginitis: Venereal infection caused by trichomonas.

Trimester: Method of dividing pregnancy into three equal time periods
of about 13 weeks each.

Trophoblast: Cell layer important in early development of the embryo
and fetus. It provides nourishment from the mother to the fetus and
participates in the formation of the placenta.

U

Umbilical cord: Cord that connects the placenta to the developing baby.
It removes waste products and carbon dioxide from the baby and brings
oxygenated blood and nutrients from the mother through the placenta to
the baby.

Ureters: Tubes from the kidneys to the bladder that drain urine.

Uterine atony: Lack of tone of uterus.

Uterus: Organ an embryo/fetus grows in. Also called a womb.

V

Vacuum extractor: Device used to provide traction on fetal head during
delivery.

Varicose veins: Blood vessels (veins) that are dilated or enlarged.

Vernix: Fatty substance made up of epithelial cells that covers fetal
skin inside the uterus.

Vertex: Head first.

Villi: Projection from a mucous membrane. Most important within the
placenta in the exchange of nutrients from maternal blood to the
placenta and fetus.

W

Womb: See fetus.

Y

Yeast infection: See Monilial vulvovaginitis; Thrush.

Z

Zygote: Cell that results from the union of a sperm and egg at
fertilization