Pregnancy & Parenting Glossary

Meaning before birth; often used outside the United States.

Diagnostic test sampling amniotic fluid.

Detailed ultrasound checking fetal anatomy, placenta, and fluid.

Ultrasound measurement around the fetal abdomen.

Blood test checking for antibodies that could affect pregnancy.

Membrane structure surrounding the fetus and amniotic fluid.

Fluid surrounding the fetus inside the amniotic sac.

Ultrasound estimate of amniotic fluid amount.

Placenta attached to the front wall of the uterus.

Labor phase when contractions are stronger and cervical change progresses more steadily.

Helping labor progress after it has already started.

Artificial rupture of membranes by a clinician.

Vaginal birth helped with instruments such as forceps or vacuum.

Quick newborn assessment usually performed at 1 and 5 minutes.

Cramping as uterus contracts after birth.

Resting temperature measured after sleep, sometimes used to confirm ovulation patterns.

Blood measurement of hCG used in some early pregnancy monitoring.

Person chosen to support someone during labor and birth.

Document or conversation outlining preferences for labor, birth, and newborn care.

Ultrasound measurement across the fetal head.

Blood pressure measurement monitored during prenatal visits.

Irregular uterine tightening sometimes called practice contractions.

Mucus discharge tinged with blood as cervix changes.

Tub or pool used for water immersion during labor or water birth.

Baby positioned bottom or feet first rather than head first.

Labor discomfort felt strongly in the lower back.

Yellow pigment measured when assessing jaundice.

Temporary mood swings, tearfulness, or overwhelm after birth.

Fluid from the cervix that changes during the menstrual cycle.

Very early pregnancy loss soon after a positive test.

Ultrasound measurement from top of embryo/fetus to rump.

Screening using placental DNA fragments in maternal blood.

Diagnostic test sampling placental tissue.

Difficulty passing stool, common due to hormones, supplements, or pressure.

Lower part of the uterus that opens during labor.

Ultrasound measurement of cervix length, sometimes used for preterm birth risk assessment.

Procedure using a stitch to help keep the cervix closed in selected high-risk situations.

Tightening of the uterus during labor or practice contractions.

When the top of the baby’s head becomes visible during vaginal birth.

Electronic monitoring recording fetal heart rate and contractions.

Methods used to soften, thin, or open the cervix before induction.

Surgical birth through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.

Blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth.

Baby positioned head first.

Early milk produced before mature milk comes in.

Periods when a newborn feeds very frequently over several hours.

Using both breast milk and formula.

Ultrasound used to confirm or estimate gestational age and due date.

Non-clinical support person providing emotional, physical, and informational support.

Omega-3 fatty acid sometimes included in prenatal supplements.

Opening of the cervix, measured from 0 to 10 centimeters.

Waiting briefly before clamping the umbilical cord when appropriate.

Widening between abdominal muscles during or after pregnancy.

Estimated due date, based on LMP, ultrasound, or clinical dating.

Estimated date of confinement; older term for estimated due date.

Term for the developing pregnancy before the fetal stage.

Birth timing category from 37 weeks 0 days through 38 weeks 6 days.

Ultrasound-based estimate of fetal weight.

Swelling from fluid buildup, often in feet or ankles.

Seizures related to preeclampsia.

Thinning and shortening of the cervix, usually described as a percentage.

When baby’s head or presenting part settles into the pelvis.

Regional anesthesia placed in the lower back to reduce labor pain.

Cesarean performed urgently because of concern for parent or baby.

Surgical cut at the vaginal opening during some births.

Procedure to try to turn a breech baby to head-down from outside the abdomen.

Breast fullness, swelling, and tenderness when milk increases or is not removed well.

Milk removed by hand expression or pump.

Baby born extremely early in March of Dimes categories.

Days in the cycle when pregnancy is most likely if sperm and egg meet.

Approximate age from conception, often about two weeks less than gestational age.

Early pregnancy period when major fetal structures start forming.

Term for the developing baby after the embryonic period until birth.

Cardiac activity detected by ultrasound or Doppler depending on timing.

Movements such as flutters, kicks, rolls, or jabs.

Birth timing category from 39 weeks 0 days through 40 weeks 6 days.

B vitamin important for reducing risk of some neural tube defects.

Ultrasound measurement of the fetal thigh bone.

Measurement from pubic bone to top of uterus to track growth trend.

Handheld device using sound waves to listen to fetal heartbeat.

Labor-like symptoms that do not progress into active labor.

Stage from start of labor until full cervical dilation.

Checking baby’s heart rate during labor.

Assisted birth using curved instruments placed around baby’s head.

Feeding a baby commercial infant formula.

Fetus estimated to be smaller than expected because growth may be restricted.

Informal term for early postpartum adjustment for parent and baby.

How far along pregnancy is, usually counted in weeks and days from LMP.

Fluid-filled structure seen in the uterus on early ultrasound.

Ultrasound focused on fetal size and growth.

Screening test for gestational diabetes using a timed blood sample after a glucose drink.

Bacteria that can be carried without symptoms and screened for late in pregnancy.

Late pregnancy swab to check for Group B strep.

High blood pressure developing during pregnancy without some preeclampsia features.

Diabetes first recognized during pregnancy.

Pregnancy hormone detected by many urine and blood tests.

Ultrasound measurement around the fetal head.

Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy that can lead to dehydration or weight loss.

Burning chest or throat discomfort from reflux, common in pregnancy.

Swollen veins around the rectum that can cause discomfort or bleeding.

Blood sample from baby’s heel used for newborn screening.

Routine check of a newborn’s hearing.

Attachment of a fertilized egg to the uterine lining.

Light spotting some people report around implantation.

Starting labor using medical methods before spontaneous labor begins.

Older/common term for fetal growth restriction.

A way to track fetal movement patterns in later pregnancy.

Skin-to-skin care often emphasized for preterm or NICU babies.

Exercises to strengthen or coordinate pelvic floor muscles.

Rise in luteinizing hormone that commonly occurs before ovulation.

Last menstrual period; commonly used to estimate pregnancy dating.

Birth timing category from 41 weeks 0 days through 41 weeks 6 days.

Informal term for sudden sharp pelvic pains late in pregnancy.

When the baby drops lower into the pelvis before birth.

Early part of first stage labor when the cervix begins changing.

How baby attaches for breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Professional trained to help with breastfeeding or chestfeeding.

Baby born between 34 and 36 completed weeks.

Baby born weighing less than 2,500 grams.

Baby larger than expected for gestational age.

Postpartum vaginal bleeding/discharge as the uterus heals.

Trained professional providing pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care; scope varies by location.

Subspecialty focused on high-risk pregnancies and fetal concerns.

Nausea and/or vomiting in pregnancy; can occur any time of day.

Mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy and may pass before or during labor.

Procedure separating membranes near the cervix to encourage labor hormones.

Transition when milk volume increases after birth.

Inflammation of breast tissue that may involve infection.

Baby’s first stool, usually dark and sticky.

Amniotic fluid containing meconium.

Term for a baby with high birth weight.

Noninvasive prenatal testing; blood screening for selected chromosomal conditions.

Ultrasound measurement used in early screening.

Inhaled gas sometimes used for labor pain relief.

Yellowing of skin or eyes caused by bilirubin buildup.

Neonatal intensive care unit for babies needing specialized medical care.

Routine tests after birth to screen for certain conditions.

Release of an egg from an ovary during a menstrual cycle.

Home test that detects hormone changes associated with ovulation.

Doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.

Doctor specializing in pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care.

Longer glucose test used to diagnose or evaluate gestational diabetes.

Lower-than-expected amniotic fluid level.

Hormone involved in contractions and milk let-down; synthetic forms may be used in care.

Head-down position where back of baby’s head faces front of pelvis.

Head-down position where back of baby’s head faces back of pelvis.

Pregnancy continuing to 42 weeks 0 days or later.

Health care during pregnancy, including visits, education, screening, and monitoring.

Supplement formulated for pregnancy, often including folic acid and other nutrients.

Tests estimating risk for certain conditions; usually not diagnostic.

Test intended to diagnose or rule out certain fetal conditions more directly than screening.

Pain around pelvic joints during pregnancy.

Contractions that may feel like labor but do not lead to steady cervical change yet.

Pregnancy-related high blood pressure condition that can affect organs.

Organ that supports exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between parent and fetus.

Higher-than-expected amniotic fluid level.

Placenta located low in the uterus and covering or near the cervix.

Placenta separates from the uterus before birth.

Placenta attached to the back wall of the uterus.

Premature rupture of membranes: membranes rupture before labor begins.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes before 37 weeks and before labor.

Bearing-down efforts during second stage to help birth the baby.

Brand name for synthetic oxytocin used to induce or strengthen contractions.

Cesarean scheduled before labor.

Tear in tissue around the vaginal opening during birth.

Using a breast pump to express milk.

Light treatment used for some babies with jaundice.

Baby born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

Period after birth for physical recovery and emotional adjustment.

Care of the perineal area after birth, especially after tearing or stitches.

Excessive bleeding after birth.

Depression after birth that is more persistent or severe than normal adjustment.

Anxiety after birth that feels persistent, intrusive, or hard to manage.

Umbrella term for mood and anxiety conditions during pregnancy and after birth.

Muscles supporting bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.

Doctor specializing in babies, children, and teens.

First fetal movements felt by the pregnant person.

Blood type feature that can matter if the pregnant person is Rh negative.

Medication used in some Rh-negative pregnancy situations to prevent sensitization.

Sharp or stretching pain often felt in lower belly or groin as uterus grows.

When the amniotic sac breaks; commonly called water breaking.

Keeping baby in the same room as parent after birth when medically appropriate.

Middle pregnancy period often associated with anatomy scan and fetal movement.

Pain or instability around the pubic joint, often grouped under pelvic girdle pain.

Cervix measuring shorter than expected during pregnancy.

Measure of how low baby’s presenting part is in the pelvis.

Stage from full dilation until baby is born.

Regional anesthesia injected into spinal fluid, often used for cesarean birth.

Birth complication where baby’s shoulder becomes stuck after the head is born.

Holding a baby against a bare chest soon after birth or later.

Hospital unit for newborns needing extra monitoring or treatment.

Baby smaller than expected for gestational age.

Postpartum visit or check-in after birth, timing may vary.

Practices that reduce sleep-related risks, such as back sleeping on a firm surface.

Wrapping a baby snugly for comfort.

Normal reflex where a baby startles and moves arms/legs.

Trying to conceive; shorthand for actively trying to become pregnant.

One of three broad pregnancy periods: first, second, and third trimester.

Late pregnancy period focused on growth, monitoring, and birth preparation.

Pregnancy that has reached term; split into early, full, late, and postterm.

Vaccine protecting against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis.

Late part of first stage labor before full dilation.

Stage from birth of baby until placenta is delivered.

Device using mild electrical pulses through skin pads for pain relief.

Trial of labor after cesarean; attempting labor with goal of VBAC.

Urine finding checked as one possible sign related to preeclampsia or kidney issues.

Cord connecting baby to the placenta.

Process of uterus shrinking back toward pre-pregnancy size.

When the uterus does not contract well after birth.

Vaccines recommended or considered during pregnancy to help protect parent and baby.

Vaginal birth after a previous cesarean birth.

Assisted birth using suction cup on baby’s head.

White, creamy substance that can cover newborn skin.

Baby born before 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Common phrase for rupture of membranes, when amniotic fluid leaks or gushes.

Laboring and/or giving birth in a warm-water pool or tub.

Using warm water during labor for relaxation and comfort.

Early ultrasound structure that supports early development.