Glossary: Terms Starting with "B"

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

Related: Ovulation, luteal phase

Blood measurement of hCG used in some early pregnancy monitoring.

Related: hCG, doubling time

Person chosen to support someone during labor and birth.

Related: Doula, support person

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

Related: Pain relief, skin-to-skin

Ultrasound measurement across the fetal head.

Related: HC, EFW

Blood pressure measurement monitored during prenatal visits.

Related: Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension

Irregular uterine tightening sometimes called practice contractions.

Related: False labor, contractions

Mucus discharge tinged with blood as cervix changes.

Related: Mucus plug, dilation

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

Related: Water birth, water immersion

Baby positioned bottom or feet first rather than head first.

Related: Cephalic, ECV

Labor discomfort felt strongly in the lower back.

Related: OP position, contractions

Yellow pigment measured when assessing jaundice.

Related: Jaundice, phototherapy

Temporary mood swings, tearfulness, or overwhelm after birth.

Related: PPD, hormones