Glossary: Terms Starting with "E"

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

Related: LMP, dating ultrasound

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

Related: EDD, due date

Term for the developing pregnancy before the fetal stage.

Related: Fetus, implantation

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

Related: Full term, late term

Ultrasound-based estimate of fetal weight.

Related: Growth scan, percentile

Swelling from fluid buildup, often in feet or ankles.

Related: Swelling, preeclampsia

Seizures related to preeclampsia.

Related: Preeclampsia, magnesium sulfate

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

Related: Cervix, dilation

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

Related: Station, lightening

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

Related: Spinal anesthesia, pain relief

Cesarean performed urgently because of concern for parent or baby.

Related: C-section, fetal distress

Surgical cut at the vaginal opening during some births.

Related: Perineal tear, assisted birth

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

Related: Breech, cephalic

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

Related: Milk coming in, mastitis

Milk removed by hand expression or pump.

Related: Pumping, bottle feeding

Baby born extremely early in March of Dimes categories.

Related: Viability, NICU