Glossary: Terms Starting with "F"

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

Related: Ovulation, cervical mucus, BBT

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

Related: Gestational age, conception

Early pregnancy period when major fetal structures start forming.

Related: Embryo, morning sickness

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

Related: Embryo, fetal development

Cardiac activity detected by ultrasound or Doppler depending on timing.

Related: Doppler, ultrasound

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

Related: Quickening, kick counts

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

Related: Early term, late term

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

Related: Neural tube, prenatal vitamin

Ultrasound measurement of the fetal thigh bone.

Related: EFW, anatomy scan

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

Related: Growth scan, uterus

Handheld device using sound waves to listen to fetal heartbeat.

Related: Fetal heartbeat, prenatal visit

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

Related: Braxton Hicks, prodromal labor

Stage from start of labor until full cervical dilation.

Related: Latent phase, active labor

Checking baby’s heart rate during labor.

Related: CTG, Doppler

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

Related: Assisted birth, vacuum

Feeding a baby commercial infant formula.

Related: Bottle feeding, combo feeding

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

Related: IUGR, EFW

Informal term for early postpartum adjustment for parent and baby.

Related: Postpartum, newborn care