Glossary: Terms Starting with "M"

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

Related: Birth center, home birth

Subspecialty focused on high-risk pregnancies and fetal concerns.

Related: Perinatologist, high-risk pregnancy

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

Related: Nausea, hyperemesis

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

Related: Bloody show, cervix

Procedure separating membranes near the cervix to encourage labor hormones.

Related: Induction, cervix

Transition when milk volume increases after birth.

Related: Colostrum, engorgement

Inflammation of breast tissue that may involve infection.

Related: Engorgement, clogged duct

Baby’s first stool, usually dark and sticky.

Related: Newborn stool, meconium-stained fluid

Amniotic fluid containing meconium.

Related: Meconium, fetal monitoring

Term for a baby with high birth weight.

Related: LGA, shoulder dystocia