Glossary: Terms Starting with "P"

Pregnancy continuing to 42 weeks 0 days or later.

Related: Late term, induction

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

Related: OB-GYN, midwife

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

Related: Folic acid, iron, DHA

Tests estimating risk for certain conditions; usually not diagnostic.

Related: NIPT, NT scan

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

Related: CVS, amniocentesis

Pain around pelvic joints during pregnancy.

Related: SPD, physiotherapy

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

Related: False labor, Braxton Hicks

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

Related: BP, urine protein, eclampsia

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

Related: Umbilical cord, amniotic sac

Higher-than-expected amniotic fluid level.

Related: AFI, amniotic fluid

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

Related: Placenta, cervix, C-section

Placenta separates from the uterus before birth.

Related: Placenta, bleeding

Placenta attached to the back wall of the uterus.

Related: Placenta, anatomy scan

Premature rupture of membranes: membranes rupture before labor begins.

Related: ROM, PPROM

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

Related: PROM, preterm labor

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

Related: Second stage, crowning

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

Related: Oxytocin, induction

Cesarean scheduled before labor.

Related: C-section, breech

Tear in tissue around the vaginal opening during birth.

Related: Episiotomy, stitches

Using a breast pump to express milk.

Related: Expressed milk, milk supply

Light treatment used for some babies with jaundice.

Related: Bilirubin, jaundice

Baby born before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

Related: Premature baby, late preterm

Period after birth for physical recovery and emotional adjustment.

Related: Fourth trimester, lochia

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

Related: Perineal tear, episiotomy

Excessive bleeding after birth.

Related: Lochia, uterine atony

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

Related: Baby blues, PMAD

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

Related: PPD, PMAD

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

Related: PPD, PPA, baby blues

Muscles supporting bladder, bowel, and reproductive organs.

Related: Kegels, pelvic floor therapy

Doctor specializing in babies, children, and teens.

Related: Newborn check, well-baby visit