Glossary: Terms Starting with "T"

TTC stands for "trying to conceive" and refers to the period when a couple or individual is actively working toward becoming pregnant. This stage involves tracking menstrual cycles, timing intercourse around ovulation, and often making lifestyle changes such as taking folic acid, reducing alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight. For most healthy couples under 35, doctors recommend trying for 12 months before seeking fertility evaluation. If you are over 35 or have known health conditions such as PCOS or endometriosis, it is worth speaking to a doctor after six months of trying.

Related: Ovulation, fertile window, LMP

A trimester is one of the three stages that pregnancy is divided into, each lasting roughly 13 weeks. The first trimester runs from week 1 to week 13 and covers early development, morning sickness, and first trimester screening. The second trimester spans weeks 14 to 27, when most women feel more energetic and the baby grows rapidly. The third trimester covers weeks 28 to 40 or beyond, focusing on final growth, birth preparation, and monitoring for complications. Each trimester brings different symptoms, tests, and appointments, so knowing which stage you are in helps you plan your antenatal care.

Related: First trimester, second trimester, third trimester

The third trimester runs from week 28 until birth, and this is when your baby gains most of their weight and prepares for life outside the womb. You will have more frequent prenatal visits, usually every two weeks and then weekly from week 36 onward. Your doctor will monitor your baby's position, growth, and heart rate. Common discomforts include back pain, swollen feet, shortness of breath, and trouble sleeping. Around weeks 35 to 36, your care team will discuss your birth plan, Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening, and signs of labour to watch for. Packing your hospital bag and attending antenatal classes before week 37 is a practical priority.

Related: Braxton Hicks, GBS, birth plan

A term pregnancy is one that has reached at least 37 completed weeks of gestation, meaning the baby is no longer considered premature. Doctors now divide term into four distinct categories: early term (37 to 38 weeks), full term (39 to 40 weeks), late term (41 weeks), and post-term (42 weeks and beyond). This distinction matters because babies born at early term face slightly higher risks of breathing problems, feeding difficulties, and jaundice compared to those born at full term. The timing of birth, whether spontaneous or planned, is an important part of your birth plan discussion with your obstetrician.

Related: Early term, full term

The Tdap vaccine protects against three bacterial infections: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which is also known as whooping cough. Pertussis is particularly dangerous for newborns, who are too young to be fully vaccinated and can develop severe breathing problems if infected. Getting the Tdap vaccine during pregnancy, ideally between 27 and 36 weeks, allows your antibodies to cross the placenta and give your baby some protection from birth. The vaccine is safe in pregnancy and does not harm the baby. Partners and close family members who will be in contact with the newborn are also encouraged to be vaccinated if they have not received a Tdap dose in the last ten years.

Related: Whooping cough, vaccination

Transition is the final and most intense stretch of first-stage labor, as the cervix opens from around 8 to 10 centimetres. Contractions come very close together, sometimes with barely a minute of rest between them, and can feel overwhelming. Many women feel shaky, nauseous, or emotionally exhausted during this phase. The good news is that transition is usually the shortest part of labor, often lasting only 15 to 60 minutes. Reminding yourself that it will not last long and focusing on one contraction at a time can help you push through to the pushing stage.

Related: Active labor, dilation

The third stage of labor covers the period after your baby is born until the placenta is delivered. The uterus continues to contract, separating the placenta from the uterine wall so it can be pushed out. This stage usually lasts between 5 and 30 minutes. There are two approaches: active management, where a medication called oxytocin is given to speed up placental delivery and reduce bleeding risk, and physiological management, where the body is allowed to deliver the placenta naturally without drugs. Your doctor or midwife will advise on the recommended approach based on your health and birth circumstances.

Related: Placenta, cord clamping

A TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine is a small handheld device that sends gentle electrical pulses through sticky pads placed on your lower back. These pulses are thought to block pain signals traveling to your brain and encourage your body to release natural endorphins. TENS works best in early labor when contractions are building and is less effective once labor intensifies. You control the intensity yourself using a dial or boost button. It is drug-free, safe for your baby, and lets you stay mobile. Many women hire or buy a unit to use at home before heading to hospital.

Related: Early labor, pain relief

TOLAC stands for trial of labor after cesarean. It is the decision and process of allowing labor to begin and progress in a woman who has had a previous C-section, with the goal of achieving a vaginal birth. TOLAC is the attempt, while VBAC is the successful outcome. Not every TOLAC results in a VBAC, and some women will need an emergency C-section during labor. Because of this, TOLAC must happen in a hospital with surgical and anesthetic teams on standby. Your care team will monitor you closely throughout labor using continuous electronic fetal monitoring.

Related: VBAC, repeat cesarean