Becoming a mother is one of the biggest milestones in a woman's life. The nine months of pregnancy are filled with new experiences, emotions, and, of course, a new vocabulary. From medical terms to slang, there is a lot to learn, especially for first-time mothers. Whether you’re just starting your pregnancy journey or are deep into the third trimester, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some of the most commonly used pregnancy vocabularies.
So, let’s dive into the world of pregnancy medical terms, and equip new mothers with the essential knowledge they need to have a healthy and informed pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid: A clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds and protects a developing fetus inside the uterus. It acts as a cushion for the fetus, helping to absorb shock and allowing for normal fetal movement.
Braxton Hicks contractions: These are mild, irregular contractions of the uterus that occur during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. They are often referred to as "false labor" or "practice contractions" as they are not a sign of impending labor and delivery. Braxton Hicks contractions can feel like a tightening or hardening of the abdomen and can be uncomfortable or painful for some women. They typically last for a few seconds to a minute and can be infrequent or frequent, irregular, and unpredictable. While they are a normal part of pregnancy, if you experience frequent or intense contractions or have any concerns, it is important to speak with your healthcare provider to rule out any potential problems.
Dilation and curettage (D&C): A surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated (widened) and a special instrument is used to scrape the lining of the uterus. This procedure is commonly performed for a variety of reasons, including diagnosing and treating abnormal uterine bleeding, removing tissue after a miscarriage, or as part of a treatment for certain types of cancer.
Due date: The estimated date a baby might be born. It is typically determined based on the first day of a woman's last menstrual cycle.
Edema: Swelling due to the accumulation of fluids in the tissues. Swelling in the ankles and feet occurs in about 75 percent of pregnant women.
Epidural: A type of pain relief during labor where a local anesthetic is administered through a catheter placed near the spinal cord. The medication works by numbing the lower half of the body, providing relief from the pain of contractions without affecting the mother's ability to feel or move her legs. Epidurals are a popular choice for pain management during labor and delivery, but they are not suitable for everyone and should be discussed with an obstetrician or anesthesiologist to determine if it is the best option for a particular pregnancy.
Ectopic pregnancy: A condition in which a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. It is a potentially life-threatening condition as the growing tissue can cause the fallopian tube to rupture.
Engorgement: Engorgement in pregnancy refers to the swelling and fullness of the breasts that occurs as a result of increased blood flow, hormone changes, and increased milk production. This can happen as early as the third trimester but is most common in the days following delivery.
Fibroids: Fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop in the uterus and are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue. They are common in women of reproductive age and are estimated to affect up to 25-30% of women. During pregnancy, fibroids can grow in size and may cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal discomfort or pain, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, and urinary frequency or incontinence.
Folic acid: This is a Vitamin B that is essential for the proper growth and development of the fetus during pregnancy
Gestation: Refers to the period of time between conception and birth during which a fetus develops inside a woman's uterus. In humans, the average gestation period is about 280 days or 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. During this time, the fetus undergoes significant growth and development, transforming from a single cell into a fully formed baby ready for birth.
In-utero: It is used to describe the state or condition of a developing fetus while it is still inside the mother's uterus during pregnancy. The term is often used in medical and biological contexts to describe the environment and conditions experienced by the fetus during prenatal development. For example, in-utero exposure to certain substances or conditions can have an impact on the health and development of the fetus, both before and after birth.
In-vitro fertilization (IVF): A type of assisted reproductive technology that involves retrieving eggs from a woman's ovaries, fertilizing them with sperm in a laboratory dish, and transferring the resulting embryos into the woman's uterus. The goal of IVF is to help couples who are struggling with infertility to conceive a child. IVF may be recommended if other fertility treatments have not been successful, or if there is a specific medical issue that makes conception difficult. During IVF, sperm and eggs are taken out of the parents, combined in a glass container, and then put into the mother’s uterus.
Laceration: In labor, a laceration refers to a tear in the perineal area that occurs during childbirth.
Leukorrhea: A thick, milky, mild-smelling vaginal discharge that is normal during pregnancy. It usually increases as pregnancy progresses and can get heavy at times.
Miscarriage: A miscarriage is when an embryo or fetus dies before it is able to survive outside of the mother’s uterus (womb). Most doctors say it is a miscarriage if the death happens before 20 weeks of pregnancy.
Ovulation: This is the process by which a woman's ovary releases an egg into the fallopian tube, where it can be fertilized by sperm and potentially result in pregnancy. Ovulation occurs as part of the menstrual cycle, typically about once a month, and is controlled by hormones produced by the pituitary gland and the ovaries.
Placenta: An organ that is formed during pregnancy and is essential for growth and development of the fetus. It is located inside the uterus and attached to the wall of the uterus by the umbilical cord. The placenta serves as a connection between the mother and the fetus, allowing for the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products between the two. It also produces hormones that help support the pregnancy, including human placental lactogen, estrogen, and progesterone. After birth, the placenta is expelled from the body, typically within 30 minutes to an hour after delivery.
Postpartum: Refers to the period of time after birth, typically the first six weeks following delivery. During this time, the mother's body is undergoing significant physical and hormonal changes as it adjusts to the post-pregnancy state. The postpartum period is also a time for bonding and adjusting to life with a new baby, as well as a time for recovery and rest. Common physical symptoms during this time may include fatigue, uterine cramping, and vaginal discharge, while emotional symptoms can include mood swings, anxiety, and depression. Medical care, support from family and friends, and self-care can help the mother manage the physical and emotional demands of the postpartum period.
Premature: Refers to delivery that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Babies born before this gestational age are considered premature and may face health challenges due to their underdeveloped organs and systems. The earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk for complications, such as respiratory distress, low birth weight, and developmental delays. However, with proper medical care, many premature infants go on to live healthy and normal lives.
Stillbirth: The death of a fetus after 20 weeks of pregnancy but before delivery. It results in the birth of a baby who has died and is stillborn. The cause of stillbirth can vary, but can include problems with the placenta or umbilical cord, birth defects, infections, or problems with the fetus's growth and development.
Trimester: A period of three months in pregnancy, each trimester is considered a different stage in the growth and development of the fetus.
Ultrasound: A non-invasive medical test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the fetus.
Umbilical cord: A flexible structure that connects a developing fetus to its mother in the womb. It carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus and removes waste products from the fetus.
Uterine Inversion: A rare but serious complication of childbirth in which the uterus turns inside out and becomes inverted. This can occur when the uterus does not contract properly after delivery, causing the placenta to separate and the uterus to prolapse into the vaginal canal.
Varicose veins: Swollen veins, usually in the legs, are common during pregnancy because of increased blood volume and increased pressure on the veins from the growing uterus. They usually disappear after delivery.
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