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Guide for a Healthy Pregnancy

WORD LIST

Afterpains

Pains resulting from contractions of the uterine muscle after birth. Afterpains are more common in women who have had two or more babies. They are usually more noticeable with breastfeeding.

Amniocentesis

Sampling of the fluid from the amniotic sac for various tests.

Amniotic fluid

Water-like fluid surrounding the baby inside the uterus. It serves to help support the baby, permit movement and growth of the baby, prevent heat loss, and absorbs shocks.

Analgesic

A drug which lessens the perception of pain.

Anesthetic

A drug which produces partial or complete loss of sensation, with or without loss of consciousness. Part or all of the body becomes numb, therefore, insensible to pain.

Apgar score

Numerical rating of an infant’s condition at one (1) and five (5) minutes after birth. This is based on heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Scores range from 0 to 10.

Bilirubin

A normal product in the bloodstream of newborns which comes from the red blood cells and can cause jaundice (a yellowish coloring of the skin) if the level is high.

Bilirubin lights (phototherapy)

Special fluorescent lights which shine on the baby’s skin to help break down potentially harmful levels of bilirubin in the newborn’s blood. The lights are placed over the baby’s crib after covering the eyes and removing the clothing.

Bloody show (or “show”)

The pinkish or reddish-colored mucus which sometimes precedes the onset of labor or is gradually discharged during labor. It represents the sloughing off of the protective mucus plug which seals over the cervix during pregnancy.

Centimeters

Unit of measurement used to describe the dilatation (opening) of the cervix. Complete dilation of the cervix is ten (10) centimeters.

Cervix

The neck or lower part of the uterus, which dilates (opens) and effaces (thins) during labor to allow delivery of the baby.

Cesarean delivery

Delivery of the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

Dilatation

Opening of the cervix during labor. Dilatation is said to be complete when the opening is about ten (10) centimeters in diameter. The doctor or nurse estimates the degree of dilatation by inserting two gloved fingers into the vagina and feeling the cervical opening.

Duration (of a contraction)

Time from the beginning of a contraction to the end of that contraction. It is usually stated in seconds.

Effacement

Gradual thinning and shortening of the cervix. Measured in percentages, 100% being total effaced
(paper thin).

Engagement

Means the presenting part of the baby has secured itself into upper opening (inlet) of the pelvis and is in its beginning position for passage through this circular bony structure. May be noticed by the mother as “lightening.” The baby is sometimes said to have “dropped.” Breathing is usually easier after engagement occurs. Urinary frequency increases.

Episiotomy

A cut in the perineum (between the vaginal opening and the rectum) prior to the delivery to allow more room for the baby to pass, decreasing tearing and trauma of the tissue.

Fetal Heart Rate (FHR or FH)

Normal range for the FH is 120-160 beats per minute.

Fontanels

Soft spots on the head of all newborns, which allow for the necessary molding of the skull bones during birth (see molding).

Frequency (of contractions)

Time from the beginning of one contraction to the beginning of the next one, usually stated in minutes.

Fundus

The rounded upper portion of the uterus.

Gestational age

Age of baby in weeks since the last menstrual period. The gestational age of a full-term baby is 37-42 weeks. A pre-term baby is one born before 37 weeks, and a post-term baby is one born after 42 weeks gestation.

Hyperventilation

Excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) by deep and/or fast breathing. Beginning symptoms include tingling of the fingers and toes, and numbness of the face. It may be reversed by taking slow, shallow breaths.

Induction

Labor started by artificial methods, for example, enema, artificially rupturing membranes, or the administration of synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) and/or prostaglandin.

Intravenous (IV)

Fluid administered into a vein for the purpose of nutrition, hydration or medication.

Labor

Periodic rhythmic contractions of the uterine muscles which thin and open the cervix and allow the delivery of the baby, placenta and membranes.

Lochia

The discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue from the uterus and vagina during the postpartum period. The discharge lasts several weeks.

Meconium

The first bowel movement of newborns. It is thick and black or dark green in color.

Membranes (bag of waters)

The principle purpose is to hold amniotic fluid, which protects the fetus from trauma and infection and provides the baby with freedom of movement and constant temperature. (See amniotic fluid.)

Molding

The shaping of the baby’s head during childbirth to adjust itself to the size and contours of the mother’s pelvis and birth canal.

Mucus plug

The bloody mucus which blocks the cervical opening during pregnancy to prevent entrance of bacteria into the uterus. It is discharged during labor often mixed with a small amount of blood – this is called “bloody show.”

Multipara (multip)

A woman who has had or is giving birth to her second or later child.

Perineum

The area between the vagina and rectum.

Pitocin

Synthetic oxytocin, a hormone given intravenously, used to start OR improve contractions.

Placenta (afterbirth)

The fleshy, sponge-like organ attached to the uterine wall and the baby’s umbilicus by way of the umbilical cord. It is the means by which the baby receives nourishment and eliminates waste products.

Postpartum

The period of time after giving birth.

Primipara (primip)

A woman who has had or is giving birth to her first child.

Prostaglandin

Gel inserted in the vagina to soften and thin the cervix in preparation for labor.

Rupture of membranes

Leakage of amniotic fluid

• Spontaneous rupture of membranes – occurs naturally
• Artificial rupture of membranes – occurs when the doctor uses a soft-tipped hook to break the “bag of water” to allow amniotic fluid to leak
• Premature rupture of membranes – when there is spontaneous leakage of amniotic fluid at least one hour before onset of labor

Uterus (womb)

Muscular pear-shaped organ in which the baby grows and develops. It consists of fundus, a body, and a narrower, lower portion called the cervix.

Vagina

The curved, elastic birth canal.

Vernix caseosa

Protective material covering the skin of the newborn. It is white in color and cheese-like in consistency.