Glossary

Throughout this Handbook and our other materials, we use both gender-neutral and gender-specific language inclusive of cis-women, trans-people, and gender non-conforming birthing people.  

Abruption When the placenta prematurely separates away from the uterine wall. Also called abruptio placentae. This is a complication of pregnancy that causes bleeding in the second and third trimesters. It is an emergency situation. 

After Pains Contractions after delivery that help the uterus contract back to its original size. Usually feel like mild to moderate menstrual cramps. 

Alpha Fetal Protein (AFP) A molecule produced in the developing embryo and fetus. Elevated levels may mean a neural tube defect or anencephaly. See Neural Tube Defect and Anencephaly. 

Amniocentesis This procedure entails drawing a small quantity of amniotic fluid from the sac surrounding the fetus. The particles of the baby’s sloughed-off skin cells floating in the water are then tested for fetal abnormalities. 

Amniotic Fluid This protective liquid, made up of water from the birthing parent’s body, nutrients, hormones, antibodies and fetal urine, fills in the sac surrounding the fetus. 

Anemia  An iron deficiency common in pregnancy. When the blood is deficient in red blood cells, in hemoglobin or in total volume. 

Anoxia Is a lack or absence of oxygen; this condition sometimes occurs in newborns. 

APGAR Score This is a measurement of a newborn’s response to birth and life outside the womb. Ratings are based on Appearance (color); Pulse (heartbeat); Grimace (reflex); Activity (muscle tone); and Respiration (breathing). The score is taken at 1 and 5 minutes (sometimes 10 minutes after birth, the high score being 10 and the low score being 1. This scale is named for its creator, Virginia Apgar (1909-1974). 

Asphyxia A condition characterized by lack of oxygen, may occur in fetal distress and the newborn. Aspiration Is the act of sucking in; an aspiration of meconium is a danger for the fetus. 

Atony Is absence of or lack of tone in a muscle, postpartum atony can lead to hemorrhage. 

Augmenting Labor Using a medical intervention to speed up labor that has stalled or slowed down. 

Baby Blues Tends to be a temporary feeling, which may begin during the first week of parenthood. During this time, the birther’s body is shifting from pregnancy hormones to milk-producing hormones. Feeling emotional, tearful and fatigue is common. 

Bag of Water Another term for the membranes or amniotic sac that surround the fetus. 

Bilirubin The waste product that results from the breakdown of hemoglobin molecules from worn out red blood cells. It is normally excreted from the body as the main component of bile. See Jaundice. 

Biophysical Profile A way to assess the health of a term or near-term fetus. It consists of an ultrasound that specifically looks at the baby’s breathing movements, body movements, muscle tone, and the amount of amniotic fluid present. Each of these elements is scored a 0, 1 or 2 based on defined standards. 

Birth Canal The passageway from the uterus to the outside of the body that the baby travels down during labor. The vagina.

Bloody Show Blood-tinged mucous from the vagina. May mean you are losing the mucous plug that has sealed off the cervix up to this point. See Mucous Plug. 

Breech Presentation Where the fetus is positioned head up to be born buttocks first or with one or both feet first. Breech positioning is relatively uncommon, occurring in fewer than 5% of all births. 

Braxton-Hicks Contractions These practice contractions occur at various times during pregnancy, but can increase in intensity during the last month. They happen at random times and are typically not painful, they are helping to begin the softening and effacement of the cervix. 

Cephalopelvic Disproportion Meaning the head is too large to pass through the pelvis. Also called CPD. 

Cervix The lower, narrow end or neck of the uterus. It is the opening into the birth canal. When we talk about being dilated, we are referring to the dilation or opening of the cervix to allow the baby to pass through. 

Cesarean Section Delivery of the infant through an incision made in the birthing parent’s abdomen and uterus. 

Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) The procedure tests for genetic fetal defect by analyzing a piece of chorion, which is the outer tissue of the sac surrounding the embryo. CVS can be done earlier than amniocentesis, typically between 9 and 11 weeks of pregnancy. 

Cisgender Person whose gender identity matches social expectations for the sex they were assigned at birth.

Colostrum The first breast milk is a thin yellow fluid that begins to be secreted by the breasts after about the nineteenth week of pregnancy. It is full of antibodies needed especially by a premature baby, and is similarly rich in protein, minerals, vitamin A and nitrogen. 

Contractions Are shortenings of tensing of a muscle. The uterus experiences a series of these to open the cervix and the push out the fetus. 

Cord Prolapse Occurs when the umbilical cord slips down into the vaginal canal before the fetus does. Fetal oxygen supply is threatened. The birther’s buttocks must be kept higher than their head (i.e. knee-chest position) to prevent further cord compression. This problem requires a cesarean delivery. 

Crowning This is the amazing moment when the baby’s head (or crown) visibly causes the perineum to bulge; birth is imminent. 

Dilation or Dilatation Is the opening up of the cervix to allow the baby’s head to pass though it and into the birth canal; the diameter of the opening is measured in centimeters from 0–10. 

Doula A trained professional who offers physical and emotional support during pregnancy, labor and/or postpartum. They are not part of the medical team. 

Doppler A device with which the baby’s heartbeat is heard. It works much like ultrasounds to “hear” the baby in the womb. 

Effacement Is the gradual flattening of thinning of the sides of the cervix that occurs during early labor, along with or just before dilation. It is measured in percentages from 0-100. Zero means the cervix is thick and 100% means it is paper thin. 

Engaged When the baby’s presenting part (usually the head) has settled into the pelvic cavity, usually in the last month of pregnancy. You are likely to notice that the baby’s position has visibly changed and may also feel increased pressure on your bladder. 

Engorgement Uncomfortable over-fullness of the breasts. 

Episiotomy An incision made during childbirth to the perineum, the muscle between the vagina and rectum, to widen the vaginal opening for delivery. This is not a routine procedure. 

Fetus The term used for the developing baby from the eighth week in utero until it is completely outside the birthing parent’s body. 

First Stage of Labor Begins at the onset of strong contractions and is completed when the cervix is completely dilated. The three phases of first-stage labor are – early (up to 5 cm), active (5cm to 8cm) transition (8cm to 10cm) 

Fontanel One of two soft spots between the un-fused sections of the baby’s skull. These spots may allow the baby’s head to compress slightly during passage through the birth canal. 

Forceps An instrument resembling a large pair of spoons that is sometimes used to help the baby be born. This can only be done by a physician in the hospital. 

Fundal Height Also called MacDonald’s Rule, it is the measurement of the uterus to determine fetal growth and development. The measurement is taken from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus.

Gender Socially constructed identity roles that guide behavior, interests, physical presentation and more.

Genetic Disorder A disease caused by an alteration of a gene or group of genes in a person’s cells. 

Gestational Diabetes A type of diabetes that only occurs in pregnant people that usually subsides after pregnancy. 

Glucose Tolerance Test A simple and safe test that requires only that you drink a sugar cola and have a blood sample checked one hour later. 

Group B Strep (GBS) Is a type of bacteria that can normally be found in the birth canal of up to one-third of all pregnant people. Only 1-2% of all babies who are exposed to GBS during pregnancy become infected. 

Hemorrhage Excessive bleeding. Placenta previa and abrupto placenta cause prenatal hemorrhage. Postpartum hemorrhage may be caused by abnormal relaxation of the uterine muscles, retained placenta or laceration in the birth canal. 

Hypertension Means high blood pressure. People with high blood pressure are at risk during the pregnancy and in labor. Testing and treatment may follow abnormal blood pressures. 

Induction Induction of labor means that the uterus is artificially stimulated to contract, thus speeding up the first stage of labor. This is done by breast pumping, taking Castor Oil, getting a cervical sweep, getting a Cook's Catheter for cervical dilation, or rupturing the bag of waters at the Midwife Center. Or by administering the synthetic hormone Pitocin in the hospital. 

Involution The returning of the uterus to its pre-pregnant size and shape. This process begins with contractions immediately after birth and may take four to eight weeks. 

Kegel Exercises An exercise contracting the pelvic floor muscles that improves pelvic floor muscle tone and helps prevent urinary incontinence. 

Kick Count Refers to tracking spontaneous fetal movements experienced by the pregnant person. 

Labor Encompasses the entire process of pushing the fetus from the uterus into the outside world. It means, of course, work. 

Lightening The sensation the birther may feel as the baby moves down into the pelvis during late pregnancy or labor. 

Lochia Vaginal discharge or bleeding from the placental site on the uterine wall after birth. The lochia begins as dark red and gradually over the next two weeks or so reduces in amount and lightens in color. 

Mastitis An infection of the breast causing soreness, fever, and flu-like symptoms. 

Meconium The first stool expelled by the newborn. It is composed of the baby’s intestinal contents plus some amniotic fluid, and it is greenish-black. Premature expulsion of meconium in the amniotic fluid by the fetus is called meconium staining and may be a signal of distress. 

Midwife The title given to people who are trained in assist childbirth. The word derives from the Old English, meaning “with woman.” 

Mucous Plug Is not actually a plug. It refers to the thick, mucus discharge many birthing people have when full-term. 

Multipara A person giving birth for the second or subsequent time; often abbreviated as “multip.” 

Multiple Marker Screen A blood test that uses the AFP and two other markers to identify babies that may be at increased risk for a genetic disorder like Down syndrome. 

Neonatology The branch of medicine dealing with care of the newborn or neonate. 

Nonbinary A person who experiences a gender that does not fit into the male/female binary.

Non-Stress Test Used to evaluate fetal heart rate patterns using electronic fetal monitoring, especially during fetal movements. 

Occiput Means the back of the head. 

Oligohydramnios The medical term for a condition that involves having too little amniotic fluid. 

Oxytocin The hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates contractions and the milk effect reflex (let-down). Pitocin is the synthetic form of Oxytocin. 

Pap Smear A screening test for cancer of the cervix in which a small amount of cells are collected on a slide for microscopic examination. 

Pelvic Floor A group of muscles that form a sling that supports the pelvic organs and through which the urethra, vagina, and rectum pass. 

Perineum The floor of the pelvis, also called the pelvic diaphragm. The external part of the perineum is the area between the anus and the vaginal opening. It is the perineum that is cut in an episiotomy. 

Pitocin The trademark name for synthetic oxytocin. 

Placenta The organ that communicates between birther and fetus via the umbilical cord. It is through the placenta that the fetus receives nourishment and oxygen and discards wastes. Soon after birth the placenta is expelled. This is called the third-stage of labor. 

Placental Abruption Separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus before birth of the baby. Can be associated with fetal distress, intense abdominal pain, possibly hemorrhage and requires a cesarean section. 

Post Dates When pregnancy lasts beyond 42 weeks. 

Postpartum The period of time after the birth. 

Preeclampsia Pregnancy-induced hypertension, a dangerous condition that may occur during pregnancy. Symptoms may include elevated maternal blood pressure, visual disturbances, abdominal pain, and protein in the urine. 

Premature Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation. 

Presentation Means the lie of the fetus, and the part of the fetus that will present itself first. In vertex presentation, the most common position (95% of labors), the baby is head down. Breech presentations, where the buttocks or the feet present first, are much less common. Face and brow presentations are rare. 

Primigravida Is a person who is pregnant for the first time. 

Prolapse The falling of an organ or part, as in cord prolapses or prolapse of the uterus. 

Proteinuria The presence of protein in the urine is one of the symptoms of preeclampsia. 

Respiratory Distress Syndrome Abbreviated RDS, is a syndrome in which newborns have trouble breathing, usually afflicts premature babies since the lungs are the last organ to mature. It is also called hyaline membrane disease. 

Rh Factor Stands for Rhesus factor, a substance discovered through experimentation with rhesus monkeys. This substance is present in the blood of most people; people having it are called-positive (Rh+), those lacking it are called Rh-negative (Rh-). When a positive baby is inside a negative birthing parent, some of the baby’s blood can get into the birthing parent. The birther's body may respond to this by making antibodies in the birthing parent's blood that can hurt their baby and future babies. 

Rhogam is a product that prevents the birthing parent from making these antibodies. For this reason Rhogam is recommended for all Rh-negative pregnant people at 28 weeks of pregnancy and postpartum if the baby’s blood type is Rh+. 

Rupture of Membranes When the bag of waters breaks. This can happen spontaneously or be performed artificially. 

Sex Anatomic, physiologic, and genetic characteristics of a human being. 

Shoulder Dystocia When the baby’s shoulder gets caught on the birthing parent’s pubic bone during delivery. 

Spontaneous Abortion Also called a miscarriage. Refers to expulsion of the fetus due to natural causes, in contrast to induced abortion, which is induced deliberately. In most cases, the cause of spontaneous abortion is not known. 

Stages of Labor The labor process is divided into three stages. The first stage consists of contractions and ends when the cervix is completely dilated. The baby is delivered during the second stage. The third stage is when the placenta, or afterbirth, is delivered. 

Station A method of gauging the extent of engagement of the baby’s presenting part in the pelvis. With a baby in vertex presentation, at minus one station the head is not deeply engaged in the cervical opening. At zero station, the head is level with the ischial spines (bones in the pelvis). At plus one station the baby’s head has begun to descend into the birth canal. 

Term Refers to the average natural duration of pregnancy, 280 days. 

Transgender Person whose gender identity is different from the social expectation for the sex they were assigned at birth.

Transition The final, most demanding, and shortest phase of labor. During transition, the cervix opens from about 8 centimeters to full 10 centimeters. Contractions are intense and the baby’s head moves into the birth canal. Thus, the transition is from the work of dilation to the work of pushing out the baby. 

Transverse Lie Means that the back or shoulder of the fetus is across the opening of the birth canal. A fetus lying transverse must turn or be turned in order to be born vaginally. Cesarean section is otherwise the method of delivery. About one percent of babies remain transverse. This presentation is more common in multiparas and in premature labors. 

Trimester This means a three-month period. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. Each is 13+ weeks and each has its own characteristic and risks. 

Ultrasound A technique that uses sound waves to take a picture of the fetus in the womb. It can be used to calculate the due date, check for more than one baby, baby’s position, size, growth and the health of the placenta. 

Umbilical Cord The lifeline of the fetus is attached to the abdomen of the fetus and to the placenta. It is through this cord that the fetus passes wastes to the birthing parent and receives nutrients and oxygen from them. 

Uterus Is the hollow muscular organ in which the fetus develops, also known as the womb. 

Vacuum Extraction A technique used to aid in the birth of the baby. A suction cup is placed on the baby’s head, and a doctor applies traction to the baby’s head as the birther pushes. 

Vagina Is the birth canal. It extends from the vulva to the cervix. 

VBAC Acronym that stands for vaginal birth after cesarean. When a person who has had a previous cesarean delivers the baby through the birth canal, it is called a VBAC. 

Vernix Is the waxy or cheesy substance that covers and protects the skin of the fetus while it is in the uterus. 

Version (also called External Version) The turning around of the fetus while in the uterus in order to place it in a more favorable position for delivery. To accomplish external version, a trained doctor coaxes the fetus into a better position by manipulation of the birthing parent’s abdomen while using ultrasound. 

Vertex Refers to the head of the fetus. The most common type of delivery is the vertex position, in which the top of the fetal head emerges first. 

Vulva All of the external genitalia to those assigned female at birth: the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the opening of the vagina.