Alpha-fetoprotein—high levels of this protein may be associated with a neural tube birth defect called spina bifida; low levels may be associated with Down syndrome.

Amniocentesis—a test to determine possible genetic disorders. Amniotic fluid is drawn from a pregnant woman's uterus by inserting a hollow needle through her abdominal wall.

Analgesia—pain relieving medication.

Anesthesia—regional or general pain relief given by a anesthetist.

Apgar Score—an assessment preformed on the baby (at one and five minutes of age). Assesses five categories of health: respiration, pulse, activity, response to stimulation, and appearance.

Bag of waters—refers to the amniotic sac filled with fluid in which the fetus grows.

Bilirubin is a byproduct of the normal breakdown of old red blood cells. It causes a harmless type of jaundice (yellowing of the skin) in about 50 percent of newborns because their young livers can't metabolize the red blood cells quickly enough. However, because a small fraction of infants (about 1-3 in 10,000) is at significant risk for developing very high bilirubin levels, all infants need to be monitored.

Bloody show—describes the normal vaginal discharge (often mucous blood tinged) that appears as labor approaches. Sometimes refers to the mucus plug that dislodges when the cervix begins to efface and dilate.

Bradley Method—also called husband-coached childbirth. A technique of childbirth founded by a couple who have had children, Marjie and Jay Hathaway. Named for Dr. Robert A. Bradley this method of preparing for childbirth is based on an idea that the best way for women to birth is to avoid medication by "tuning-in" to their body through the use of relaxation and natural breathing to control the pain of labor.  

Braxton-Hicks—sometimes called false labor. Intermittent uterine contractions occurring with unpredictability throughout pregnancy, usually painless, and occurring more frequently at the end of pregnancy.

Carpel tunnel syndrome—Burning or numbness in the hands caused by the compression of the nerves in the wrist. Usually associated with the swelling and weight gain that accompany pregnancy, which often goes away after delivery.

Catheter—a soft flexible tube that can be inserted into the place where urine comes out (urethra); the urine drains automatically from the bladder. A catheter may be needed if you cannot empty your bladder during labor—the inability to feel bladder pressure is common with an epidural. The catheter comes out before the second stage of labor, before pushing.

Cephelopelvic disproportion—When a baby's head is too large to pass through the mother's pelvis. This condition accounts for about 5 percent of cesarean deliveries.

Cerclage—a stitch closing an incompetent cervix (weak cervix) to support a pregnancy to term.

Circumcision—The surgical removal of the sheath of skin (called a foreskin) that covers the head of the penis.

Crowning—the stage of birth when the baby's head is visible at the vagina.

Diabetes—a disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin (the hormone that converts sugars into energy), resulting in too much sugar in the bloodstream. Can usually be controlled with proper treatment, diet, and exercise.

Dilation—the opening of the cervix during labor.

Due date—the estimated date when the baby is due. Based on the first day of the last menstrual period.

Dystocia—When labor does not progress. Uterine dystocia is when contractions don’t intensify; shoulder dystocia is when a baby's shoulders get stuck after the head has already been delivered.

Eclampsia—A serious condition characterized by a seizure or convulsion in late pregnancy, during labor, or after delivery. Caused by pre-eclampsia, a multi-organ disease affecting the blood system, liver, kidneys, and brain.

Effacement—The thinning of the cervix in preparation for delivery. Effacement is measured in percent of thickness.

Engagement—also called lightening or when the baby drops into the pelvis. In first-time mothers, this usually happens four weeks before delivery; babies of women who've already had children it may not occur until labor begins.

Electronic fetal monitor—tracing of the fetal heart rate and a the mothers-to-be uterine contractions.

Embryo—describes a baby from conception to 12 weeks gestation—before the cartilage becomes bone.

Epidural—a regional anesthesia used for labor and cesarean sections. Because of its non-sedation and good pain relieving action epidural have gain in popularity. More information in class 4.

Episiotomy—an incision in the perineum, which enlarges the vaginal opening.

Family leave act—passed in 1993, the U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act mandates up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave for employees of companies with more than 50 employees. Under this act, people can also take leave to care for a sick child, parent, or spouse.

Family practitioner—a doctor that has completed a three year residency in family medicine. This may include treating the whole family from infants to the elderly in general medicine.

Fetal heart rate—normally 120-160 beats per minute, but may vary during labor and birth.

Fetal position—the position of the baby in relationship to the mother pelvis; looking out (occipital posterior), looking back (occipital anterior), looking to the side (occipital transverse).

Fetal presentation—refers to the fetal part which lies in the mothers pelvis. Vertex (head down, 96 percent of babies), breech (feet or buttocks), shoulder, face, and brow.

Fetus—the developing baby inside the womb after the 12^th week of gestation.

Fundus—the upper, round portion of the uterus.

Gestational Diabetes—a form of diabetes occurring in 3 - 5 percent of pregnancies and ends after the birth of the baby.

Gravida—number of pregnancies, including miscarriages and abortions.

Hemorrhoid—a dilated blood vessel inside or outside the anus beneath the surface of the skin, and may be quite painful. Ask your doctor about medication that can relieve the discomfort.

Hepatitis B—a virus caused by sharing blood and body fluids that affects the liver. It can be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, and can cause cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis, and liver cancer.

Hepatitis B vaccine—a vaccine that prevents hepatitis B. A series of three shots given over three to six months.

Identical twins—form when a single fertilized egg splits early in development (1—14 days) and becomes two fetuses, both will have the same DNA (genetic makeup).

Incontinence—Inability to control your bladder. A common, temporary symptom in pregnancy and postpartum that may be helped by PC power toning exercises.

Iron—a mineral that works with protein to make hemoglobin, essential for the blood health.

Jaundice—condition in newborns caused by excess bilirubin (yellow pigment) that lasts several days.

Labor—the process of childbirth, in which the rhythmic contractions of the uterine muscles open the cervix and allow a baby to be born.

Lactation—describes the non-virgin breast of pregnant and nursing women.

Lamaze—a technique of childbirth founded by a physical therapist, Elizabeth Bing, named for Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze. This method for preparing for childbirth (also called the psychoprophylactic method) is based on an idea that the best way to control pain is through knowledge and relaxation. The method emphasizes breathing techniques.

Layette—the complete wardrobe of clothing and equipment needed for a newborn infant.

Lightening—when the fetus descends into the pelvic cavity. In first-time mothers, usually occurs two to four weeks before delivery; women who have already given birth usually don't lighten until they begin labor.

Lochia—the mucus bloody vaginal discharge after the birth that last for up to six weeks.

Magnesium sulfate—a medication commonly used to prevent or stop seizures in pre-eclampsia and eclampsia. Also successful in some forms of pre-term contractions because of the central nervous system suppression.

Membrane—also know as the bag of waters, this thin sac contains the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The membranes will either rupture spontaneously during labor or be ruptured during labor.

Milia—tiny pimple-like formations on a baby’s face, usually around the nose or chin, and also sometimes on a baby's torso, arms, and legs. Caused by clogged pores, milia will disappear on their own, usually within a few weeks.

Meconium—a green, tarry, mucous-like substance in the bowel of the fetus that is usually expelled after birth. It has no odor.

Natural childbirth—a general term for labor and birth free of medical intervention.

Neonate—the period of time from birth to 4 weeks of age.

Newborn screening test—a blood test screening for several metabolic disorders.

Obstetrician/Gynecologist—a doctor that has completed a four year residency in obstetrics and gynecology. This practice of medicine specializes treating pregnant and non-pregnant women.

Pediatrician—a doctor that completed a three year residency who specializing in treating infants and children up to adolescence.

Perinatologist—a doctor that completed a four year residency in obstetrics and gynecology and attended an additional two year fellowship specializing in the high-risk and complicated pregnancies.

Perineum—the skin and muscle tissue between the vagina and rectum.

PIH—Pregnancy induced high-blood pressure. A disease that occurs in 15 percent of pregnant women late in pregnancy, symptoms are; excessive weight gain, swelling of the face, hands, and feet (not relieved by rest), blurred vision, and epigastric pain (not relieved by antacids; butter milk, Tums, Maalox, etc.). Characterized by; high blood pressure, protein in the urine and abnormal lab values. Careful supervision by your doctor or midwife is crucial to your well-being. Your mother or grandmother might know this disease as toxemia. Learn more . . .

PIT—Pre-Induction treatment. See Prepadil/Cervidil.

Pitocin/oxytocin—a medication used to contract the uterus after delivery. Also used for inducing labor.

Pre-eclampsia—also known as PIH or toxemia, preeclampsia is a disease characterized by high blood pressure, swelling of the face and hands, and protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy. A serious condition if left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to complications or death in the mother or baby

Primigravida—a woman who is pregnant for the first time

Prepadil/Cervidil/Prostin gel/Cytotec—used as a pre-induction treatment to soften and efface the cervix. Causes mild cramping and may even bring about labor.

Preterm labor—contractions that begins after 20 weeks, when the fetus is considered viable, and before the 37th week, when the baby is considered full-term. Prompt medical treatment may postpone labor, improving the baby's chances for survival.

Prolactin—The hormone that activates a mother's milk-producing glands. Delivery of the placenta signals a woman's body to begin producing prolactin.

Pudendal block—is given just prior to birth and numbs the vagina and perineum. It may also cause some numbness down the legs. More information in class 4.

Quickening—The first time a mother feels her baby move.

Rh negative. About 15 percent of the population does not have the Rh factor in their blood. It is significant during pregnancy if the mother is Rh negative and her baby is Rh positive.

Seizure—also know as a convulsions. During pregnancy usually caused by high blood pressure know as eclampsia. Learn more . . .

Sitz bath—a shallow, tepid bath often recommended to soothe the discomfort and pain of conditions such as hemorrhoids or episiotomy stitches.

Spina bifida—a birth defect resulting when the spinal cord doesn’t develop normally in the early days of gestation. Folic acid reduces the likelihood of spina bifida, and women are advised to take supplements before and during pregnancy.

Spinal—a regional anesthesia reserved mostly for cesarean section because of its dense pain blocking agent and short acting effect; about 1½ hours. In the past it was also called a saddle block. More information in class 4.

Stretch marks—thought to be due to the rapid stretching of the skin. Stretch marks are usually an inherent trait that probably can't be prevented. Though many stretch marks may fade slowly after pregnancy.

Surfactant—a substance produced by the mature fetus’ lungs which prevents collapse of the air sacs in the lungs.

Terbutaline—also called Brethine. A medications developed for asthma that has been used as a tocolytic to suppress uterine contractions (quiet the uterus) in preterm labor.

Tubal ligation—a procedure used for successful permanent sterilization in woman. For men this procedure is called a Vasectomy.

Ultrasound/sonogram—a procedure that uses sound waves to create a moving image of internal organs, used to diagnosis infertility as well as other problems. During pregnancy, ultrasound is routinely used to monitor the health and development of the fetus.

Umbilical cord—a cord of tissue connecting the fetus to the placenta that carries oxygen and nutrients to the fetus and transports waste products away. At birth, an umbilical cord, which contains two arteries and one large vein, can be as long as 4 feet.

Uterus—the hollow, pear-shaped organ in which a baby grows. During pregnancy, the fist-sized uterus goes from weighing about 2 ounces to weighing about 2.5 pounds and holding a baby.

Vacuum extraction—used instead of forceps to help deliver a baby during the second stage of labor when the mother is pushing.