Pregnancy Glossary
Every medical term you'll hear during pregnancy — explained in plain English.
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Prenatal & Fetal Development
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🔤 All Terms A–Z
Amniotic Fluid
Protective fluid surrounding the baby in the womb
Amniotic Sac
The fluid-filled sac that surrounds and protects the baby
Amniocentesis
Prenatal test sampling amniotic fluid to detect chromosomal abnormalities
Apgar Score
Quick assessment of a newborn's health at 1 and 5 minutes after birth
Cervical Effacement
Thinning and shortening of the cervix before and during labor
Cervical Dilation
Opening of the cervix measured in centimeters during labor
Cervix
The lower, narrow end of the uterus that opens into the vagina
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
Early prenatal test sampling placental tissue for chromosomal analysis
Chromosomes
Thread-like structures carrying genetic information
Colostrum
The first milk produced after birth, rich in antibodies
Contractions
Tightening of the uterine muscles that help push the baby out
Crowning
When the baby's head becomes visible at the vaginal opening during delivery
Eclampsia
A severe complication of preeclampsia involving seizures
Effacement
Thinning of the cervix in preparation for labor
Embryo
The developing baby from fertilization through week 8
Epidural
Regional anesthesia injected into the epidural space to relieve labor pain
Episiotomy
A surgical cut made to enlarge the vaginal opening during delivery
Fetal Heart Rate
The baby's heartbeat monitored during pregnancy and labor
Fetal Movement
Baby's kicks, rolls, and movements felt by the mother
Fetus
The developing baby from week 9 until birth
Fontanelle
Soft spot on a baby's head where skull bones have not yet fused
Forceps
Surgical instrument used to assist in delivering the baby during labor
Gestational Age
The age of the pregnancy measured in weeks from the last menstrual period
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy due to insulin resistance
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
Screening test for gestational diabetes done around 24–28 weeks
Group B Streptococcus (GBS)
A common bacteria screened for late in pregnancy that can affect newborns
Macrosomia
A baby significantly larger than average (over 8 lbs 13 oz at birth)
Meconium
A baby's first stool, which can sometimes appear in amniotic fluid before birth
Midwife
A trained healthcare professional specializing in pregnancy and childbirth care
Miscarriage
Loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks
Morning Sickness
Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, most common in the first trimester
Mucus Plug
A thick plug of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy
Perineum
The area of tissue between the vagina and anus that may stretch or tear during birth
Pitocin
Synthetic oxytocin used to induce or strengthen labor contractions
Placenta
The organ connecting mother and baby, providing nutrients and oxygen
Placenta Previa
A condition where the placenta covers the cervical opening
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
A mood disorder affecting mothers after childbirth, more severe than "baby blues"
Preeclampsia
A pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure and organ damage
Prenatal Vitamins
Supplements containing folic acid, iron, DHA, and other nutrients critical for pregnancy
Preterm Labor
Labor beginning before 37 weeks of pregnancy