Glossary of Commonly Used Childbirth Terms
Afterpains: uterine cramps caused by contractions of the uterus after birth to prevent excessive bleeding
Amniotic fluid: the clear, colorless fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus
Amniotic sac: also called “bag of waters” or “membranes,” containing the amniotic fluid and the baby in the uterus
Apgar score: a scale used to assess the newborn’s adaptation to extra uterine life, given by observation at 1 and 5 minutes of life
Birth Canal: vagina
Bloody show: blood-tinged drainage from the cervix during labor
Breech: presenting part of the baby is the feet or buttocks
Cervix: the mouth of the uterus through which the baby passes to enter the birth canal after effacement and dilation
Cesarean birth: birth of a baby through surgical incision into the abdomen
Colostrum: yellowish substance produced by the breast for baby’s first nourishment before the milk comes in
Contraction: Intermittent tightening of the uterine muscle, causing effacement and dilation of the cervix and birth of the baby
Dilatation: also called dilation, opening of the cervix to 10 centimeters
Effacement: the thinning of the cervix during labor
Engagement: the presenting part of the baby settles into the pelvis
Episiotomy: a small incision made in the perineum to enlarge the vaginal opening when speed of delivery is a concern
Fontanels: soft spots on the baby’s head where the bones have not fused together
Forceps: Spoon-like instruments occasionally used to assist delivery
Fundus: top portion of the uterus
Induction: artificially starting labor by one of several means
Labor: process by which uterus contracts and birth of baby occurs
Lochia: vaginal discharge after delivery
Meconium: dark material in the baby’s bowels, eliminated in the first few bowel movements
Molding: baby’s head shape adjusts to fit through the pelvis and birth canal
Mucus plug: the mucus plug inside the cervix, expelled before or during labor
Pelvic floor: layers of muscles supporting the bladder uterus and rectum
Perineum: area between the vagina and the rectum
Pitocin: synthetic hormone that stimulates the uterus to contract
Placenta: disk shaped organ attached to the inside uterine wall responsible for nourishing baby and excreting waste products through the umbilical cord
Postpartum: Recovery period after childbirth (1st 6 weeks)
Presentation: part of the baby’s body born first, usually the head
Ripening: softening of the cervix in preparation for labor
Station: measurement of the baby’s head to pelvis
Umbilical cord: cord connecting baby’s umbilicus to placenta
Uterus: muscular organ holding baby, placenta, and membranes
Vacuum extractor: suction-cup device applied to fetal head to assist delivery
Vernix: thick, white substance covering baby’s skin to protect it while surrounded by amniotic fluid
