Whenever possible the below terms and definitions come from Wicipedia.org, an on-line dictionary and encyclopedia source available to the public.  These terms are posted only for informational purposes and are by no means a substitute for proper prenatal care or as a tool for self diagnosis.  Always check with your care provider if you have any questions or concerns about a diagnosis or term you have received and are unclear of. 

 

Alpha-fetoprotein - (AFP) is a molecule produced in the developing embryo and fetus. In humans, AFP levels decrease gradually after birth, reaching adult levels by 8 to 12 months. Normal adult AFP levels are low, but detectable; however, AFP has no known function in normal adults. In normal fetuses, AFP binds the hormone estradiol. AFP is measured in pregnant women, using maternal blood or amniotic fluid, as a screening test for a subset developmental abnormalities, principally open neural tube defects. It is also measured in pregnant women, other adults, and children, to detect a subset tumors, principally endodermal sinus tumors.

 

Anemia - refers to a deficiency of red blood cells (RBCs) and/or hemoglobin. This results in a reduced ability of blood to transfer oxygen to the tissues, causing tissue hypoxia. Since all human cells depend on oxygen for survival, varying degrees of anemia can have a wide range of clinical consequences. Hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells) has to be present to ensure adequate oxygenation of all body tissues and organs. The three main classes of anemia include excessive blood loss (acutely such as a hemorrhage or chronically through low-volume loss), excessive blood cell destruction (hemolysis) or deficient red blood cell production (ineffective hematopoiesis). In menstruating women, dietary iron deficiency is a common cause of deficient red blood cell production.

Anemia is the most common disorder of the blood. There are several kinds of anemia, produced by a variety of underlying causes. Anemia can be classified in a variety of ways, based on the morphology of RBCs, underlying etiologic mechanisms, and discernible clinical spectra, to mention a few.

 

Amniotic Fluid - Amniotic fluid is the watery liquid surrounding and cushioning a growing fetus within the amnion. It allows the fetus to move freely without the walls of the uterus being too tight against its body. Buoyancy is also provided.

The amnion grows and begins to fill, mainly with water, around two weeks after fertilization. After a further 10 weeks the liquid contains proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and phospholipids, urea and electrolytes, all which aid in the growth of the fetus. Most of the amniotic fluid comes from the fetus's urine. By the second trimester the fetus can breathe in the fluid, allowing normal growth and the development of lungs and the gastrointestinal tract. Recent research by researchers led by Anthony Atala of Wame Forest University and a team from Harvard University has found that amniotic fluid is also a plentiful source of non-embryonic Stem cells. These cells have demonstrated the ability to differentiate into a number of different cell-types, including brain, liver and bone.The fore-waters are released when the amnion ruptures, commonly known as when a woman's "waters break" or "spontaneous rupture of membranes" (SROM). The majority of the hind-waters remain inside the womb until the baby is born.

 

Amniocentesis -  or an amniotic fluid test (AFT), is a medical procedure used for prenatal diagnosis, in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is extracted from the amnion around a developing fetus. It is usually offered when there may be an increased risk for genetic defects in the pregnancy.  Amniocentesis can be done as soon as there is enough amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus that a sample can be removed safely. Early amniocentesis can be performed as early as 13 weeks gestation. Standard amniocentesis is usually performed between 15 and 20 weeks gestation. Results take about two weeks. Often, genetic coulseling is done before amniocentesis, or other types of genetic testing are offered.

 

AROM - artificial rupture of membranes

 

Beta Strep or Group B - GBS is a member of the normal flora of the gut and female urogenital tract, so many women are carriers of this bacterium without knowing it. GBS colonization can be chronic or intermittent.  GBS bacteria can be passed from a pregnant women to her baby during labor, if she is a carrier of the bacteria.  Approximately 10% to 30% of pregnant women are colonized with GBS in the vagina or rectum. Since the bacteria can come and go, testing for GBS is needed every pregnancy. Toward the end of a pregnancy, the vagina and rectum are cultured with a swab at a prenatal appointment. Women with GBS are given an antibiotics during labor. Evidence based research studies show that using this test can reduce infant infections.

 

Bloody show - is the passage of a small amount of blood or blood-tinged mucus through the vagina near the end of pregnancy. It can occur just before labor or in early labor as the cervix changes shape, freeing mucus and blood that occupied the cervical glands or cervical os. Bloody show is a relatively common feature of pregnancy, and it does not signify increased risk to the mother or baby. A larger amount of bleeding, however, may signify a more dangerous, abnormal complication of pregnancy, such as placental abruption or ploacental previa. Large amounts of bleeding during or after childbirth itself may come from uterine atony or laceration of the cervix, vagina, or perineum. There are 3 signs of the onset of labour: 1) A bloody show 2) Rupture of membranes (Waters breaking) 3) Onset of painful tightenings or contractions. However, these may occur at any time and in any order. Some women do not experience a show or their waters breaking until well into advanced labour.

 

Braxton Hicks contractions - also known as false labor or practice contractions. Braxton Hicks are sporadic uterine contractions that actually start at about 6 weeks, although one will not feel them that early. Most women start feeling them during the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It is a tightening of the uterine muscles for one to two minutes and is thought to be an aid to the body in its preparation for birth. Not all expectant mothers have these contractions. They are thought to be part of the process of effacement, the thinning and dilation of the cerix.

 

Breech Presentation - refers to the position of the baby in the uterus such that it will be delivered buttocks first as opposed to the normal head first position. 

There are four main categories of breech births:

1. Frank breech - the baby's bottom comes first, and his or her legs are flexed at the hip and extended at the knees (with feet near the ears). 65-70% of breech babies are in the frank breech position.
2. Complete breech - the baby's hips and knees are flexed so that the baby is sitting crosslegged, with feet beside the bottom.
3. Footling breech - one or both feet come first, with the bottom at a higher position. This is rare at term but relatively common with premature fetuses.
4. Kneeling breech - the baby is in a kneeling position, with one or both legs extended at the hips and flexed at the knees. This is extremely rare.

 

Childbirth Exercises - activities designed specifically to tone and strengthen muscles stressed during pregnancy, labor, and birth.

 

Cholestasis or Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), also termed Obstetric Cholestasis in the UK, gives rise to troublesome itching during pregnancy but may lead to possibly serious complications for the mother and very serious outcomes for the fetus.  Itching has long been considered to be a common symptom of pregnancy. The vast majority of times, itching, or pruitus is a minor annoyance caused by changes to the skin, especially that of the abdomen. However, there are instances when itching is a symptom of ICP.  ICP occurs most commonly in the third trimester, but can begin at any time during the pregnancy.  Whilst most pregnant women experience some itch from time to time, itching on the palms and soles without a visible rash, or persisting severe or extenive itch symptoms should be reported to the midwife or obstetrican.

 

Chronic villi sampling or (CVS) - a test performed between 8th - 10th week of pregnancy, involves suctioning a small sample of the chronic villi, the tissue surrounding the fetus, for laboratory analysis.  Results are generally aailable within a week. 

 

Diastasis recti -  Separation of the abdominal muscles.

 

Dilation -  When this occurs, it is an indication that the cervix is beginning to dilate, although not all women will notice this mucus plug being released.is the dilation (opening) of the cervix during childbirth. In the early stages of pregnancy, the cervix may already have opened up to 1-3 cm (or more in rarer circumstances), but during labor, repeated uterine contractions lead to further widening of the cervix to about 6 centimeters. From that point, pressure from the presenting part (head in vertex births or bottom in breech births), along with uterine contractions, will dilate the cervix to 10 centimeters, which is "complete." Cervical dilation is accompanied by effacement, which is the thinning of the cervix.

General guidelines for cervical dilation:

1. Early Labor: 0-3 centimeters
2. Active Labor: 4-7 centimeters
3. Transition: 8-10 centimeters
4. Complete: 10 centimeters. Expulsion of the fetus takes place shortly after this stage is reached (although the mother does not always push right away.)

During pregnancy, the os (opening) of the cervix is blocked by a thick plug of mucus to prevent bacteria from entering the uterus. During dilation, this plug is loosened. It may come out as one piece, or as thick mucous discharge from the vagina.

 

Effacement - is the shortening, or thinning, of the cervix before or during early labor. Prior to effacement, the cervix is like a long bottleneck, usually about four centimeters in length. Throughout pregnancy, the cervix is tightly closed and protected by a plug of mucus. When the cervix effaces, the mucus plug is loosened and passes out of the vagina. The mucus may be tinged with blood and the passage of the mucus plug is called bloody show (or simply "show").  As effacement takes place, the cervix then shortens, or effaces, pulling up into the uterus and becoming part of the lower uterine wall. Effacement may be measured in percentages, from zero percent (not effaced at all) to 100 percent, which indicates a paper-thin cervix.

 

Fundal Height - or MacDonald's rule, is a measure of the size of the uterus used to assess fetal growth and development. It is measured from the top of the pubic bone to the top of the uterus in centimeters. It should match the fetus' gestational age, within 1 to 3 cm. A measure of 22 centimeters should be seen on a 19 to 25 weeks pregnant woman.

 

Gastroschisis -  is a type of abdominal wall defect in which the intestines and sometimes other organs develop outside the fetal abdomen through an opening in the abdominal wall. This defect is the result of obstruction of the omphalomesenteric vessels during development. It is often detected through AFP screening or a detailed fetal ultrasound.  Genetic counseling and further genetic testing, such as amniocentesis, may be offered during the pregnancy as some abdominal wall defects are associated with genetic disorders. If there are no additional genetic problems or birth defects, surgery soon after birth can often repair the opening.  Omphalocele is a similar birth defect, but it involves the umbilical cord, and organs are enclosed in a membranous sac instead of directly in the amniotic fluid.

 

Gestational Diabetes - is a form of diabetess that affects pregnant women who have never had diabetes before. There is no known specific cause, but it's believed that the hormones produced during pregnancy reduce a woman's receptivity insulin resulting in high blood sugar.

 

Hyperemesis - Severe nausea and vomiting of pregnancy, usually to the point of dehydration. It requires medical treatment.

 

Incompetent Cervix - A Cervix that is weak or has been damaged causing it to open prematurely.

 

 

Kegel Exercises - named after Dr. Arnold Kegal, is an exercise designed to strengthen the pubococcygeus muscles. The exercises consist of the regular clenching and unclenching of the muscles which form part of the pelvic floor (sometimes called the "Kegel muscles").  You can practice them when you are uninating, and you will know you are doing them right when you start and stop the flow of urine.  Those are the muscles you are focusing on.  Your partner will be able to tell you if you are doing these exercises correctly during intercourse as you tighten and relax them.   

 

Lightening - sensation a woman may feel as the fetus desends into the pelvic inlet and changes the shape of the uterus near term.

 

Linea Negra - A dark line from your belly button to your pubic bone, caused by hormones. This will disappear after the birth.

 

LMP - Last menstral period.  Used by your care provider to determine your EDD (expected due date).

 

Meconium -  is the first stool of an infant, composed of materials ingested during the time the infant spends in the uterus: intestinal epithelial cells, lanugo, mucus, amniotic fluid, bile, and water. Meconium is sterile, unlike later feces, is viscous and sticky like tar, and has no odor. Meconium is normally stored in the infant's intestines until after birth, but sometimes it is expelled into the amniotic fluid prior to birth or during labor and delivery.

 

Membrane - or amniotic sac is a tough but thin transparent pair of membranes, which hold a developing embryo (and later fetus) until shortly before birth. The inner membrane, the amnion, contains the amniotic fluid and the fetus. The outer membrane, the chorion, contains the amnion and is part of the placenta. It is also called the amniotic bubble because of its resemblance to a bubble. When in the light, the amniotic sac is shiny and very smooth, but too tough to pierce through.

 

Morning sickness - can occur at any time of the day, though it occurs most often upon waking, because blood sugar levels are typically the most depressed after a night without food.  Morning sickness usually starts in the first month of the pregnancy, peaking in the fifth to seventh weeks, and continuing until the 14th to 16th week. For half of the sufferers, it ends by the 16th week of pregnancy. It may take the others up to another month to get relief. Some women suffer intermittent episodes throughout their pregnancy.

 

Mucus plug - Throughout pregnancy, the cervix is tightly closed and protected by a plug of mucus. When the cervix effaces, the mucus plug is loosened and passes out of the vagina. The mucus may be tinged with blood and the passage of the mucus plug is called bloody show (or simply "show").

 

Nesting - is a term used to describe the sudden burst of energy that many pregnant women get at the end of their pregnancy in which they often nest -- cleaning house, running errands and making final preparations before the birth of their baby.

 

Pica - is an appetite for non-nutritive substances (e.g., coal, soil, chalk, paper etc.) or an abnormal appetite for some things that may be considered foods, such as food ingredients (e.g., flour, raw potato, starch). In order for these actions to be considered pica, they must persist for more than one month, at an age where eating such objects is considered developmentally inappropriate. The condition's name comes from the Latin word for the magpie, a bird which is reputed to eat almost anything. Pica is seen in all ages, particularly in pregnant women and small children, especially among children who are developmentally disabled, where it is the most common eating disorder.

 

Placentae Abruptio - is the separation of the placental lining from the uterus of a female. It is the most common cause of late pregnancy bleeding. In humans, it refers to the abnormal separation after 20 weeks of gestation and prior to birth. It occurs in 1% of pregnancies world wide with a fetal mortality rate of 20-40% depending on the degree of separation. Placental abruption is also a significant contributor to maternal mortality.

 

Placenta previa - is an obstetric complication that can occur in the second or third trimester of pregnancy. It can some times occur in the latter part of the first trimester. It is a leading cause of antepartum hemmorage (vaginal bleeding) and is characterized by the implantation of the placenta over or near the top of the cervix. It affects approximately 0.5% of all labors. 

 

Polyhydramnios - (polyhydramnion, hydramnios) is the medical condition of too much amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac. It is seen in 0.5 to 2% of pregnancies. Oligohydramnios is too little amniotic fluid.  There are many causes for both conditions and you should consult with your physician if you have questions or concerns about a diagnosis of either one. 

 

Preeclampsia - nonconclusive form of pregnancy-induced hypertension characterized by the onset of acute high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and edema or pitting in the legs and ankles after the twenty fourth week of pregnancy.  Eclampsica is when it includes seizures and coma. 

 

Pregnancy-induced hypertension - group of potentially life-threatening hypertensive disorders (also called toxemia of pregnancy) that usually develops late in the second trimester or the in the third trimester, includes preeclampsia and eclamsia.

 

Preterm Labor - is defined as labor prior to 37 weeks of gestational age.

 

PROM - premature rupture of membranes; see preterm birth.

 

Quad Screen Test - is a maternal blood screening test that looks for four specific substances: AFP, hCG, Estriol, and Inhibin-A. 
AFP: alpha-fetoprotein is a protein that is produced by the fetus

hCG: human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced within the placenta

Estriol: estriol is an estrogen produced by both the fetus and the placenta

Inhibin-A:inhibin-A is a protein produced by the placenta and ovaries

The quad screen is a maternal blood screening test that is similar to the Triple Screen Test (also know as AFP Plus and the Multiple Marker Screening). However, the quad screen looks for not only the three specific substances evaluated in those tests (AFP, hCG, and Estriol) but also a fourth substance known as Inhibin-A.  The screen is essentially the same as the screening tests that look for only three substances, except the likelihood of identifying pregnancies at risk for Down Syndrome is higher through the evaluation of Inhibin-A levels. The false positive rate of the test is also lower.

 

 

Quickening - a mothers first awareness of fetal movement, typically felt between the 16th and 20th week of pregnancy.

 

Rh Factor/Incompatibility - Individuals either have, or do not have, the Rhesus factor (or Rh D antigen) on the surface of their red blood cells. This is usually indicated by 'RhD positive' (does have the RhD antigen) or 'RhD negative' (does not have the antigen) suffix to the ABO blood type. In simplest terms, there may be prenatal danger to the fetus when a pregnant woman is RhD-negative and the biological father is RhD-positive.

 

Rhogam - Rh_o(D) Immune Globulin is a drug introduced under the tradename RhoGAM and MICRhoGAM which is used to prevent maternal sensitization to Rh D antigens on the surface of blood cells in a fetus (i.e. to prevent immunological condition known as hemolytic disease of newborn). It is a solution of IgG anti-D (anti-Rh) which binds and destroys fetal Rh D positive red blood cells that have passed through the placenta from the fetus to the maternal circulation. This prevents maternal B-cell activation and memory cell formation. With the widespread use Rho(D) Immune Globulin Rh disease of the fetus and newborn has almost disappeared.

 

Round Ligament -  These ligaments run on either side of the uterus and stretch as the pregnancy progresses. Sudden movements can cause them to be painful and feel like a snapping rubber band.

 

SROM - spontaneous rupture of membranes

 

Ultrasound - is an ultrasound-based diagnostic medical imaging technique used to visualize muscles, tendons, and many internal organs, their size, structure and any pathological lesions. They are also used to visualize a foetus during routine and emergency prenatal care. Ultrasound scans are performed by medical health care professionals called sonographers. Obstetric sonography is commonly used during pregnancy.

 

Varicosity - commonly known as varicose veins.  Many pregnant women experience some type of varicose vein during pregnancy due to the increase in blood supply and weight gained during pregnancy.  Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time increases blood to pool in blood vessels causing them to bulge and locally swell; often in the legs, rectum (aka hemorrhoids) and in the vulva.   

 

Vena cava - Major vein in your body, that after 16 weeks the weight of the uterus can restrict blood flow if you lay on your back.