breech presentation the delivering baby presenting itself feet first or buttocks first.
caul the fetal membranes that sometimes cover the head during delivery.
cephalic disproportion the condition of a woman's pelvis being too small for the baby's head to pass through.
cephalic presentation a head-first presentation.
cerclage the temporary closing of the cervix through suturing to prevent premature delivery.
cervical os the opening between the uterus and the vagina.
cervix the neck of the uterus.
cesarean section the surgical removal of a baby through the abdominal wall of the mother.
chloasma brown patches or pigmentation that appear on the skin and face of some pregnant woman, known as the "mask of pregnancy."
chorion the outermost or second of two membranes containing the fetus.
chorionic villus sampling removal and evaluation of a small portion of the placenta to determine the presence of genetic abnormalities in the fetus.
chromosomes the rod-shaped bodies in a cell on which the genes are located.
circumcision surgical removal of the foreskin of a male infant's penis.
colostrum the yellowish or whitish fluid secreted from a mother's breast during the last weeks of pregnancy and prior to the production of breast milk.
congenital existing before or at birth, usually used to describe medical conditions.
contraction the uterine muscular action that dilates the cervix during labor.
cordocentesis the taking of a blood sample from the umbilical cord to test for genetic blood disorders.
couvade the sympathetic symptoms of pregnancy developed by the father.
crib death see sudden infant death syndrome.
crowning during childbirth, the point when the full diameter of the baby's head appears from the vaginal opening.
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) the protein containing genetic information.
differentiation the splitting and specializing of cells to become individual body parts.
dihydrotestosterone the hormone responsible for the development of fetal genitalia.
dilation and evacuation an abortion performed by suction.
doula a Greek word for a "woman who serves." Any woman trained to provide childbirthing advice as well as physical and emotional support to a mother- to-be before, during, and after birth.
dystocia a problematic or difficult labor.
ectoderm the outermost layer of embryoblast cells that become the skin, hair, nails, and nervous system.
ectopic pregnancy the development of the fertilized egg outside the uterus, in the fallopian tubes.
edema fluid build-up in the body tissues during pregnancy, causing swelling.
embryoblast the innermost cells of a blastocyst, from which the embryo develops.
embryo transfer the transferring of a donor embryo into another woman's uterus for development.
endoderm the innermost layer of embryoblast cells that develop into the gastrointestinal tract, the liver, and the lungs.
endometritis inflammation of the lining of the uterus.
endometrium the uterine lining to which the fertilized ovum is attached.
endoscopy the employment of a lighted instrument to examine an inner body cavity.
epididymis the passage through which sperm travel from the testicles to the vas deferens.
epidural a local anesthesia administered to block pain from the lower part of the body during labor.
episiotomy during labor, an incision made from the vagina down toward the anus to create more room for the passage of the baby's head.
external cephalic version manipulation of the uterus to position the fetus head down.
fallopian tubes the tubes extending laterally from either side of the uterus, through which the egg passes each month.
fetal alcohol syndrome various mental and physical defects found in a newborn infant due to a mother's consumption of alcohol.
fetal monitor an instrument that measures fetal heart rate and uterine contractions during labor.
fetoscopy the introduction of a fetoscope (an optical device) through the mother's abdominal wall to visually examine a fetus, take skin and blood samples, or perform surgery.
fontanel one of the two soft spots in a baby's skull to allow molding through the birth canal and to allow for new brain growth in the first 18 months of life.
fraternal twins twins developed from two fertilized ova.
funic souffle sound of fetal blood rushing through umbilical vessels.
gene the part of a chromosome controlling hereditary traits.
gynecology the branch of medicine that deals with a woman's reproductive organs.
HELP syndrome hemolysis-elevated liver enzymes— low platelet count. A complication in pregnancy causing malaise, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
human chorionic gonadotrophin the placental hormone whose presence signals that a woman is pregnant.
hysteroscopy an examination of the uterus through an endoscope.
iatrogenic prematurity delivery of an infant earlier than expected due to an inaccurate estimate of gesta- tional age given by a physician.
identical twins see monozygotic twins.
implantation the attaching of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall, occurring one to nine days after fertilization.
incompetent cervix the inability of the cervix to remain closed during pregnancy, resulting in premature birth.
instillation abortion an abortion induced by an injection of saline or prostaglandin into the amniotic sac.
inversion of the uterus when the uterus is turned inside-out during birth, occurring when the umbilical cord is pulled before the placenta is detached.
in vitro fertilization a method of conception employed in women with damaged fallopian tubes, characterized by the gathering and mixing of ova and sperm, and the implantation of any fertilized eggs in the uterus.
Kegel exercises exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the vagina.
labor the regular and powerful contraction of the uterus during childbirth.
lactation the production and secretion of breast milk.
lactogenic hormone the pituitary hormone, pro- lactin, that stimulates lactation and the growth of breasts.
Lamaze method childbirth method developed by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, consisting of exercises and breathing techniques to help women pass through each stage of labor with a minimum of trauma.
lanugo the fine coat of downy hair covering the fetus from 20 weeks until birth.
latent phase the first phase of the first stage of labor, characterized by moderate contractions occurring at 5- to 15-minute intervals and lasting 30 to 60 seconds each.
Leboyer delivery a natural childbirth method in which the child is delivered in a peaceful atmosphere and with the smallest amount of pain and mental trauma possible.
Leopold's maneuvers the examination of a woman's abdomen to determine the position of the fetus.