Reproductive Systems & Pregnancy Vocabulary

obstetricians

doctors who specialize in pregnancy and childbirth

certified nurse-midwives

nurses who specialize in pregnancy and birth

low birthweight

babies weigh less than 5.8 pounds.

stillbirth

delivery of a deceased baby

gestational diabetes

type of diabetes that occurs only during pregnancy

caesarean section

surgical removal of the baby

sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

Sexually transmitted diseases

1. bacterial STIs

caused by bacteria and can be cured with antibiotics if detected and treated early.

1. viral STIs

caused by viruses and cannot be cured

1. fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

prenatal exposure to alcohol

1. sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

unexpected death for unknown reasons during the first year of life

1. germinal period

extends from conception until about two weeks later when implantation in the uterus occurs

1. zygote

The fertilized egg is now considered to be a

1. blastocyst

By the time five days have passed, the zygote is up to 64 to 128 cells and is now called a ____. Within two weeks’ span, the ____ will attach itself to the lining wall of the pregnant person’s uterus.

1. embryonic period

The next stage of the first trimester is called the

1. embryo

From the second to the ninth week of pregnancy, astounding development occurs. At this stage, the developing baby is called an

1. fetal period

The final stage of the first trimester begins the ____, which lasts until birth at the end of the third trimester.

1. fetus

During this stage, the developing baby is called a ____. All parts of the ___ body mature and overall size increases quickly.

1. Braxton-Hicks contractions

By now, the fetus should be in position and the pregnant person begins to feel slight health changes. Mild cramps begin, which are _____. The pregnant person may be slightly nauseous and may feel that something is about to change.

1. natural childbirth

breathing and relaxation exercises are used to help the pregnant person deal with pain. Often, a partner or coach is chosen to help the pregnant person focus.

1. Lamaze method

One of the most well-known natural childbirth methods is called the ____. In this method, the partner helps the pregnant person keep track of and time the contractions while providing emotional support.

1. doula

someone who is trained to provide emotional support during the birth process

1. episiotomy

surgical cut that allows the baby to pass through more easily

1. induced labor

occurs when doctors use medication to initiate the birth process. Doctors may also break the amniotic sac, giving the pregnant person’s body a signal that labor is about to begin

1. breech birth

occurs when a fetus does not “turn.”

oxygen deprivation

means that the baby’s flow of oxygen is somehow interrupted

Endometrium

the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the uterus

Uterus

the muscular, pear-shaped organ in a female mammal where a fetus develops and grows before birth

Fallopian Tubes

two thin, flexible tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus in the female reproductive system

Ovaries

One of a pair of female glands in which the eggs form and the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are made

Vagina

muscular tube leading from the external genitals to the cervix of the uterus in women

Cervix

the lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects it to the vagina