Newborn and birth

Risks for mothers over 35

Increased risk of fertility problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, miscarriage, placenta previa, C-section, premature birth, stillbirth, and genetic disorders/birth defects.

Positive outcomes of delayed motherhood

Older parents tend to be more confident, less stressed, more stable, and their children perform better on math/reading tests and are less prone to injuries or emotional troubles.

Teenage pregnancy risks

Greater risk of anemia, high blood pressure, premature birth, and low birth weight; risks are highest for mothers under 15, partly due to lower rates of prenatal care.

Gestational Diabetes

A condition (in ~7% of pregnant women) where the body has too much glucose in the bloodstream during pregnancy; usually resolves after birth but raises future diabetes risk.

Gestational Hypertension

High blood pressure that occurs only during pregnancy and resolves after birth.

Rh Disease

Occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive baby; her immune system produces antibodies that can cross the placenta and destroy the fetus's red blood cells.

Healthy pregnancy weight gain

Most women need only about 300 extra calories/day; recommended total gain is generally 25-35 lbs for a healthy pre-pregnancy weight.

Stress during pregnancy (effects)

High stress levels can cause premature birth or low birth weight; also correlated with problems in infant brain development, immune functioning, and childhood attention/fear issues.

Postpartum/Peripartum Depression risk factors

Previous depression, family history of depression, being younger than 20, stress, and substance use; changing hormone levels also thought to contribute.

Paternal age risks (over 40)

Increased risk of miscarriage, autism, birth defects, achondroplasia, and schizophrenia in offspring.

Ultrasound

A test using sound waves to examine the fetus; checks for defects, fetal age, placenta location, fetal position, movement, heart rate, amniotic fluid, and number of fetuses.

Amniocentesis

A procedure using a needle to withdraw amniotic fluid and cells from around the fetus for testing; carries a risk of miscarriage.

Chorionic Villus Sampling

A procedure taking a small sample of cells from the placenta for testing; carries a risk of miscarriage.

In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)

A fertility treatment where eggs are removed from the female, fertilized outside the body, and the fertilized egg is reinserted into the uterus.

Ectopic Pregnancy

A major complication where the zygote attaches to the fallopian tube (or elsewhere) before reaching the uterus.

Preeclampsia (Toxemia)

A pregnancy complication marked by a sharp rise in blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling in the hands/feet/face.

Eclampsia

When preeclampsia causes seizures; the second leading cause of maternal death in the United States.

Spontaneous Abortion (Miscarriage)

Occurs in an estimated 20-40% of undiagnosed pregnancies, usually due to chromosomal abnormalities, typically before week 12.

Lamaze Method

A childbirth preparation method emphasizing maternal control through muscle relaxation, breathing techniques, a focal point, and support.

First Stage of Labor

The longest stage; uterine contractions increase in duration/frequency as the cervix dilates to 10 centimeters.

Braxton-Hicks Contractions

'False labor' contractions that may come and go, especially with a first child.

Second Stage of Labor

Involves the passage of the baby through the birth canal; the head is usually delivered first.

Episiotomy

An incision made in the tissue between the vaginal opening and anus during delivery to avoid tearing.

Third Stage of Labor

The relatively painless stage in which the placenta is delivered, typically within 20 minutes after the baby is born.

Epidural Block

A regional anesthesia used during labor that alleviates most lower-body pain without slowing labor.

Cesarean Section (C-section)

Surgery to deliver a baby through the mother's abdomen; performed for about 1 in 3 US births.

Reasons for induced birth

Mother is ~2 weeks past due date, water broken without contractions, uterine infection, or maternal health risk.

Apgar Assessment

A quick newborn assessment done at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, scoring heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex response, and color.

Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS)

A tool assessing a newborn's motor development, muscle tone, and stress response.

Anoxia

A temporary lack of oxygen to the brain during delivery, which can cause brain damage.

Low Birth Weight

A newborn weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces; linked to higher infection risk.

Preterm Baby

A newborn born at less than 37 weeks gestation.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

A significant consequence of preterm birth, characterized by weak and irregular breathing.

Small-for-Date Infants

Infants whose birth weight is below expectation for their gestational age.

Baby Blues

Feelings of sadness occurring 3-5 days after birth, typically resolving within about 10 days.

Postpartum (Peripartum) Depression

A diagnosis of depression occurring during pregnancy or within 4 weeks following birth.