CD

Amniotic fluid

The liquid that surrounds and protects the baby in the uterus, helping cushion it and maintain temperature.

Ectopic pregnancy

A pregnancy in which the fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube.

Embryo

The developing human from implantation until about 8 weeks of pregnancy.

Fetus

The developing human from about 9 weeks until birth.

Lanugo

Fine, soft hair that covers a fetus's body to help keep it warm.

Prenatal

Relating to the time period before birth.

Quickening

The first time a pregnant person feels the fetus move, usually between 16-20 weeks.

Stillborn

A baby born dead after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Vernix

A white, waxy coating on a newborn's skin that protects it before birth.

Zygote

A fertilized egg formed when sperm and egg join.

Toxemia (Preeclampsia)

A pregnancy condition marked by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine.

Defective implantation

When a fertilized egg implants improperly in the uterus, which may cause complications.

Placental abruption

When the placenta separates from the uterus before birth, causing bleeding and danger to mother and baby.

Placenta previa

A condition where the placenta covers part or all of the cervix, blocking the baby's exit.

Chloasma / Melasma

Dark patches of skin that may appear during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus where a fertilized egg implants.

Oligohydramnios

A condition in which there is too little amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

Lightning

When the baby drops lower into the pelvis shortly before labor begins.

Natural childbirth

Childbirth with minimal or no medical pain relief.

Leboyer method

A gentle birth method using dim lights and quiet to reduce stress on the baby.

Crouching method

A birthing position where the mother squats or crouches to use gravity during delivery.

Birth in water

Childbirth that occurs in a warm water tub to promote relaxation and pain relief.

Cesarean section (C-section)

Surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus.

Colostrum

The first thick, yellowish breast milk rich in nutrients and antibodies.

Fine motor skills

Small muscle movements such as grasping, writing, or buttoning.

Gross motor skills

Large muscle movements such as crawling, walking, and jumping.

Proximal-distal

A pattern of development that progresses from the center of the body outward.

Stranger anxiety

Fear or discomfort infants feel around unfamiliar people, usually starting around 6-8 months.

Socialization

The process of learning social behaviors, values, and skills needed to function in society.

Positive reinforcement

Giving a reward or praise after a desired behavior to encourage it to happen again.

Logical consequence

A consequence directly related to behavior that helps teach responsibility.