labor and birth

Dilation

The opening of the cervix during labor, measured in centimeters from 0 (closed) to 10 cm (fully dilated).

Effacement

The thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for birth, measured in percentages (0-100%).

Lightening

The process when the baby moves lower into the pelvis before labor, reducing pressure on the diaphragm.

Nesting

A surge of energy and the urge to prepare for the baby’s arrival, common before labor.

Bloody Show

The passage of blood-tinged mucus from the cervix as it begins to dilate and efface.

Mucus Plug

A thick collection of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy and is expelled before labor.

Braxton Hicks Contractions

Irregular, non-labor contractions that help prepare the uterus for birth.

Rupture of Membranes (ROM)

The breaking of the amniotic sac, either spontaneously or artificially.

Artificial Rupture of Membranes (AROM)

The intentional breaking of the amniotic sac by a healthcare provider, often using an Amnihook.

Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes (SROM)

When the amniotic sac breaks naturally before or during labor.

Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)

The rupture of membranes before 37 weeks of pregnancy, increasing the risk of preterm labor.

False Labor

Irregular contractions that do not lead to cervical dilation or birth.

Prodromal Labor

A phase of early labor with contractions that may last for days before active labor begins.

Relaxin

A hormone that loosens the pelvic ligaments to facilitate childbirth.

Estrogen

A hormone that increases near labor, helping to stimulate uterine contractions.

Pelvic Inlet

The upper opening of the pelvis where the baby begins its descent.

Mid-Pelvis

The middle part of the birth canal, where the baby rotates during labor.

Pelvic Outlet

The lower opening of the pelvis where the baby exits.

Gynecoid Pelvis

The most common and ideal pelvic shape for vaginal birth.

Anthropoid Pelvis

A narrow pelvis that may make labor longer but still allows vaginal birth.

Android Pelvis

A heart-shaped pelvis that may make vaginal delivery more difficult.

Platypelloid Pelvis

A flat pelvis that can make vaginal birth more challenging.

Molding

The temporary shaping of the baby’s head to fit through the birth canal.

Fetal Attitude

The posture of the fetus, typically with the head tucked and limbs flexed.

Fetal Lie

The orientation of the baby in the uterus (longitudinal, transverse, or oblique).

Fetal Presentation

The part of the fetus that enters the birth canal first (e.g., head-first, breech).

Breech Presentation

When the baby’s buttocks or feet enter the birth canal first.

Frank Breech

The baby’s buttocks are down, with legs extended toward the head.

Footling Breech

One or both feet enter the birth canal first.

Fetal Position

The direction the baby is facing in relation to the mother’s pelvis (e.g., occiput anterior, occiput posterior).

Fetal Station

The measurement of how far the baby has descended into the pelvis (-5 to +5, with 0 being engaged at the ischial spines).

Floating

When the baby’s head is not yet engaged in the pelvis.

Fetal Engagement

When the baby’s head settles into the pelvis at station 0 or lower.

Sutures

The flexible joints in a newborn’s skull that allow for molding.

Fontanelles

The soft spots on a baby’s head where the skull bones have not yet fused.

Anterior Fontanelle

The larger soft spot, closes by 12-18 months.

Posterior Fontanelle

The smaller soft spot, closes by 2-3 months.

Caput Succedaneum

Swelling of the soft tissue on a newborn’s scalp due to pressure during birth.

Cephalohematoma

A collection of blood under the scalp caused by birth trauma.

Turtle Sign

A sign of shoulder dystocia where the baby’s head retracts into the birth canal after crowning.

Cardinal Movements of Labor

The natural movements the baby makes to navigate the birth canal.

Engagement (Cardinal Movement)

The baby’s head enters the pelvis.

Descent (Cardinal Movement)

The baby moves downward through the birth canal.

Flexion (Cardinal Movement)

The baby’s head tucks to fit through the pelvis.

Internal Rotation (Cardinal Movement)

The baby rotates to align with the pelvis.

Extension (Cardinal Movement)

The baby’s head extends as it emerges.

External Rotation (Restitution) (Cardinal Movement)

The baby’s head rotates to align with the shoulders.

Expulsion (Cardinal Movement)

The baby’s body is delivered.

Placenta

The organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby during pregnancy.

Uterus

The muscular organ where the baby develops.

Primigravida

A woman who is pregnant for the first time.

Multipara/Multigravida

A woman who has been pregnant multiple times.

Gravida

The number of times a woman has been pregnant.

Para

The number of times a woman has given birth past 20 weeks.

Uterine Contraction

The tightening and releasing of the uterus during labor.

Frequency

How often contractions occur.

Duration

How long each contraction lasts.

Intensity

The strength of the contractions.

Birth Plan

A document outlining a woman’s preferences for labor and delivery.

Doula

A trained professional who provides emotional and physical support during childbirth.

Latent Phase

Early labor with mild contractions and slow cervical dilation (0-6 cm).

Active Phase

Stronger contractions and rapid cervical dilation (6-10 cm).

Spontaneous Pushing

The mother pushes as she feels the urge.

Directed Pushing

The healthcare provider instructs when to push.

Third Stage: Placental

The delivery of the placenta.

Fourth Stage: Restorative

The recovery period after birth.

Lochia

The vaginal discharge after childbirth.

Sterile Vaginal Examination (SVE)

A manual exam to check cervical dilation.

Leopold Maneuvers

A method to assess the baby’s position by palpating the abdomen.

Meconium

A newborn’s first stool, which is thick and sticky.

Fundal Massage

A technique to prevent excessive bleeding by stimulating the uterus.

Uterine Atony

The failure of the uterus to contract after delivery, leading to postpartum hemorrhage.

Retained Placenta

When the placenta does not deliver fully, requiring intervention.

APGARs

A newborn assessment at 1 and 5 minutes after birth (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration).

Boggy Uterus

A soft, non-contracting uterus that can cause postpartum bleeding.

Firm Uterus

A well-contracted uterus, indicating reduced bleeding risk.