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 (a tool used to break the sac).
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.

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 – The baby’s head enters the pelvis.
Descent – The baby moves downward through the birth canal.
Flexion – The baby’s head tucks to fit through the pelvis.
Internal Rotation – The baby rotates to align with the pelvis.
Extension – The baby’s head extends as it emerges.
External Rotation (Restitution) – The baby’s head rotates to align with the shoulders.
Expulsion – 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.

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).

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.