The Bump Glossary

Posted Monday, March 26, 2007 4:08 PM

Welcome to The Bump's glossary of terms. We need your help in making this the most complete resource on the web. Want to expand on a definition? Can't find the term you're looking for? Let us know! Leave a comment with the changes you'd like to see, and we'll do our best to update the glossary accordingly.

Afterbirth: The placenta; expelled after the birth of baby.

Amniocentesis: A procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus and tested for genetic defects and other information, usually between the 15th and 18th weeks of pregnancy.

Amniotic fluid: Protective liquid in the sac surrounding the fetus.

Anemia: A measured deficiency of hemoglobin, often accompanied by a reduced number of red blood cells causing weakness and shortness of breath.

Anovulatory cycle: A menstrual cycle where the ovaries fail to produce, mature or release eggs characterized by varying degrees of menstrual intervals and the absence of ovulation.  

Apgar score: A method for evaluating baby’s physical condition, taken at one minute after birth and again at five. Scores, based on respiration, pulse, activity, reflex, and appearance, range from a low of zero to a high of ten.

Areola: The darker area of skin surrounding the nipple; typically deepens in hue during pregnancy.

Artificial insemination: The procedure of placing sperm in a woman’s reproductive tract by artificial rather than natural means. Also known as intrauterine insemination (IUI).

Assisted reproductive technology (ART): Medical procedures or treatments performed to help a woman achieve pregnancy. Includes in vitro fertilization, egg or embryo donation, and surrogate birth.

Baby blues: Mild sadness felt by many mothers for a few weeks after giving birth, usually due to hormones.

Bag of waters: The amniotic sac that bursts or is punctured during the birthing process and releases amniotic fluid.

Basal body temperature: The body’s core temperature; lowest immediately upon waking. Used to predict and monitor ovulation.

Birth canal: The passage baby goes through during birth. Consists of the cervix, vagina, and vulva.

Blastocyst: An advanced embryo, consisting of 150 cells that will form the fetus. 

Bloody show: Blood-tinged mucus discharged from the vagina as the cervix dilates.

Braxton Hicks contractions: False labor pains starting around month eighth. These “practice” contractions prepare the uterus for labor.

Breakthrough bleeding: Bleeding that usually occurs during anovulatory cycles, due to changes in estrogen levels.  

Breech position: When the fetus’ buttocks or feet, instead of the head, are positioned to be delivered first.

Carpal tunnel syndrome: Pain, numbing, or tingling sensations in the hand caused by compression of a nerve in the wrist.  Often occurs during pregnancy, and usually goes away after delivery.

Certified nurse midwife (CNM): Someone specially trained in the childbirth process, with a degree in nursing and at least one year of direct training in midwifery.

Cervical mucus: Vaginal discharge produced by the cervix; changes in consistency as ovulation nears.

Cervix: The lower, narrow segment of the uterus protruding into the vagina; dilates to allow the passage of the fetus during labor.

Cesarean section (C-section): Delivery of baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): Prenatal test usually taken between the 10th and 12th weeks in which cells from the placenta are tested for genetic abnormalities.

Circumcision: Surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis.

Colic: Frequent crying in an infant, usually from the weeks two to twelve. The exact cause of this condition, experienced by 10 to 30 percent of all infants, is unknown.

Colostrum: The first milk produced by the breasts; comes during the last weeks of pregnancy and first days after birth. Rich in antibodies and essential nutrients.

Conception: Fertilization of an egg by sperm. The fertilized egg (zygote) then attaches to the uterus, resulting in pregnancy.

Corpus luteum: A cyst that develops in the ovary after ovulation. The corpus luteum makes progesterone through the second half of the menstrual cycle and into early pregnancy.  

Cradle cap: A skin condition that can appear within the first month after birth. Shows up as a yellowish crust or patches of discoloration on the head, and usually disappears within the first couple years.

Croup: A harsh, barking cough that usually occurs from three months to five years and lasts about a week. Can also result in fever and difficulty breathing.

Crowning: Visibility of baby’s head at the vaginal opening during childbirth.

Dehydration: A condition in which more fluid is lost than is taken in; most often caused by vomiting or diarrhea.

Depression: A mental state characterized by feelings of despair, pessimism, despondency, lack of activity, and fatigue. Can require clinical intervention.

Diarrhea: Frequent loose, watery, and uncontrolled bowel movements. Can be caused by a virus or bacterial infection, and often results in dehydration.

Dilation: Stretching and widening of the cervix during labor; allows baby to pass through.

Doula: A professional trained to help the mother during labor and childbirth.

Down syndrome: A condition caused by a chromosomal abnormality; results in mild to severe mental retardation.

DTaP vaccine: Series of shots, starting at two months, that prevents diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (whooping cough).

Dysmenorrhea: Painful menstruation.

Dyspareunia: Painful intercourse for either the man or the woman. 

Eclampsia: Pregnancy-induced seizures linked to high blood pressure. Can occur late in pregnancy, during labor, or early in the postpartum period.

Ectopic pregnancy: When the fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes, and has to be surgically removed.

Edema: Swelling caused by retention of fluid in the body’s tissues.

Effacement: Thinning of the cervix during labor. 

Egg donation: Donation of an egg from one woman to another in hopes of becoming pregnant by in vitro fertilization (IVF). 

Egg retrieval: A procedure used to remove eggs from the ovaries' follicles for use in in vitro fertilization.

Electroejaculation: Electrical stimulation to induce ejaculation in a man who may be paralyzed below the waist. The ejaculate is collected for use in intrauterine insemination (IUI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF).  

Electronic fetal monitor: Device that monitors baby’s heartbeat and the mother’s contractions, used during childbirth.

Embryo: The developing fertilized egg during the first eight weeks after conception.

Embryo transfer: Placement of an embryo into the uterus of a woman after it has been created in a laboratory.

Endometriosis: Growth of endometrial tissue outside of its normal location in the uterus. Symptoms may include painful menstruation, painful bowel movements and/or painful intercourse.

Endometrium: The lining of the uterus.

Estrogen: A female reproductive hormone. 

External cephalic version: Procedure in which an OB massages a fetus out of breech position and into the vertex (head-down) position.

Fallopian tubes: Two tubes, attached to either side of the uterus, that deliver eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Law passed in 1993 that provides employees with 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave.

Fecundability: The ability to become pregnant.

Fertilization: The successful union of the sperm and egg. 

Fetal monitoring: The recording of a fetus’ heartbeat and the mother’s contractions during labor.

Fetus: The baby growing in the uterus after eight weeks of development.

Fibroids: Benign growths on the muscle wall in the uterus, which can sometimes cause miscarriages.

Fine motor skills: Use of the small muscles to make precise movements. Used by babies to pick up or press on small objects.

Folic acid: A B vitamin, found in leafy greens, liver, and beans, and vitamins, which is vital during pregnancy. Helps prevent neural-tube defects in a fetus.

Follicles: Sacs in the ovaries; contain the eggs released during ovulation.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): The pituitary hormone that stimulates follicle growth in women and sperm formation in men.  

Fontanelle: Soft spots on a baby’s skull that allow it to fit through the birth canal and continue to grow after birth. Disappear by around age two, when skull bones fuse together.

Forceps delivery: Use of a special instrument placed around baby’s head to help guide it out during delivery.

Foreskin: Layer of skin covering the head of the penis; removed during circumcision.

Formula: A milk or soy product used instead of breast milk; contains similar nutrient content.

Fraternal twins: Genetically dissimilar twins developed from two separate fertilized eggs.

Full-term: A baby born between weeks 37 and 42 of pregnancy.

Fundal height: Measurement from the top of a woman’s uterus to the pubic bone. Used to record the age of the fetus.

Fundus: The top of the uterus.

Gamete: A reproductive cell which is the sperm in men and the egg in women.  

Genetic counseling: Evaluation, diagnosis, and guidance about the prospect of giving birth to a baby with a genetic disorder. 

Genetic disorder: A disease or condition such as Down syndrome or Klinefelter’s syndrome caused by an abnormality in the genes.

Gestational age: The age of the fetus, measured from the first day of the last menstrual cycle.

Gestational diabetes mellitus: Type of temporary diabetes; occurs during pregnancy and typically subsides after delivery.

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH): The hormone produced and released by the hypothalamus that controls the pituitary gland's production and release of gonadotropins.  

Hemorrhoid: Swelling and inflammation of the veins located near the anus. Frequently occurs during pregnancy and after delivery.

Hernia: Protrusion of tissue through the surrounding muscle. In newborns, umbilical and inguinal (groin) hernias are most common.

Hib vaccine: Protects against Haemophilus Influenzae, a group of bacteria that can cause conditions including pneumonia and bacterial meningitis.

Hormone: A substance, usually a peptide of steroid, produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to effect physiological activity, such as growth or metabolism.

Host uterus procedure: When a woman carries a pregnancy to term for another person or couple through in vitro fertilization (IVF). Also referred to as a surrogate gestational mother.  

Human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG): The hormone released naturally early in pregnancy.

Human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG): The luteinizing (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormones (FSH) from the urine of post-menopausal women. 

Hyperstimulation: A reaction to the fertility medications caused by excessive stimulation of the ovaries. It causes the ovaries to enlarge and create an overabundance of eggs.  

Hysterosalpingogram (HSG): An X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes using a radio-opaque dye. 

Identical twins: Genetically identical twins developed from the same fertilized egg.

Induction: Medical stimulation of labor.

Implantation: The embedding of a fertilized egg in the uterine lining.

In vitro fertilization: Laboratory procedure involving the removal of an egg from a woman’s ovary, fertilizing with a man’s sperm in a laboratory, and implanting in the woman’s uterus.

Incompetent cervix: A weak cervix that widens during pregnancy under the pressure of the fetus. Can cause a miscarriage.

Incontinence: Involuntary loss of control over urine and bowel movements during pregnancy as the fetus weighs heavy on the bladder.

Infertility: Inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy or to carry a pregnancy to term after one year of unprotected intercourse.

Injectables: The injection of a drug or medicine.  

Intracervical insemination (ICI): Artificial insemination of sperm into the cervical canal.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI): Procedure injecting a single sperm into a single egg.  

Kegels: Exercises of the pelvic muscle; used to prepare for delivery and strengthen bladder and bowel control.

Klinefelter's Syndrome: A genetic abnormality that may cause infertility. It is characterized by having two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome.  

Lactation: Process of producing breast milk.

Lactation specialists: Specially trained consultants providing assistance to breastfeeding mothers. 

Lamaze: Breathing and relaxation techniques preparing the mother for childbirth.

Lanugo: Fine, downy hair covering a fetus. Sometimes present at birth; falls off soon after.

Layette: Wardrobe and equipment, such as bibs and receiving blankets, needed by a new baby.

Leg cramps: Painful contractions of calf muscles; typically occur during the second and third trimesters.

Luteinizing hormone (LH): The hormone that is released by the pituitary gland prior to ovulation.

Luteinizing hormone surge (LH Surge): The hormone released just before ovulation. It enables the mature egg to be released from the follicle.  

Mastitis: Infection in the breast milk ducts caused by bacteria. Can be treated with antibiotics.

Menopause: The period marked by the natural and permanent cessation of menstruation, occurring usually between the ages of 45 and 55.  

Maternity/paternity leave: Up to 12 weeks of parental leave from work, either paid or unpaid, to care for a new child. 

Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine: Shot given to babies between 12 and 15 months old to protect against measles, mumps, and rubella.

Meconium: Tarry greenish-black substance that builds up in the bowels of a growing fetus and is passed shortly after birth.

Menorrhagia: Abnormally heavy or extended menstrual flow. 

Menstruation: The periodic discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the uterus, occurring approximately monthly from puberty to menopause in non-pregnant women.  

Milia: Small pimples that can appear on baby’s face and body at birth. Usually disappear natrually after a few weeks.

Motility: The swimming ability of the sperm. 

Neonatologist: Doctor specially trained in the care and treatment of newborns.

Newborn jaundice: Yellowish skin tone, common in newborns due to buildup of bilirubin, a molecule in red blood cells and bile. Usually lasts seven to ten days. 

Niacin: Essential B vitamin that aids in functioning of skin, nerves, and digestive system.

Oligomenorrhea: A condition characterized by infrequent menstrual periods.  

Otitis media: Middle-ear bacterial or viral infection caused by fluid buildup.  Can result in hearing loss.

Ovaries: The two female reproductive glands that produce eggs and hormones. Located on each side of the uterus.

Ovulation: Release of an egg from an ovary; occurs during each reproductive cycle.

Pap smear: Recommended yearly test in which cells from the cervix and vagina are examined for abnormalities.

Pelvic floor muscles: Group of muscles that support the bladder, rectum, uterus and vagina.

Perinatal: Relating to or happening around the time of birth.

Periodic abstinence: Avoiding sexual intercourse during the time of the month when conception is most likely to occur.  

Phenylketonuria (PKU): Genetic disorder in which the body lacks a specific enzyme vital to normal body processes. Can result in brain damage if left untreated.

Pitocin: Drug that stimulates the uterus and induces labor.

Pituitary gland: Gland near the brain that controls growth and other body changes, including ovulation.

Placenta: Organ that provides nourishment, eliminates waste and filters blood between the fetus and mother.

Placenta accreta: Occurs when the placenta attaches too deep in the uterine wall but it does not penetrate the uterine muscle. Placenta accreta is the most common accounting for approximately 75% of all cases.

Placenta increta: Occurs when the placenta attaches even deeper into the uterine wall and does penetrate into the uterine muscle. Placenta increta accounts for approximately 15% of all cases.

Placenta percreta: Occurs when the placenta penetrates through the entire uterine wall and attaches to another organ such as the bladder. Placenta percreta is the least common of the three conditions accounting for approximately 5% of all cases.

Placenta previa: Late pregnancy condition in which the placenta attaches low in the uterus; results in the covering (or partial covering) of the cervix.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome: Hormonal imbalance disorder associated with infertility. Prevents the maturing and releasing of eggs and causes the formation of small cysts in the ovaries.

Postpartum depression: Intense state of depression that follows childbirth and can result in a mother’s inability to care for her newborn.

Preeclampsia: Pregnancy disorder recognizable by high blood pressure, fluid retention and abnormal kidney function. If left untreated, can result in complications or death.

Pregnancy hormones: Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, human chorionic gonadotropin, and human placental lactogen. Involved in regulating the body during pregnancy.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): A severe form of premenstrual syndrome characterized by symptoms causing significant disturbances in relationships or social adaptation. Symptoms cease shortly after the onset of menstrual bleeding.

Premenstrual syndrome (PMS): A varied group of physical and psychological symptoms including abdominal bloating, breast tenderness, headache, fatigue, irritability, anxiety and depression, that occur from 2 to 7 days before the onset of menstruation.  

Progesterone: Female hormone related to the reproductive cycle.

Progestin: A natural or synthetic progestational substance that mimics some or all of the actions of progesterone.  

Prolactin: Hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Controls and stimulates breast milk production.

Prolapsed cord: High-risk pregnancy complication in which the umbilical cord slips out through the cervix before baby is delivered, cutting off the oxygen supply. Necessitates an emergency c-section. 

Quickening: The first time a mother feels her fetus move. Usually occurs between 16 and 18 weeks.

Rh incompatibility: When the fetus' blood type is incompatible with the mother’s. When monitored and treated, baby and mother likely will not experience complications.

Rooming-in: When a baby stays in the hospital room with the mother after delivery.

Rooting reflex: Innate reflex in which baby turns his head and begins to suck when his cheek is stroked.

Roseola infantum: Common viral disease in infants and young children. Symptoms include high fever, swollen throat, and a rash that lasts up to a few days. 

Rubella: Also known as German measles, a very contagious viral infection that causes fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash, and can cause severe damage to the fetus. Women should make sure they are immunized before trying to conceive.

Scarlet fever: Infectious childhood disease that results in a bright red rash, fever and sore throat. Treated with antibiotics.

Sciatica: A condition that can occur during pregnancy. Caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve which creates severe pain in the lower back and down the legs.

Secondary infertility: Infertility in a woman who has already conceived a child.

Semen: The fluid that is secreted from the testicles, seminal vesicles and prostate during ejaculation.

Semen analysis: Examination of semen for quality.  

Separation anxiety: When a baby experiences distress upon being away from her caregiver. 

Sterilization: Surgical procedures intended to eliminate the capacity to reproduce.  

Tay-Sachs disease: Rare inherited disease resulting in mental retardation and early death. The recessive gene is carried by eastern European Jews and can be detected through genetic counseling.

Tetanus: Serious and possibly fatal disease that causes muscle spasms. Brought on by a bacterial infection in an open wound.

Thrush: Infection caused by a fungus common in infants and children; characterized by whitish spots on the mouth and tongue.

Tubal embryo transfer (TET): A form of in vitro fertilization (IVF) where the embryo is placed into the fallopian tube.

Tubal ligation: A surgical sterilization procedure that ties or obstructs the fallopian tubes.  

Ultrasound: A test that involves using sound waves to examine internal structures. Can be used to examine and monitor the fetus.

Umbilical cord: Develops during pregnancy and connects the fetus to the placenta, which provides nourishment and eliminates waste.  

Umbilical hernia: Protrusion of the intestine through a weak area of the abdominal wall. Can be present at birth, but is usually self-correcting.

Undescended testicles: Failure of the testicles to descend into the scrotum. Sometimes self-corrects, if not, should be surgically fixed to avoid infertility or testicular cancer.

Uterus: Female reproductive organ that holds and nourishes the developing fetus.

Vacuum extraction: Suction cup attached to baby’s head to guide it through the birth canal.

Vagina: A birth canal in the female that connects the external and internal sex organs.  

Vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC): Delivery of a baby through the birth canal by a woman who has already given birth by C-section.

Varicella vaccine: A shot, given to children between 12 and 14 months, that prevents chicken pox with 90% effectiveness.

Varicose veins: Abnormally swollen or enlarged veins in the legs, caused by increased blood volume and pressure from growing uterus during pregnancy.

Vas deferens: A narrow, muscular tube that connects the testicles (where sperm is produced) to the urethra.

Vasectomy: Male surgical sterilization by tying the vas deferens.  

Vernix caseosa: Slippery, whitish protective coating on the skin of a fetus; believed to have antibacterial properties.

Whooping cough: Bacterial infection of the respiratory system marked by violent coughing attacks and fever. Can be prevented by the DPT vaccine.

Zygote: A fertilized egg. 

 

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