The Nest Baby Glossary

Posted Monday, March 26, 2007 4:08 PM

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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. 

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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 babie 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.

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

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 a week to ten days. 

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

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

Ovaries: The two female reproductive glands which 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.

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 previa: Late pregnancy condition in which the placenta attachest low in the uterus; results 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. 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.

Progesterone: Female hormone related to the reproductive cycle.

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.

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

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.

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 ***. 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.

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.

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.