HealthPartners - Preparing for childbirth

Glossary

lanugo – Fine hair that covers the baby’s body and may be seen at birth. let-down reflex or response (milk ejection reflex) – The release of milk from the milk glands stimulated by the baby during nursing. lightening – The sensation of the baby “dropping” as the baby descends into the pelvic cavity. local anesthesia – The numbing of a certain area with anesthetic medication. lochia – The discharge from the uterus during the 6-week period following birth (postpartum). meconium – The greenish black material that collects in the baby’s intestines as they develop in the uterus. It will become the first bowel movement the baby has. It can stain amniotic fluid if expelled before birth. milia – White spots on the baby’s nose and cheeks that disappear over time. molding – The shaping of the baby’s head during labor to adjust to the size and shape of the birth canal. Montgomery glands – Pimplelike structures on the areola. These glands secrete a substance that aids in lubricating and cleansing the area. mucus plug – A thick mucus plug that develops in the cervix early in pregnancy due to hormone shifts. It protects the pregnant uterus from bacteria present in the vagina. oxytocin – A hormone in the body that contributes to the start of labor and later stimulates the “let-down” response for breastfeeding. pelvis – The basin-shaped ring of bones at the bottom of the body that connects the spinal column to the legs. It is composed of 2 hip bones (iliac) that join in the front (pubic bones) and back (sacrum). perineal – Relating to the perineum. perineum – The layers of muscles and tissues between the vagina and rectum. phototherapy – Treatment of jaundice in a newborn through light therapy. Pitocin – A synthetic oxytocin used to induce or enhance labor. Also given after delivery of the placenta to contract the uterus. placenta – The circular, flat organ in the pregnant uterus that serves as the exchange station for nutrients and oxygen. It is delivered after the baby and is often referred to as the “afterbirth.”

postpartum depression and anxiety disorders – Conditions that can occur in up to 10% of people who recently gave birth. It most likely results from changing physiology, certain hormones and other changes such as self-image, lifestyle, stress, and fatigue. It is a treatable condition. postpartum – The 6-week period of time after the birth of a baby. premature baby (preterm) – An infant born before 37 weeks gestation. presentation – Refers to the part of the baby that is lying closest to the cervix. prolactin – A hormone secreted from the pituitary gland that stimulates the milk gland cells in the breast to begin producing milk. prostaglandins – Chemical substances that cause uterine contractions. round ligament pain – Pain in one or both groin regions from stretching or spasm of the round ligaments. station – Indicates the location of the baby’s head in the pelvis in relation to the bony ischial spines of the pelvis. stork bite – a playful name for a birthmark. transverse lie – A horizontal (sideways) position of the baby in the uterus. trimester – A period of 3 months. One-third of a full-term pregnancy. umbilical cord – Structure that contains blood vessels that connect the baby to the placenta. The cord contains one vein to transport nourishment to the baby and two arteries to remove wastes from the baby. urinary catheter – A flexible tube that is placed through the urethra into the bladder to drain it of retained urine. uterus – The muscular organ that contains the products of conception: the baby, placenta, membranes, amniotic fluid, and umbilical cord. It contracts during labor to move the baby through the birth canal. It is commonly referred to as the womb. vacuum extractor – A special instrument that is attached to the baby’s head to help guide them out of the birth canal. vagina – The lower part of the birth canal that is normally 5 to 6 inches long. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean) – When a person previously had a cesarean birth but plans to have a vaginal birth with their next pregnancy. vernix – A greasy, white material that coats the baby at birth.

112 Your Guide to Labor and Birth