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Pregnancy-related terms for expectant parents

Medical expert of the article

Obstetrician-gynecologist, reproductive specialist
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 06.07.2025

In this article, we have collected many terms that a couple may hear during pregnancy. Some of the terms relate to pregnancy, others to the various tests a pregnant woman will have to undergo. Some relate to labor, others to the time after the baby is born. We have divided the terms into:

  • Basic terms related to pregnancy;
  • Tests that the expectant mother and child will have to undergo;
  • Childbirth and After the Birth of the Child.

Basic terms related to pregnancy

Cervix - cervix.

Fundus - the upper part of the uterus, often measured during pregnancy.

Pubic symphysis - a bony protrusion in the pelvic bone located in the middle of a woman's lower abdomen. A sign that a doctor often uses to determine the growth of the uterus during pregnancy.

Rho-GAM is a drug used during pregnancy and subsequent labor to prevent isoimmunization.

Placental abruption is the premature separation of the placenta from the uterus.

An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in caring for pregnant women and delivering babies.

Amniotic fluid is the fluid that surrounds the baby inside the amniotic sac.

The amniotic sac is the membrane that surrounds the baby inside the uterus. It contains the baby, the placenta, and amniotic fluid.

The areola is a pigmented or colored ring around the nipple of the mammary gland.

Orbicularis ligamentum pain is pain caused by compression of the ligaments on the sides of the uterus during pregnancy.

The vagina is the channel through which a baby is born.

Varicose veins are dilated blood vessels (veins).

An ectopic pregnancy is a pregnancy in which the egg is implanted outside the uterus (usually in the fallopian tube).

A medical certificate is a document confirming that a doctor has completed additional courses and passed exams in a narrow specialty.

Miscarriage is the interruption or premature termination of pregnancy. In this case, an embryo or fetus is born that is unable to survive outside the uterus; it usually occurs before the 20th week of pregnancy.

Hemorrhoids are bulging blood vessels, mostly located around the rectum.

Genetic counseling is a consultation between spouses and specialists regarding genetic defects and the possibility of genetic problems during pregnancy.

Genes are the basic units of heredity. Each gene carries specific information and is passed from parent to child. A child receives half of its genes from its mother and the other half from its father. Each person has about 100,000 genes.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension is high blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy.

Human chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone produced early in pregnancy and is measured using a HCG test.

Neural tube defects are pathologies of the development of the embryonic notochord and spinal cord.

Pregnancy-induced diabetes is the development of diabetes during pregnancy.

Full-term - A baby is considered full-term if it is born after 38 weeks. Also called "full-term."

Iron deficiency anemia is anemia caused by a lack of iron in the diet; it often occurs during pregnancy.

Burning in the heart area is discomfort or pain that appears in the chest, often after eating.

Post-term birth - the baby is born 2 weeks or more after the expected date.

Constipation is irregular or incomplete bowel movements.

Embryonic anomaly is an abnormal shape or development of the embryo.

Fetal pathologies are problems associated with the fetus that occur before birth or during labor; they often require immediate delivery or removal of the fetus.

The embryonic period is the period following the embryonic period (the first 10 weeks of gestation) and up to birth.

Isoimmunization is the transfer of specific antibodies located in the red blood cells of another individual, such as a baby in the womb. It occurs when a woman with a negative Rh factor carries a baby with a positive Rh factor or when she receives a transfusion of Rh positive blood.

Blood pressure is the pressure of blood on the walls of the arteries that carry blood away from the heart. Changes in blood pressure can indicate problems.

The uterus is the organ in which the embryo or fetus develops.

A nurse attendant is a registered nurse who has completed additional training in maternity care and childbirth. Stillbirth is the death of a fetus before birth, usually occurring after 20 weeks of gestation.

Intrauterine growth disorder - inadequate growth of the fetus during pregnancy. Previously called intrauterine growth retardation.

Stretch marks are areas of skin that stretch during pregnancy. They are often found on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and legs.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is severe nausea, dehydration, and vomiting during pregnancy. It most often occurs during the first trimester.

Relief - a change in the shape of the uterus in a pregnant woman a few weeks before delivery. Often described as the baby dropping.

Expected due date is the date when a baby is expected to be born. Most babies are born around this time, but only 1 in 20 are born on this exact day.

A perinatologist is a physician who specializes in caring for women whose pregnancy is of concern.

The placenta is an organ located inside the uterus during pregnancy, to which the fetus is connected via the umbilical cord. It is necessary for the growth and development of the child.

Fetus - an unborn child after 10 weeks of gestation until birth.

The vena cava is a large vein that drains blood into the right atrium. It returns oxygen-poor blood to the heart, from where it flows to the lungs.

Placenta previa - the lower part of the placenta completely covers the cervix.

Prenatal care is a program of care for a pregnant woman before the birth of her child.

Preeclampsia is a combination of symptoms unusual for pregnancy, including high blood pressure, swelling, and changes in reflexes.

The umbilical cord is a cord that connects the placenta to the unborn baby. It carries waste products and carbon dioxide away from the baby and brings oxygenated blood and nutrients.

Chadwick's spot is a dark blue or purple coloration of the vagina and cervix during pregnancy.

Dilation and curettage is a surgical procedure in which the cervix is opened and a sample of tissue is cut or scraped out of the uterus.

Rh negative (Rh negative) - absence of the Rh protein in the blood.

A birth problem is a problem that occurs during childbirth.

Down syndrome is a chromosomal disorder in which a child has three 21st chromosomes (instead of two); it results in mental retardation, distinct physical disabilities, and other problems.

A complicated pregnancy is a pregnancy with complications that require special attention from doctors, often a specialist.

Group B strep is an infection that occurs in the mother's vagina, throat, or rectum (any of these organs can be infected). It can be dangerous for the baby.

Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular contractions of the uterus during pregnancy.

A trimester is a three-month period of time. Pregnancy is divided into 3 equal periods (trimesters), each lasting about 13 weeks.

Pushing is the sensation the expectant mother feels when the baby moves inside the uterus.

Morning sickness is nausea and vomiting, primarily during the first trimester of pregnancy. See also Hyperemesis gravidarum.

Fallopian tube - the tube that runs from the uterus to the ovary. Chloasma - increased pigmentation or spread of brown spots of irregular shape and size on the face or other parts of the body. Also called the "mask of pregnancy."

Chromosome - formations located in the cell nucleus and containing DNA. Genetic information is transmitted through chromosomes.

Chromosomal abnormalities - abnormal number of chromosomes.

The black line (linia nigra) is a heavily pigmented line that often appears during pregnancy; it runs down the abdomen from the navel to the pubic area.

Eclampsia - convulsions and coma in a woman with preeclampsia. Not associated with epilepsy.

Embryo - an organism in the early stages of development; in humans - from conception to the 10th week.

Embryonic period - the first 10 weeks of gestation.

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Tests that the expectant mother and child will have to undergo

Alpha-fetoprotein is a substance produced by an unborn baby while it is growing inside the womb; it is found in the mother's blood and amniotic fluid. A higher than normal level in the mother's blood indicates that the fetus has neural tube defects.

Amniocentesis is a process in which a sample of amniotic fluid is taken from the amniotic sac. The fluid is tested to determine genetic defects and the degree of development of the fetal lungs.

Multiple Component Analysis - see four-component test and component test.

Urinalysis - tests for infection and determines the sugar and protein content in the urine.

Familial Mediterranean fever test - a blood test given to people from Armenia, Arabia and Turkey to determine the presence of a recessive gene. It is mainly diagnosed in newborns and treatment can be started immediately.

Contraction response analysis - fetal response to uterine contractions; used to determine fetal well-being.

Biophysical profile - a method of assessing the fetus before birth. HIV/AIDS test - to determine whether a woman is an HIV carrier or has AIDS (cannot be done without the woman's knowledge and consent).

Genetic testing - various diagnostic tests and screening tests that determine whether a couple is likely to have a child with genetic pathologies. Usually part of genetic counseling.

Pelvic exam - the doctor palpates the woman's internal pelvic organs. This is used to assess the size of the uterus early in pregnancy and allows the doctor to determine whether the cervix has stretched and thinned before the end of pregnancy.

Doppler is a device that amplifies the sounds of the fetal heartbeat so that the doctor and others around you can hear it.

Abdominal measurement - a measurement used to show the growth of the baby in the uterus during prenatal consultations. It is measured from the pubic symphysis to the fundus. Too large or too small a measurement may indicate problems.

Neck distance measurement - using ultrasound, the doctor measures the distance behind the baby's neck. Combined with a blood test, the result can determine whether a woman is likely to have a baby with Down syndrome.

Cervical cultures are a test for sexually transmitted diseases; when a cervical cancer test is done, a sample may also be taken to check for chlamydia, the bacteria that causes gonorrhea, and other infections.

A fetal monitor is a device used during labor to listen to and record the fetal heartbeat. Monitoring of the baby inside the womb can be external (through the mother's abdomen) or internal (through the mother's vagina).

Home uterine monitoring - contractions of the pregnant woman's uterus are recorded at home and transmitted to the doctor by phone (no special equipment is required). It is done to determine the risk of premature birth.

Weight determination - weight is determined at each prenatal visit; too much or too little weight gain may indicate problems.

Blood group determination is a test to determine which blood group a woman has - A, B, AB or O.

Blood Pressure Assessment - High blood pressure noticed during pregnancy means that the expected delivery date is approaching. Changes in blood pressure may indicate potential problems.

Determination of hereditary deafness - if one of the spouses had relatives with congenital deafness, the test can determine whether the child has it before birth.

Passive analysis - analysis of the movements of the baby felt by the mother or observed by the doctor; these are recorded, as are changes in the fetal heart rate. It is used to assess the condition of the fetus.

Movement count - records how often a woman feels her baby move; used to assess the fetus's condition. Complete blood count - tests the mother's blood for iron and pathogens.

Chorionic villus sampling is a diagnostic test that can be done early in pregnancy to detect abnormalities.

The Pony sample is taken from inside the uterus, through the abdomen or through the cervix.

Contraction response testing - elicits gentle contractions of the maternal UTERUS and records the fetal heartbeat in response to them. Also called "contraction response testing".

IV Rh factor - a blood test to determine whether a woman's blood is Rh negative.

Imaging - tests that look inside the body, including ultrasound, X-ray, CT scans or CAT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging. Sonogram or sonography. Cordosenthesis - a test of the fetus to determine the Rh factor, blood abnormalities, and infections. Hepatitis B antibody test - determines whether a pregnant woman has ever been infected with hepatitis B.

Glucose tolerance test - done to assess the body's response to sugar. Blood is taken from the expectant mother once or at intervals after she drinks a sugar solution.

Cervical Cancer Test - A test done early in pregnancy to detect cervical cancer.

Blood sugar test - see Glucose tolerance test.

Syphilis test - if a woman has syphilis, treatment begins.

Group B strep test - samples may be taken near the end of pregnancy from the woman's vagina or rectum. If the test is positive, treatment is started immediately or during labor.

Rubella titers - a blood test to determine the presence of immunity to rubella (German measles).

The triple test is a test of three blood components to detect abnormalities. The three tests include alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, and unbound estriol, a form of estrogen produced by the placenta.

Ultrasound (US) is a non-invasive test that produces images of the fetus inside the uterus. Sound waves bounce off the fetus to form an image.

The four component test is an analysis of four components of the blood to detect abnormalities. The four tests include alpha-fetoprotein, human chorionic gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol and inhibin-A, ovarian and placental chemical products.

Fetal fibronectin (FN) is a test to determine the risk of preterm labor. A sample of vaginal and cervical discharge is taken; if FN is present after 22 weeks, it indicates a risk of preterm labor.

Embryoscopy is an analysis that allows a doctor to use an embryoscope (a fiber-optic device) to determine external pathologies and problems in the development of the fetus while it is inside the mother's uterus.

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Childbirth

Active labor is when the cervix is dilated from 4 to 8 cm. Contractions usually last from 3 to 5 minutes.

Paracervical block is a local anesthetic used to relieve pain from cervical distension.

Vacuum extractor - a device sometimes used to ensure delivery of the fetus's head during labor; used to assist in labor.

External version is a procedure performed late in pregnancy in which the doctor uses his or her hands to try to turn the baby into a normal head-down birth position.

Induced labor - when labor does not start or the woman is unable to deliver the baby, medication (oxytocin) is given.

A cesarean section is the removal of the baby through an incision in the abdomen, as opposed to a normal birth where the baby comes out through the vagina.

Spotting - light bleeding from the vagina in the late stages of pregnancy, often shortly before delivery.

False labor is contractions of the uterus without stretching of the cervix.

Lochia is the relaxation of the vagina after the birth of the baby and placenta.

Oxytocin - a drug that causes contractions of the uterus; used to induce or assist labor. It may also be called "Pitocin." Also a hormone produced by glands.

Bishop's score is a method used to predict the success of induced labor. It takes into account the dilation, effacement, and position of the cervix. A score is given for each criterion, and then they are added together, and from the sum, the doctor can determine when it is best to induce labor.

Inverted position - incorrect position of the fetus. The buttocks or legs protrude into the birth canal up to the head.

Perineum - the area between the vagina and the rectum. Position - a description of what part of the baby will enter the birth canal first.

Postpartum - after the baby is born, the placenta and membranes come out. See Placenta.

Preparation for childbirth - the woman has attended classes, so she knows what to expect during childbirth. She can ask for painkillers if she needs them.

Natural birth is a birth in which the mother remains conscious and delivers the baby herself. Some people believe that during a natural birth the woman should not ask for pain medication; but this is not true.

Pudendal block - local anesthesia during childbirth. Rupture of membranes - release of fluid from the amniotic sac. Also called "breaking of waters."

Early contractions are when a woman experiences regular contractions (one every 20 minutes, increasing to one every 5 minutes) more often than 2 hours apart. The cervix is usually 3 to 4 cm dilated.

Dilation - how much the cervix is open before labor. A fully dilated cervix is about 10 cm in diameter.

A maternity hospital is an institution specializing in the birth of children. Typically, a woman gives birth and recovers from childbirth in the same room. It may be part of a hospital or a separate institution.

Childbirth is the process of the fetus leaving the uterus.

Mucus is a secretion from the cervix that often appears just before labor.

Spinal labor - contraction pain felt in the lower back.

Contractions are contractions or stretching of the uterus that push the baby out of it during childbirth.

Silent labor is a painless stretching of the cervix.

Forceps are an instrument sometimes used to extract a baby during childbirth; they are placed around the baby's head in the birth canal to help extract the baby during labor.

Enema is a liquid injected into the rectum to cleanse the intestines.

An epidural block is a type of anesthesia where a drug is injected into the area around the spine during childbirth.

Episiotomy is a surgical cut through the perineum (the area between the vagina and rectum). It is used during childbirth to prevent tearing of the vaginal and anal openings.

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After the birth of the child

Bilirubin is a yellow or orange pigment.

Jaundice is a yellow discoloration of the skin, sclera, and deeper tissues of the body. It is caused by excess bilirubin.

Meconium is the first stool of a newborn; it is dark green or yellow in color. It consists of epithelial cells, mucus, and bile. It can be passed before or during birth, or shortly after.

Colostrum is a yellow fluid produced by the mammary glands at first. It most often appears before the end of pregnancy. Its composition differs from the milk produced later, during breastfeeding.

Engorgement - filling with fluid; usually refers to enlargement of the breasts in a nursing mother.

Angar assessment - assessment of the baby's reaction to birth and its viability. Takes from 1 to 5 minutes after birth.

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in treating infants and children.

Postpartum period - 6 weeks after the birth of a baby. Refers to the mother, not the baby.

Postpartum blues syndrome - several syndromes including blues, postpartum depression, and postpartum psychosis.

Expressing breast milk is the process of manually squeezing milk from the breast.

Melancholy is a mild depression in a woman after childbirth.

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