Pregnancy Lingo

Epidural- anesthesia produced by the injection of an anesthetic into the lumbar area of the spine in the space between the spinal cord and the dura, which eliminates sensation from the point of insertion downward
Spinal Block- interruption of conduction of nerve impulses by the injection of an anesthetic into thespinal canal that reduces sensitivity to pain

Episiotomy- an incision into the perineum and vagina to allow sufficient clearance for birth

Perineum- the area in front of the anus extending to the fourchette of the vulva
Perinatologist- an obstetrical subspecialist concerned with the care of the mother and fetus at higher-than-normal risk for complications

Preeclampsia- a serious condition developing in late pregnancy that is characterized by a sudden rise in blood pressure, excessive weight gain, generalized edema, proteinuria, severe headache, and visual disturbances
Breech- the delivery of an infant with the feet or buttocks appearing first
Vertex- the delivery of an infant with the head-first
Station- the descent of the baby into the pelvis
Dialated- the process of the cervix opening in preparation for childbirth
Effacement- refers to the thickness or thinness of the cervix
Mucus Plug- a plug that is located in the cervical canal that protects the fetus from bacteria during pregnancy, and is expelled some time before labor
Braxton Hicks-  called “practice contractions” because they will prepare you for the real thing
Gestational Diabetes- high blood sugar that starts or is first diagnosed during pregnancy
Jaundice- the yellow color of the skin and whites of the eyes caused by excess bilirubin in the blood
Bilirubin-  a brownish yellow substance found in bile produced when the liver breaks down old red blood cells
Non-stress Test (NST)- non-invasive test that measures fetal heart rate and contractions
Group B Strep (GBS)- a type of bacterial infection that can be found in a pregnant woman’s vagina or rectum
Monoamniotic-Monochorionic (mono mono)- twins that share both their amnions, chorions and placenta
Monochorionic-Diamniotic (mono di)- twins that share the same placenta
Dichorionic-Diamniotic (di di)- twins that have separate chorions and amniotic sacs


Here's a helpful link for signs of labor.