Glossary

Basic Stages & Definitions:

- Conception: The process of becoming pregnant, when a sperm and egg join to form a single cell.

- Gestation: The period of fetal development in the womb from implantation to birth.

- Trimesters: A pregnancy is divided into three stages first trimester (weeks 1-12), second trimester (weeks 13-27), and third trimester (weeks 28-40).

- Term Pregnancy: A pregnancy that lasts between 37 and 42 weeks.

- Early Term: A pregnancy that lasts between 37 and 38 weeks, 6 days.

- Full Term: A pregnancy that lasts between 39 and 41 weeks, 6 days.

- Late Term: A pregnancy that lasts between 41 and 42 weeks.

- Post-Term: A pregnancy that lasts beyond 42 weeks.

- Pre-Term: A birth that occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

- Fetus: An unborn baby from the eighth week after fertilization until delivery.

- Prenatal: The time during pregnancy and before birth.

Medical Terms:

- Amniotic Fluid: The liquid that surrounds the baby in the uterus and protects it.

- Braxton Hicks Contractions: False labor or practice contractions that may happen throughout pregnancy.

- Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that opens during labor.

- Cesarean Section (C-section): A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus.

- Contraction: The tightening and relaxing of the uterus muscles during labor.

- Dilation: The opening of the cervix during labor.

- Edema: Swelling due to the buildup of fluid.

- Folic Acid: A nutrient found in some green leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, fortified breakfast cereals, and some vitamin supplements that can help reduce the risk of birth defects of the brain and spinal cord.

- Placenta: The organ that provides nutrients and oxygen to the fetus.

- Umbilical Cord: The cord that connects the baby to the placenta.

- Ultrasound: A test that uses sound waves to show pictures of the baby inside the uterus.

- Uterine Contractions: Contractions that happen when muscles in a woman’s uterus tighten and shorten, helping make room for the baby to go through the birth canal.