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When you’re preparing to conceive, chances are that you read a ton of books to keep yourself updated on everything you need to know about parenting. You learn the dos and don’ts of good parenting, which makes you adept at handling a baby when the time comes. But before learning about what it is like to be a parent, you also have to understand the different aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. During your timely visits to your doctor’s appointments, you are probably left confused and possibly even terrified by the medical jargon you hear. Don’t worry, by the end of this article, you will be fluent in doctor/nurse speak! So, stay tuned while we take you on a labor lingo journey:
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Amniotic Sac
The amniotic sac, also known as the “bag of waters”, is a thin but tough bag of transparent membrane that holds and protects the embryo in the womb. It contains a fluid called the amniotic fluid, which helps regulate the temperature of the fetus.
Cervix
The lower part of your uterus that extends into your lady bits is called the cervix. It is usually narrow but expands during childbirth to make room for your baby to exit.
Cord Blood
As the name indicates, it’s the blood that remains in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. It contains stem cells specific to your genes which can be stored and donated in the future.
Fontanelle
Commonly known as soft spots, fontanelles are spots in your infant’s skull that are yet to harden. These soft membranous gaps in between the bones of the skull solidify with time. So don’t worry.
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Perineum
The area between your nether region and your lady part opening is referred to as the perineum. This area may tear or be deliberately cut during delivery to accommodate your baby coming out.
Placenta
An organ that is shaped like a flat cake formed in your uterus during pregnancy. It is responsible for providing the fetus with nutrition and oxygen while eliminating carbon dioxide and other waste products. The umbilical cord of the growing baby arises from the placenta.
Umbilical Cord
A cord that is 20 inches long on average and connects the mother to the baby. It acts as a medium to transfer nutrients and oxygen to the fetus and carbon dioxide and waste away from the fetus.
Contractions
When muscles of your uterus follow a pattern of tightening and relaxing consistently, it means you’re having contractions. They help push the baby out and are so strong that you cannot walk or talk during them.
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Crowning
You’re crowning when your baby’s head is visible during labor. Crowning occurs when a baby’s head pushes through a fully dilated cervix into the birth canal. It is also known as the “ring of fire” because it causes a burning sensation as the perineum stretches out.
Dilation
Dilation refers to the opening and expansion of the cervix during active labor. The cervix needs to be dilated 10 cm to have a normal delivery.
Effacement
Referring to the thinning or stretching of the cervix, effacement is a process that occurs when you’re in active labor. The cervix has to be 100 percent effaced to have a normal delivery.
Transition
The short time during active labor when the cervix dilates from eight to ten centimeters just before pushing begins is called transition. The contractions are the strongest and most frequent during this time.
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Amniotomy
Also called the Artificial Rupture Of Membranes (AROM), commonly known as “water breaking”, amniotomy is a process where the amniotic sac is deliberately ruptured to enable labor.
Episiotomy
It is a process carried out by a midwife or obstetrician where a surgical incision is made in the perineum to facilitate labor.
External Fetal Monitor (EFM)
A device used externally to listen to and record your baby’s heartbeat. It can be used during pregnancy or during labor and is a non-invasive device.
Forceps
These tong-like devices are used to grip your baby’s head and gently pull them out of you during labor.
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Internal Fetal Monitor (IFM)
A thin wire or electrode is placed on your baby’s head to measure its heart rate. The wire runs from your baby through your cervix and is connected to a monitor. Unlike the EFM, this device is more invasive and can only be used if the amniotic sac has been ruptured.
Vacuum Extractor
If labor isn’t progressing or certain health risks arise during delivery, a vacuum extractor can be used. It is made of a metal or plastic cup with a handle and vacuum pump. It assists a mother in labor by attaching the vacuum cup to the baby’s head during a contraction.
Epidural
Simply put, epidurals are painkillers that help ease labor pain to a certain extent. It is injected into your back to create numbness from your belly button area to your upper legs.
Pitocin
A synthetic form of the oxytocin hormone, Pitocin, is administered to induce labor.
Spinal Block
A spinal block is a one-time injection that is given to your spinal cord to help with labor pain. It wears off after a few hours, and like an epidural, it is an anesthetic that numbs the lower half of your body.
You might have been so focused on learning how to take care of your baby that you probably missed educating yourselves about these important labor terms. We hope our article helped you learn something new! Share it with expecting mothers to keep them informed too!
