For a dad who’s expecting his first child, there’s nothing more infuriating than not being able to understand the medical terms being thrown out by your wife’s obstetrician. Wouldn’t it be great to have a glossary for pregnancy, with all it’s unfamiliar terms clearly explained to a guy?
Well, with this handy guide that covers the common terms thrown out by pregnant mothers, medical experts, or even by your disapproving mother-in-law, you’ll be well equipped on catching on these unfamiliar terms without any issues. Now you won’t have to worry about asking your exasperated wife on what an Obstetrician does in the first place!
Amniotic Fluid
The clear fluid that surrounds and protects the baby during pregnancy. It plays a role in developing the baby’s lungs.
Braxton-Hicks Contractions
Fake labor pains that occur as early as the second trimester (week 13 to week 28), or when the pregnant woman is tired, dehydrated or after sex.
Cesarean section (C-section)
Surgical delivery of a baby through an incision made in the mother’s lower abdomen and uterus.
Dilation
The gradual opening of a woman’s cervix during labor to allow the baby to pass through. Measured in centimeters from 0 (closed) to 10 (fully dilated).
Epidural
Spinal anaesthesia injection that’s used to relieve pain during delivery by numbing the lower half of the body.
Fetus
The developing baby starting from the end of the eighth week of pregnancy until birth.
Gestational Diabetes (GDM)
Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy due to extra demand for insulin production. Will usually subside after delivery.
Hyperemesis gravidarum
A severe form of morning sickness that causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Most cases can be treated with dietary changes and rest, others will require a stay in the hospital.
Induction of labour
The process where a doctor speeds up a woman’s delivery using medical and artificial methods to stimulate uterine contractions.
Jaundice
Yellow discoloration of a baby’s skin due to an inability of the body to break down excess red blood cells. Will disappear within 2 to 3 weeks for most cases.
Kegel exercises
Simple exercises to strengthen the muscles that surround the vaginal and perineal area in preparation for delivery.
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Labor
The process of childbirth, which involves the rhythmic contractions of the uterine muscles that allow the cervix to open and deliver the baby.
Mastitis
An infection of a milk duct in the breast, which occurs to a woman who is breastfeeding or has recently delivered. Can be treated with antibiotics.
Neonatal
The newborn infant after delivery until 4 weeks of age.
Obstetrician
A doctor who specializes in the care of women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Placenta
The tissue structure that provides nourishment and oxygen from the mother to the fetus, as well as removing waste products.
Quickening
The first fetal movements felt by the mother, often described as flutters in the stomach or a tumbling motion.
Rh factor
Presence of a group of antigens found on red blood cells, which can cause health complications during pregnancy if the mother and fetus differ in status.
Show
Blood-stained mucus that is produced from the vagina, usually an indicator that labor is about to begin.
Trimester
One-third of a pregnancy period. The first trimester involves the first 14 weeks, while the second trimester is from 14 - 27 weeks. The third trimester ranges from 28 weeks to the delivery period.
Umbilical cord
A flexible cord of tissue that connects the fetus to the placenta, allowing a connection of bloodstream between mother and baby.
Vacuum-assisted birth
A procedure that uses gentle suction to ease out babies that are stuck in the birth canal during delivery.
Water birth
A type of childbirth in where a woman delivers her baby in a tub or birth pool of warm water. Popular among midwives as a less invasive and painful experience.
Yeast infection
A vaginal infection that commonly occurs during pregnancy due to hormonal changes disrupting the pH balance of the vagina.
Zygote
The fertilized egg before it begins to divide and grow into an embryo.
Of course, you don’t have to rack your brains to remember every single word in this glossary. As long as you heed your doctor’s advice and clear any lingering doubts along the way, you and your wife are certain to have no major issues during her pregnancy. There are just no words in this world that can describe the wonderful experience of bringing your child into this world!
Once the baby’s out, you definitely won’t need a glossary to know that you’ll have your hands full for the next few months. Luckily, CaregiverAsia has the extra confinement help you need to make you and your wife breathe a little easier!
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