Glossary

Glossary of terms

A

Amniotic fluid – also known as liquor; the clear fluid (waters) that surrounds the baby, held within the amniotic sac or membranes. Its composition changes as the pregnancy progresses comprising 98-99% water and other substances such as electrolytes, proteins, carbohydrates, fats and fetal waste products. The fluid serves important functions such as cushioning and protecting the baby, allowing movement that promotes musculoskeletal development and lung development when the baby "inhales and exhales" the fluid. It is also constantly circulated by the baby swallowing and urinating. At term the volume of amniotic fluid is approximately 600 mls. Removal of a sample of the fluid is called amniocentesis. This test can provide information about the sex, state of health, and maturity of the fetus.

Anaemia - occurs when there is a lack of red blood cells due to a reduction in their production or an increase in their loss. It is detected by a blood test for haemoglobin and iron levels. The most common cause is that not enough red blood cells are being made to meet the needs of the growing baby, and the mother is running low on the required iron and vitamins like folate. Symptoms can include tiredness, breathlessness, pallor and heart palpitations because not enough oxygen is being transported around the body. Anaemia in pregnancy can contribute to an inability to cope with blood loss at birth, failure to establish and maintain breastfeeding and tiredness and depression following the birth.

Anaesthesia – the loss of sensation or consciousness brought about by application of locally or generally administered drugs. Examples used in maternity to relieve pain during labour and birth include epidural, spinal and general anaesthetics.

Analgesia – a deadening or absence of pain without loss of consciousness; the relief of pain.

Antenatal/prenatal – existing or occurring before the birth.

Anti D - is a plasma (watery part of the blood) product produced from the blood of selected Rh (D) negative donors. The product is given to pregnant women who are Rh (D) negative to prevent their babies from developing Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN). Approximately 17% of mothers in Australia will need anti-D injections during each of their pregnancies at around 28 and 34 weeks, after certain procedures during pregnancy and after the birth of an Rh (D) positive baby. You will not need anti-D if your partner’s blood group is Rh (D) negative because the baby’s blood group will be Rh (D) negative too.

Apgar score – a test devised in 1952 by a paediatrician named Virginia Apgar is used by midwives and paediatricians to assess a baby’s wellbeing immediately after birth and to determine the need for any resuscitative measures. It applies scores of zero, one or two to a baby’s Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration, at one and five minutes after birth. When added up these two final scores comprise the APGAR score at one and five minutes. For example a baby that is born with a pink colour, who has a pulse rate of 100 beats per minute or more, who is crying, is moving actively and responding to stimulation, will most likely have an Apgar score of 10 at one minute and 10 at five minutes. Scores of 7-10 are normal; 4-6 is low and below 3 is considered critical.

Augmentation of labour – when labour has slowed to an abnormal pace or the contractions are ineffective in dilating the cervix, there are two ways to speed it up and increase the strength of the contractions: by artificial rupture of the membranes (ARM) or by giving an intravenous infusion of a synthetic hormone called oxytocin. Augmentation usually requires closer monitoring of the mother and baby during labour and birth.

B

Baby blues – 50-80% of women experience a brief episode of mood swings, tearfulness, anxiety and difficulty in sleeping in the first week after the birth of a baby. It is thought to be associated with stresses during late pregnancy, labour and birth, and rapid hormonal changes during this time. Symptoms generally settle during the first week after birth and require no special treatment other than adequate rest and support. If symptoms are severe or do not resolve within the first two weeks after the birth it is important to seek medical advice to find out if postnatal depression is present.

Birth canal - the passageway through which the fetus/baby is expelled during childbirth, starting from the uterus through the cervix, vagina, and vulva on the outside.

Blood group/type - The four different blood groups are genetically determined and classified by the ABO system and can be either O, A, B or AB Rhesus positive or negative.

BMI – Body Mass Index is an approximate measure of your body’s fat based on your height (in metres) and weight (in kilograms). A healthy BMI is somewhere between 18.5 and 25.

Braxton-Hicks contractions – rhythmic tightenings of the uterine muscle that do not dilate or open the cervix. They usually occur late in pregnancy and may be regular and uncomfortable.

Breech – Most babies are born head first but a small number may lie with their bottom, feet (or both) coming first. When the baby is born with its bottom, feet (or both) coming first it is known as a breech birth.

BSL – Blood Sugar Level is a blood test used to measure the amount of glucose in the blood. Hyperglycaemia is the name for a high blood glucose level and hypoglycaemia is the name for a low blood glucose level. A normal range of blood sugar falls between 4.4-6.1 millimols per litre (82-110 grams per decilitre) on assessment by fasting blood glucose test.

C

Caffeine - is a stimulant drug that acts on the brain and nervous system. It is found in coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate bars, cola soft drinks and energy drinks. It can cross the placental barrier to the baby. While adults can metabolise caffeine, a fetus usually can't, particularly in the early stages of development. High doses of caffeine also constrict blood flow and so hypothetically it can reduce blood flow to the placenta and to the fetus.

Cervix – from the Latin word meaning neck; it is the lowest, narrow part of the uterus/womb that joins the vagina. During early pregnancy it develops an antibacterial plug to protect the baby. Towards the end of pregnancy it prepares for labour and birth by softening and shortening in length from about 2cm to being paper-thin. During active labour it dilates to 10 cm to allow for the passage and birth of the baby.

Caesarean/C-section - a surgical procedure in which incisions are made through a woman's abdomen and uterus to deliver her baby.

Chicken pox – a highly contagious infectious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. It is spread through coughing or sneezing and direct contact with the blister-like rash of an affected person. Women who are immune cannot become infected and do not need to be concerned for themselves or their babies during pregnancy. Women who are not immune and become infected can pass the virus to their unborn child via the placenta.

Colostrum - breasts produce colostrum beginning during pregnancy and continuing through the early days of breastfeeding. This special milk is yellow to orange in colour and thick and sticky. It is low in fat, and high in carbohydrates, protein, and antibodies to help keep baby healthy. Colostrum is extremely easy to digest and high in concentrated nutrition for the newborn. Colostrum has a laxative effect on the baby which aids in the passage of stools and excretion of excess bilirubin to help prevent jaundice.

Contractions - Labour contractions are the periodic tightening and relaxing of the uterine muscle that dilate the cervix and result in the birth of the baby. They commence at the top of the uterus (fundus) and spread across downwards to the lower part of the uterus. Uterine muscle is unique in that it does not completely relax during labour but the fibres progressively shorten, reducing the size of the uterus.

Cord blood - After a baby is born and the umbilical cord is cut, some blood remains in the blood vessels of the placenta and the portion of the umbilical cord that remains attached to it. This blood can be collected to determine the baby’s blood group and Rhesus type, haemoglobin, serum bilirubin and Coomb’s test. Cord blood also contains stem cells that can be used for research or cord blood banking should the child or a family member need stem cell treatment in the future.

Cord prolapse – when the membranes rupture, sometimes the baby’s umbilical cord can slip down and sit alongside or in front of the presenting part (e.g. head, breech) or even outside the vagina and become compressed. This represents an obstetric emergency for the baby because the cord is its lifeline and compression causes a lack of oxygen supply to the baby. Maternity staff must act quickly to relieve this pressure on the cord and deliver the baby as soon as possible. If cord prolapse occurs in late pregnancy or during the first stage of labour caesarean section is the safest and most appropriate birth method.

Crowning - refers to when the widest part of the baby's head (or their crown) has descended below the symphysis pubis bone of the mother’s pelvis and starts to emerge from the labia during birth.

CTG – Cardio-toco-graph; literally heart-uterus-recording. This is a machine that electronically monitors the baby’s heart rate and mother’s contractions at the same time and provides a paper read-out of the information. It is one way to assess a baby’s wellbeing antenatally and in labour.

D

Diabetes - a chronic condition where a hormone called insulin is no longer produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and its role is to convert glucose into energy. Diabetes may exist prior to pregnancy or it may first appear during pregnancy (gestational diabetes mellitus).

Dilation – when used to describe the cervix, dilation refers to the degree of opening from 0-10 cm.

Doppler – a hand-held device used to measure the fetal heart rate. It emits and receives continuous ultrasound waves and converts the signal into an audible heartbeat.

Down Syndrome – is a genetic condition also known as Trisomy 21. It is not an illness or disease, but occurs as a result of an extra chromosome; chromosome 21. Our bodies are made up of millions of cells and in each cell there are 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 chromosomes in every cell). People with Down syndrome therefore have 47 chromosomes in their cells instead of 46. This results in a range of physical characteristics, and health and developmental conditions as well as some level of intellectual disability. Down syndrome is usually recognisable at birth and can be confirmed by a blood test. It was named after Dr John Langdon Down who first described it.

E

ECV – External Cephalic Version; literally means rotation of the baby from a breech presentation to a head first presentation from the outside. It is a medical procedure usually performed in a hospital setting.

EDD/EDC – Estimated Date of Delivery/Estimated Date of Confinement or the date the baby is estimated to be born. For women with a regular 28 day cycle, it is calculated by adding 7 days and 40 weeks to the date of the last menstrual period.

Effacement – describes the thinning and shortening of the cervix (as opposed to dilation or opening of the cervix). It can also be called ‘ripening’ of the cervix in preparation for labour. The cervix is usually 3-5 cm long, but once it is fully effaced, it becomes part of the lower uterine segment.

Electronic fetal monitoring/EFM – is the process of monitoring a baby’s heart rate using an electronic device such as a CTG or hand-held Doppler. It may be performed continuously or intermittently, depending on the individual circumstances and clinical findings.

Engagement – describes the situation when the widest diameter of the fetal head passes through the pelvic brim. This commonly occurs late in pregnancy and a pregnant woman can feel that the baby has ‘dropped’.

Epidural – is the term used to describe the injection of analgesia or anaesthesia into the epidural space of the spinal canal to relieve pain or achieve loss of sensation during labour and birth.

Episiotomy – a procedure performed under local anaesthetic that involves the birth attendant making a surgical incision (usually with surgical scissors) through the perineal tissues when the presenting part is well applied to enlarge the vulval opening during birth. It is used to minimise the risk of severe trauma to the perineum (tears) or when there is evidence that the baby is compromised (not coping with the birth) and needs to be born quickly.

F

False labour – also known as spurious labour, when a pregnant woman experiences Braxton-Hicks tightenings. It is called false labour because although the tightenings or contractions may come regularly and cause discomfort, they do not dilate the cervix.

Fetus/foetus – is a term used to describe developing baby in the uterus after the embryonic stage but before birth. The word comes from the Latin for offspring. Once the baby is born, it is called a neonate or newborn.

Fetal distress – is an out-dated term for fetal compromise or signs of oxygen deprivation (that the fetus is not coping) in its uterine environment. Signs of oxygen deprivation include: a heart rate greater than 160 beats per minute, a heart rate less than 110 beats per minute, a CTG pattern on the read-out that indicates fetal compromise, fetal blood sampling test result that indicates fetal compromise and meconium stained amniotic fluid.

Fetal movements - Baby’s movements are often felt as a discrete kick, flutter, swish, or roll.

Folic acid - Folate (or folic acid) is a B-group vitamin that is essential for healthy fetal development. Folate is naturally found in leafy green vegetables, wholegrain breads, cereals, legumes such as peas, dried beans and lentils. It is also available in tablet form as folic acid. Folate can prevent 70% of neural tube defects, including spina bifida, if taken before conception and early in pregnancy. All women of child-bearing age should take extra folate (0.4-0.5 milligrams per day) as around half of all pregnancies are unplanned.

Fontanelles - soft spots on a baby's head which, during birth, enable the bony plates of the skull to flex, allowing the child's head to pass through the birth canal. There are four fontanelles on a baby’s skull: the largest is the anterior (at the front of the head) fontanelle and it closes at around two years of age; the posterior smaller one closes around 2-3 months of age; and two smallest fontanelles on the sides of the baby’s head. A sunken fontanel may indicate dehydration and a bulging fontanelle may indicate increased pressure within the head.

Forceps – surgical instruments used to conduct assisted births. They look like two stainless steel salad servers that fit together. At one end the two curves cradle the baby's head inside the vagina and the other end forms the handle that is used to exert downwards pressure to guide the baby’s head out.

Full term – describes a pregnancy that is 37-42 weeks gestation.

G

Genital – relating to human reproductive organs

Gestation – the length of pregnancy

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) - any degree of glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy. ‘Intolerance’ (or insulin resistance) means that the insulin receptors in the cells do not respond to insulin by allowing glucose to move into the cells. This results in raised glucose levels in the blood. Pregnancy increases your need for insulin and if you already have a degree of insulin resistance then you are likely to develop GDM. Women can reduce their risk of GDM by ensuring a healthy weight gain, eating a healthy diet, and exercising.

Glucose challenge test (GCT) – a medical screening test performed at between 24-28 weeks gestation or earlier that measures your body’s response to glucose. You drink a sugary solution and then one hour later your blood is tested for the level of glucose. If you have gestational diabetes, your blood glucose level will be higher than normal. In this case you will need to have another test called an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) where your blood is tested before and two hours after the glucose drink.

Group B Streptococcus/ GBS/ group B strep - one of many different bacteria that normally live in our bodies. About one quarter of women carry GBS in their vagina, rectum or urinary bladder without knowing or having any symptoms. The bacterium can be passed to the baby during birth. Rarely, GBS can cause serious illness and even death in newborn babies. Your doctor can test you for this with a vaginal and/or anal swab. It can be effectively treated during pregnancy and prior to the onset of labour and birth with antibiotics.

H

Haematoma – a localised swelling filled with (clotted) blood; usually caused by a ruptured blood vessel.

Haemoglobin - the iron-containing pigment of the red blood cells. Its function is to carry the oxygen from your lungs to your body tissues.

HDN – Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn. When an Rh (D)-negative mother is carrying an Rh (D)-positive baby and her immune system reacts to the baby's blood as if it were a "foreign invader" it produces antibodies against it. In subsequent Rh (D)-positive pregnancies they may attack and destroy the baby's red blood cells, causing anaemia, jaundice or liver or heart problems. In severe cases the baby needs blood transfusions before or after birth. Injections of anti-D prevent the mother's immune reaction that could cause haemolytic disease of the newborn in her next child.

Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HBC) – inflammation of the liver caused by viruses that are passed from one person to another by body fluids such as blood and semen. Both of these viruses can be passed from the mother to the baby during birth, particularly if she has chronic hepatitis (i.e. has had it prior to becoming pregnant). Having a caesarean birth does not seem to prevent transmission to the baby. Babies born to women with chronic hepatitis B should receive hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and HBV vaccine at birth. HBIG provides immediate protection to the infant, but the effect only lasts a few months. The infant also receives the hepatitis B vaccine at birth, two and four months with one further does at either six or 12 months. There is no vaccine for hepatitis C.

HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). All pregnant women are routinely tested for HIV. Pregnant women who test positive to HIV will need specialised care and treatment to improve their own health and prevent transmission to their baby and uninfected partner. Elective caesarean birth is usually the delivery mode of choice and breastfeeding is not advised.

HOMs/Higher Order Multiples – triplets, quadruplets or more.

Hormones – chemical messengers released by cells in the body that aid various functions. For example, the main hormones of pregnancy are oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen promotes maternal blood flow within the uterus, baby and the placenta. Progesterone supports pregnancy growth, including the size of the uterus, enabling it to accommodate a full-term baby and it has relaxing effects on the blood vessels and joints.

HSV – Herpes Simplex Virus. Genital herpes is a common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI). There may not be any symptoms but it can start as itchy or painful red spots that soon develop into small blisters and ulcers. For pregnant women with genital herpes, there is a small chance that the virus may be passed on to the baby during birth. This is called neonatal herpes. A caesarean birth may be indicated if the mother contracts herpes or has active herpes close to her due date.

Hyperglycaemia/hypoglycaemia – Glycaemia is the level of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycaemia describes a lower than normal level and hyperglycaemia describes a higher than normal level. A normal level is 4-6 mmol/L (millimols per litre). Both hypo- and hyperglycaemia result in symptoms but hyperglycaemia in particular can cause complications for pregnant women and their babies.

Hypotension/hypertension – these terms are used to describe blood pressure. Hypotension is low blood pressure and hypertension is high blood pressure. Both hypo- and hypertension can cause symptoms, but hypertension in pregnancy in particular can cause complications for pregnant women and their babies.

Hypoxia – describes a low oxygen supply to the cells and tissues of the body.

I

Induction/induced labour – medically recommended, artificial means of starting the process of labour in a hospital setting. The most common reasons for inducing labour include: specific health concerns in the mother such as pre-eclampsia, the baby is not well, the pregnancy is overdue, and, the membranes have ruptured but labour has not started spontaneously.

J

Jaundice – a yellowish colour of the skin or, eyes caused by a substance called bilirubin. Most infants develop ‘physiological jaundice’ within the first week of life due to the normal breakdown of fetal blood and replacement with adult blood. This process occurs in the liver. Because the baby’s relatively immature liver cannot process the bilirubin quickly, some of this enters the bloodstream and body tissues, causing the yellow colour.

L

Labour – the process encompassing the onset of regular, painful contractions that result in the birth of the baby (or babies) and passage of the placenta and membranes through the birth canal.

Lactation – the secretion of breast milk from the breasts.

Latching on/attachment – the relationship of the baby’s mouth to the breast when commencing breast feeding.

Lie – the relationship between the fetus’ spine and the long axis of the mother’s uterus. The lie of the fetus may be longitudinal, oblique or transverse during pregnancy but usually becomes longitudinal during labour with the head or breech presenting.

Lightening – a reduction of pressure under the diaphragm in the latter stages of pregnancy when the head of the fetus descends into the pelvis, making it easier for the pregnant woman to breathe. Also described as the baby ‘dropping’ into the pelvis.

Listeria – a bacteria found in the soil, sewage, animals and some raw foods we consume. Outbreaks of Listeria infection due to foods such as soft cheeses, milk, coleslaw, hot dogs and pate have been reported in Europe, America and Australia. In pregnant women, Listeria infection is usually a mild illness. A high temperature before or during labour may be the only sign. However, even a mild form of the illness can affect the fetus and can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or a very ill baby at birth. Avoidance of certain foods during pregnancy and safe food handling and storage are key to prevention.

Lochia – a vaginal discharge following birth as the uterus sheds its inner lining and shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy state. The discharge is initially bloody, appearing like a heavy period for the first few days, but it gradually changes to pink, brown and to a yellow-white colour as it decreases in amount.

LNMP – last normal menstrual period; used to calculate the due date.

M

Malposition - a term used to describe an unusual position of the baby’s head; other than occipito-anterior, such as, occipito-posterior or transverse.

Maternity – motherhood; the state of being a mother; the period encompassing pregnancy, labour and birth and immediately afterwards.

Measles - a very contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. Serious and sometimes fatal complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain). Measles is also known as rubeola. Symptoms of measles may include fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore and red eyes (conjunctivitis), red and bluish spots inside the mouth and red and blotchy skin rash on the face, hairline and body. Pregnant women infected with measles have increased likelihood of premature labour, fetal or neonatal loss, and serious illness themselves. Vaccination during pregnancy is not possible because the vaccine contains live virus.

Meconium – the dark green coloured bowel motion (faeces) of the newborn. Passage of meconium before birth can be a sign of oxygen deprivation.

Membranes/bag of waters – consist of two membranes- an outer and inner layer that hold the growing fetus and amniotic fluid (waters) within the pregnant uterus. The membranes protect the fetus against infection.

Midwife – a health professional registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia who works in partnership with women to give the necessary support, care and advice during pregnancy, labour and the postpartum period, to conduct births and to provide care for the newborn and the infant.

Mode of delivery – the manner in which a woman gives birth – e.g. vaginal, assisted/instrumental vaginal birth, caesarean birth.

Moulding – a change in the shape of the baby’s head that can occur during pregnancy and birth. The bones of a newborn baby's skull are soft and flexible, with gaps between the plates of bone. This allows the bones to bend slightly and overlap one another. For example, during a head-first birth, pressure on the baby’s head caused by the narrow birth canal (vagina and pelvic bones) may mould the head into an oblong shape.

Mucous plug - a thick, sticky mucousy substance that sits in the cervical canal and provides antibacterial protection to the pregnant uterus.

Multigravida/multiparous – women who have had more than one pregnancy are called multigravidas and women who have had more than one baby are called multiparas. Gravidity refers to the number of pregnancies and parity refers to the number of babies born to a woman (excluding miscarriages).

Mumps - Mumps is an extremely contagious viral infection that usually affects children. The condition has a number of symptoms, the most common one being swelling of one or both of the salivary glands on the sides of the face. The MMR vaccine is commonly given at an early age to help the body become immune to the virus.

N

Natural birth - a childbirth philosophy that attempts to minimise medical intervention, particularly the use of anaesthetic medications and surgical interventions.

Neonatal – period from birth to 28 days of age. Infancy encompasses the neonatal period and extends through the first year of life.

Neonate – a newborn infant less than 28 days old.

Newborn – refers to a baby in the first minutes to hours following birth.

Nitrous Oxide - a colourless, sweet-tasting gas (chemical symbol N2O), used as a mild anaesthetic, often called laughing gas.

Nutrition - the process by which living organisms obtain food and use it for growth, metabolism, and repair. The stages of nutrition include ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport, assimilation, and excretion.

O

Obesity - a medical condition in which excess body fat has accumulated to the extent that it may have an adverse effect on health, leading to reduced life expectancy and/or increased health problems. People are considered obese when their body mass index (BMI), a measurement obtained by dividing a person's weight in kilograms by the square of the person's height in metres, exceeds 30 kg/m2.

Obstetrician - a physician who specializes in the branch of medicine concerned with pregnancy and childbirth and is accredited by The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).

Oedema – an excessive build-up or accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues.

Oligohydramnios – a lower volume of amniotic fluid than expected for a particular gestation.

Oxytocin - a polypeptide hormone secreted by the posterior portion of the pituitary gland. Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus during childbirth and facilitates ejection of milk from the mammary glands.

P

Paediatrician - a medical doctor who has undertaken several years of additional training and specialisation in paediatrics and is accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP).

Pap smear - a screening test, especially for cervical cancer, in which a smear of cells scraped from the cervix is treated with a chemical stain and examined under a microscope for pathological changes. Pap smears are performed routinely during gynaecological exams.

Parity – refers to the number of babies born to a woman (excluding miscarriages).

Pelvic floor – an important support for the pelvic organs comprising muscles that form the floor of the pelvic outlet. It relaxes to allow passage of the baby during childbirth.

Perinatal – the events surrounding labour and the first 7 days following childbirth.

Perineum – a pyramid-shaped body of muscle and tissue located between the vagina and anus.

Pethidine – an opioid pain relieving medication usually given by intramuscular injection during labour.

Placenta – or afterbirth; the life-line of the baby comprises a rounded, flat vascular surface and two membranes that contain the amniotic fluid and baby. One side is attached to the wall of the mother’s uterus and the other smooth shiny surface faces the baby. The umbilical cord joins the baby to the smooth shiny side. The functions of the placenta are to maintain the pregnancy and nourish the growing baby.

Placental abruption – a serious pregnancy complication where the placenta detaches from the uterine wall resulting in bleeding and pain in the mother and possibly a lack of oxygen to the baby. It requires prompt medical attention.

Placenta accreta – a condition where the placenta abnormally adheres to the muscle layer of the uterus.

Placenta praevia – a condition where some or all of the placenta is attached to the lower segment of the uterus and may partially or completely cover the cervix.

Pneumococcal – a bacterial illness caused by Streptococcus Pneumoniae. Infants with this illness usually have a high fever, rapid breathing, and coughing. They don't want to eat and may appear very ill.

Polyhydramnios –an excess of amniotic fluid. The cause is not always known but some causes include maternal conditions such as diabetes, cardiac or kidney disease, multiple pregnancy, and fetal conditions.

Position – refers to the position of the baby within the uterus in relation to the maternal pelvis; the relationship between the part of the fetus presenting (e.g. head) and the top of the maternal pelvis e.g. right occipito-anterior or ROA describes the fetus lying on the mother’s right side with the back of its head uppermost.

Postnatal/postpartum – after the birth; a period of six weeks following birth. Also called the puerperium.

Postpartum depression - The symptoms of postpartum depression are the same as the symptoms of depression that occurs at other times in life and can occur soon after birth or up to a year later. Most of the time, it occurs within the first 3 months following childbirth.

Pre eclampsia - a pregnancy-related condition that includes elevated blood pressure. Specifically, it is the new onset of high blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in the urine) in a pregnant woman who is beyond 20 weeks gestation.

Premature/preterm – a pregnancy or fetus less than 37 weeks gestation.

Prenatal/antenatal screening – Screening is the systematic search for specific conditions among pregnant women, for example, Rhesus factor, syphilis, HIV and diabetes, Down Syndrome, Anti-D antibodies, urine testing, Group B Streptococcus, and glucose challenge test.

Presentation – refers to the part of the fetus lying in the lower part of the uterus or top of maternal pelvis.

Primigravida – a term used to describe the first-time pregnant woman.

Psychosocial – a combination of psychological and social factors.

R

Respiratory distress syndrome - also known as infant RDS, is an acute lung disease present at birth, which usually affects premature babies. A substance called surfactant is produced by the fetal lungs starting at about 34 weeks of pregnancy and, by the time the fetal lungs mature at 37 weeks, a normal amount is present. If an infant is born prematurely, enough surfactant might not have formed causing the lungs to collapse and making it very difficult for the baby to get enough air (and the oxygen it contains). Sometimes a layer of fibrous tissue called a hyaline membrane forms in the lungs, making it even harder for oxygen to get through to the blood vessels. RDS in newborn infants used to be called hyaline membrane disease.

Rhesus factor/Rh factor - an inherited trait that refers to a specific protein found on the surface of red blood cells. People with Rh factors are classified as having a blood type that is Rh positive, while people who lack the antigen are said to be Rh negative and can produce powerful antibodies that destroy red blood cells if given a blood transfusion from an Rh-positive donor. A woman who is Rh negative and is pregnant with an Rh-positive fetus can produce antibodies that are life threatening to the fetus.

Rubella - A mild contagious disease caused by a virus and capable of producing congenital defects in infants born to mothers infected during the first three months of pregnancy. Also called German measles.

Rupture of the membranes – occurs when there is a break in the membranes usually accompanied by the release or leakage of amniotic fluid. The membranes may rupture spontaneously at any time during pregnancy and labour or be artificially ruptured during labour to hasten slow labour or to closely monitor the fetus during labour e.g. to apply a fetal scalp electrode or to perform fetal scalp blood testing. Premature rupture of the membranes occurs before 37 weeks gestation.

S

Show/bloody show – a pink or bloodstained jelly-like or mucousy vaginal loss in early labour.

Singleton – one fetus in the womb/uterus (as opposed to multiple, referring to twins or higher order multiples).

Speculum – an instrument used to open and examine the vagina.

Supplement – nutritional compounds used to correct deficiencies e.g. vitamin supplements.

T

Toxoplasmosis - a disease that results from infection with the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. This organism is one of the world's most common parasites. The illness is caused by eating infected meat, by ingestion of faeces of a dog or cat that has itself recently been infected, or by transmission from mother to fetus. Toxoplasmosis may cause flu-like symptoms in some people, but most people affected never develop signs and symptoms. For infants born to infected mothers and for people with weakened immune systems, toxoplasmosis can cause extremely serious complications. Prevention during pregnancy is enhanced by safe handling of food, good hygiene and avoidance of handling dog or cat faeces.

Transition – the late first stage of labour (from about 7-8cm) moving into the second stage (full dilation).

Trimester – a period of three months or 12 weeks. A pregnancy is divided into three trimesters: first trimester = 0 to 12 weeks, second trimester = 13 to 27 weeks and the third trimester = 28 weeks to childbirth.

U

Ultrasound – a diagnostic imaging test that uses sound waves to assess and monitor many aspects of a pregnancy, including the fetus/fetuses, placenta, amniotic fluid, etc.

Umbilical cord - The umbilical cord is the baby’s lifeline during pregnancy and labour. The cord averages 50 cm in length and 2 cms in diameter but there are variations in these measurements, particularly in the length. Because babies do not breathe oxygen via their lungs when inside the uterus, all of their oxygen and nutrient needs are supplied by the mother‘s blood flowing through the placenta via the cord to the baby. The cord is made up of a jelly-like substance (called Wharton’s jelly) that protects and insulates the two arteries and one vein within it. Under certain circumstances the cord is sensitive to compression as well as extremes of temperature (particularly cold) that can cause spasm of the blood vessels and thereby reduce the flow of oxygen to the baby, e.g. cord presentation, prolapse or cord around the baby’s neck at birth.

V

Varicella – a highly contagious virus of the herpes family. Varicella zoster virus causes chicken pox, characterised by an itchy rash with blisters. It is transmitted via coughing or sneezing droplets or exposure to the fluid in the blisters. Infection during pregnancy can have serious effects on the fetus/baby, particularly before 20 weeks gestation.

VDRL/RPR – a test for syphilis, a sexually transmitted disease, routinely performed for pregnant women in the early part of pregnancy, because infection of the developing fetus can result in serious malformations. Syphilis is relatively rare in Australia nowadays but if infection occurs, it may have medical consequences many years after the initial infection.

Vital signs –the clinical signs that are vital to life, that are used to monitor health and wellbeing e.g. respiratory rate, pulse, blood pressure, temperature.

Vulva - The outer part of the female genitalia, including the labia (lips), vaginal and urethral openings and clitoris.

W

Whooping cough/pertussis - is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it's marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop." Before the vaccine was developed, whooping cough was considered a childhood disease. Now whooping cough primarily affects children too young to have completed the full course of vaccinations and teenagers and adults whose immunity has faded. Deaths associated with whooping cough are rare but most commonly occur in infants. That's why it's so important for pregnant women and other people who will have close contact with an infant to be vaccinated against whooping cough.