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Labor and Delivery Terms
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Effacement
The thinning and shortening of the cervix during the first stage of labor.
Dilation
The opening of the cervix, measured in centimeters, during labor to allow the passage of the baby.
Engagement
When the fetal head descends into the maternal pelvis and is at the level of the ischial spines.
Station
A measure of the descent of the fetal head into the birth canal, relative to the ischial spines.
Braxton Hicks contractions
Irregular, non-labor contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy.
Meconium
The first bowel movement of a newborn, comprised of materials ingested in utero.
Amniotomy
Artificial rupture of the membranes (ARM), performed to induce or accelerate labor.
Epidural
A regional anesthesia that blocks pain in a particular area of the body, commonly used during labor.
Episiotomy
A surgical cut made at the opening of the vagina during childbirth, to aid a difficult delivery and prevent rupture of tissues.
Forceps delivery
Use of a medical instrument resembling large tongs to help guide the baby's head out of the birth canal during delivery.
Cesarean section (c-section)
A surgical procedure in which one or more incisions are made through a mother's abdomen and uterus to deliver one or more babies.
Lochia
The vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.
Placental abruption
A serious condition where the placenta detaches from the uterus before childbirth.
Fetal distress
When the fetus is not well, often indicated by an abnormal heart rate or pattern on a heart rate monitor.
Postpartum hemorrhage
Excessive bleeding following the birth of a baby, which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)
When a woman delivers vaginally after having had a previous c-section birth.
Uterine inversion
A rare but serious complication where the uterus turns inside out after childbirth.
Pitocin
A synthetic form of oxytocin used to induce or augment labor contractions.
Apgar score
A quick test performed on a newborn at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, assessing heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex response, and color.
Breech presentation
When a baby is positioned in the womb with the buttocks or feet closest to the birth canal instead of the head.
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