Words to Know

AMNIOTIC FLUID: The protective liquid surrounding baby contained in the amniotic sac of someone who is pregnant.

ANXIETY: An uneasy or troubled feeling.

AREOLA: The colored circle of skin around the nipple.

BIRTH DEFECT: Physical or biochemical abnormality that is present at birth. It may be inherited or the result of environmental influence.

CERVIX: The lower, cylinder-shaped part of the uterus. It connects the uterus to the vagina. During birth, it widens and flattens so the baby can pass through.

CONTRACEPTIVE: Something that is used to prevent pregnancy.

CONTRACTIONS: A shortening of the uterine muscles occurring at intervals before and during childbirth.

CROUP: Inflammation of the throat in children associated with infection and causing breathing difficulties.

DTaP VACCINE/Tdap VACCINE: These vaccines protect against three diseases caused by bacteria: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough). DTaP is for children younger than age 7 and Tdap is for adults.

EXPRESS MILK: A technique used for those who are breastfeeding to remove milk from the breasts, especially if they are overfull.

HEALTHCARE PROVIDER: A healthcare professional who provides services and care for you or your baby. Your provider may be an OB/GYN physician, a family physician, a nurse practitioner, a nurse midwife or a physician’s assistant. Your baby’s provider may be a pediatric doctor (pediatrician), family doctor, neonatologist, nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant.

HEMORRHOID: A swollen vein on or near the anus. Hemorrhoids are also known as piles.

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV): A virus that attacks the body's immune system. HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a chronic, life-threatening condition.

IMMUNIZATION/VACCINE: A shot or other medicine used to prevent diseases.

INDUCTION: A procedure used to stimulate uterine contractions during pregnancy before labor begins on its own.

JAUNDICE: When a chemical called bilirubin builds up in the baby’s blood. It causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellowish in color.

LACTATION: When the body makes breast milk.

LANOLIN: A waxy ointment that can be used to protect skin and to treat sore nipples.

LETDOWN REFLEX: An involuntary reflex during the period of time when a person is breastfeeding that causes the milk to flow freely.

MASTITIS: An infection of the breast that can happen when the milk duct gets clogged. It is usually associated with redness of the breast and fever.

MILESTONES: Behavior and physical skills babies and children have as they grow. Sitting up, crawling and walking are examples of milestones.

NURSING: The method of feeding the baby with milk from a lactating breast.

OVA OR OVUM: A mature female reproductive cell also known as an egg.

OVULATE: To discharge an egg from the ovary.

PERINATAL: The time before and after the birth of a child.

PITOCIN: A medication used to start or induce labor or decrease bleeding after delivery.

PLACENTA (AFTERBIRTH): A flattened circular organ in the uterus that nourishes and maintains the fetus through the umbilical cord in the womb.

PNEUMONIA: A lung inflammation caused by a bacterial or viral infection.

POSTPARTUM: 6 weeks to 1 year following childbirth.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION: Feelings of sadness or hopelessness after giving birth.

PRENATAL: Describes pregnant people before they deliver their baby. Prenatal care is medical care you receive before your baby is born.

PRENATAL DEPRESSION: Feelings of sadness or hopelessness during pregnancy.

PRETERM OR PREMATURE LABOR: The presence of contractions and dilation of the cervix between 20 and 37 weeks.

PROGESTERONE: A hormone that prepares and maintains the uterus for pregnancy.

REPRODUCTIVE LIFE PLAN: A plan regarding when and if you want to have more children. The plan should include how you will follow through with your decision and what methods you will use to prevent pregnancy.

RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (RSV): Causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages and is a major cause of respiratory illness in young children.

ROOTING: A baby’s instinctive search for food that helps you recognize when your baby is hungry.

SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS (STIs): Infections spread from person to person through sexual contact. STIs do not always cause symptoms and may go unnoticed. STIs can be harmful to you and your baby during pregnancy. Many STIs are curable with medicine.

SPERM: A male reproductive cell.

SUDDEN INFANT DEATH SYNDROME (SIDS): The unexplained death, usually during sleep, of a seemingly healthy baby less than a year old. SIDS is sometimes known as crib death because the infants often die in their cribs.

UMBILICAL CORD: The cord that transfers nourishment to the baby and removes waste from the baby during pregnancy. This cord is cut at birth, creating the belly button.

URINARY TRACT INFECTION (UTI): When germs affect the kidneys, the bladder or the tubes connecting these organs. It can result in frequent and sometimes painful urination. It can lead to more serious health problems that can affect the baby.

UTERUS: The pear-shaped, hollow organ in the female reproductive system where the baby grows until birth. The uterus is also called the womb. The uterus is connected to the vagina by the cervix.

VACCINE: A shot or other medicine used to prevent diseases.

VAGINA: A canal-shaped opening in your body also called the birth canal. The vagina connects to the cervix, which is connected to the uterus.