Template:Birth Terms

Birth

• amniotomy - birth medical procedure thought to speed labor, where the amniotic sac is artificially ruptured using a tool (amniohook).
• birth - (parturition, partus, childbirth, labour, delivery). expulsion of the foetus from the uterus. (More? Birth)
• birth weight - (birth-weight) the weight of the neonate measured as soon as possible after birth. (More? Birth Weight)
• breech - fetal buttocks presented first and can also occur in different forms depending on presentation (complete breech, frank breech, footing breech, knee breech).
• decidual activation - increased uterine proteolysis and extracellular matrix degradation.
• dilatation - opening of the cervix in preparation for birth (expressed in centimetres).
• effacement - shortening or thinning of the cervix, in preparation for birth.
• forceps - mechanical "plier-like" tool used on fetal head to aid birth.
• labor - the maternal physiological process of birth. (More? Birth)
• macrosomia - clinical description for a fetus that is too large, condition increases steadily with advancing gestational age and defined by a variety of birthweights. In pregnant women anywhere between 2 - 15% have birth weights of greater than 4000 grams (4 Kg, 8 lb 13 oz). (More? Macrosomia)
• membrane rupture - breaking of the amniotic membrane and release of amniotic fluid (water breaking).
• morbidity - (Latin, morbidus = "sick" or "unhealthy") refers to a diseased state, disability, or poor health due to any cause.
• neonatal - the early postnatal period relating to the birth, it includes the period up to 4 weeks after birth.
• obstetric fistula - abnormal connection between the vagina and rectum or bladder caused by a prolonged obstructed labor.
• perinatal - the early postnatal period relating to the birth, statistically it includes the period up to 7 days after birth.
• presentation - how the fetus is situated in the uterus.
• presenting part - part of fetus body that is closest to the cervix.
• second stage of labour - passage of the baby through the birth canal into the outside world.
• vacuum extractor - (ventouse) rubber or metal suction cap device used on fetal head to aid birth.
• vertex presentation - (cephalic presentation) where the fetus head is the presenting part, most common and safest birth position.