Glossary

Abusive Head Trauma (AHT)

A traumatic brain injury caused by violent shaking and/or inflicted blunt impact, which can lead to Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).

ACE inhibitors

A class of drugs that cause vasodilation, used to treat hypertension, heart failure, and diabetes mellitus (MD).

Age of viability

The age a premature baby can survive outside the uterus. The threshold of fetus viability is usually after 23 weeks of gestation; however, the survival rate for infants born this prematurely is low with an increased chance of developing medical problems.

Amenorrhea

The absence of menstrual periods.

Amniotic Fluid

The fluid that surrounds and cushions the fetus in the uterus. It also facilitates movement of the fetus to support growth, helps the lungs develop, prevents the umbilical cord from being compressed, and helps with temperature regulation.

Amniotomy

The artificial rupture of the amniotic sac to induce or accelerate labour.

Antenatal

The period of time in a pregnancy from conception to the beginning of labour.  Also known as the prenatal period.

Apgar score

A score given to a newborn by a health care provider at one and five minutes after birth based on their heart rate, respiratory rate, muscle tone, irritability and colour. The overall score ranges from 0 to 10. A low score may warrant the need for medical intervention and/or close monitoring.

Areola

The pigmented skin on the breast surrounding the nipple.  The areola usually gets darker in pregnancy.

Attachment

The reciprocal, interactive relationship between a baby and the parent(s) or caregiver(s).

Autoimmune disorders

An autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue. There are over 80 types of autoimmune disorders, including arthritis and Lupus.

Bacterial vaginosis

A mild vaginal infection common in women of reproductive age. Bacterial vaginosis usually does not cause health problems and often clears up on its own. In some cases, it can increase the risk of contracting sexually-transmitted infections, increase the risk of miscarriage, and lead to preterm labour.

Bishop’s Score

A scoring tool to help predict the success of induction of labour.  It is calculated by a vaginal examination and it assesses the readiness of the cervix for labour by assessing the position, consistency, dilatation and effacement of the cervix.

Blood gases

A blood test used to measure the level of oxygen and carbon dioxide along with pH of the blood. Arterial blood gases come from an artery, and venous blood gases come from a vein.  The results are used along with other tests to help diagnose various health conditions.

Cardiotocograph (CTG)

An electronic machine used to record fetal heart rate typically used the in third trimester. There are two types of cardiotocograph: internal and external. The external measures the fetal heart rate and activity of the uterine muscles with transducers that are placed on the individual's abdomen. An internal cardiotocograph measures fetal heart rate with transducers that are placed on the fetal scalp through the cervical opening.

Carrier (Genetic)

A person who has a recessive gene associated with a disorder and shows no signs of that particular disorder but could pass the gene to his or her children.

Cervical polyp

A small, usually benign, growth on the cervix which is the lower part of the uterus that connects with the vagina. Cervical polyps may cause spotting.

Cervix

The opening of the uterus from the vagina/birth canal. The cervix softens, thins and dilates/opens during labour to birth the baby.

Cervical ripening

The softening of the cervix, known as cervical ripening, typically begins prior to the onset of labor contractions. Ripening is necessary for cervical dilation and birth of the baby

Chemotherapeutics

The treatment of cancer using specific chemical agents or drugs that are selectively destructive to malignant cells and tissues.

Chlamydia

A sexually-transmitted infection caused by a parasitic bacterium that often has no symptoms but if left untreated, may lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, ectopic pregnancy, birth complications, and infections in newborns.

Chorioamnionitis

A bacterial infection of the chorion of the placenta, the amnion (i.e., membranes that surround the fetus), and the amniotic fluid, which can lead to infections in both the mother and fetus.

Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)

A prenatal test (also known as chorionic villus biopsy) typically done around 10 to 12 weeks of gestation, which can detect genetic and chromosomal abnormalities of the fetus. This prenatal testing procedure involves taking a sample of the chorion frondosum (i.e., part of the chorionic membrane containing the villi) for laboratory analysis.

Chromosomal anomaly

A mutation in the number or structure of chromosomal DNA.

Cochlear implants

An electronic device that replaces the function of the inner ear. Unlike hearing aids, which increase sound, cochlear implants do the work of the inner ear (i.e., the cochlea) providing sound signals to the brain.

Colostrum

The first milk substance produced by the breasts before the milk comes in.  It is thick, yellow and often referred to as ‘liquid gold’ because it is high in antibodies and nutrients.  It is the best first food for the newborn.

Congenital

A disease or condition present at birth.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)

A treatment used for people with breathing problems that uses mild air pressure to keep airways open; often used with preterm infants or people with sleep apnea.

Cord blood banking

The process of collecting and storing blood left in the umbilical cord and placenta after birth. It contains the baby’s stem cells that may be used to treat future medical problems. The stem cells are frozen at a cord blood bank and available for use or donation

Cortisol

An adrenal hormone released in the body in response to stress.

Cystic fibrosis

A life-threatening, genetic condition causing a thickening of mucous, sweat, and digestive fluids, which affects the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestines.

Decompression sickness

A condition in which gas or air bubbles form in the body causing organ dysfunction due to extreme changes in the pressure in one's environment. Also referred to as the 'bends'.

Dehiscence

The separation of a surgical wound causing the surface layers or the whole wound to split open.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

The formation of a blood clot in a deep vein (usually in the legs), which may cause pain or swelling and can be life-threatening if it detaches and travels to the lungs.

Dilation

The gradual opening of the cervix during labour. When doing a vaginal exam, it is typically measured in centimeters from 0 (closed) to 10 (fully dilated).

Dorsiflexion

The upward flexion of the foot bending from the ankle.

Ductus arteriosus

A blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery and the descending aorta allowing blood to pass around a developing fetus' fluid-filled lungs. Upon birth, the lungs fill with air, and the ductus arteriosus closes within a few days. If the vessel does not close, it is referred to as a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).

Dystocia

When a physical obstruction prolongs labour and prevents delivery, also known as an obstructed labour. This is often caused by the size or abnormal positioning of the baby, a small pelvis or problems with the birth canal.

Ectopic pregnancy

Pregnancy which occurs when a fertilized egg attaches in the fallopian tube or organs connected to the womb.

Effacement

Effacement refers to the thinning of the cervix in preparation for labour. It is measured from 0 – 100 % effaced.

Engagement or Lightening

The fetus “drops” or descends into the maternal pelvis. This can happen weeks before labour, or at the beginning of labour.  It does not predict when labour will occur. 

Episiotomy

A surgical cut made to the area between the vagina and rectum to enlarge the space for the baby to pass through the vaginal opening. Episiotomies are not usually needed.

Euthyroid state

The state of having normal thyroid gland function.

External version

A procedure used to turn a fetus from a breech (buttocks/feet first) presentation to a head down presentation for labour and birth. During the procedure, done with ultrasound guidance, a healthcare provider will place their hands on the outside of the abdomen and attempt to manually turn the baby.

Facial nerve palsy

Damage to the facial nerve resulting in facial weakness or impairment of the structures that it innervates.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)

A term that describes a group of characteristics that can include defects in facial features, growth deficiency, and central nervous system dysfunction in a child whose mother drank alcohol during pregnancy.

First stage of labour

This stage starts with regular uterine contractions that are close enough and strong enough to bring about a change in cervical effacement and/or dilation.  This stage ends when the cervix is 10cm (fully) dilated.

Folate

A water-soluble B vitamin, naturally found in leafy vegetables, which is necessary for the production of DNA, cellular renewal, and the formation of red blood cells.

Folic acid

A B vitamin and synthetic form of folate found as a food supplement.

Galactosemia

A hereditary, congenital condition caused by a deficiency in the enzymes responsible for metabolizing the galactose in milk into glucose so it can be digested by the body.

Gastroschisis

A congenital defect characterized by a defect in the anterior abdominal wall through which the abdominal contents freely protrude.

Gestational Diabetes

A type of diabetes diagnosed during pregnancy, resulting in high blood sugar in the mother that can cross the placenta to the fetus. It is diagnosed with a blood test.

Genital vasocongestion h3>

Swelling of genital tissues caused by increased vascular blood flow and a localized increase in blood pressure during sexual arousal.

Gestational age

The age of the fetus calculated in weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. The typical full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.

Glucose challenge test

A routine screening blood test done between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes. A blood test is done one hour after drinking a sugary liquid. If the results are above normal, a glucose tolerance test will be done to confirm diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Glucose tolerance test

A diagnostic blood test done between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy to confirm gestational diabetes. Four blood tests are conducted measuring glucose levels of the individual while fasting, at one hour, two hours and three hours after drinking glucose.

Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening

A vaginal/rectal swab taken around 36 weeks of gestation to determine if the pregnant individual has an overgrowth of group B strep bacteria.

Hematoma

A collection of blood outside of the blood vessels within the tissue. Also known as a bruise.

Hemoglobin

An iron-containing protein found in red blood cells, which carries oxygen.

Hemophilia

A medical condition in which blood does not clot normally.

Hemorrhage

An excessive amount of bleeding, which can occur internally and be concealed within the body or externally resulting in the visual loss of blood outside of the body.

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG)

A pregnancy complication characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration, which may result in malnutrition and other serious complications, such as fluid or electrolyte imbalances.

Hyperpigmentation

Refers to darker patches of skin on the face. This may be triggered by hormonal changes during pregnancy that temporarily increase melanin production. Also known as a pregnancy mask, melasma or chloasma.

Hyperthermia

An increase in core body temperature beyond the normal value of 37.0° C (98.6° F).

Hyperthyroidism

A condition where the thyroid is overactive resulting in the thyroid gland producing an excess of the hormone thyroxine.

Hyperventilation

An increased rate of breathing resulting in low levels of carbon dioxide in the blood which may result in light headedness and tingling.

Hypothyroidism

A condition where the thyroid gland is underactive resulting in the thyroid gland not producing enough thyroid hormones.

Hypoventilation

A decreased rate of breathing resulting in an accumulation of carbon dioxide in the blood.

Hypoxia

A decreased concentration of oxygen reaching the body's tissues, which can lead to brain damage.

Incompetent cervix

A condition where the cervix begins to open prematurely without preterm labour contractions, often leading to miscarriage or preterm delivery. Also known as a cervical insufficiency.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)

A pregnancy complication defined by insufficient development of the fetus at a given gestational age (development under the 10th percentile).

Involution

Where the uterus contracts and shrinks down to its pre-pregnancy size.

Ischial spines

Two bilateral, triangular projections in the ischium, which form the narrowest part of the pelvis.

Kegel exercises

Exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor, which can prevent or control urinary incontinence and other pelvic floor problems resulting from childbirth.

Lactational Amenorrhea Method (LAM)

A natural birth control technique consisting of exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months after birth. The act of exclusive breastfeeding suppresses the hormones required to ovulate.

Lactogenesis

The onset of milk secretion, including all of the changes in the mammary tissue needed for lactation. Lactogenesis 1 is the initial secretion of colostrum, and Lactogenesis 2 occurs two to four days after the birth with the secretion of mature breastmilk.

Lanugo

Soft downy hair that covers the fetus during development.  Many babies are born with some lanugo still on their bodies, which falls out on its own over time. 

Lochia

The vaginal discharge after giving birth consisting of blood, mucous, and tissue from the uterine lining.

Low birth weight

The birth weight of an infant weighing less than 2500 g (5 lb 8 oz). Low birth-weight infants are at risk of health and developmental problems as well as death in some circumstances.

Macrosomia

A medical condition, literally meaning 'big body', where a fetus' birth weight is greater than 4000 g (8 lb 13oz) exceeding the normal maximum values (i.e., above the 90th percentile).

Meconium

Meconium is the first black, tarry stool passed by the newborn. Some babies pass meconium prior to birth.

Methotrexate

A synthetic compound that interferes with cell growth, used to treat leukemia and other forms of cancer.

Milk ejection reflex

Active ejection of milk from the mammary gland caused by the contraction of myoepithelial cells.

Molar pregnancy

A non-cancerous tumour, also known as a hydatidiform mole, that develops in the uterus. A molar pregnancy starts when a fertilized egg develops into an abnormal mass of cysts.

Mucous plug

The mucous plug blocks the opening of the cervix to keep bacteria out during pregnancy. The mucous plug can be passed weeks before labour or during labour as the cervix begins to thin and soften.   

Necrotizing enterocolitis

A serious condition of the gastrointestinal tract, seen primarily in premature infants, resulting in inflammation of the intestines and destruction of the surrounding tissues.

Neisseria gonorrhoeae

Bacteria, also known as gonococci or gonococcus, responsible for the sexually-transmitted infection gonorrhea.

Neonatal gonococcal ophthalmia

A neonatal eye infection caused by exposure to Neisseria gonorrhoeae.

Neonatal jaundice

A neonatal condition caused by an excess of bilirubin (a red blood cell by-product) in the skin leading to the yellowing of the skin. If excess bilirubin is not excreted from the newborn's system, it can lead to brain damage.

Neural tube defect

A birth defect involving the brain and spinal cord of a developing fetus. Spina bifida (in which the spinal column does not completely close) and anencephaly (in which the brain and skull do not completely form) are the two most common types. The neural tube closes during the 3rd week of gestation often before women know that they are pregnant.

Neurotransmitter

A chemical molecule that transmits nerve impulses from one neuron to another throughout the brain and body.

Nuchal translucency

A measurement of fluid thickness in a fetus' neck tissue. This measurement is usually taken during an ultrasound between 11 and 14 weeks of pregnancy and can help identify higher chances of chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome.

Nulliparous

A woman who has never given birth to a viable or live infant.

Occipitoanterior (OA)

The in utero fetal position where the baby is head down facing the back of the uterus; this is the most common fetal position.

Occipitoposterior (OP)

The in utero fetal position where the baby is head down facing the front of the uterus. This position may cause more pain during labour as the baby's head is putting pressure on the bony part of the pelvis. It also makes it more difficult for the baby to fit into the pelvis.

Oligohydramnios

A condition during pregnancy where not enough amniotic fluid is produced.

Passive immunity

Immunity acquired by the transfer of antibodies from another individual, as through injection or placental transfer to a fetus.

Perineum

Perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the rectum.

Periodontal disease

Periodontal disease refers to gingivitis (i.e., an inflammatory condition of the soft tissues surrounding a tooth or the gingiva) and periodontitis (i.e., the breakdown of such supporting structures as the periodontal ligament, bone, cementum, or soft tissues).

Pertussis

A bacterial infection, also known as whooping cough, affecting the respiratory system. It most commonly affects infants and children. Vaccination is recommended by health care providers beginning in infancy.

Pharmacokinetics

The interaction of foreign substances as they enter and pass through the body, including the processes of absorption, bioavailability, distribution, metabolism, and excretion.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

An inherited disorder where the body is unable to process part of a protein called phenylalanine, which causes a buildup of it in the body. If untreated it can lead to brain and nerve damage.

Placenta

The placenta is the organ in the uterus that delivers oxygen, nutrients, and hormones to the baby and removes waste products. 

Placental Abruption

A condition that occurs during pregnancy in which the placenta detaches from the uterine wall. The condition can cause vaginal bleeding for a woman. It is a potentially serious condition as it can deprive a growing fetus of oxygen and nutrients.

Placenta accreta

A condition in pregnancy where the placenta and blood vessels grow too deeply into the uterine wall causing it to stay attached after childbirth.

Placenta previa

A condition where the placenta implants on the lower part of the uterine wall. This can cause bleeding during pregnancy as well as the inability to give birth vaginally if the placenta is covering the cervix.

Placental transport

The means through which nutrients and metabolites are passed from the pregnant individual, through the placenta, to the fetus and vice versa.

Polyhydramnios

 A condition in which there is too much amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

Pre-eclampsia

A complication that arises during pregnancy that is characterized by high blood pressure, a high level of protein in the urine, and weight gain with edema.

Prelabour rupture of membranes (PROM)

Membranes rupture (waters break) after 37 weeks of pregnancy and prior to the onset of labour.  If PROM occurs before 37 weeks of pregnancy it is called Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (pPROM).

Primigravida

A person who is pregnant for the first time.

Prophylaxis

A preventive treatment or remedy.

Prostaglandins

The hormone-like compounds that play a role in many physiological responses in the body, including cervical ripening and uterine contractions.

Pseudoephedrine

A decongestant used to help loosen and relieve congestion in the nose, sinuses, and head.

Respiratory distress syndrome

A breathing disorder that affects newborns. It is most common in premature infants due to a surfactant deficiency in the lungs.

Retinal hemorrhage

A disorder in the eye that causes bleeding in the retina (i.e., the light-sensitive part on the back wall of the eye).

Retinol

A form of vitamin A found in animal sources such as dairy products, animal liver, and fish liver oils.

Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS)

A term used to describe the signs and symptoms resulting from the violent shaking of a newborn or young child. It is a form of Abusive Head Trauma, which can lead to severe brain damage, permanent disabilities, and sometimes death.

Sickle cell disease

An inherited disorder in which red blood cells are crescent shaped, which causes chronic anemia and episodes of pain.

Skin turgor

The ability of skin to return to its position after it has been pinched; used by health care providers as an indicator of fluid loss or dehydration

Social determinants of health

Social issues that influence health, which include social exclusion, socioeconomic status, education, race, gender, social and physical environments, and other differences that affect the health and well-being of individuals and communities.

Spontaneous abortion

The spontaneous loss of a fetus without outside intervention before the 20th week of pregnancy. Also known as a miscarriage.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The inexplicable and sudden death of a healthy baby under one year of age.

Tay-Sachs disease

An inherited birth defect that causes intellectual disability, blindness, seizures. Death usually occurs by 5 years of age.

Teratogens

Agents that disrupt the growth and development of an embryo or fetus; they can cause birth defects or miscarriage. Teratogens can include chemicals, drugs, radiation or maternal infections.

Teratogenic

Having the ability to disrupt the growth and development of an embryo or fetus and/or cause birth defects or miscarriage.

Testosterone

A male hormone; a sex hormone (produced by the testes) that encourages the development of male sexual characteristics and stimulates the activity of the male secondary sex characteristics.

Third stage of labour

Begins after the birth of the baby and ends when the placenta is expelled.

Thrombosis

The formation of a blood clot inside a blood vessel obstructing the flow of blood through the circulatory system.

Tocotransducer

An external monitor that records uterine activity and contractions.

Toxoplasmosis

A disease caused by the Toxoplasma gondii parasite through soil, cat faeces, or undercooked meat. It is often symptomless but in infected mothers it can cause harm to the fetus.

Transverse presentation

The in utero fetal position where the baby is lying across the uterus instead of head down.

Trichomoniasis

A sexually-transmitted infection caused by the Trichomonas vaginalis parasite, which can cause inflammation of the cervix leading to bleeding or preterm labour.

Vasoconstriction

The narrowing of blood vessels caused by contraction of the muscular walls of the vessels.

Vernix

The white waxy substance found covering the newborn. It protects the baby’s skin while inside the uterus.

Venous thromboembolism (VTE)

A disease that includes both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein and moves to the lungs.