Descriptionary

inversion of the uterus when the uterus is turned inside-out during birth, occurring when the umbilical cord is pulled before the placenta is detached.

in vitro fertilization a method of conception employed in women with damaged fallopian tubes, characterized by the gathering and mixing of ova and sperm, and the implantation of any fertilized eggs in the uterus.

Kegel exercises exercises to strengthen the muscles surrounding the vagina.

labor the regular and powerful contraction of the uterus during childbirth.

lactation the production and secretion of breast milk.

lactogenic hormone the pituitary hormone, pro- lactin, that stimulates lactation and the growth of breasts.

Lamaze method childbirth method developed by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, consisting of exercises and breathing techniques to help women pass through each stage of labor with a minimum of trauma.

lanugo the fine coat of downy hair covering the fetus from 20 weeks until birth.

latent phase the first phase of the first stage of labor, characterized by moderate contractions occur­ring at 5- to 15-minute intervals and lasting 30 to 60 seconds each.

Leboyer delivery a natural childbirth method in which the child is delivered in a peaceful atmosphere and with the smallest amount of pain and mental trauma possible.

Leopold's maneuvers the examination of a wom­an's abdomen to determine the position of the fetus.

letdown reflex the release of milk from the alveoli of the breasts to the milk ducts, a reflex caused by the hormone oxytocin.

linea nigra a dark line or streak running from the belly button to the pubic area, seen on many pregnant women.

lochia vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, and tissue after birth.

luteal phase the ovulation phase of the menstrual cycle.

mastitis an infection of breast tissue.

meconium the greenish black, odorless stools passed by the fetus soon after birth.

menarche the onset of the first menstruation.

mesoderm the central layer of the embryolast cells from which muscles, bone, blood, and connective tis­sue develop.

miscarriage a spontaneous abortion.

midwife a person who delivers or assists in deliver­ing babies.

molding the process by which the infant's head changes shape or "molds" to facilitate delivery through the birth canal.

monozygotic twins twins that develop from a sin­gle ovum. Also known as identical twins.

morning sickness nausea and vomiting during preg­nancy, now referred to as pregnancy sickness.

neonatal of or pertaining to an infant from birth to 28 days.

neonatologist a physician specializing in newborns.

nurse midwife a registered nurse who has gradu­ated from a midwifery program.

obstetrics the branch of medicine that deals with pregnancy and childbirth.

ovary the gland that produces estrogen and pro­gesterone and that contains eggs in various stages of development.

ovulation the discharge of an egg for possible fertil­ization by sperm.

ovum an egg or reproductive cell.

oxytocin the pituitary hormone that stimulates uterine contractions and the letdown reflex during lactation.

parturition the process of giving birth; labor.

perineum the area between the anus and the vulva.

periodic breathing common to most preterm infants, episodes of apnea or cessations of breathing.

pica the craving or eating of bizarre substances, such as starch or clay, during pregnancy.

placenta the temporary organ through which the fetus receives nutrients and exchanges oxygen and carbon dioxide from the mother.

polydactyly having an extra finger or toe.

posterior position presentation in which the head emerges face up.

postpartum after childbirth.

postpartum depression depression suffered by some mothers after childbirth, possibly related to hor­mone fluctuations.

premature labor any labor that begins before the 38th week of gestation.

presentation the part of the baby that emerges first from the vaginal opening; the position of the baby at birth.

preterm infant an infant with a gestational age less than 38 weeks.

progesterone the female hormone responsible for the thickening of the uterine lining before conception.

prostaglandins a group of compounds responsible for uterine contractions.

pseudocyesis the condition when a woman is con­vinced she is pregnant but is not; false pregnancy.

pudendal block a local anesthetic administered through injection into the vaginal area to numb the pelvic area.

puerperal psychosis severe postpartum depression requiring hospitalization.

quickening a mother's first perception of fetal movement.