Throughout your pregnancy journey, you'll encounter many new terms that may seem overwhelming. To help, here are some of the key terms explained:
Folic Acid
Folic acid is the synthetic version of the vitamin folate, also known as vitamin B9. Folate helps the body make healthy red blood cells. If you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is recommended you take folic acid until you're 12 weeks pregnant. It helps your baby grow normally, particularly their brian and spine. It is ok to take folic acid whilst breastfeeding. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/folic-acid/
Membrane Sweep or “Stretch and sweep”
This is a vaginal examination where your midwife or doctor uses their fingers to 'sweep' your cervix. This action should separate the membranes of the amniotic sac surrounding your baby from your cervix. This separation releases hormones (prostaglandins), which may start your labour naturally. A membrane sweep would usually be offered to you after 39 weeks. For more information speak to your midwife or doctor/consultant.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan or a sonogram is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body. An external ultrasound scan is most often used to examine the heart or an unborn baby in the womb. A small handheld probe is placed on your skin and moved over the part of your body being examined with the aid of a lubricating gel (this may sometimes be cold). For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ultrasound-scan/
Typical antenatal care scan guidelines - 11-13 weeks (Formal dating scan, Nuchal Translucency if chromosomal screening wanted) and 20 weeks (anomaly ultrasound scan - a detailed check of the baby). With routine care the 20 week scan is the last scan. If required you may be offered more scans if concerns about growth or placental location.
Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)
A method used to determine the risk for the foetus being born with certain chromosomal abnormalities, such as trisomy 21 (Downs Syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome).
NIPT is a blood test that is more accurate than the first pregnancy screening test. It’s offered to women who are carrying a baby identified from previous screening tests as having a higher chance of having either Down’s syndrome, Edwards’ syndrome, or Patau’s syndrome. The blood test will detect congenital abnormalities in the DNA of the foetus.
NIPT tests do not diagnose conditions but they tell your provider how likely it is that a condition exists. No screening test is 100% accurate. Further tests can then be carried out to determine whether the foetus has the genetic condition if chosen (these are usually invasive tests).
For more information see https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/screening/pregnancy/non-invasive-prenatal-testing-nipt/
Rhesus (RhD) negative
At your booking appointment, you will be asked for consent for some blood to be taken. One of these blood samples will determine your blood group (A, B, AB or O) and whether your blood is Rhesus (RhD) positive or negative. If you are RhD negative they will also screen to see if there are any anti-D antibodies present. You may have become exposed to them during pregnancy if your baby has RhD positive blood. If no antibodies are found, your blood will be checked again at 28 weeks of pregnancy and you'll be offered an injection of a medication called anti-D immunoglobulin to reduce the risk of your baby developing rhesus disease. If anti-D antibodies are detected in your blood during pregnancy, there's a risk that your unborn baby will be affected by rhesus disease. For this reason, you and your baby will be monitored more frequently than usual during your pregnancy. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rhesus-disease/diagnosis/
Epidural
An epidural is an injection in your back (performed by an anaesthetist) to stop you feeling pain in part of your body. Your chest, tummy and legs may feel numb while the epidural medicines are being used, and your legs may not feel as strong as usual. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/epidural/
Spinal Block
A spinal block is similar to an epidural. In childbirth, a spinal block completely numbs the body from the chest down, while an epidural can be adjusted to provide different levels of pain relief. A total spinal block will leave you unable to move or feel your body until the anaesthetic wears off after a couple of hours. So spinal blocks are usually reserved for caesarean sections and other relatively short operations involving the lower abdomen, pelvis, and lower extremities. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/local-anaesthesia/
Kick Counting
There's no set number of movements you should feel each day – every baby is different. You do not need to count the number of kicks or movements you feel each day. The important thing is to get to know your baby's usual pattern of movements from day to day. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/
Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well. Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately if you think your baby’s movements have slowed down, stopped or changed. The maternity unit is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Tommy’s Charity is a good resource for more information - https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/pregnancy-symptom-checker/baby-fetal-movements
Doppler
Hand-held doppler: used by the midwife or doctor to detect the baby’s heartbeat.
Doppler Scan: is a type of ultrasound. They use sound waves to check the flow of blood through the placenta, umbilical cord, and parts of your baby's body. They also check the blood supply to your uterus (womb). Using it in high‐risk pregnancies, where there is concern about the baby's condition, shows benefits.
Meconium
Your baby's first poo is called meconium. This is sticky and greenish-black. Some babies may do this kind of poo during or after birth, or some time in the first 48 hours. After a few days the poo will change to a yellow or mustard colour (sometimes ‘seedy’). https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/how-to-change-your-babys-nappy/
Caesarean Section (C-Section)
A C-Section, is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. It is a major operation that carries a number of risks, so it's usually only done if it's the safest option for you and your baby. A caesarean may be recommended as a planned (elective) procedure or done in an emergency if it's thought a vaginal birth is too risky. Please discuss your birthing options with your midwife or doctor. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/caesarean-section/
Amniotic Fluid
Your baby develops and grows inside a bag of fluid called the amniotic sac. When it's time for your baby to be born, the sac usually breaks and the amniotic fluid drains out through your vagina. This is your ‘waters breaking’. Sometimes when you're in labour, a midwife or doctor may offer to break your waters. Amniotic fluid is clear and pale. When your waters break, the water may be a little bloodstained to begin with. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/
Birth Choice (might be referred to as birth plan)
A birth plan/choice is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour, birth, and after the birth that is personal to you. You don't have to create a birth plan but, if you would like one, your midwife will be able to help. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/how-to-make-a-birth-plan/
Braxton Hicks
You may have had ‘practice contractions’ during your pregnancy, particularly towards the end. These tightenings are called Braxton Hicks contractions, which may feel uncomfortable, but are usually painless. Braxton Hicks contractions generally do not last that long, do not happen very frequently and do not build up. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/
Breech
Babies often twist and turn during pregnancy, but most will have moved into the head-down position by the time labour begins. However, that does not always happen, and a baby may be bottom first or feet first - breech position. If they're still breech at around 36 weeks' gestation, the obstetrician and midwife will discuss your options for a safe delivery. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/if-your-baby-is-breech/
See also Spinning babies for more information - https://www.spinningbabies.com/about/what-is-spinning-babies/
Colostrum
The fluid your breasts produce in the first few days after birth is called colostrum. It's thick and usually a golden yellow colour. It's a very concentrated food, so your baby will only need a small amount, about a teaspoonful, at each feed. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/the-first-few-days/
Crowning
Crowning is a truly amazing moment when your baby’s head can be seen completely at your vulva. Your midwife may encourage your partner to have a first look at your new baby. https://www.nhsinform.scot/ready-steady-baby/labour-and-birth/giving-birth/giving-birth-to-your-baby/
Dilation and Labour
The latent stage of labour is where your cervix starts to soften and open - dilate - so your baby can be born. Established labour is where your cervix has dilated to about 4cm and your contractions are stronger and more regular. Your cervix needs to open about 10cm for your baby to pass through it. This is what's called being fully dilated. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/the-stages-of-labour-and-birth/
Doula
Doulas are people who can support you in pregnancy, birth and in the postnatal period by providing information and advocacy. They can offer practical and emotional support to the whole family as well. They are not clinical but trained to provide informational support to enable you to make informed decisions about your maternity care. https://doula.org.uk/what-doulas-do/
Episiotomy
An episiotomy is a small incision/cut made by the doctor or midwife in the area between the vagina and anus (perineum) during childbirth. An episiotomy makes the opening of the vagina a bit wider, allowing the baby to come through it more easily. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/what-happens/episiotomy-and-perineal-tears/
Full Term
This relates to how many weeks pregnant you are - at 37 weeks, your pregnancy is considered full-term. Your baby could come any day now – and this would not be considered early. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/week-by-week/28-to-40-plus/37-weeks
Induce
An induced labour is one that's started artificially. Induction will usually be planned in advance. You'll be able to discuss the advantages and disadvantages with your doctor and midwife, and find out why they think your labour should be induced. It's your choice whether to have your labour induced or not. https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/inducing-labour/
Linea Nigra
In pregnancy, you may start to notice a dark line down your stomach. This is called the "linea nigra" (Latin for "black line"). This is normal skin pigmentation and nothing to worry about. It will probably vanish a few months after the birth.
Mucus Plug
During pregnancy, there's a plug of mucus in your cervix. This mucus comes away just before labour starts, or when in early labour, and it may pass out of your vagina. This sticky, jelly-like pink mucus is called a show. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/
Nuchal Fold
A nuchal translucency (NT), also called nuchal fold or nuchal thickness, is a measurable area at the back of the foetal neck. It is examined using ultrasound as part of combined screening for Down, Edwards and Patau syndromes from 11 to 13 weeks and six days of pregnancy (See NIPT testing). For more information see https://www.genomicseducation.hee.nhs.uk/genotes/knowledge-hub/nuchal-translucency/
Placenta
The placenta is the organ that supplies vital substances to your baby through the umbilical cord. It delivers oxygen and nutrients (such as vitamins, glucose and water) from your body to your baby, transports waste products, such as carbon dioxide, from your baby to your body, produces hormones that help your baby grow and develop and aids in passing antibodies to your baby from your bloodstream that will help to protect them until their first vaccinations.
Preterm Labour
Premature or preterm labour is labour that happens before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Round Ligament Pain
The round ligaments that support your uterus can stretch as your baby grows which can cause pain. This pain can be on either side of your lower abdomen and can feel like a stitch. It is common in pregnancy.
Vernix
Vernix is a white sticky substance that covers your baby's skin while in the womb. It is a natural moisturiser that also protects against infection in the first few days. Gently massage in any excess vernix in skin folds or under the armpit.
Delayed (Optimal) Cord Clamping
Is when the midwife or obstetrician waits at least 1 minute before cutting the cord after the baby is born. This means waiting until the cord has stopped pulsating and has become white before cutting the cord. See https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/delayed-cord-clamping-optimal for more information.
Skin-To-Skin
Skin-to-skin contact means holding your baby naked against your skin, usually under your top or under a blanket. When your baby is born, you will be encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible. Dad/partner can have skin-to-skin as well. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/start-for-life/baby/baby-basics/caring-for-your-baby/skin-to-skin-contact-with-your-newborn/
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