Pregnancy

Amniotic fluid is the clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds and protects the baby in the womb during pregnancy. It acts as a shock absorber, helps keep a steady temperature, and allows for movement and development. This fluid is contained in the amniotic sac, which is a thin layer that lines the uterus.

A breech birth occurs when a baby is positioned feet or buttocks first instead of head first in the womb during delivery. This position can make the delivery more challenging because the baby's head, which is the largest part, is not leading the way through the birth canal. Breech births can increase the risk of complications, such as umbilical cord problems or difficulty in delivering the baby’s head. In many cases, surgery is recommended to ensure a safer delivery, but sometimes doctors may try to turn the baby to a head-first position before delivery.

A contraction is a tightening and relaxing of the muscles in the uterus that helps to push the baby out during labor. These muscle movements create pressure and gradually open the cervix, the lower part of the uterus that connects to the birth canal. The cervix must open to allow the baby to pass through during delivery. Contractions occur in a regular pattern and become stronger and more frequent as labor progresses. They help move the baby down the birth canal and make the delivery process easier.

Delivery is the process of giving birth to a baby. It involves the baby coming out of the mother's womb, either through the birth canal or a cesarean section, also known as a C-section. Delivery includes the stages of labor, where the mother’s body works to bring the baby into the world, and marks the start of the baby’s life outside the womb.

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg grows outside the uterus, typically in one of the fallopian tubes, which are the tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. This condition is a medical emergency because the fallopian tube is not designed to support the growth of a developing baby, and as it grows, it can cause the tube to burst, leading to severe abdominal pain and internal bleeding. Symptoms of an ectopic pregnancy may include pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, shoulder pain, and dizziness or fainting. If left untreated, it can be life-threatening. Treatment for an ectopic pregnancy often involves medication to stop the growth of the fertilized egg and surgery to remove the pregnancy tissue, especially if the fallopian tube has burst. Early detection and quick medical actions are crucial to prevent complications and protect the woman's health and fertility.

Morning sickness refers to the feeling of sickness and vomiting that many pregnant women experience, especially during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Despite its name, it can occur at any time of day or night. It is caused by hormonal changes and can be triggered by certain smells, foods, or an empty stomach. Morning sickness usually resolves on its own by around the 20th week, but it can continue for some women beyond that. Drinking liquids, eating small but frequent meals, and avoiding strong smells can help manage symptoms. If morning sickness is intense or continuous, it is important to see a healthcare provider for further advice and treatment.

Natural childbirth refers to giving birth without the use of medications or medical procedures. It focuses on allowing the birth to happen without drugs for pain relief or other medical actions. This approach emphasizes the body's natural ability to handle the process and may involve techniques like breathing exercises, movement, and relaxation to manage pain. The goal is to support the mother and baby through a more hands-on and less medical-focused birth experience.

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, often the kidneys. It usually occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and can cause symptoms like swelling, headaches, and vision changes. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to serious health problems for both the mother and baby. The main treatment is delivering the baby, but managing blood pressure and monitoring the mother’s condition are also important.

Stillbirth is when a baby dies in the womb after the 20th week of pregnancy, particularly before or during delivery. Causes can include problems with the placenta, umbilical cord issues, or health conditions in the mother. Symptoms may include reduced movement of the baby or no heartbeat detected during checkups. A stillbirth is a deeply emotional event, and support from healthcare professionals and counselors can help the family through these hard times.

A surrogate mother is a woman who agrees to carry and give birth to a baby for another person or couple who cannot have a baby themselves. She may use her own egg, the intended mother's egg, or a donated egg to become pregnant, and usually, the sperm of the intended father or a donor is used. After the baby is born, the surrogate mother hands the baby over to the intended parents.

A term infant is a baby born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. This is the full duration of a typical pregnancy, and babies born during this time are usually well-developed and ready for life outside the womb. Term infants typically have fewer health issues compared to those born prematurely, before 37 weeks, or post-term, after 42 weeks.

A trimester is a period of roughly three months in a pregnancy, dividing the pregnancy into three stages. The first trimester covers weeks 1 to 12 and is when the baby’s major organs and structures begin to form. The second trimester lasts from weeks 13 to 26 and is marked by significant growth and development of the baby, along with noticeable changes in the mother’s body. The third trimester includes weeks 27 to birth, during which the baby continues to grow and mature, and the mother prepares for labor and delivery. Each trimester marks different stages of the baby's development and changes in the mother's body.

The umbilical cord is a flexible tube that connects the baby to the mother's womb. It carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the baby and removes waste products from the baby's blood. The tube is essential for the baby’s growth and development during pregnancy. After birth, the cord is pinched and cut, and it eventually dries up and falls off, leaving a small belly button.

A birth control device is a tool used to prevent pregnancy. Examples include condoms, which are worn on the penis to catch sperm; diaphragms and cervical caps, which are placed inside the vagina to block sperm from reaching the egg; and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are inserted into the uterus to prevent a fertilized egg from attaching. These devices help prevent pregnancies and can also offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), depending on the type.

Contraception refers to methods or devices used to prevent pregnancy. These methods can include various tools and techniques such as condoms, which are worn on the penis to catch sperm; birth control pills, which are taken orally to prevent ovulation; diaphragms, which are flexible devices placed inside the vagina to block sperm; and intrauterine devices (IUDs), which are inserted into the uterus to stop a fertilized egg from attaching. Contraception helps manage fertility by preventing the egg from being fertilized or attached to the uterus. Some methods, like condoms, also offer protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

A diaphragm is a type of birth control device that is a flexible, cup-shaped cover made of silicone or latex. It is inserted into the vagina to cover the cervix and block sperm from entering the uterus. The diaphragm must be used with spermicide, a special gel that helps to kill sperm, and should be left in place for several hours after sexual activity. It needs to be adjusted by a healthcare provider to ensure it fits correctly and provides effective protection against pregnancy. Additionally, it is important to place the diaphragm correctly and ensure it stays in place during sexual activity. The diaphragm can be removed and reused, but it should be checked regularly for fit and effectiveness.

An episiotomy is a surgical procedure performed during childbirth where a small cut is made in the vaginal area to help deliver the baby more easily. This cut is made between the vaginal opening and the rectum to create more space for the baby to pass through. After the delivery, the cut is stitched up, and the stitches usually dissolve on their own. An episiotomy is done to prevent severe tearing and can help with a quicker delivery, though it is not always necessary and may be used based on the situation and the healthcare provider’s evaluation.

Labor is the process of giving birth, where the uterus tightens and relaxes to help push the baby out. It happens in three stages: first, the cervix opens and the tightening and relaxing starts; second, the cervix continues to open and the tightening and relaxing becomes stronger; and third, the baby moves through the birth canal and is born, followed by the delivery of the placenta, which is the organ that provided nutrients and oxygen to the baby during pregnancy. The process helps guide the baby from the womb to the outside world.

A condom is a thin, stretchy cover that is worn on the penis during sexual activity. It helps prevent pregnancy by catching sperm and stopping it from entering the vagina. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are typically made of latex, but there are also options made from other materials like polyurethane for people with latex allergies. Condoms are designed to be used once and then thrown away.

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped object inserted into the uterus by a healthcare provider to prevent pregnancy. It works by creating an environment that is not suitable for sperm or by releasing hormones to stop ovulation, which is the release of an egg from the ovary. IUDs are highly effective, long-lasting, and can remain in place for several years. There are two main types: hormonal IUDs, which release hormones to prevent pregnancy, and copper IUDs, which use copper to create an environment that is not suitable for sperm.