Posts Tagged ‘clamp’

First Hours After Birth. FAQ.

Will they clean up my baby first?
This is something to discuss with your midwife before the birth. She will ask your preferences
for whether to deliver your baby straight on to your tummy or, as some women prefer, on to the bed to be cleaned and dried before being handed to you.
When will my baby be weighed?
Your baby will have a head-to-toe check, be weighed, and have his head circumference and body length measured This may be done very quickly after the birth, but more usually it is done once you have had the opportunity to cuddle your baby.
What is vernix?
Most babies born before 40 weeks have some vernix, a white waxy substance, on their skin that protects them while they are in the amniotic fluid. After 40 weeks this begins to disappear. If it is present after birth, it doesn’t need to be wiped off as it will gradually be absorbed into the skin.
How will the cord be cut?
Once your baby is born, the usual practice is to place a plastic cord clamp on the cord about lcm (i3 in) away from the baby’s tummy, and then to clamp another about 3cm (I in) away from the
first cord clamp using artery forceps; the cord in between the clamps is then cut using cord scissors. Recently there has been some debate about the best timing for clamping and cutting the cord. The most recent research suggests that delaying the clamping of the cord for 2-3 minutes is most beneficial for the baby. This is because the cord continues to pulsate for several minutes after the birth and so delaying cutting it allows more blood to pass from the placenta to the baby This boosts the baby’s oxygen supply and blood volume, which in turn raises iron levels and reduces the risk of anaemia developing.
Although some maternity units are changing their policies in line with this research, most are continuing with the practice of clamping and cutting immediately If you have a preference as to the timing of clamping and cutting the cord, you can include this in your birth plan If your birth partner would like to be involved in cutting the cord with the midwife, discuss this prior to the birth; this should be possible, providing all is well at the delivery.
Do all newborn babies look the same?
Babies vary in appearance at birth and a variety of factors play a part. Sometimes parents are surprised that instead of a soft-skinned baby they are faced with a red-faced,  wet, screaming individual. Some aspects of your baby’s appearance may be temporary and related to the birth or your baby adapting to life in the outside world, such as the shape of his head, which may have been affected by the birth, or the colour of his skin (see p.219). If your baby is born late, at around 42 weeks, he may have drier, flakier skin than babies born around 40 weeks if he is born prematurely, he may still be covered in the fine downy hair called lanugo, which will gradually disappear. Also the type of delivery can affect the way your baby looks after birth. If you have a Caesarean, your baby is less likely to have a distorted or ‘’squashed” appearance to his head as he has not had to squeeze through the birth canal.
I’ve heard that sometimes the genitals are quite swollen. Why is this?
The hormones produced by your body in pregnancy namely oestrogen and progesterone, cross the placenta and so are present in the baby during pregnancy and immediately after the birth. One of the side effects of these hormones can be swollen genitals in both newborn boys and girls In girls, the swelling can be accompanied by a reddening of the skin and some baby girls may have a vaginal discharge. As the hormone levels drop, the discharge may include a small amount of blood, all of which is normal. Hormone levels can also cause swelling of the breasts in both boys and girls. After the birth, any swelling and discharge settles quite quickly as the baby does not produce hormones and levels drop to zero in the first week
Will he be wrinkly?
A newborn baby’s appearance changes over the first hours and days of life Immediately
after birth, babies tend to have a wrinkly appearance because they have been in a bag of fluid for the last nine months, much the same as we get if we stay in the bath for too long As their skin adapts to being in the outside world, the wrinkles disappear If a baby is very overdue, the skin can appear quite dry and in most cases will flake off In this situation, it will also appear wrinkly due to a lack of moisture Once a newborn baby’s skin starts to flake, there is nothing that can be done to stop it, and you should not use
any moisturizing products to try to prevent it. Rest assured that the layer of skin underneath will be fine.
My baby’s face is covered in spots. Will they go?
Newborn babies have very sensitive skin. They have been protected in a safe environment in pregnancy and following the birth their skin needs to adjust to the outside world That is why rashes and spots may occur. The most common rash in newborns is called erythema toxicum neonatorum, which occurs in around 50 per cent of newborn babies and is usually noticeable around 1-5 days after the birth This consists of small red spots that appear and disappear all over the skin apart from on the palms continuing with the practice of
clamping and cutting immediately If you have a preference as to the timing of clamping and cutting the cord, you can include this in your birth plan If your birth partner would like to be involved in cutting the cord with the midwife, discuss this prior to the birth; this should be possible, providing all is well at the delivery
Do all newborn babies look the same?
Babies vary in appearance at birth and a variety of factors play a part. Sometimes parents are surprised that instead of a soft-skinned baby they are faced with a red-faced, wet, screaming individual. Some aspects of your baby’s appearance may be temporary and related to the birth or your baby adapting to life in the outside world, such as the shape of his head, which may have been affected by the birth, or the colour of his skin (see p.219). If your baby is born late, at around 42 weeks, he may have drier, flakier skin than babies born around 40 weeks, if he is born prematurely, he may still be covered in the fine downy hair called lanugo, which will gradually disappear. Also the type of delivery can affect the way your baby looks after birth. If you have a Caesarean, your baby is less likely to have a distorted or ‘’squashed” appearance to his head as he has
not had to squeeze through the birth canal.
I’ve heard that sometimes the genitals are quite swollen. Why is this?
The hormones produced by your body in pregnancy namely oestrogen and progesterone, cross the placenta and so are present in the baby during pregnancy and immediately after the birth. One of the side effects of these hormones can be swollen genitals in both newborn boys and girls In girls, the swelling can be accompanied by a reddening of the skin and some baby girls may have a vaginal discharge. As the hormone levels drop, the discharge may include a small amount of blood, all of which is normal. Hormone levels can also cause swelling of the breasts in both boys and girls After the birth, and swelling and discharge settles quite quickly as the baby does not produce hormones and levels drop to zero in the first week.
Will he be wrinkly?
A newborn baby’s appearance changes over the first hours and days of life. Immediately
after birth, babies tend to have a wrinkly appearance because they have been in a bag of fluid for the last nine months, much the same as we get if we stay in the bath for too
long As their skin adapts to being in the outside world, the wrinkles disappear If a baby is very overdue, the skin can appear quite dry and in most cases will flake off In this
situation, it will also appear wrinkly due to a lack of moisture. Once a newborn baby’s skin starts to flake, there is nothing that can be done to stop it, and you should not
use any moisturizing products to try to prevent it. Rest assured that the layer of skin underneath will be fine.
My baby’s face is covered in spots. Will they go?
Newborn babies have very sensitive skin. They have been protected in a safe environment in pregnancy and following the birth their skin needs to adjust to the outside world.
That is why rashes and spots may occur. The most common rash in newborns is called erythema toxicum neonatofurn, which occurs in around 50 per cent of newborn babies and is
usually noticeable around 1-5 days after the birth This consists of small red spots that appear and disappear all over the skin apart from on the palms.

Your newborn’s appearance
Your baby’s appearance straight after the birth may not be what you expected. Straight after the birth, the skin can look dark red or purple, but quickly changes to a lighter
colour as he begins to breathe air through his lungs for the first time His hands and feet may look a little blue for the first 24-48 hours; this is normal, but blue-tinged skin
elsewhere at this time is0 normal and should be assessed. A baby’s head shape sometimes concerns parents; as the baby passes through the birth canal, the bones of the skull are
designed to overlap, which means that after the birth the head can looked quite pointed However, this resolves within 24 hours. Sometimes there is bruising on the scalp due to
the baby’s position in labour that tends to disappear in the first week
of the hands and soles of the feet. It isn’t harmful and it doesn’t indicate an infection. It can’t be passed on to others and it usually disappears within two weeks without any
treatment Milla is another noticeable skin change occurring in about 40 per cent of newborn babies. These are pin-head-sized white spots, which usually appear over the nose and
cheeks, but can also occur on other parts of the face. These are blocked-off pores containing some sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin) and, again, they disappear
without treatment.
My baby has a big red strawberry mark on his head. Will it be there for ever?
Birth marks are fairly common and most disappear in the first few years of life Strawberry birth marks start as a red dot and tend to grow in size for about a year, but usually  disappear by five years. Other
marks include pink patches of skin, called stork patches, and Mongolian blue spots, which are patches of skin with a bluish tinge that occur on babies of Afro-Caribbean or Asian descent. They
usually occur at the bottom of the back but
may extend over the bottom and are due to the concentration of pigment cells in the slsjn; they often disappear by three to four years of age. Port-wine stains are larger red
marks that tend to occur on the face and neck. These birth marks are permanent, so you may want to talk to a skin specialist about whether there are treatments to reduce them.
Should I be careful about using products on my baby’s skin?
Yes, you do need to exercise caution. As a baby’s skin is very sensitive, it can react to any chemicals that it comes into contact with, including some baby bath products The
very best option is to use nothing other than plain water on a baby’s skin until he is at least a month old. and to continue to take care over which products you use in the following months
You can use oils to massage your baby Pure vegetable oil or olive oil is best; avoid aromatherapy or mineral oils, which may be harmful to a baby’s skin, and nut-based oils, as
there is a possible link between these and the development of nut allergies.

Newborn tests and checks
Between 6 and 72 hours after the birth, your baby will receive a detailed examination from a doctor or midwife The aim of this is to detect any abnormalities in a baby that may
not have been picked up by the antenatal scans during pregnancy If you need to see a specialist as a result of these tests, an appointment will be made at a later date Other
tests are carried out in the couple of weeks following the birth, usually in your home by the midwife or health visitor,
The first examination During this initial examination your baby will be weighed and measured and his heart and lungs will be listened to using a stethoscope The roof of his
mouth will be checked to make sure that there is no cleft, or split, in his palate and his eyes will also be examined His limbs will be checked to ensure that they match in
How your baby is checked
length, and that his feet are properly aligned with no sign of clubfoot Your baby’s tummy will
be felt to check that the internal organs are the right size and in the right place. and the pulses in the groin will also be checked The genitals will be examined, and the
spine will be checked to make sure that all of the vertebrae are in place His hip joints will also be looked at to ensure that these are not dislocated and not ”clicky”, which
could lead to instability later on. Your baby’s reflexes will also be checked (see p.223).
The newborn blood spot test This is most commonly referred to as the Guthrie or heel-prick test. It is usually the next check that your baby will have, and it takes place
between days 5 and 7 after the birth. This newborn blood spot screening test is carried out to identify babies who may have
rare, but potentially serious, conditions and may consequently need treatment at some stage
Conditions that are identified Blood spot tests screen babies for phenylketonuria (PKU), a rare metabolic condition: congenital hypothyroidism; cystic fibrosis; sickle cell
disorders, which can lead to severe anaemia and other serious health problems.
PKU is an inherited condition in which babies are unable to process a substance in their food called phenylalanine. Early treatment involves a special diet, which can prevent
severe disability If screening has shown that your baby suffers from congenital hypothyroidism, early treatment will involve thyroxine tablets, which can prevent permanent
physical and mental disability In some areas of the UK, babies are also screened for cystic fibrosis.
How the blood test is done The blood test involves the side of your baby’s heel being pricked and four drops of blood being carefully placed on a special card. The test is often
done while your baby is feeding, as this makes it less painful or alarming for your baby You can
get the results from your doctor, although you will be contacted if anything is detected. Sometimes further testing is needed. Most babies screened will not have any of these
conditions, but, for those who do, early treatment can be vital to ensure long-term health
Your baby’s hearing test A hearing test will be carried out when your baby is around 2-3 days old Around 1 or 2 babies in every 1,000 will have some degree of hearing loss, and
90 per cent of these are born to parents without hearing problems themselves. The hearing test involves one of two checks. For the first, the specialist will put a small
earpiece with a microphone next to your baby’s ears, and, for the second test, headphones are placed over your baby’s head. Clicking sounds are then made and the brain’s
responses are recorded and a readout is given on a computer screen A very small number of babies will need further testing (around 3 per cent). It is important that any hearing
loss is picked up within the first six months of life so that special support can be given to the parents to ensure normal language development later on.

Will my baby have any blood tests before we leave the hospital?
Apart from the newborn blood spot tests (see p.220), other occasions when a blood test may be required include
* If a baby is ill and his general health needs to be assessed which is most commonly done by checking blood sugars
* If a baby shows significant signs of jaundice, to check the bilirubin levels and rule out a more serious underlying condition in the baby, such as anaemia or an infection.
* If the mother is Rhesus negative (see p 79), although blood is usually taken from the umbilical cord at birth to determine the baby’s blood group and Rhesus factor
If the hospital does suggest taking blood from your baby, then a midwife, doctor, or other health professional should clearly explain to you the reasons why they recommend this
course of action and ask for your consent prior to blood being taken from your baby

Vitamin K

After the birth, you will be asked if you would like your baby to receive a vitamin K supplement. This is an essential vitamin for helping the blood to clot, and as babies
receive very little of it from their milk diet there is a small risk that they could suffer internal bleeding. There are two ways to give babies this supplement:
* By an injection, Only one dose is needed to prevent vitamin-K deficiency.
* By mouth Two doses are given in the first week and breastfed babies may have a further dose after a month.
I’ve heard that they check babies’ hips. Why is this?
All babies have two hip checks (see p.221) as part of the recommended child health screening programme. The checks are done in the first couple of days when the baby has a
physical assessment, and at 6-8 weeks of age when the physical assessment is repeated
The two conditions that are being screened for are congenital dislocated hip and developmental dysplasia of the hip, also known as ‘clicl y hips”. The screening may be carried
out by a doctor or a midwife, or later by a health visitor. If a problem is found. a splint may be recommended to align the hip correctly and ensure the socket develops normally.
Why do they measure the baby’s head?
Measuring a baby’s head is done to assess wellbeing, development, and brain growth Many babies have their head measured straight after the birth, but this probably isn’t the
most accurate measurement as the head may have changed shape as it passed through the birth canal It is not until a few days later that it settles into its normal shape. Your
health visitor usually takes a measurement at one of her visits in the first few weeks after the birth and this is generally used as the baseline measurement on your baby’s
growth chart. Measurements taken throughout the first year are plotted on this in a personal child health record that you will be given by your health visitor
Why do some newborns have jaundice?
Just over half of all newborns suffer from jaundice Usually it isn’t noticeable until 2-3 days after the birth and clears by 14 days The most common cause is high levels of
haemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying part of the blood) before birth Once babies are born and breathe for themselves, their haemoglobin count doesn’t need to be so high; these blood
cells die off and are processed as waste by the liver. In small babies, the liver is immature and takes a while to cope with the workload. The result is that instead of this
waste product, known as bilirubin, being passed in the urine and stools, it stays in the body for a while and gives the skin a yellow/orange colour In a healthy full-term baby
who is feeding well, jaundice will resolve on its own without any treatment. Sometimes, if there has been bruising, the baby is slow to feed, or is premature, the bilirubin
levels continue to increase, and in these cases phototherapy (ultraviolet light treatment) is needed to reduce the bilirubin levels in the baby.
Any jaundice that occurs within 24 hours of birth and any that continues after 14 days is investigated to rule out and treat any medical problems.
How much will he cry, or will he be asleep all the time?
Many factors influence your baby’s sleep pattern. such as the type of delivery you had: the gestation of your baby; his health at birth; and the method of feeding your baby,
with bottlefed babies tending to sleep for longer stretches. However, all babies need a lot of sleep approximately 16 hours each day, which consists of short intervals of sleep
intermingled with shorter periods of wakefulness through the day.
My baby’s foot is turned in and we’ve been told he may need a splint. What is wrong with him?
This is known as talipes and affects 1 in 1,000 babies. It’s more common in boys and affects one or both feet. Talipes may be positional or structural. Positional talipes is
caused by pressure compressing the foot while it’s developing, as a result of its position in the womb This may be resolved with exercises to help the foot regain its natural
position. Structural talipes is more complex and is caused by several factors, including a genetic predisposition. This needs prompt treatment while the tissues are soft to
manipulate the foot Splints, strapping, or casts may be used to hold the foot in place In some cases, if this is not effective, an operation to straighten the foot may be
suggested. Both surgical and manipulation methods have a good success rate. Your child will have regular reviews in childhood and adolescence. particularly during growth spurts,
and more surgery may be needed in adolescence. There are organizations to contact for support and advice (see p 310).

Newborn reflexes
Babies have several reflexes that are present from the moment of birth and are part of their survival skills.
* Startle, or morn, reflex. If a baby’s head is not supported, this produces a falling sensation and she will fling out her limbs. It’s important that you always support your
baby’s head. * Rooting reflex. If you touch your baby’s cheek, she will turn her head in search of food
* Grasp reflex. If you put a finger in your baby’s palm, she will grip it tightly with her fingers.
* Stepping reflex. If you hold your baby upright on a surface, she will make stepping actions.

It’s hard to imagine how you will feel at the start of your life with a new baby What is more certain is that you will most likely be shattered after the birth, and will probably experience a whole range of emotions, from euphoria at meeting your new baby and relief that the labour and birth are behind you, to tearfulness brought on by sheer exhaustion and anxiety at the prospect of caring for this tiny human being You may feel incredibly protective towards your baby and overwhelmed by the immense responsibility of looking after him All of these feelings are normal and part of the huge adjustment you make after having a baby. Here is what to expect in the first 12 hours.
1-3 hours Once your baby has been delivered and providing you both are well, you should be able to hold him straight away and enjoy your first cuddle. The cord will be cut by
the midwife, or possibly by your partner. After the birth, you will need to push again to deliver the placenta (see p.188). If you had an episiotomy or tore during the birth,
you will be given an anaesthetic before being stitched Minutes after the birth, your baby’s condition will be assessed using the Apgar score (see p 2 1 Y). Within the first
hour, he will be weighed, measured, cleaned, and wrapped in a blanket
If you are planning to breastfeed, you should be able to put your baby to the breast as soon as possible, he may root for your nipple straight away, or may simply enjoy being
held close to you and having skin-to-skin contact If you had a Caesarean, you will be moved to a recovery room once the operation is completed; once in the recovery room, the
midwife will help to position you comfortably for the first breastfeed. Also, in the first few hours after the birth, you and your partner will be offered some tea and toast, which is usually extremely welcome
4-5 hours By this stage, you may be recovering on the postnatal ward. If you haven’t already done so, you may want to shower and freshen up after the birth. You may need to have
someone with you at first in case you are feeling unsteady, If you had a Caesarean, you won’t be able to shower yet, but the midwife will be able to give you a bed bath. During
this time, you are likely to have your blood pressure, temperature, and pulse rate checked by the midwives, and any stitches you have will be checked intermittently to ensure
that they are not bleeding excessively or loose, and there are no signs of infection. You will also be offered medication to help you cope with any pain. Although you may be
sore after the birth, it’s a good idea to start moving around as soon as possible as this will help your recovery by building up your strength and helping your circulation
Movement will also encourage your bladder and bowel to start working sooner, Passing urine after having stitches can sting, so you may want to try pouring a jug of warm water
over your genitals when you go to the loo If you had a Caesarean birth, moving around will be more difficult, but it is still important to start to be active to avoid the risk
of blood clots developing.
6-12 hours Your abdomen will be palpated to check that the uterus is returning to its normal pre-pregnancy size and your bleeding, known as lochia (see p.264) will be checked to
ensure that it is not excessive and there are no signs of clotting Your baby may want to
feed and you can practise positioning him at the breast so that he latches on correctly (see p 228) The midwives or maternity support staff will help you to get started with
breastfeeding.You may find you experience fairly strong afterpains while feeding as your uterus contracts down (see p.264).You should also receive practical advice on how to
change your baby’s nappy and top and tail him (see pp.250-1). Don’t worry if you feel apprehensive about the practical care of your baby and try not to feel intimidated if there
are more experienced mums on the ward; you will find that your confidence grows quickly as you become practised at handling your baby The midwives have a supportive role to play
on the postnatal ward, so don’t be afraid to ask for help
Often, a sense of camaraderie builds up on the ward, and your stay in hospital can be a good opportunity to talk to other mums and share information and experiences You may feel
well enough to start receiving visitors and, if all is well with you and your baby and you feel ready, you may be able to return home!

Glossary
Abruption The detachment of part of the placenta from the wall of the uterus during late pregnancy, which may result in bleeding. Accelerated labour The artificial augmentation of contractions, after the cervix has started to dilate, by the injection of oxytocin through an intravenous drip Often used to speed up a long labour. Active birth An approach to childbirth that involves upright positions and movements during labour.
Active management of labour The constant monitoring and technical control of labour to monitor its duration
Alphafetoprotein (AFP) A substance produced by the embryonic yolk sac, and later by the fetal liver, which enters the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy Alveoli Milk glands in the breasts, which produce a flow of milk when they are stimulated by prolactin and the baby’s sucking.
Amniocentesis The surgical extraction of a small amount of amniotic fluid through the pregnant woman’s abdomen. This procedure is usually carried out as a test for fetal abnormalities.
Amniotic fluid The fluid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. Ultrasound scans may be done in late pregnancy to ensure that enough is present
Ammotomy The surgical rupture of the amniotic sac, often done to speed up labour This is referred to as ARM (artificial rupture of the membranes).
Anaemia A condition in which there is an abnormally low percentage of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, it is treated by iron supplements
Anaesthetic Medication that produces partial or complete insensibility to pain Anaesthetic, general Anaesthetic that affects the whole body, with temporary loss of consciousness.
Anaesthetic, local Anaesthetic that affects a limited part of the body
Analgesics Painkilling agents not inducing unconsciousness
Antenatal Before the birth
Anterior position See Occipital anterior Antibiotics Substances capable of
destroying or limiting the growth of micro-organisms, especially bacteria Antibodies Protein produced naturally
by the body to combat any foreign bodies, germs or bacteria
Anti-D An injection of antibodies given to women who have a Rhesus negative blood group if it is thought they may have been exposed to Rhesus positive fetal blood cells
Antihistamines Tranquillizers that are used in the treatment of nausea vomiting and certain allergies.
Apgar scale A general test of the baby’s wellbeing given shortly after the birth to assess the heart rate and tone respiration blood circulation, and nerve responses. Areola The pigmented circle of skin surrounding the nipple.
ARM See Ammotorny
Bile pigment See Bilirubin.
Bilirubin Broken-down haemoglobin, normally converted to nontoxic substances by the liver. Some newborn babies have levels of bilirubin too high for their livers to cope with See also Jaundice, neonatal. Birth canal See Vagina
Blastocyst An early stage of the developing egg when it has divided into a group of cells. Braxton Hicks contractions Practise contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy, but which may not be noticed until towards the end. Breast pump A device for drawing milk from the breasts.
Breech presentation When the position of the baby in the uterus is bottom down rather than head down
Caesarean section The delivery of the baby through an incision in the abdominal and uterine walls
Candida See Thrush,
Cardiotocograph (CTG) An electronic monitor that is used to measure the progress of the mother’s contractions and the baby’s heartbeat during labour.
Carpal tunnel syndrome Numbness and tingling of the hands arising from pressure on the nerves of the wrist In pregnancy it is caused by the body’s accumulation of fluids
Catheter A thin plastic tube that is inserted into the body through a natural channel to withdraw fluid from, or introduce fluid into, a particular part of the body This can be used to draw off urine from the bladder after an operation, or to maintain a constant input of fluids into a vein, or to introduce anaesthetic into the epidural space.
Cephalic presentation (Vertex presentation) The position of a baby who is head down in the uterus The most common presentation. Cephalopelvic disproportion A state in which the head of the fetus is larger than the cavity of the mother’s pelvis Delivery must therefore be by Caesarean section
Cervical dilatation See Dilatation.
Cervical incompetence A disorder of the cervix, usually arising after a previous mid-pregnancy termination or damage to the cervix during a previous labour, in which the cervix opens up too soon, resulting in repeated mid-pregnancy miscarriages. It is sometimes treated by suturing to hold the cervix closed. Cervix The lower entrance to the uterus, or neck of the womb
Chloasma Skin discolouration during pregnancy, often facial.
Chorion The outer membranous tissue that envelops the fetus and placenta
Chorionic gonadotrophin See Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG).
Chorionic villus sampling A method of screening for genetic handicap by analysis of tissue from the small protrusions on the outer membrane enveloping the embryo that later form the placenta.
Chromosomes Rod-like structures containing genes occurring in pairs within the nucleus of every cell. Human cells each contain 23 pairs. See also Gene
Cleft palate A congenital abnormality of the roof of the mouth
Club foot A congenital abnormality in which the foot is painlessly twisted out of shape. Colostrum A kind of milk, rich in proteins, formed and secreted by the breasts in late pregnancy and gradually changing to mature milk some days after delivery
Conception The fertilization of the ripened egg by the sperm and its implantation in the uterine wall.

Congenital abnormality An abnormality or deformity existing from birth, usually arising from a damaged gene, the adverse effect of certain drugs or the effect of some diseases during pregnancy
Contractions The regular tightening of the uterine muscles as they work to dilate the cervix in labour and press the baby down e birth canal
Cordocentesis A fine needle is passed trough the mother’s abdomen into the fetal –vein in the umbilical cord. The technique allows fetal blood to be tested, facilitates intra-urine blood transfusions, and enables drugs to be injected directly into the baby Corpus lutuem A glandular mass that forms n- the ovary after fertilization It produces progesterone. which helps to form the placenta, and is active for the first 14 weeks of pregnancy
Crowning The moment when the baby’s head appears in the vagina and does not slip back again.
CVS See Chorionic villus sampling.
D and C The surgical dilatation (opening) of the cervix, and curettage (removal of the contents) of the uterus
Dehydration A physical condition caused by the loss of an excessive amount of water from the body, often resulting from severe vomiting or diarrohea
Depression, respiratory Breathing difficulties in the newborn baby
Diabetes Failure of the system to metabolize glucose, traced by excess sugar in the blood and urine.
Diamorphine A narcotic opium derivative used as an analgesic.
Dilatation The progressive opening of the cervix caused by uterine contractions during labour.
Distress See Fetal distress
Dizygotic See Twins
Domino scheme A scheme operated by some hospitals in which community midwives provide antenatal care and are present at hospital for the delivery.
Doppler A method of using ultrasound vibrations to listen to the fetal heart
Doula A supportive woman helper who provides physical and emotional support during childbirth
Down’s syndrome A severe congenital abnormality caused by an incorrect number
of chromosomes that produces physical abnormalities and reduced intelligence. Drip See Intravenous drip.
Eclampsia The severe form of pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by extremely high blood pressure, headaches, visual distortion, flashes, convulsions and, in the worst cases. coma and death The condition is now rare since the symptoms of pre-eclampsia are treated immediately See also Pre-eclampsia.
Ectopic (Tubal pregnancy) A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes. The mother has severe pain low down on one side in her
abdomen at any time from the 6th to 12th week of pregnancy. The pregnancy must be surgically terminated.
EDD The estimated date of delivery Electrode A small electrical conductor used obstetrically for monitoring the fetal heartbeat during labour.
Electronic fetal monitoring The continuous monitoring of the fetal heart by a transducer placed on the mother’s abdomen over the area of the fetal heart, or by an electrode inserted through the cervix and clipped to the baby’s scalp
Embryo The developing organism in pregnancy from about the 10th day after fertilization until about the 12th week of pregnancy, when it is termed a fetus Endometrium The inner lining of the uterus. Engaged (Eng/E) The baby is engaged when it has settled with its presenting part deep in the pelvic cavity. This often happens in the last month of pregnancy
Engorgement The over congestion of the breasts with milk. If long periods are left between feeds, or the baby is not well latched on painful engorgement can occur. This can be relieved by putting the baby to the breast or expressing the excess milk Entonox A mixture of 50 per cent oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxygen, breathed in through a mask during tabour, that gives pain relief as contractions peak
Epidural (Lumbar epidural block) Regional anaesthesia used during labour and for Caesarean sections, in which an anaesthetic is injected through a catheter into the epidural space in the lower spine. Episiotomy A surgical cut in the perineum to enlarge the entrance to the vagina.
External version (External cephalic
version, or ECV) The manipulation by gentle pressure of the fetus into the cephalic position This may be done by an obstetrician at the end of pregnancy if the baby is breech or transverse
Fallopian tube The tube into which a ripe egg (ovum) is wafted along after its expulsion from the ovary along which it travels on its way to the uterus
False labour Braxton Hicks (rehearsal) contractions, which are so strong and regular that they are mistaken for the contractions of the first stage of labour,
Fertilization The meeting of the sperm with the ovum or egg to form a new life See also
Conception.
Fetal distress A shortage in the flow of oxygen to the fetus, which can arise from numerous causes
Fetus The developing child in the uterus, from the end of the embryonic stage at about the 12th week of pregnancy until birth FH Fetal heart.
Fibroid A benign (non-cancerous) muscle growth in the uterus.
Forceps Metal tong-like instruments placed either side of the baby’s head during labour to help deliver the baby
Hormone A chemical messenger in
the blood that stimulates various organs to action.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCC) A hormone released into the woman’s bloodstream by the developing placenta from about six days after the last period was due. Its presence in the urine means that she is pregnant
Hyperemesis gravidarum Almost continuous vomiting during pregnancy Hypertension (High blood pressure) During pregnancy this can reduce the fetal blood supply.
Hypnosis A state of mental passivity with a special susceptibility to suggestion. This can be used as an anaesthetic, and can be self-induced.
Hypotension Low blood pressure.
Identical twins See Twins
Implantation The embedding of the fertilized ovum or egg within the wall of the uterus
Induction The process of artificially starting off labour and keeping it going.

Insulin A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the level of carbohydrates and amino acids in the system. It may be used as a means of controlling the effects of diabetes.
See also Diabetes.
Internal monitoring See Electronic fetal monitoring
Intravenous drip The infusion of fluids directly into the bloodstream by means of a fine catheter introduced into a vein Intravenous injection An injection into a vein
Invasive techniques Any medical technique that intrudes into the body
In vitro fertilization (IVT) A type of assisted conception where fertilization occurs outside of the womb and fertilized embryos are tranferred back into the womb.
Jaundice, neonatal A common complaint in newborn babies which is caused by the inability of the liver to break down successfully an excess of red blood cells See also Bilirubin
Lanugo The fine soft body hair of the fetus Lateral position Transverse lie or horizontal position of a fetus in the uterus (sometimes occurring if the mother has a large pelvis), where the presenting part is either a shoulder or the side of the head
Let-down reflex The flow of breast milk into the nipple.
Lie The position of the fetus within the uterus Linea nigra A line of dark skin that appears down the centre of the abdomen over the rectus muscle in some women during pregnancy
Lochia Postnatal vaginal discharge Longitudinal lie The position of the fetus in the uterus in which the spines of the fetus and the mother are parallel
Low-birthweight baby A baby who weighs below 2,5 kg (57 lb) at birth.
Meconium The first contents of the bowel, present in the fetus before birth and passed during the first few days after birth The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid before delivery is usually taken as a sign of fetal distress
Miscarriage The spontaneous loss of a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy
Monitoring See Electronic fetal monitoring Monozygotic See Twins.
Morula A stage in the growth of the fertilized
egg when it has developed into 32 cells. Moulding The shaping of the bones of the baby’s skull, which overlap to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
Mucus A sticky secretion.
Multigravida A woman in her second or subsequent pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy The development of two or more babies, See also Twins Mutation A damaged genetic cell. This can occur naturally or more commonly as an effect of outside agents, such as radiation. Neural tube defects Abnormalities of the central nervous system See also
Anencephaly, Hydrocephalus Spina bifida. Nicotine A highly poisonous substance that is present in tobacco During pregnancy this can enter the bloodstream of a woman who smokes and may affect the efficiency of the placenta, which often results in a lowbirthweight baby
Nucleus The central part or core of a cell, containing genetic information.
Occipital anterior The position of the baby in the uterus when the back of its head (the crown or occiput) is towards the mother’s front (anterior)
Occipital posterior The position of the baby in the uterus when the back of its head (the crown or occiput) is towards the mother’s back (posterior)
Oedema Fluid retention, which causes the body tissues to be puffed out.
Oestriol A form of oestrogen.
Oestrogen A hormone produced by the ovary
Opioids (Narcotics) Painkilling drugs that induce drowsiness and stupor,
Ovary One of the two female glands, set at the entrance of the Fallopian tubes, which regularly produce eggs until the menopause Ovulation The production of a ripe ovum or egg by the ovary
Oxytocin A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during labour and stimulates milk glands in the breasts to produce milk Palpation Feeling the parts of the baby through the mother’s abdominal wall. Pelvic floor The springy muscular
structure set within the pelvis that
supports the bladder and the uterus, and through which the baby descends during tabour,
Pelvis The pelvis is a solid ring of bone at the base of the abdomen: it shields the bladder and portions of the genital tract. Perinatal The period from the 24th week of gestation to one week following delivery Perineum The area of soft tissues surrounding the vagina and between the vagina and the rectum.
Pethidine See Analgesics
Phototherapy Treatment by exposure
to light, which may he used when a baby has jaundice
Pituitary gland A gland set just below the brain that among other functions, secretes various hormones controlling the menstrual cycle. In late pregnancy it releases a hormone, oxytocin, into the bloodstream, which stimulates uterine contractions and also the milk glands.
Placenta The organ that develops on the inner wall of the uterus and supplies the fetus with all its life-supporting requirements and carries waste products to the mother’s system.
Placental insufficiency A condition in which the placenta provides inadequate life support for the fetus, often after 40 weeks, resulting in a baby at special risk.
Placenta praevia A condition in
which the placenta lies over the cervix at the end of pregnancy. This part of the uterus stretches in the last few weeks of pregnancy, but the placenta cannot stretch, so it may separate, the result is bleeding during late pregnancy, A woman with a complete placenta praevia is delivered by Caesarean section
Posterior See Occipito posterior
Postnatal After the birth.
Postpartum After delivery.
Post-traumatic stress disorder Panic and anxiety experienced by some women after traumatic and disempowering childbirth Pre-eclampsia (Pre-eclamptic toxaemia or PET) An illness in which a woman has high blood pressure, oedema, protein in the urine, and often sudden excessive weight gain See also Eclampsia.
Premature A baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighing less than 2.5 Ing (5 lb)
Presentation The position of the fetus in the uterus before and during labour,

lying directly over the cervix
Preterm See Premature
Primigravida A woman having her first pregnancy.
Progesterone A hormone produced by the corpus luteum and then by the placenta Progestogen A synthetic variety of the hormone progesterone used in oral contraceptives.
Prolactin A hormone that stimulates milk production for breastfeeding Prostaglandins Natural substances that stimulate the onset of labour contractions. Prostaglandin gel may be used to soften the cervix and induce labour
Proteinuria The presence of protein in the urine, which may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. See also Pre-eclampsia
PTSD See Post-traumatic stress disorder Pubis The bones forming the front of the lower pelvis.
Quickening The first noticeable movements of the fetus felt by the mother.
Respiratory depression See Depression, respiratory.
Rhesus factor A distinguishing characteristic of the red blood corpuscles. All human beings have either Rhesus positive or Rhesus negative blood If the mother is Rhesus negative and the fetus Rhesus positive, severe complications and Rhesus disease (the destruction of the red corpuscles by antibodies) may occur, unless prevented by anti-D gamma globulin.
Rooting The baby’s instinctive searching for the breast
Rubella (German measles) A mild virus that may cause congenital abnormalities in the fetus if it is contracted by a woman during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
Scan (Screen) A way of building up a picture of an object by bouncing high-frequency soundwaves off it. The sonar or ultrasound scan is used during pregnancy to show the development of the fetus in the uterus. See also Transducer.
Show A vaginal discharge of bloodstained mucus occurring before labour, resulting from the onset of cervical dilatation. A sign that labour is starting
Small-for-dates Babies who are born at the right time but who for a range of reasons have not flourished in the uterus. See also
Placental insufficiency
Sperm (Spermatozoon) The male reproductive cell that fertilizes the female ovum or egg.
Spina bifida A congenital neural tube defect in which the fetal spinal cord forms incorrectly, outside the spinal column Spinal anaesthesia An injection of local anaesthetic around the spinal cord.
Steroids Drugs used in the treatment of skin disorders, asthma, hay fever, rheumatism, and arthritis. Because they alter the chemical balance of the metabolism they may very rarely cause fetal abnormalities if used extensively during pregnancy
Stillbirth The delivery of a dead baby after the 24th week of pregnancy
Streptomycin A broad-spectrum antibiotic that should not be taken in pregnancy See also Antibiotics
Stretch marks Silvery lines that sometimes appear on the skin after it has been stretched during pregnancy
Supplementary feeding Additional bottles given to a breastfed baby.
Surfactant A creamy fluid that reduces the surface tension of the lungs so that they do not stick together when deflated. Preterm babies may have breathing difficulties if surfactant has not developed sufficiently Suture The stitching together of a tear or a surgical incision.
Syntocinon A synthetic form of
oxytocin, which is used to induce or accelerate labour.
TENS machine See Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation
Term The end of pregnancy this is measured at 38-42 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. Tetracycline A wide-spectrum class of antibiotic that should be avoided during pregnancy. because it can affect the development of the fetal teeth and hones See also Antibiotics.
Thrombosis A blood clot in the heart or blood vessels.
Thrush A yeast infection that can form in the mucous membranes of the month, genitals, or nipples.
Toxoplasmosis, congenital A parasitic disease that is spread by cat faeces. If it crosses the placenta during pregnancy, it can cause eye or central nervous system damage in the baby
Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation A method of pain relief that uses electrical impulses to block pain messages to the brain.
Transducer An instrument that translates echoes of very high-frequency soundwaves bounced off the developing fetus in the uterus to build up an ultrasound image on a monitor. See also Scan.
Transition A phase between the first and second stages of labour when the cervix is dilating to between 7 and 10 cm
Trial of labour A situation in which, although a Caesarean section may be necessary, the mother labours in order to see if a vaginal delivery is possible
Twins The simultaneous development of two babies in the uterus, either after two eggs are fertilized independently by two sperm - dizygotic or fraternal twins - or, more rarely, after one fertilized egg divides to produce monozygotic or identical twins.
Ultrasound See Scan, Transducer.
Umbilical cord The cord connecting the fetus to the placenta
Uterus (Womb) The hollow muscular organ in which the fertilized egg becomes embedded, where it develops into the embryo and then the fetus
Vacuum extractor An instrument, used as an alternative to forceps which adheres to the baby’s scalp by suction and with the help of the mother’s bearing down, can be used to guide the baby out of the vagina
Vagina The canal between the uterus and the external genitals It receives the penis during intercourse and is the passage through which the baby is delivered
VE Vaginal examination.
Vernix A creamy substance that often covers the fetus in the uterus
Vertex presentation (VX) See Cephalic presentation.
Vulva The external part of the female reproductive organs, that includes the labia and the clitoris
Water birth Birth of a baby under water.