Here is where you can find all sorts of definitions for those clinical terms you may hear your caregiver use. If you come across one that isn't here, let me know and I'll add it! Email me at Tuwamare@aol.com
AFP Test Alphafetoprotein test.
Usually offered between 15 and 18 weeks gestation. This is a
blood test that measures the amount of alphfetoprotein in the
bloodstream. A level that is higher or lower than the normal
range may mean there should be more tests performed to find out
the reasons. One test that would follow a positive AFP test is
an amniocentesis. This test does have a percentage of false positives
and false negatives, meaning that it may indicate a problem when
there isn't one, or mask an existing problem. Most providers
merely offer it to pregnant women, it is not mandatory in prenatal
care.
Amniocentesis A test involving the doctor using ultrasound
while inserting a needle through the abdomen into the uterus
to collect amniotic fluid. The ultrasound helps the doctor avoid
the fetus. This test is used to detect anomalies such as Down's
Syndrome, and can reveal the sex of the child without question.
Many obstetricians recommend this test be mandatory for women
aged 35 and over. There is a small amount of risk to the fetus
because of the invasive nature of this test.
AROM Artificial rupture of the
membranes. This when your caregiver breaks your bag of waters
for you. They use a plastic tool called an amniotome that looks
a little like a very long crochet hook. It doesn't hurt because
there are no nerve endings in the amniotic membranes.
Cervix The lower segment of the
uterus. In nonpregnant women and during pregnancy the cervix
is a thick, neck-shaped muscle. In labor, it thins and opens
to allow passage of the baby.
Dilation During labor, the cervix dilates (opens)
from being closed to approximately 10 cm in diameter to allow
passage of the baby. Once the baby and placenta are born, the
cervix begins to close again as the uterus shrinks back to its
pre-pregnancy size.
EDC or EDD Estimated date of confinement
or estimated date of delivery. The term used for your due date.
Effacement Before the majority
of dilation can take place, the cervix must thin. It starts out
very thick, about 1-1/2 inches thick. As it effaces, it becomes
thinner by the stretching action of the uterine muscles pulling
upward from the fundus (top of the uterus). It eventually becomes
"paper-thin" until the cervix is able to dilate to
10 cm and allow passage of the baby.
Epidural A regional anesthetic
used for pain relief by some women in labor. It is injected into
the dural space in your spine, and the anesthetic takes effect
from your chest down. About 80-85% of women who have it report
satisfactory pain relief from it. The others report anything
from "windows" of pain to no relief at all. If you
have an epidural, you will lose all motor control from your chest
down, and be required to be on the fetal monitor continuously.
You will also have to have an IV. Some women develop a fever
that is related to the epidural, which means antibiotics are
added to their IV. Some women find their labors pick up once
they have an epidural and are able to relax, others find their
labors slow down and they end up having pitocin added to their
IV to augment their labor.
Episiotomy A surgical cut made
just before delivery in the perineum, extending from the vagina
towards the anus. Some caregivers do this routinely, others only
do it when the birth of the baby needs to be hastened by a few
moments. It requires stitches and will take a week or two to
heal. Many women complain of residual pain for months afterward
during sexual intercourse.
Fundus The top of the uterus. This is the landmark
used by practitioners when they are measuring the size of the
uterus during pregnancy. The measuring starts at the pubic bone
and ends at the fundus. On average, the number of weeks of pregnancy
matches the number of cm from the pubic bone to the fundus, give
or take a few cm.
Gravida The number of live children you have borne.
An example would be Para 4 Gravida 3 if you're pregnant for the
fourth time and have three living children.
LMP Last menstrual period. Most
caregivers date a pregnancy from the first day of your last menstrual
period.
Para The number of pregnancies
you've had. See above example.
PROM Premature rupture of membranes.
This is when your water breaks, but no contractions follow. Depending
on how long it takes for labor to start after this happens, your
caregiver may choose to induce your labor.
SROM Spontaneous rupture of membranes.
This is when your bag of waters breaks all by itself during labor
without any interference from anyone.