A

Active Labor: The part of labor when your cervix is dilating more quickly—from about 6 to 10 centimeters—and contractions become stronger, longer, and closer together.

This is usually when things start to feel more intense and focused. You may need more support, may not feel like talking during contractions, and might start using coping techniques more seriously (like breathing, changing positions, getting into a tub, etc.).

It’s a clear sign that your body is making real progress toward meeting your baby. Once you reach 10 centimeters, active labor ends and the pushing stage begins.

After Pains: Cramp-like contractions you may feel in the days after giving birth. They happen as your uterus shrinks back down to its pre-pregnancy size.

These pains are usually strongest in the first few days postpartum and may feel like period cramps. They tend to be more noticeable if it’s not your first baby, and they often get worse during breastfeeding because nursing triggers the release of oxytocin, which causes the uterus to contract.

Uncomfortable as they are, after pains are a good sign that your body is healing and returning to its non-pregnant state.

Amniotic Fluid: The clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds your baby inside the amniotic sac during pregnancy. It plays a crucial role in protecting and supporting your baby as they grow.

This fluid helps cushion the baby from bumps or pressure, keeps the temperature steady, allows the baby to move around (which helps with muscle and bone development), and even helps the lungs and digestive system develop by allowing the baby to "practice" breathing and swallowing.

The amount of amniotic fluid increases during pregnancy and usually peaks around 36 weeks, then starts to decrease a bit as birth approaches. When your water "breaks," that's the amniotic fluid leaking out.

Amniotic Sac: A thin, fluid-filled membrane that forms early in pregnancy and holds the baby and the amniotic fluid. It's made up of two layers (the amnion and the chorion) and acts like a protective bubble, keeping the environment sterile, cushioning the baby, and helping regulate temperature. This sac usually stays intact until labor, and when it breaks—either on its own or by a provider—it’s commonly referred to as your water breaking.

Anterior: When describing baby’s position, anterior means the baby is facing your back, with their back toward your belly. This is considered the ideal position for birth because it usually allows the baby to move more easily through the pelvis.

The most common and preferred position is called left occiput anterior (LOA)—this means the baby’s head is down, their back is on your left side, and they’re facing your back. This position tends to lead to smoother, faster labors.

Anterior Placenta: When the placenta attaches to the front wall of the uterus, closest to your belly. This is a common and usually harmless variation. It can sometimes make it harder to feel baby’s early movements or make it a bit trickier to hear the heartbeat with a Doppler early on, but it doesn’t typically affect the health of the pregnancy. In some cases, if a cesarean is needed, providers will note the placenta’s position to avoid it during surgery.

APGAR Score: A quick assessment done at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to check how well a newborn is adjusting. It looks at five things: skin color, heart rate, reflexes (grimace), muscle tone, and breathing. Each is scored from 0 to 2, for a total score out of 10.

Grimace in this case refers to the baby’s reaction to stimulation—like a gentle rub or suctioning. A strong cry or pull-away response gets a higher score.

Scores of 7–10 are usually normal, 4–6 may mean baby needs a little help, and 0–3 indicates immediate medical attention.

AROM (Artificial Rupture of Membranes): A procedure where a care provider uses a small tool during a vaginal exam to break the amniotic sac and release the fluid. This is sometimes done to help start or strengthen labor contractions or to place internal monitors. Once the water is broken, there is an increased risk of infection over time, so it typically means birth is expected to follow within a certain window.

B

Back Labor: Intense pain or pressure felt in the lower back during labor, usually caused by the baby’s head pressing against the mother’s spine. It’s more common when the baby is in a posterior position—facing forward with the back of their head toward the mother’s back. The discomfort can be constant or come and go with contractions, and it often feels different from typical abdominal labor pain. Techniques like counter-pressure, changing positions, or getting into water may help ease the sensation.

Bilirubin: A yellow substance that’s made when the body breaks down old red blood cells. In newborns, bilirubin levels can be high in the first few days after birth because their liver is still maturing and may not process it efficiently yet. This can lead to jaundice, which causes the baby’s skin and eyes to look yellow. Mild jaundice is common and often clears up on its own, but higher levels may need treatment to help the body break it down safely.

Birth Center: A facility designed specifically for labor and birth that offers a more home-like environment than a hospital. Birth centers are typically staffed by midwives and are geared toward low-risk pregnancies. They focus on natural birth and minimal intervention, but can transfer clients to a hospital if complications arise.

Birth Plan: A written outline of your preferences for labor, birth, and the immediate postpartum period. It can include things like who you want present, pain management options, positions for labor and pushing, preferences for monitoring, how you'd like to handle interventions, and newborn care choices. A birth plan helps communicate your wishes to your care team, though it’s understood that things may change depending on how labor unfolds.

Birth Pool: A large, inflatable tub or basin filled with warm water, used during labor and sometimes for giving birth. Being in the water can help with relaxation, ease the intensity of contractions, and support more comfortable movement.

Some people use a birth pool just for labor, while others choose to actually deliver their baby in the water. Birth pools are typically deeper and roomier than a regular bathtub, allowing for full immersion and more freedom of movement.

Birth Team: The group of people who support you during labor and birth. This can include your midwife or doctor, a doula, your partner, family or friends, nurses, and anyone else you've chosen to be present.

Everyone on your birth team plays a different role—some provide medical care, others offer emotional support, physical comfort, or advocacy. A strong, aligned birth team can make a big difference in how supported and safe you feel during the experience.

Bradley Method: A childbirth education method focused on preparing couples for natural, unmedicated birth. It emphasizes deep relaxation, breathing techniques, good nutrition, regular exercise during pregnancy, and active participation by the birthing partner as a coach.

The goal is to help parents feel confident and informed, with tools to handle labor without the use of pain medication. Classes typically cover pregnancy wellness, labor stages, and strategies for coping with contractions through physical and emotional support.

Braxton Hicks: Mild, irregular contractions that can start midway through pregnancy and are often called “practice contractions.” They help the uterus tone and prepare for labor but don’t usually cause the cervix to change.

Braxton Hicks are typically painless or just mildly uncomfortable, tend to come and go, and don’t get stronger or closer together like true labor contractions. They often show up more in the evening, after activity, or when you're dehydrated.

Breastfeeding: Feeding a baby with milk directly from the breast. It provides complete nutrition for infants, along with immune support and bonding benefits. Breastfeeding can look different for everyone—some feed on demand, some follow a schedule, and some combine breastfeeding with pumping or bottle-feeding.

The body usually makes milk in response to baby’s nursing, and the more often milk is removed, the more is produced. While natural, breastfeeding is also a learned skill for both parent and baby and can come with a learning curve.

Breech: Refers to a baby’s position in the womb when the buttocks or feet are pointed downward instead of the head. This happens in a small percentage of pregnancies near term.

While many providers today recommend a cesarean birth for breech babies, especially in hospital settings, breech is sometimes just a variation of normal. With the right training, experience, and support, vaginal breech birth can be a safe option in certain situations.

There are a few types of breech positions, including frank breech (buttocks down, legs up), complete breech (buttocks down, legs crossed), and footling breech (one or both feet down).

Brow Presentation: A rare fetal position where the baby’s head is partially extended, so the forehead (or "brow") is the part entering the birth canal first. This position creates a larger diameter than other head-down positions, which can make vaginal birth more difficult or sometimes not possible, depending on how labor progresses.

Brow presentation is often diagnosed during labor and may shift into a more favorable position on its own, but in some cases, it can lead to a need for a cesarean birth.

C

Cascade of Interventions: Refers to a chain reaction where one medical intervention during labor leads to another, often unintentionally.

For example, labor might be induced with medication, which can make contractions more intense, leading to an epidural for pain relief, which can then slow labor and increase the chance of needing more interventions like continuous monitoring, assisted delivery, or even a cesarean.

The term is often used to encourage thoughtful decision-making about when and why interventions are used, especially for those aiming for a low-intervention or natural birth.

Cephalic: Describes a baby’s position in the womb when the head is down, closest to the birth canal. This is the most common and usually the most favorable position for vaginal birth.

Cephalic just means “head-first,” but it doesn’t specify how the baby’s head is positioned—most often it refers to vertex position, where the top of the head leads the way. (See Vertex.)

Cervical Check: A manual exam done by a provider to assess the cervix during late pregnancy or labor. It’s used to check how dilated (open), effaced (thinned), and soft the cervix is, as well as the baby’s position and station (how low the baby is in the pelvis).

The exam is done by inserting gloved fingers into the vagina and feeling the cervix. While it can offer helpful information, it’s optional and doesn't always predict how soon labor will begin.

Some people find them uncomfortable or prefer to limit them unless medically necessary.

Cervical Lip: When most of the cervix is fully dilated, but a small portion—usually at the front—is still thick or swollen and hasn’t opened completely. This leftover “lip” of cervix can sometimes get caught between the baby’s head and the pubic bone during pushing, which can slow progress.

It often resolves on its own with time and position changes, but sometimes a provider may gently help move it out of the way during a contraction.

Cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus that connects to the top of the vagina. During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed and firm to keep the baby in the uterus. As labor begins, it softens, thins (effaces), and opens (dilates) to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.

Colostrum: The first form of milk your body produces, usually starting in late pregnancy and continuing for a few days after birth. It’s thick, yellowish, and packed with nutrients and antibodies that help protect a newborn from illness.

Even in small amounts, colostrum is incredibly beneficial—it’s easy for the baby to digest and helps get their digestive system working by acting as a natural laxative to clear out meconium (the baby’s first poop). It gradually transitions into mature breast milk a few days after birth.

Continuous Monitoring: A method of tracking the baby’s heart rate and the birthing person’s contractions throughout labor, usually using electronic sensors placed on the belly. These sensors send information to a machine that displays the heart rate and contraction pattern in real time.

Continuous monitoring is often used in hospital births when certain risk factors are present or after interventions like an epidural or induction. While it can provide useful information, it may also limit movement, which can affect comfort and labor progress. Some providers and birth settings offer intermittent monitoring as an alternative.

Contraction: A tightening and releasing of the uterus that helps move the baby downward and open the cervix during labor.

Contractions can feel like strong menstrual cramps, pressure, or a wave of tightening across the belly and back. They usually come and go in a pattern, getting stronger, longer, and closer together as labor progresses.

Some contractions can also happen during pregnancy, like Braxton Hicks, which are practice contractions and not part of active labor.

Counter-Pressure: A hands-on comfort technique used during labor where steady pressure is applied to the lower back, hips, or other areas feeling tension or pain. It’s especially helpful during back labor and is often done by a husband, doula, or support person.

The pressure can help reduce the sensation of pain, offer a feeling of relief during contractions, and give the birthing person something to focus on. It can be applied with hands, a tennis ball, or even a firm object like a rolling pin.

Crowning: The moment during birth when the baby’s head becomes visible at the vaginal opening and stays there between pushes, rather than slipping back in. It’s often described as a stretching or burning sensation as the widest part of the baby’s head moves through.

Crowning means birth is very close—once the head is out, the rest of the body usually follows within a few more contractions.

D

Delayed Cord Clamping: The practice of waiting to cut the umbilical cord after birth to allow more blood to transfer from the placenta to the baby. This can provide benefits like increased iron stores and better oxygen levels.

Delayed cord clamping can last a few minutes, until the cord stops pulsating, or even longer—sometimes an hour or more—depending on the mother's preference and the birth setting. It’s commonly supported in both home and hospital births unless there’s a medical reason to cut the cord sooner.

Dilation: Refers to how much the cervix has opened to allow the baby to pass through during birth. It’s measured in centimeters from 0 (completely closed) to 10 (fully open). Dilation usually happens gradually during labor and can speed up or slow down at different points. Reaching full dilation is one of the key signs that the body is ready for the pushing stage.

Doula: A trained support person who provides physical, emotional, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Unlike a medical provider, a doula doesn’t deliver the baby or provide clinical care, but they stay by your side to offer comfort measures, help with decision-making, and support both you and your partner throughout the experience.

Many people find that having a doula improves their sense of confidence, calm, and satisfaction with their birth.

E

Early Labor: The first phase of labor, when contractions begin and the cervix starts to open from 0 to around 6 centimeters. Contractions in early labor are usually mild to moderate, irregular or spaced out, and can last for hours—or even longer—before active labor begins.

It’s often a good time to rest, eat, stay hydrated, and find comfort, since things are still just getting started. Some people don’t even realize they’re in early labor right away because the sensations can be subtle.

EDD (Estimated Due Date): Stands for estimated due date—the predicted date when a baby is expected to be born, usually calculated as 40 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.

It’s just an estimate, not a deadline, and only about 5% of babies are actually born on that exact day. Many babies arrive within a week or two on either side, and healthy full-term birth can happen anytime between 37 and 42 weeks.

Effacement: Refers to the thinning and shortening of the cervix in preparation for birth. It’s described as a percentage—0% means no thinning has happened yet, while 100% means the cervix is fully thinned out and ready for delivery.

Effacement usually happens along with dilation, though the order and timing can vary from person to person. As the cervix effaces, it becomes softer and blends more smoothly with the lower part of the uterus to allow the baby to move down.

Embryo: The early stage of human development that starts right after fertilization and lasts through the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. During this time, the basic structures of the body and all major organs begin to form.

Although still very small, the embryo is rapidly growing and laying the groundwork for what will become a fully developed baby. After 8 weeks, the developing baby is typically referred to as a fetus.

Endorphins: Natural chemicals made by your body that help relieve pain and boost feelings of well-being. They’re often called “feel-good” hormones because they can create a sense of calm, reduce stress, and even bring on a mild euphoric feeling—kind of like your body’s own painkiller.

During labor, your body releases endorphins to help you cope with contractions. The more relaxed and supported you feel, the more endorphins your body can make, which can actually help make labor feel more manageable.

Engagement: When the baby’s head moves down into the pelvis and settles into position for birth. This is sometimes called “lightening” because it can make breathing easier as pressure shifts away from the diaphragm.

Engagement usually happens in the last few weeks of pregnancy for first-time parents, but it may not occur until labor begins for those who’ve had a baby before. It’s a sign that the baby is getting ready, but not necessarily that labor is right around the corner.

Engorgement: When the breasts become overly full, firm, and sometimes painful due to a buildup of milk and fluids. This often happens a few days after birth when the milk comes in, or anytime milk isn’t removed often enough.

Engorgement can make it harder for the baby to latch and may feel uncomfortable or even hot and swollen. Relief can come from nursing frequently, using gentle massage, applying cold or warm compresses, or hand expressing just enough milk to soften the breast. It usually improves once feeding becomes more regular and the milk supply balances out.

Epidural: A form of pain relief used during labor that involves placing medication through a small tube into the lower back, near the spinal nerves. It works by numbing the lower part of the body while keeping the person awake and aware. An epidural is typically given by an anesthesiologist and usually takes about 10 to 20 minutes to take effect.

While it often provides strong pain relief, it doesn’t work 100% of the time. In some cases, it may only numb one side of the body, leave certain areas with sensation, or wear off unevenly. Adjustments can sometimes help, but not always. An epidural also requires additional monitoring, IV fluids, and often limits movement during labor.

Episiotomy: A surgical cut made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) during the pushing stage of labor to help widen the vaginal opening. It’s usually done if the provider believes it’s necessary for a quicker delivery—for example, in cases of fetal distress or complicated births.

Episiotomies used to be routine but are now done less often, as research has shown that natural tearing may heal better in many cases. If one is performed, stitches are used to repair the area after birth.

F

FER (Fetal Ejection Reflex): A natural, involuntary response during labor where the body pushes the baby out without conscious effort. It’s usually triggered when the baby is well-aligned, the cervix is fully dilated, and the birthing person feels safe, undisturbed, and supported.

The reflex can feel like an overwhelming urge to push, and the body often does so powerfully on its own. FER is more commonly experienced in unmedicated or low-intervention births, but not everyone feels it the same way.

Fertility: The natural ability to get pregnant and have a baby. When someone is fertile, it means their body is able to conceive and carry a pregnancy.

Fertility can be influenced by many factors, like age, hormones, health conditions, lifestyle, and even stress. For women, it often relates to things like ovulation (releasing an egg each month) and regular menstrual cycles. For men, it usually involves healthy sperm.

If someone is having trouble getting pregnant, they may explore their fertility health to understand what might be going on and whether support or treatment is needed.

Fetal: Refers to anything related to a fetus, which is the term used for a baby developing in the womb after the first 8 weeks of pregnancy and up until birth.

For example:

• Fetal heartbeat means the baby’s heartbeat in the womb.

• Fetal position describes the curled-up posture often seen in unborn babies.

• Fetal development refers to how the baby grows and changes during pregnancy.

Fetal Distress: A term used when a baby shows signs of not handling labor well, often due to reduced oxygen. It’s usually identified by changes in the baby’s heart rate pattern, either too fast, too slow, or irregular.

Providers may respond with position changes, oxygen for the mama, fluids, or other interventions to help improve the baby’s condition.

If the distress continues or worsens, it may lead to a decision for a faster delivery, such as with vacuum assistance or a cesarean birth.

Fetus: The term used for a developing baby in the womb from around 8 weeks of pregnancy until birth. By this stage, all major organs and body systems have begun forming, and the baby continues to grow, mature, and gain weight.

The term fetus is used to describe this phase of development, following the embryo stage and continuing until delivery.

Forceps: A medical tool shaped like large tongs or curved spoons, used to help guide the baby out during the pushing stage of birth.

Forceps are placed around the baby’s head and used gently to assist with delivery, usually when labor isn’t progressing or if the baby needs to be born quickly due to concerns like fetal distress.

This type of assisted delivery is more common in hospital settings and typically requires an epidural or other pain relief. While it can be effective, it also carries some risks for both mama and baby, so it’s used selectively when medically indicated.

Fourth Trimester: This is a somewhat humorous term (“tri-” means three, so having a fourth trimester is a bit silly).

It’s used to refer to the first three months after birth—a crucial time of adjustment for both the baby and the mother.

For the baby, it’s about slowly adapting to life outside the womb: learning to sleep, eat, and be comforted in a new environment. For the mother, it’s a time of physical healing, emotional shifts, hormone changes, and learning how to care for a newborn—often while running on very little sleep.

Though not officially recognized as part of pregnancy, the fourth trimester is a real and important phase that deserves just as much attention and support as pregnancy and birth.

Free Birth: When a mama chooses to give birth without the presence of any medical professionals or licensed care providers.

Also called unassisted birth, this approach is typically planned and done at home, with or without support from a partner, friend, or doula. Those who choose free birth often do so out of a belief in trusting the natural process, wanting privacy, or having had past negative experiences in medical settings.

It’s distinct from an emergency birth without a provider, as free birth is usually a deliberate choice.

Full-Term: Refers to the stage of pregnancy between 37 and 42 weeks, when a baby is considered fully developed and ready for birth. Full term is often broken down into more specific ranges:

• Early term: 37 weeks through 38 weeks, 6 days

• Full term: 39 weeks through 40 weeks, 6 days

• Late term: 41 weeks through 41 weeks, 6 days

• Post-term: 42 weeks and beyond

Babies born during this window typically have the best outcomes in terms of breathing, feeding, and temperature regulation.

Fundal Height: A measurement used during pregnancy to estimate how the baby is growing. It’s the distance from the top of the uterus (called the fundus) to the pubic bone, measured in centimeters.

Starting around 20 weeks, the fundal height often matches the number of weeks pregnant—for example, at 28 weeks, the fundal height might be about 28 centimeters.

While it’s not exact, it can help track growth and detect possible concerns, like too much or too little amniotic fluid or unusual baby positioning.

Fundal Massage: A hands-on technique used after birth to help the uterus contract and reduce bleeding. It involves gently but firmly massaging the top of the uterus (the fundus) through the belly.

This helps the uterus clamp down, which can prevent or control postpartum hemorrhage. It’s commonly done by a provider in the first hour or two after birth and may be repeated if bleeding increases. While often uncomfortable, it can help in supporting recovery right after delivery.

Fundus: The top portion of the uterus, furthest from the cervix.

During pregnancy, the fundus rises as the baby grows and can be felt through the belly to help estimate how far along the pregnancy is.

After birth, the fundus is checked to make sure the uterus is contracting properly, since a firm, well-positioned fundus helps reduce bleeding. Its position and firmness give important clues about how the body is recovering.

G

Gestation: the period of time a baby grows and develops in the womb, from conception to birth. For humans, a full-term gestation is usually around 40 weeks, counted from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period.

You might hear phrases like:

• “She’s at 30 weeks gestation” – meaning she’s 30 weeks into her pregnancy.

• “Gestational age” – refers to how far along the pregnancy is, usually measured in weeks.

It’s just a more clinical way of talking about how long a baby has been developing before birth.

Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, usually in the second or third trimester. It means the body isn’t processing sugar as effectively, leading to higher blood sugar levels.

Most often, it goes away after birth, but it does require monitoring during pregnancy to help protect both mama and baby. Management can include changes in diet, exercise, checking blood sugar levels, and sometimes medication.

With proper care, most mamas with gestational diabetes go on to have healthy pregnancies and babies.

Golden Hour: The first hour after birth, when uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact between mama and baby is encouraged. This time is considered especially important for bonding, regulating the baby’s temperature and breathing, encouraging early breastfeeding, and supporting hormone flow for both mama and baby.

The golden hour is often protected as a quiet, low-intervention period whenever possible, allowing the new family to connect and adjust in a calm, undisturbed way.

H

Hormones: chemical messengers made by glands in your body. They travel through your bloodstream and tell different parts of your body what to do and when to do it. Hormones control all kinds of important things like growth, metabolism, mood, stress, and reproduction.

In pregnancy and birth, hormones play a huge role. For example:

• Progesterone helps support early pregnancy.

• Oxytocin triggers labor contractions and helps with bonding.

• Prolactin helps your body make breastmilk.

Even small shifts in hormone levels can have big effects—which is why pregnancy, labor, and postpartum often feel like such a wild ride physically and emotionally.

Hospital Transfer: When a mama planning a home or birth center birth moves to the hospital during labor or shortly after birth. Transfers can happen for a variety of reasons, such as prolonged labor, exhaustion, a need for pain relief, concerns about the baby’s well-being, or unexpected complications.

While most transfers are not emergencies, they are done out of an abundance of caution. Needing to transfer does not mean the birth was a failure—it's simply a shift in location to support the safest outcome for both mama and baby.

Hypnobirthing: A method that uses guided relaxation, visualization, breathing techniques, and self-hypnosis with the aim of creating a calm and controlled birth experience.

While it is often presented as a gentle and empowering option, hypnosis is a psychological tool that can alter perception, influence thought patterns, and suppress natural responses to pain and instinct. Because of these effects, it carries potential risks and should not be used lightly—especially during a process as significant and physically intense as labor.

I

IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant): Stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant—a professional who is specially trained and certified to help with breastfeeding and lactation.

IBCLCs support mamas with issues like latch difficulties, low milk supply, pain during nursing, pumping, and feeding plans for babies with special needs. They have clinical training and often work in hospitals, birth centers, or private practice.

Unlike other types of breastfeeding support, the IBCLC credential requires specific education, supervised hours, and passing a rigorous exam, making it the highest level of lactation certification.

Induction: The process of starting labor artificially, rather than waiting for it to begin on its own. Induction may be suggested for medical reasons or sometimes for scheduling convenience. There are several ways it can be done, including:

• Using medication to soften or open the cervix

• Breaking the water (artificial rupture of membranes)

• Giving synthetic oxytocin (like Pitocin) to start contractions

• Using a Foley balloon or other tools to gently open the cervix

Induction can lead to a longer or more intense labor, and it may increase the chances of needing other interventions. It’s something mamas may want to learn about ahead of time so they can make informed decisions if it comes up.

Intermittent Monitoring: A method of checking the baby’s heart rate at regular intervals during labor, rather than continuously. It’s usually done with a handheld Doppler or a fetoscope and may be used every 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the stage of labor and the setting.

Intermittent monitoring allows more freedom to move, change positions, and labor in water. It’s commonly used in home births, birth centers, and some hospital settings when labor is progressing normally and there are no known complications.

IUI (IntraUterine Insemination): Stands for intrauterine insemination—a fertility procedure where sperm is placed directly into the uterus around the time of ovulation to increase the chances of pregnancy.

It’s often used when there are issues with sperm motility, unexplained infertility, or when using donor sperm. The process is usually quick and done in a medical setting, sometimes with medications to stimulate ovulation.

IUI is less invasive and less expensive than IVF, and for some couples or individuals, it’s a first step in fertility treatment. (See IVF.)

IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): Stands for in vitro fertilization—a fertility treatment where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body, and the resulting embryo is placed into the uterus. IVF can involve multiple steps, including hormone treatments, egg retrieval, lab fertilization, and embryo transfer. It's often used when other fertility options haven’t worked or when there are specific challenges like blocked fallopian tubes, low sperm count, or the use of donor eggs or sperm.

While IVF has helped many families conceive, it comes with potential risks and considerations, including physical side effects from medications, emotional and financial stress, higher chances of multiple pregnancy, and ongoing questions about long-term health outcomes. It’s a complex process that many mamas choose to research thoroughly before beginning.

J

Jaundice: A common condition in newborns where the skin and the whites of the eyes appear yellow. It’s caused by a buildup of bilirubin—a substance made when the body breaks down red blood cells.

Many babies have mild jaundice in the first few days after birth as their liver learns to process bilirubin more effectively. It often goes away on its own, but in some cases, treatment like phototherapy (light treatment) may be needed to help bring bilirubin levels down.

K

Kangaroo Care: A method of holding a newborn skin-to-skin, usually with the baby placed upright against the mama’s bare chest and covered with a blanket. It helps regulate the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and supports bonding, breastfeeding, and emotional well-being for both mama and baby.

Kangaroo care is especially helpful for premature or low birth weight babies, but it’s beneficial for all newborns and can be practiced right after birth and throughout the early days and weeks.

L

Labor: The process the body goes through to give birth, involving regular contractions that open (dilate) and thin (efface) the cervix so the baby can move through the birth canal. Labor is typically divided into stages: early labor, active labor, pushing (delivery of the baby), and delivery of the placenta.

It can begin naturally or be started with interventions, and it looks different for every mama in terms of timing, intensity, and experience.

Lactation: The process of producing and releasing milk from the breasts. It usually begins during pregnancy and becomes well established a few days after birth as hormones shift and milk transitions from colostrum to mature milk.

Lactation provides nourishment and immune support for the baby and can continue as long as milk is being removed regularly through nursing or pumping.

Lactation Consultant: A trained professional who helps mamas with breastfeeding and other aspects of lactation. They support with things like latch issues, milk supply concerns, pain while nursing, pumping, and feeding plans for babies with special needs. Some lactation consultants are certified at a basic level, while others hold the IBCLC credential, which is the highest level of certification. They can work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice and play an important role in helping families meet their feeding goals.

Lanugo: A soft, fine layer of hair that covers a baby’s body while in the womb. It usually appears around the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and helps protect the baby’s skin and hold the vernix (a creamy coating) in place.

Most babies shed lanugo before birth, but some—especially those born early—may still have patches of it when they’re born. It typically falls off on its own within the first few weeks after birth.

Latch: Refers to how the baby attaches to the breast during breastfeeding. A good latch helps the baby get enough milk and prevents nipple pain or damage for the mama. It involves the baby taking a large portion of the areola (not just the nipple) into their mouth, with their lips flanged out and chin touching the breast.

A deep, comfortable latch is key to effective and successful nursing, and small adjustments can make a big difference.

Let Down: The reflex that causes milk to flow from the milk ducts to the nipple, usually triggered by the baby sucking at the breast or sometimes by hearing a baby cry or thinking about nursing.

It can feel like tingling, pressure, or a sudden fullness in the breasts, though some mamas don’t feel it at all.

Let-down helps the baby get milk more easily during a feeding, and it can happen multiple times during a nursing session.

Lightening: When the baby drops lower into the pelvis in the final weeks of pregnancy, getting into position for birth. This shift can make breathing easier since there’s less pressure on the diaphragm, but it may also increase pressure on the bladder and pelvis.

Lightening can happen a few weeks before labor begins, especially for first-time mamas, or not until labor starts in those who’ve given birth before. It's one of the signs that the body is getting ready, though it doesn't mean labor is starting right away.

Linea Nigra: A dark vertical line that can appear on the belly during pregnancy, usually running from the pubic bone up toward the belly button or even higher. It’s caused by hormonal changes that increase skin pigmentation and is completely normal.

The line is more noticeable in some mamas than others and typically fades on its own in the months after birth.

Lotus Birth: A practice where the umbilical cord is left uncut after birth, allowing it to remain attached to the placenta until it naturally dries and separates from the baby—usually within 3 to 10 days. Supporters of lotus birth believe it offers a gentle transition for the baby and may carry spiritual or symbolic meaning. The placenta is typically cleaned, salted, and wrapped to help preserve it during this time.

While some view it as a natural extension of delayed cord clamping, it’s not widely practiced in medical settings and may carry a risk of infection if not cared for properly.

M

Marginal Cord Insertion: A variation in how the umbilical cord connects to the placenta, where the cord attaches at the edge rather than the center.

In most cases, it doesn’t cause problems and is simply monitored with extra care during pregnancy. However, it can sometimes affect how nutrients and oxygen are delivered to the baby, so providers may recommend additional ultrasounds to check growth and blood flow.

Marginal cord insertion is usually something that’s discovered during a routine anatomy scan.

Meconium: A newborn’s first stool, made up of materials the baby swallowed in the womb like amniotic fluid, skin cells, and mucus. It’s thick, sticky, and dark green or black in color.

Meconium is usually passed in the first day or two after birth, but sometimes a baby passes it before or during labor. If that happens, especially in the amniotic fluid, it may require closer monitoring to make sure the baby doesn’t breathe it in during delivery.

Membrane Sweep: An induction method and form of intervention used to try to start labor naturally.

During a vaginal exam, a provider gently sweeps a finger around the inside of the cervix to separate the amniotic sac from the uterine wall. This action can release hormones (prostaglandins) that may help soften the cervix and encourage contractions.

While it doesn’t always lead to labor, some mamas go into labor within a day or two. It’s usually offered around or after the due date and may cause temporary cramping, spotting, or discomfort.

Midwife: A trained professional who supports mamas during pregnancy, labor, birth, and the postpartum period. Midwives focus on low-risk pregnancies and often take a more holistic, relationship-centered approach to care. They may attend births at home, in birth centers, or in hospitals, depending on their type of certification, training, and local laws. Not all midwives are licensed or certified in the same way, and their scope of practice can vary.

Types of Midwives:

• Licensed Midwife (LM):

  Licensed at the state level and authorized to practice midwifery legally within that state. Most LMs attend home births or birth center births and are trained in out-of-hospital birth settings. Requirements vary by state but usually include formal education and clinical experience.

• Certified Professional Midwife (CPM):

  Certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). CPMs are specifically trained to attend out-of-hospital births, such as home or birth center births. Their certification is nationally recognized, but licensing and legal status vary by state.

• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM):

  A registered nurse (RN) with advanced training in midwifery. CNMs are certified by the American Midwifery Certification Board and are licensed to practice in all 50 states. They can attend births in hospitals, birth centers, or homes (depending on the state) and often work within medical systems. CNMs can prescribe medications and provide a full range of women's health care services, including prenatal care, birth, postpartum care, and general gynecology.

• Certified Midwife (CM):

  Certified through the same board as CNMs but without a nursing background. CMs complete a graduate-level midwifery program and receive similar clinical training. They are licensed in a limited number of states and may work in a variety of birth settings, depending on local laws.

• Traditional Midwife:

  Sometimes called a community or lay midwife, this midwife is typically trained through apprenticeship or experience rather than a formal medical program. Traditional midwives may or may not be licensed, depending on their region. They often focus on ancestral knowledge, cultural practices, and the spiritual aspects of birth, and typically attend home births. Their care is highly personalized and outside the conventional medical system.

Milk "Coming In": Refers to the shift from producing small amounts of colostrum to making larger volumes of mature breast milk, usually between 2 to 5 days after birth. This change is triggered by hormonal shifts after the placenta is delivered.

Mamas may notice their breasts feeling fuller, firmer, warmer, or even a bit tender during this time.

Milk coming in is a normal part of the postpartum process and often signals the body adjusting to meet the baby’s feeding needs. Frequent nursing or expressing milk can help support this transition.

Molding: The temporary shaping or overlapping of a baby’s skull bones during birth to help the head fit through the birth canal. A baby’s skull is made up of soft plates with spaces between them (called fontanelles), which allows for flexibility during delivery.

Molding is common—especially in vaginal births—and often results in a slightly cone-shaped head at birth. The shape usually evens out on its own within the first few days or weeks.

N

Natural Birth: Typically refers to giving birth without medical interventions such as pain medication, induction, or cesarean surgery.

A natural birth focuses on allowing labor to unfold on its own, often with support from comfort measures like movement, breathing techniques, water, massage, or a doula. It can take place in a hospital, birth center, or at home.

The term can mean different things to different mamas, but it generally centers on trusting the body’s process and minimizing outside interference unless medically necessary.

Neonatal: Relates to the newborn period, typically defined as the first 28 days after birth. This stage is focused on the baby’s transition from life inside the womb to the outside world.

During the neonatal period, babies go through big adjustments like learning to breathe, regulate temperature, feed, and develop early immune protection.

Newborn: Refers to a baby from birth through about the first 4 to 6 weeks of life.

During this stage, babies are adjusting to life outside the womb—learning to breathe, feed, sleep, and bond.

Newborns have unique needs and patterns, including frequent feeding (day and night), irregular sleep, and rapid development. This period is also when parents and babies are getting to know each other and establishing early routines.

NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit): a specialized area in a hospital where newborns who need extra medical care are monitored and treated. Babies may be admitted to the NICU for various reasons, such as being born early (premature), having trouble breathing, low birth weight, infections, or other health concerns.

The NICU is staffed by specially trained doctors, nurses, and support staff, and care can range from short-term monitoring to more intensive, long-term support depending on the baby’s needs.

Nuchal Arm: A birth position where one or both of the baby’s arms are up near their head during delivery. “Nuchal” means around the neck, so a nuchal arm refers to an arm that is wrapped around or behind the neck as the baby descends.

This can sometimes make birth more challenging, possibly causing a longer pushing stage or added pressure for the mama. However, in many cases, it isn’t a problem at all and the baby can be born just fine on their own without any need for intervention. Skilled providers are trained to recognize and handle this variation when needed.

O

Occiput Anterior (OA): A common and ideal position for birth where the baby is head-down with the back of their head (the occiput) facing the front of the mama’s pelvis. This means the baby is facing the mama’s back, which usually allows for smoother movement through the birth canal.

Occiput anterior—especially left occiput anterior (LOA)—is associated with more efficient labor and less likelihood of complications. Many babies naturally settle into this position in the final weeks of pregnancy or during labor.

Occiput Posterior (OP): A head-down position where the baby’s back is toward the mama’s back, meaning the baby is facing forward instead of toward the spine. This is sometimes called "sunny-side up."

Occiput posterior can lead to longer or more intense labor, especially back labor, since the hardest part of the baby’s head presses against the spine.

Some babies rotate on their own during labor, while others are born in this position.

Certain movements, positions, and support techniques may help encourage rotation and make labor more manageable.

*Ovary: The organ that stores and releases eggs. You have two, one on each side of the uterus.

Oxytocin: A hormone that causes contractions and helps with bonding and milk production. The natural form is released during labor, birth, and breastfeeding.

P

Pelvic Floor Specialist:

Pelvis:

Perinatal: Refers to the time shortly before and after birth, usually from 20 weeks of pregnancy to 4 weeks after birth.

Perineal Massage: A technique to gently stretch the perineum before labor to help reduce tearing.

Perineum: The area between the vagina and anus. Often affected during birth.

Pitocin: A synthetic version of oxytocin used to induce or speed up labor. Can make contractions more intense.

Placenta: The organ that nourishes your baby during pregnancy. It’s delivered after the baby.

Placenta Encapsulation: The practice of drying and turning the placenta into pills (or capsules) to be ingested by the mama. Some consider that this can help postpartum recovery.

Posterior: Positioning where the baby’s back is toward the mother’s back. This can contribute to longer or more painful labor.

Postpartum: The period after birth, usually considered the first six weeks, though recovery can take longer.

PPROM (Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes): When your water breaks preterm (before 37 weeks gestation).

Premature: A baby born before 37 weeks gestation.

Prenatal: Refers to the time during pregnancy before the baby is born.

Preterm:

Prodromal Labor: Labor-like contractions that come and go without progressing to active labor.

Progesterone:

Prolactin:

Prolapsed Cord: When the umbilical cord slips into the birth canal ahead of the baby, a serious emergency.

PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes): When your water breaks before labor starts.

Pushing: The final stage of labor when you bear down to deliver your baby.

Q

R

Rebozo: A long, woven scarf used for comfort measures in pregnancy and labor. Can be wrapped around the belly and used to provide support, help shift the position of the baby and other such uses.

Ring of Fire: The burning sensation as the baby’s head crowns. Means baby is almost here!

S

Shoulder Dystocia: A complication during birth when the baby’s shoulder gets stuck behind the mother’s pelvic bone.

Skin-to-Skin: Placing the naked baby directly on the parent’s bare chest right after birth to promote bonding, temperature regulation, and breastfeeding.

Sperm:

Stages of Labor: Divided into early labor, active labor, transition, pushing, and delivery of the placenta.

Station: Refers to how far the baby’s head has descended into the pelvis, measured from -3 to +3.

Stretch Marks: Lines that appear on the skin from stretching during pregnancy. Totally normal and common.

Surge: Another word for contraction. The tightening and relaxing of the uterus during labor that helps the cervix dilate and move the baby down.

T

TENS Unit: A small device that delivers mild electrical pulses to the skin, used for pain relief during labor.

Term: Refers to a baby born between 37 and 42 weeks gestation.

Transition: The most intense part of labor, just before pushing. Often includes strong emotions and self-doubt.

Transverse Lie: The position of the baby inside the uterus where he/she is lying sideways.

Trimester:

Twins: Two babies produced as a result of one pregnancy. There are different types:

Di-Di (Dichorionic Diamniotic): Two placentas and two amniotic sacs. The most common and least complicated type.

Mono-Di (Monochorionic Diamniotic): One placenta, two sacs.

Mono-Mono (Monochorionic Monoamniotic): One placenta and one sac. These are more rare and considered “higher risk”.

U

Ultrasound: Imaging used to check on the baby’s development in the womb.

Umbilical Cord: The cord that connects baby to placenta, delivering oxygen and nutrients.

Uterus: The muscular organ where the baby grows during pregnancy.

V

Vacuum: A tool used to assist in delivering a baby’s head during a difficult vaginal birth.

Vagina:

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean): Giving birth vaginally after having had a previous c-section. Can be safe with the right support.

Vernix: A creamy, white substance covering the baby’s skin in the womb. Helps protect and moisturize newborn skin.

Vertex: Baby positioned head-down (considered ideal for vaginal birthing). Also called Cephalic.

W

Water Birth:

Webster Technique:

Womb:

X

Y

Z

Zygote: