List of obstetric topics

Obstetrics is the study of the reproductive process within the female body, including fertilization, pregnancy and childbirth.

Glossary of Obstetric Terms

This glossary provides a comprehensive overview of terms commonly used in obstetrics. Obstetrics is the medical specialty concerned with childbirth and the care of women giving birth.

Basic obstetric terms

• amniocentesis: A procedure to sample amniotic fluid for testing chromosomal abnormalities and other conditions.
• amnion, amniotic sac: The protective membrane surrounding the fetus filled with amniotic fluid.
• amniotic fluid: The protective liquid in the amniotic sac surrounding and cushioning the fetus.
• antenatal care, prenatal care: Medical and nursing care provided to a woman during pregnancy.
• breastfeeding: The practice of feeding an infant with milk produced by the mother's breasts.
• cervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus opening into the vagina.
• childbirth: The process by which a baby is born.
• chorionic villus sampling: A prenatal test sampling cells from the placenta to check for chromosomal abnormalities.
• contraception: Methods to prevent pregnancy.
• embryo: The developing baby during the early stages of pregnancy.
• embryology: The study of embryo development.
• fallopian tube: A pair of tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus.
• fetus: The developing baby from the end of the 8th week after conception until birth.
• gestation: The period of development from conception to birth.
• gynecology: The medical practice focusing on the female reproductive system.
• hormone: A chemical messenger regulating various bodily functions.
• identical twin: Twins resulting from the splitting of a single embryo.
• In Vitro Fertilization (IVF): A medical procedure where an egg is fertilized by sperm outside the body.
• Labor, labour - see childbirth
• lactation: The production of milk by the mammary glands.
• Lamaze: A childbirth preparation method emphasizing breathing techniques.
• live birth: Birth in which the baby is alive.
• menstrual cycle: The regular natural process of ovulation and menstruation.
• midwifery: The practice of assisting women in childbirth.
• mother: A woman who has given birth.
• natural childbirth: Childbirth without medical interventions.
• ovary: Female reproductive organ producing eggs.
• ovum or egg: The female reproductive cell.
• oxytocin or pitocin: A hormone inducing or strengthening labor contractions.
• pediatrics: The medical practice focused on infants, children, and adolescents.
• placenta: Organ providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus.
• pregnancy: The period when a woman carries a developing baby.
• sterilization: A permanent method to prevent pregnancy.
• twin: One of two children born to the same mother at the same birth.
• ultrasound: A diagnostic method using sound waves to visualize the fetus.
• umbilical cord: The cord connecting the fetus to the placenta.
• umbilicus: The navel or belly button.
• uterus or womb: The muscular organ where the fetus develops.
• vagina: The muscular canal extending from the cervix to the outside of the body.
• Womb - see uterus

Complications of pregnancy and childbirth

Main article: Complications of pregnancy

A list of medical conditions or complications that might arise during pregnancy or childbirth.

• abortion: The ending of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus.
• abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus.
• bacterial vaginosis: A vaginal condition causing discharge, resulting from an overgrowth of bacteria.
• breech birth: Birth in which the baby's buttocks or feet emerge first.
• cephalo-pelvic disproportion: When the baby's head is too large to fit through the mother's pelvis.
• caesarean section, cesarean section, C-section: Surgical delivery of a baby through incisions in the mother's abdomen and uterus.
• diabetes: A condition where blood glucose levels are too high.
• eclampsia: Severe complication of preeclampsia characterized by seizures.
• ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy where the embryo implants outside the uterus.
• gestational diabetes: High blood sugar affecting pregnant women.
• Group B Streptococcus infection: Bacterial infection which can be transmitted to the baby during birth.
• HELLP syndrome: A severe form of preeclampsia.
• hypertension: High blood pressure.
• hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus.
• Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR): Slow fetal growth during pregnancy.
• macrosomia (big baby): A baby significantly larger than average.
• malpractice: Professional negligence by a healthcare provider.
• miscarriage or stillbirth: The loss of a pregnancy.
• obstetric fistula: An abnormal opening between the vagina and bladder or rectum.
• obstetric hemorrhage: Excessive bleeding during or after childbirth.
• placenta praevia: When the placenta covers the cervix, leading to bleeding.
• pre-eclampsia: A pregnancy complication involving high blood pressure.
• premature birth, preterm labor or prematurity: Birth before 37 weeks of gestation.
• small for gestational age (SGA): Babies who are smaller than usual for the number of weeks of pregnancy.
• uterine rupture: Tearing of the uterus, often at the site of a previous C-section scar.

See also

• gynecology - study of female reproductive system

External links

• ObGyn.net
• American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

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