Women, here are some medical terms you must know when pregnant

 

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Here are some pregnancy terms you should be aware of, according to Dr Ritu Sethi, Director, the Aura Speciality Clinic, Gurgaon and Senior Consultant- Cloud Nine Hospital, Gurgaon.

*Gestational age: It refers to the age of a developing foetus or unborn baby, measured in weeks and days, starting from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period (LMP). It is used to track the progress of pregnancy and is an important factor in determining the baby’s development and due date. Gestational age is typically estimated in two ways:

*Menstrual age: This is calculated from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period. It assumes that conception occurred approximately two weeks after the start of the last menstrual period. So, when a woman is said to be, for example, 12 weeks pregnant, it means that approximately 10 weeks have passed since the actual conception.

*Foetal age: This is calculated from the date of conception. Since it is often challenging to determine the exact date of conception, healthcare providers usually rely on the menstrual age for estimating gestational age.

*Trimesters: It refers to the three distinct periods of approximately three months each that make up a full-term pregnancy. These periods are used to divide the duration of pregnancy into more manageable segments for tracking and understanding the changes that occur during different stages of foetal development. Here’s a breakdown of the three trimesters:

*First Trimester: The first trimester spans from conception to around 12 weeks of gestation. It is a crucial period of rapid development for the foetus. During this time, the fertilised egg implants in the uterus and begins to grow. Major organ systems and structures start forming, and the embryo develops into a recognisable human shape. Women often experience symptoms like fatigue, morning sickness, breast tenderness, and frequent urination.

*Second Trimester: The second trimester begins around week 13 and lasts until week 27. It is often considered the most enjoyable phase of pregnancy as many of the early pregnancy symptoms subside, and the mother generally starts feeling better. The foetus undergoes significant growth and development during this period. Organs continue to mature, bones harden, and the baby’s movements become more noticeable. The mother’s belly expands as the baby grows, and she may feel the first fluttering movements known as “quickening.”

*Third Trimester: The third trimester begins around week 28 and lasts until birth, typically around week 40 or 41. It is a time of further rapid growth and development for the foetus. The baby gains more weight, and the organs continue to mature in preparation for life outside the womb. The mother’s belly grows larger, and she may experience discomfort due to the baby’s size and position.

Ultrasound is a standard and safe procedure that provides valuable information about the health and progress of the pregnancy. (Source: Freepik)

*Ultrasound: Ultrasound during pregnancy is a medical imaging technique that uses sound waves to create real-time images of the developing foetus and the mother’s reproductive organs. It is a standard and safe procedure that provides valuable information about the health and progress of the pregnancy. Ultrasound examinations are typically performed by trained healthcare professionals, such as ultrasound technologists or obstetricians. The procedure involves applying a special gel to the mother’s abdomen or inserting a small ultrasound probe into the vagina (transvaginal ultrasound) to obtain clear images.

*Preterm: It refers to a situation in which a baby is born before completing 37 weeks of gestation. A full-term pregnancy typically lasts around 40 weeks, so preterm birth occurs when a baby is delivered three or more weeks earlier than the expected due date. It is a significant concern because babies born prematurely may face certain health challenges and complications due to their underdeveloped organs and systems. The earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk of complications.

*Breech: It refers to a position in which a foetus is positioned inside the uterus with the buttocks or feet downward, instead of the head-down position which is considered normal for a vaginal delivery. In a breech presentation, the baby’s bottom or feet would be the first part to emerge from the birth canal during delivery, rather than the head. The breech position occurs in approximately 3-4% of full-term pregnancies.

*Cervix: The cervix is a cylindrical and narrow part of the female reproductive system that connects the uterus to the vagina. It is often referred to as the neck of the uterus. The cervix plays important roles in menstruation, fertility, and childbirth.

*Dilation: It refers to the process of the cervix opening or widening during childbirth. It is a crucial step that allows the baby to pass through the birth canal and be delivered. During labor, the contractions of the uterus cause the cervix to gradually soften, thin out (efface), and open (dilate). The degree of cervical dilation is measured in centimeters (cm) and is an important indicator of the progress of labor. A fully dilated cervix is approximately 10 cm in diameter, which allows the baby’s head to pass through.

*Meconium: It refers to the thick, sticky, greenish-black substance that forms the first stool passed by a newborn baby. It is composed of materials that the baby ingested while in the womb, such as amniotic fluid, mucus, skin cells, and digestive secretions.

The umbilical cord is a vital lifeline for the baby, providing oxygen, nutrients and waste elimination during pregnancy. (Source: Freepik)

*Umbilical cord: It is a flexible cord-like structure that connects a developing foetus to the placenta in the womb. It is a vital lifeline for the baby, providing oxygen, nutrients and waste elimination during pregnancy.

*VBAC: It stands for “vaginal birth after cesarean.” It refers to the process of giving birth vaginally after a previous cesarean section (C-section) delivery.

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