Pregnancy Vocabulary

___ refers to the baby from 10 weeks of gestation to time of birth

A pregnancy that is not in the uterus. It happens when a fertilized egg settles and grows in a place other than the inner lining of the uterus. Most happen in the Fallopian tube, but can happen in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.

When the uterus tightens so that the cervix thins and dilates, making way for the baby to go through the birth canal.

During labor a woman may be offered this to help with her pain. A needle is inserted into space at the end of the spine, to numb the lower body and reduce pain. This allows a woman to have more energy and strength for the end stage of labor, when it is time to push the baby out of the birth canal.

a female hormone produced by the ovaries. This prepares the uterus (womb) for a possible pregnancy each month and supports the fertilized egg if conception occurs

part of a woman's reproductive system, these produce her eggs. Each month they release eggs into the Fallopian tubes, where they travel to the uterus, or womb.

How far along the fetus is, determined by the beginning of the mother's last period. Babies are usually born at 40 weeks, but are considered full-term from weeks 37 to 42

During pregnancy, a temporary organ joining the mother and fetus. This transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and permits the release of carbon dioxide and waste products from the fetus. This is expelled during the birth process with the fetal membranes.

The release of a single egg from a follicle that developed in the ovary. It usually occurs regularly, around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle.

Clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.