An enema is a medical procedure whereby liquids are injected into the rectum and colon in order to stimulate evacuation. It is commonly used as a preparation for medical procedures such as a colonoscopy. In the pregnancy and birthing industry, enemas are sometimes used as a means of cleansing the rectum and colon before labor. There are several types of enemas, but the most common involves adding water or saline solution to the rectum via a small tube. The solution […]
The term “in utero” (literally meaning “in the womb”) is commonly used in the pregnancy and birthing industry to refer to the period of time between conception and birth. In medical contexts, the term “in utero” typically refers to the period of time between implantation of the fertilized egg in the uterus and birth. However, this definition is not universally accepted, as some sources include the entire gestation period (from conception to birth) under the umbrella of “in utero.” The […]
The term “transverse” is used in the pregnancy and childbirth industry to refer to the position of the fetus in the womb. The fetus is said to be in the transverse position when it is lying horizontally across the uterus, with its head and buttocks pointing in opposite directions. This is in contrast to the more common ” longitudinal ” position, in which the fetus lies vertically in the uterus, with its head pointing downwards. The transverse position is not […]
‘Sore nipples’ is a term used to describe one of the problems that some women encounter during and after breastfeeding. This is a condition where the nipples may become sore, cracked, or inflamed as a result of the suction from the baby’s mouth. Sore nipples are a common problem for new mothers. There are other similar terms that are used to describe this condition, such as ‘nipple pain’ and ‘breastfeeding problems’. However, ‘sore nipples’ is the most commonly used term. […]
In the birth industry, estriol is a type of estrogen, and it is one of the most important hormones during pregnancy. This hormone helps the uterus grow and stay healthy. It is also a hormone that is produced by the placenta and the fetal liver. It helps to regulate the growth and development of the fetus, and it also helps to maintain the pregnancy, and prepare the body for labor and delivery, and breastfeeding. Estriol is similar to other hormones, […]
In the birth industry, dropping is the term used to describe the moment when the baby’s head begins to descend through the birth canal and settles into the mother’s pelvis. In general, dropping is often used to describe the downward movement of the baby. This may be referred to as baby dropping or fetal dropping and is one of the signs that your body is getting ready for labor. Another term for dropping is lightening which is because when the […]
Uterine involution is defined as the process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size and shape. This begins soon after delivery, around 6-10 days postpartum, and may take several weeks or months to complete. It is an important part of the puerperium and consequently the post-birth healing process. Involution is brought about by the combined actions of the myometrium, which contracts and shortens the muscle fibers; and by the cervix and vagina, which contract and shorten the ligaments […]
Glucosuria refers to the presence of glucose in the urine. Glucosuria is often diagnosed during prenatal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and it can also be a sign of pre-eclampsia. This is important to know because glucosuria can be a warning sign that something is going wrong with the pregnancy. This condition is determined by a urine test, and it is diagnosed when the glucose level in the urine is greater than or equal to 200 milligrams per deciliter […]
Maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) refers to a blood test that is used to screen for fetal chromosomal abnormalities, anatomical anomalies, and neural tube defects. This term is also sometimes used outside of the birth industry, but it may have a different meaning. In general, MSAFP is a measure of the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels in a mother’s blood. AFP is a protein that is produced by the baby’s liver and it can be measured in the mother’s blood. High levels of […]
In the pregnancy and the birthing world, nipples refer to the protruding part of the breast that becomes enlarged and firm during pregnancy in preparation for breastfeeding. Its color also turns into a darker shade. These changes are due to the increasing amount of estrogen and progesterone in the pregnant woman’s body and usually start to happen during the 16th week of pregnancy. After childbirth, during breastfeeding, the nipples become the entryway for milk to flow from the breast into […]