Vertex presentation refers to the manner in which a baby’s head is positioned inside the mother’s womb, which determines the points of contact on the baby’s head as they are being born. When the baby is in the vertex position, this means that the baby’s head is the first part of the body to be born. This is the most common presentation and is considered the best position for the baby to be born in. It occurs in about 97% […]
Walking epidural, also called “walking spinal block” or “spinal block walk”, is an anesthetization of the lower body achieved while the patient is standing and allows ambulation. This is in contrast to a traditional epidural, which immobilizes the mother. Its purpose is to provide pain relief to the mother without affecting her ability to walk. The term “walking epidural” is sometimes used interchangeably with “spinal block.” However, spinal block typically refers to a single-shot injection that anesthetizes the entire spinal […]
Cervix is often used as a term to describe the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix is located in the upper region of the vagina and is typically about 2-3 inches long. The cervix is made up of stiff fibrous tissues and muscles, and it has several functions including: Producing cervical mucus, which helps to carry sperm Acting as a barrier between the uterus and the vagina Keeping the baby in the uterus until birth Dilating (opening) during […]
In the birth industry, Pubic Symphysis is the term used to describe the joint located at the front of the pelvis. It is commonly known as the pelvic joint. It is a fibrocartilaginous disc sandwiched between the articular surfaces of the pubic bones, making it a unique joint. It resists tensile, shearing, and compressive forces and allows for a small degree of movement under normal circumstances (up to 2 mm shift and 1° rotation). This joint is responsible for supporting […]
Cervical ripening is the softening of the cervix before labor begins. This process is vital because the cervix is stiff and closed through most of the pregnancy to hold the baby inside the uterus, and it needs to soften and thin out (cervical effacement) so it can open (cervical dilation) to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. This is a natural process, but it does not always happen as it should thus the increased popularity of medically […]
Lightening or quickening refers to the moment when the fetus drops, or shifts lower in the womb. It is often called “coming down” or “dropping.” Engagement, where the baby engages with the cervix, is also used to describe this moment. It can sometimes be mistaken for labor contractions. The term lightening originated from the sensation of lightness or alleviation that some women experience when the fetus migrates from their rib cage to their pelvic region. It allows certain women to […]
The word primipara refers to a woman who has given birth to her first child. It comes from the Latin root word “parere” which means to bring forth and is used to describe a woman who had only given birth once. The term is sometimes used more broadly to describe any woman who has given birth to one child, regardless of the outcome of the birth. In some cases, it may also be used to describe a woman who is […]
Nuchal translucency is the degree of translucency of the fluid-filled subcutaneous gap on the back of the fetal neck, typically seen during the late first trimester and early second trimester (11 weeks 3 days to 13 weeks 6 days). The degree of translucency of the gap indicates density. High translucency means higher density owing to the presence of fluid. This is determined during an ultrasound scan. A high NT reading indicates an increased chance that the baby has chromosomal abnormalities […]
A birthing chair is a piece of furniture, a birthing tool, that is specifically designed to help a woman give birth. It is often used in hospitals and birthing centers, and it can be helpful for women who are having a vaginal delivery. A birthing chair typically has a hole in the center of it, which allows the baby to be born without coming into contact with the floor. This can be helpful for both the mother and the baby, […]
Prodromal labor is a term used in the birth industry to describe labor that begins at the 37th week of gestation, or earlier. It is also sometimes called false labor and is characterized by the presence of labor-like symptoms, such as contractions, but without cervical change and does not involve any real labor progression. The contractions can be mild to strong and may be irregular or regular, and they come and go for a time before stopping. There are other […]