Perinatologist is a term used to describe a specialist who provides care for pregnant women and their fetuses during the late stages of pregnancy and during labor and delivery. The term may also be used outside of the birth industry to describe a specialist in the care of premature or ill infants. In addition, Perinatology is a relatively new medical specialty that combines the fields of Obstetrics and Neonatology. It is a sub-specialty of Pediatrics that focuses on the care […]

Uterine inversion is a condition in which the uterus turns inside-out or is inverted. This occurs when the the pelvic muscles and ligaments that hold the uterus in place stretch or tear or weakens, and the uterus falls into the vagina. Uterine inversion can be a life-threatening emergency, as the exposed organ can lose its blood supply and become necrotic. This can be fatal in some cases. Types of Uterine Inversion There are four types of uterine inversion: Incomplete Uterine […]

Neonatologist is a term used to describe a medical professional who specializes in the care of neonates or newborn infants, especially those who are premature or have health problems. Neonatologists typically work in hospitals particularly in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and have extensive training in caring for babies. The term neonatologist may also be used to refer to a doctor who specializes in the care of newborns, even if they do not work in a hospital setting. For […]

In the birth industry, laceration refers to a cut or tear to the cervix, perineum vagina, or labia as a result of pregnancy and childbirth. These types of injuries can occur during childbirth when the baby’s head comes out of the vagina. Lacerations can also be caused by fingers, instruments, or other objects that are inserted into the vagina. It can also refer to a cut or tear to the infant’s scalp, face, or body as a result of a […]

The term dystocia refers to labor exceeding 12 to 24 hours or else indicating difficulties, and is defined as abnormal or difficult labor. It is a term used to describe a situation in which the baby is unable to exit the mother’s body through the birth canal. This may be due to the baby being too large, the mother’s pelvis being too small, or the baby being in an incorrect position. Dystocia can also occur when the baby’s head is […]

Paracervical block is a term used to describe a type of anesthesia that is injected into the tissues around the cervix. This block blocks the transmission of pain impulses thereby numbing the cervix and surrounding area, making it less painful for the woman to give birth. The injection can be performed with several different anesthetics, but typically lidocaine or bupivacaine are used. Disambiguation There are other similar terms that are sometimes used interchangeably with paracervical block, such as cervical block, […]

Cephalic presentation is the most common type of fetal presentation, in which the baby is in a head-down position in the uterus. In this position, the baby’s head is the first part of the body to come out of the mother’s vagina. Cephalic presentation is also sometimes called vertex presentation, although the latter is only one of the different categories of the former. This fetus turning to this position happens during the last three months of pregnancy. The process by […]

Amniotomy is the medical procedure of artificially breaking the amniotic sac so as to cause the release of amniotic fluid. Amniotomy is also known by its lay description “breaking the water.” This is most commonly done with an Amnihook, which is a hooked tool that is inserted through the cervix and then used to puncture the membranes of the amniotic sac. Amniotomy may also be referred to as an artificial rupture of membranes (AROM). It is a common procedure in […]

In the birth industry, tocolysis is a drug therapy used to stop or delay labor. It is also known as “tocolytic therapy” or “tocolysis therapy”. The term “tocolysis” comes from the Greek words “to” meaning “stop”, and “kolpos” meaning “birth canal”. Tocolysis is different from “abortion” or “termination of pregnancy”. “Abortion” is the medical term for a procedure that is used to end a pregnancy. “Termination of pregnancy” is another term for abortion. Tocolysis is not used to end a […]

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% […]