Bishop score is a term used to measure the dilation and effacement of the cervix during labor. The Bishop Score ranges from 0-10, with 0 being completely closed and 10 being fully open. A higher Bishop Score means that the cervix is more dilated and effaced. This image shows how often the term ‘Bishop Score’ is used in relation to other, similar birth terms: The Bishop Score is often used as a predictor of how likely it is for a […]
In the birthing industry, General practitioner is a term used to describe a healthcare professional who provides basic care to pregnant women and discusses plans about your pregnancy and can refer you to any public or private hospital and birthing center, most women when they feel like they’re pregnant they sometimes go first to GP before going to Obstetricians, midwife or any other doctor who specializes in Pregnancy and birth care. On the other hand, General practitioners specialize in family […]
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 […]
Grunting refers to a sound that is produced by newborns upon birth, most often as a result of the air passing through their vocal cords. Aside from that, grunting is usually associated with digestion in newborns. Your baby is gradually getting used to the mother’s milk or formula. This noise is often described as a “gruff” or “raspy” sound, and it can vary in pitch and intensity. While all babies grunt to some degree, grunting newborns are generally considered those […]
Perineal massage is a form of stimulation that involves stretching and manipulating the perineal tissue with one or two fingers. It aims to prepare these tissues for stretching over your baby’s head and body during vaginal delivery. It’s essential to note that before performing this massage, you spoke with your midwife, then you can perform perenial massage on your own or with the assistance of your spouse. This image shows how often the term ‘Perenial Massage’ is used in relation […]
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 […]
Layette is a term used to describe a collection of newborn baby clothes, accessories, and products. This can include items like clothing, hats, booties, blankets, washcloths, and more. This is prepared by the parents before the baby is born, and it can be used as a registry item or as a gift from family and friends. The purpose of a Layette is to provide the baby with everything they need to start their life, from clothes to hygiene products. It […]
In the birth industry, puerperium is a term that is used to describe the period of time following the birth of a baby. This period of adjustment generally lasts between four and six weeks and ends with the return of normal menstruation. During this time, the mother’s reproductive organs return to their pre-pregnancy state, triggered by a sudden drop in estrogen and progesterone levels due to the absence of the placenta. During puerperium, new mothers typically experience a number of […]