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 […]

Primigravida is defined as a woman who is pregnant for the first time, derived from the word ‘Primi’ which means first, and the word ‘gravida’ means pregnancy. While the terms “primigravida,” “pregnant,” and “mother” are often used interchangeably, it is important to understand the specific definitions of each term in order to avoid confusion. Primigravida specifically refers to a woman who is pregnant for the first time, while pregnant generally refers to any woman who is carrying a child. The […]

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 […]

In the birth industry, Assess is defined as the process of estimating the risks and benefits associated with a given course of action. This may involve gathering information from multiple sources, considering different options, and weighing the pros and cons. The term Assess is often used interchangeably with similar terms such as evaluate, appraise, and estimate. However, there are some important distinctions between these terms. Evaluate usually refers to making a judgement about something, based on a set of criteria. […]

Multipara is a woman who has had two or more viable deliveries. This term may be used whether or not the infant survives birth. To be considered a viable pregnancy, the gestation must endure at least 20 weeks. Multipara is often confused with Multigravida, which is a woman who is pregnant more than once regardless of the result. However, Multipara specifically refers to a woman who has given birth to two or more children. Other than Multigravida, these are some […]

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 […]