The A to V of pregnancy and birth: A glossary for expectant parents
If you’re new to the parenting thing and are expecting your first baby, you already know that it can be a super-steep learning curve. All kinds of new experiences lie ahead, and even more new terminology you’ve never heard before.
With that in mind we’ve rustled up a bunch of often used words surrounding birth and delivery so you can bone up ahead of all those antenatal appointments! Speaking of which …
A is for ...
Antenatal
This means ‘during or relating to pregnancy’ or ‘before birth’. For instance, you might attend antenatal classes to learn more about labour or antenatal appointments to monitor mother and baby’s progress.
Amniocentesis
A procedure which involves taking fluid (also known as liquor) from the uterus for testing.
Antibodies
Antibodies are proteins that are produced in the blood. During pregnancy, tests may be done to ensure the mother is not developing antibodies against her baby’s blood group.
Amniotic fluid
The protective liquid in the uterus which the baby lives within until birth.
APGAR
A standard way of measuring a newborn’s response to birth and life outside the uterus shortly after birth. APGAR stands for Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration and describes the five ways baby’s health is measured at 1 minute and then again at 5 minutes after birth.
Aspiration
When a substance enters the newborn’s lungs – for instance amniotic fluid or meconium (meconium is the new baby’s poop).
