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 …
B is for ...
Bilirubin
Bilirubin is the yellow substance the liver creates when it replaces old red blood cells. A high level of bilirubin in babies can lead to newborn jaundice.
Breech (or Br)
Br or breech means the baby is positioned with his bottom or legs down before birth.
BP
BP is simply an abbreviation for blood pressure.
Bradycardia
Bradycardia refers to a slower than usual heart rate.
BSL
An abbreviation for blood sugar level.