Pregnancy Dictionary
A
Placental abruption: The placenta separates partially or completely from the uterine wall before the baby is born. It can present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, and decreased baby movements. It is a serious condition that requires immediate intervention.
Adenomyosis: The presence of cells that form the inner wall of the uterus within the uterine muscle. It can cause intense pain during menstrual periods. It can increase the risk of miscarriage and premature birth during pregnancy.
AFP (Alpha-Fetoprotein): A protein measured in the mother’s blood that helps detect possible problems with the baby’s nervous system (e.g. neural tube defects). It is usually evaluated in triple or quadruple screening tests.
Amniotic Fluid: The fluid in which the baby swims, protects it from external factors and enables it to move. It contributes to the development of the baby’s lungs and digestive system.
Amniocentesis : A genetic screening test performed by taking a sample of amniotic fluid from the abdomen with a thin needle, usually between the 15th and 20th weeks of pregnancy. It is used to diagnose chromosomal diseases such as Down syndrome.
Anemia : It is a common anemia condition during pregnancy. It can present with symptoms such as weakness, dizziness and shortness of breath. It is usually due to iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiency.
Anhydramnios: The condition of having very little or no amniotic fluid. It is a risky condition for the baby’s development and requires close monitoring.
Apgar Score: This is the test in which the baby is evaluated in the first 1 and 5 minutes after birth. A score between 0-10 is given based on heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflexes and skin color. It provides information about the vital status of the baby.
Areola: The dark colored ring around the nipple. It may darken and expand due to the effects of hormones during pregnancy.
Food craving : It is a state of intense desire for certain foods or disgust for certain smells, usually seen in the first months of pregnancy. It occurs due to hormonal changes.
Abortion: Miscarriage, that is, the spontaneous termination of pregnancy before the 20th week.
Amino acids: Protein building blocks necessary for the baby’s growth and development.
Anxiety: Anxiety that may increase due to hormonal changes during pregnancy.
Anosmia: Decreased or loss of sense of smell – may occur rarely in pregnancy.
Anocentesis: Rarely used procedure to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (if neurological problems are suspected).
Antenatal Care: All health checks performed before birth.
Hot Flashes: A sudden feeling of increased temperature due to hormones.
B
Baby Movements: The baby’s movements in the womb, usually felt between 18-25 weeks.
Beta HCG: Hormone used for early detection of pregnancy. Increases rapidly after fertilization.
Braxton Hicks Contractions : Irregular and painless contractions of the uterus in preparation for birth.
Breech (Breast Presentation): The baby’s hips or feet turn towards the birth canal instead of its head in the womb.
Hemorrhoids : Swelling of rectal veins that may occur due to the pressure of the growing uterus on the veins during pregnancy.
Baby’s Heartbeat: It is usually heard for the first time during the 6th week with an ultrasound.
Bilirubin: The substance that causes jaundice in newborns; also checked during pregnancy to monitor liver problems.
Biochemical Pregnancy: Pregnancy that is detected with the HCG hormone but ends very early, with the embryo failing to develop.
BPP (Biophysical Profile): Developmental evaluation using parameters such as the baby’s movements, respiration, tone and amount of amniotic fluid.
C
Cervical Insufficiency : A condition in which the cervix is not long enough or opens before birth.
Colostrum: The first milk that comes immediately after birth, is rich in antibodies, thick and yellowish.
CVS (Chorionic Villus Biopsy): Genetic testing performed by taking a sample from the placenta during the 10th-12th weeks of pregnancy.
CTG (Cardiotocography): A test that tracks the baby’s heartbeat and the mother’s contractions simultaneously.
Skin Blemishes: Hyperpigmentation that occurs on the face or body due to the effect of hormones during pregnancy.
Gender Determination: The gender of the baby can usually be seen by ultrasound after the 16th week.
Subcutaneous Injection: The way some injections are administered during pregnancy (for example, blood thinner injections).
D
Doppler Ultrasound: An advanced ultrasound that evaluates the baby’s blood circulation and heartbeat.
Down Syndrome: A genetic chromosomal abnormality, also known as Trisomy 21.
Circulatory Disorders: Slow circulation in the legs due to hormones and uterine growth.
Risk of Miscarriage: Signs of premature labor, such as bleeding or cramping.
Birth Plan: A written determination of the mother’s preferences regarding birth in advance.
TO
Ectopic Pregnancy: The fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tubes.
Embryo: The baby’s developmental stage in the first 8 weeks after fertilization.
Episiotomy: An incision in the perineum made to widen the birth canal during a vaginal birth.
Premature Birth: Birth occurring before the 37th week of pregnancy.
Eclampsia: Advanced, life-threatening form of preeclampsia accompanied by seizures.
Endometriosis: The growth of uterine lining outside the uterus can make it difficult to get pregnant.
Infection: Urinary tract, vaginal or systemic infections are common during pregnancy.
F
Fetal Movement: The movements of the baby in the womb.
Fetal Distress: A condition in which the baby is stressed due to lack of oxygen or another problem.
Fetal Heartbeat: The rhythmic sound of the baby’s heart beating at approximately 110-160 beats per minute.
Folic Acid: Vitamin necessary for nervous system development, reducing the risk of neural tube defects.
Fetal Anomaly: Structural or genetic abnormalities in the baby’s development detected by ultrasound.
Fetal Position: The position of the baby in the uterus (head presentation, breech presentation, etc.).
Fetal Death: The death of a baby in the womb.
G
Gestational Diabetes: Temporary diabetes that develops due to pregnancy.
Gestation: The duration of pregnancy.
GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test): A glucose tolerance test performed to determine whether there is diabetes during pregnancy.
Pregnancy Test: Allows the detection of pregnancy through urine or blood.
Pregnancy Toxicity: The term used among the public for preeclampsia.
Underdevelopment of the baby (IUGR): The baby is smaller than the gestational age.
H
Pregnancy Test: A test performed on urine or blood that shows the presence of pregnancy based on the level of pregnancy hormone (HCG).
Pregnancy Toxicity: The public name for preeclampsia. It progresses with high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
Helicopter Placenta: A condition in which the placenta is very attached to the uterus and does not separate during birth.
Hormone: Chemical substances that control many processes in the body. Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone play an important role in pregnancy.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum: A severe form of pregnancy characterized by extreme nausea and vomiting.
Hematocrit: The percentage of red blood cells in the blood. Used to evaluate anemia during pregnancy.
I
Urinary Incontinence: It may occur due to the relaxation of the pelvic floor muscles during pregnancy.
Twin Pregnancy: A type of multiple pregnancy in which two babies develop at the same time.
Immunization: Immunization through vaccination. Influenza and tetanus vaccines are recommended during pregnancy.
Implantation: The attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine wall.
Invasive Testing: Tests performed for genetic diagnosis during pregnancy that require intervention into the uterus (such as amniocentesis).
J
Gynecologist: A doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.
Gynecological Examination: Examination that includes evaluation of the female reproductive system organs.
K
Kegel Exercises: Exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Useful in preparing for birth and postpartum recovery.
Blood Group Incompatibility: An immune reaction that may occur when the mother is Rh negative and the father is Rh positive.
Bleeding: A condition that can occur at any time during pregnancy and must be monitored.
Calcium: An important mineral for the baby’s bone development and the mother’s bone health.
Belly Line: The dark line that runs from the navel to the groin, known as the linea nigra.
Weight Gain: The recommended total weight gain during pregnancy usually ranges between 9-14 kg.
Colostrum: The thick and nutritious first milk that comes immediately after birth.
L
Lactation: The process of milk production.
Postpartum: Refers to the 6-week period after birth. The uterus returns to its original state and hormonal changes occur during this period.
Leukocyte: White blood cells. Their value may increase in cases of infection.
Lanugo: The thin layer of hair that covers the baby’s body in the womb.
M
Heartburn: It may occur as a result of increased hormones during pregnancy and the growing uterus putting pressure on the stomach.
Molar Pregnancy: Uncontrolled growth of placental tissue instead of an embryo resulting from abnormal fertilization.
Misoprostol: A medication used to induce labor or empty the uterus during abortions.
Mucous Plug: The mucous structure that protects the cervix during pregnancy and is expelled near birth.
N
Pulse: As metabolism increases during pregnancy, resting pulse may also increase.
Normal Birth: The baby is born vaginally.
Shortness of Breath: This may occur in the late stages of pregnancy due to the uterus pressing on the diaphragm.
NIPT (Non-Invasive Prenatal Test): It is a risk-free genetic screening test in which the baby’s DNA is analyzed using blood taken from the mother.
HE
Oxytocin: The hormone that initiates labor contractions and promotes milk secretion.
Average Week of Birth: Most pregnancies result in birth at 38-40 weeks.
Oligohydramnios: Amniotic fluid is less than normal.
Obstetrics: The branch of obstetrics and gynecology that deals specifically with pregnancy and childbirth.
P
Placenta: A life-support organ attached to the uterine wall that provides nutrients and oxygen to the baby.
Placenta Previa: A condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix.
Preeclampsia: A serious condition that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy and is characterized by high blood pressure and protein leakage into the urine.
Prenatal: Pertaining to the period before birth.
Progesterone: The hormone that prepares the inside of the uterus for pregnancy and maintains it throughout the pregnancy.
Postpartum: Refers to the period after birth.
Premature Baby: A baby born before the 37th week.
Perineum: The area between the vagina and anus.
R
Uterus: A muscular, pear-shaped organ in which the baby develops.
Cervix: The lower part of the uterus; opens during birth and allows the baby to pass through.
RhoGAM: A protective injection used in cases of Rh incompatibility.
Relaxin: A hormone that facilitates birth by loosening ligaments during pregnancy.
Resuscitation: The process of providing respiratory support to a newborn after birth.
S
Caesarean Section: Surgical removal of the baby from the mother’s womb.
Pain: Pain before and during labor caused by contraction of the uterine muscles.
Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction: A painful condition resulting from the loosening of the connection between the pelvic bones.
Spotting: Light, spotting vaginal bleeding.
Water Break: The amniotic sac opens and the fluid leaks out.
Breast Pump: A device used to express breast milk.
Sterility: The inability of men or women to have children.
S
Glucose Tolerance Test: Glucose tolerance test performed during pregnancy to detect gestational diabetes.
Severe Nausea: Also known as hyperemesis gravidarum, extreme nausea and vomiting that make daily life difficult.
Clear Discharge: Normal vaginal discharge that can be seen due to hormones during pregnancy.
T
Tokophobia: Fear of giving birth.
Trimester: 3-month periods of pregnancy (1st trimester: 0-13th week, 2nd trimester: 14-27th week, 3rd trimester: 28-40th week).
Tetanus Vaccine: A vaccine administered during pregnancy to protect the mother and baby.
Toxoplasmosis: A parasite that can be transmitted through raw meat or cat feces and can cause congenital anomalies in babies.
Labor: Regular contraction of the uterine muscles as labor begins.
U
Ultrasound: An imaging method used to monitor the baby’s development.
Uterus: The medical name for the womb.
Urethra: The canal through which urine is expelled from the bladder.
Improper Position: The baby enters the birth canal in a headless position.
Insomnia: Sleep problems that may occur during pregnancy due to hormones, a growing belly, or frequent urination.
V
Vagina: The final part of the birth canal in the female reproductive system.
Varicose veins: Visible veins in the legs due to increased blood volume and vascular dilation.
Vaginal Infection: May present with itching, discharge or burning. Should be treated with caution during pregnancy.
Vitamin Supplements: During pregnancy, it may be necessary to take supplements such as iron, folic acid and calcium.
Y
False Labor Contractions: Irregular contractions before labor, also known as Braxton Hicks contractions.
Neonatal Jaundice: Temporary and usually harmless jaundice that occurs in the first days after birth.
Newborn Reflexes: Natural reflexes seen in the baby after birth, such as Moro, sucking and grasping.
High Risk Pregnancy: A pregnancy defined as having a medical problem that could affect the birth process in either the mother or the baby.
