A planned pregnancy would bring about reduced anxiety and complete awareness. Expectant mothers should increase their knowledge about the various aspects of pregnancy and birth glossary. Unawareness can lead to mistakes or mishaps during pregnancy. Women must educate themselves and even encourage their spouse to read about child bearing and its challenges. Only when you know what lies ahead, will you be able to deal with the situation. Pregnancy can cause several physical and emotional changes and many women find it difficult to adjust with these changes. However, complete awareness about pregnancy and birth glossary can help. So, what exactly is birth glossary? Read on to learn more.

Birth Glossary

As the word suggests, birth glossary is the explanation of various terms used during child bearing. In simple words, it is like a dictionary that explains the meaning of various terminologies. Though there are several terms, we shall discuss here the most commonly used terms for pregnancy and birth glossary.

Baby blues You might have heard about this term very frequently. Baby blue is a mild form of depression. Women feel sad, anxious and weepy. Some of them also experience mood swings. This condition occurs due to hormonal changes after child birth.

Contractions This condition causes the tightening of uterus and occurs during labor. Contractions help in pushing the baby down the birth canal.

Crowning This term is used when the babys head is visible from the vaginal opening.

Forceps This is a delivery method, wherein large tongs are used to assist the delivery of the baby.

Lochia This is the vaginal discharge that occurs after childbirth. It lasts up to six weeks and can make you feel weak and exhausted.

Neo-natal The period immediately after the birth of your child is called neo-natal. This period lasts for 4 weeks after childbirth.

Peri-natal This period is the phase just before childbirth and lasts during and after childbirth.

Umbilical cord This cord connects your baby to you. It connects the fetus and the placenta and supplies nutrients to the baby since it has two arteries and a vein.

Placenta This is a very vital connection between the mother and the baby. It provides oxygen and nourishment and also helps in disposing waste, which is later excreted through the mothers body.

Postnatal depression This kind of depression is serious and needs immediate attention. It is good to seek counseling during this phase.

Hope this information on pregnancy and birth glossary will be useful to you as an expectant mother.