Preeclampsia: A disorder that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth in which there is high blood pressure and other signs of organ injury.

Placenta Previa: A condition in which the placenta covers the opening of the uterus. Placenta: An organ that provides nutrients to and takes waste away from the fetus. Oxytocin: A hormone made in the body that can cause contractions of the uterus and release of milk from the breast. Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women's health. Laminaria are inserted into the opening of the cervix to widen it. Laminaria: Slender rods made of natural or synthetic material that expand when they absorb water. Kidneys: Organs that filter the blood to remove waste that becomes urine. Intravenous (IV) Line: A tube inserted into a vein and used to deliver medication or fluids. Hormone: A substance made in the body that controls the function of cells or organs. Gestational Diabetes: Diabetes that starts during pregnancy.

Herpes causes painful, highly infectious sores on or around the vulva and penis. Genital Herpes: A sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by a virus. The fetus develops in this sac.Īmniotomy: Artificial rupture (bursting) of the amniotic sac.Īnesthesia: Relief of pain by loss of sensation.īreech Presentation: A position in which the feet or buttocks of the fetus appear first during birth.Ĭervix: The lower, narrow end of the uterus at the top of the vagina.Ĭesarean Birth: Birth of a fetus from the uterus through an incision (cut) made in the woman's abdomen.Ĭhorioamnionitis: A condition during pregnancy that can cause unexplained fever with uterine tenderness, a high white blood cell count, rapid heart rate in the fetus, rapid heart rate in the woman, and/or foul-smelling vaginal discharge.ĭiabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high.Įclampsia: Seizures occurring in pregnancy or after pregnancy that are linked to high blood pressure.įetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization.įibroids: Growths that form in the muscle of the uterus. Amniotic Fluid: Fluid in the sac that holds the fetus.Īmniotic Sac: Fluid-filled sac in a woman's uterus.

Membrane sweep