Pregnancy Dictionary

Kegel exercise: Muscular exercises that strengthen the pelvic floor for delivery. Kegel excercises involve contracting and holding the muscles that stop urine flow.

labor: Regular contractions the dilate and efface the cervix prior to delivery.

lactate: To produce breast milk.

listeria: Bacteria found in poorly refrigerated food and unpasteurized dairy products that can cause miscarriage, premature birth and birth defects.

meconium: A baby's first bowel movement, merconium is a green tar-like substance.

miscarriage: Sometimes called a spontaneous abortion, a miscarriage causes a fetus to be expelled before it can survive outside the womb. Most miscarriages occur in the first trimester.

morning sickness: Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, especially during the first 13 weeks.

natality: Birthrate.

OB-GYN: A doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology.

obstetrics: The field of medicine concerned with pregnancy, labor and delivery.

oligohydramnios: Any condition where there is insufficient amniotic fluid.

ovary: Female reproductive organ that produces eggs and female sex hormones. Human females have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus.