Amniocentesis [am-nee-oh-sen-TEE-suhs]: A procedure that uses a needle to take fluid and cells from the sac that holds the fetus. The fluid and cells are then tested to screen for genetic disorders and health conditions in the fetus.
Anemia: Abnormally low levels of red blood cells in the bloodstream.
Antibodies: Proteins in the blood that the body makes in reaction to foreign substances, such as bacteria and viruses.
Breech Presentation: A position where the feet or buttocks of the fetus are in place to appear first during birth.
Cells: The smallest units of a structure in the body. Cells are the building blocks for all parts of the body.
Chorionic Villus Sampling [kor-ee-AH-nik VILL-uhs] (CVS): A procedure that takes a small sample of cells from the placenta for testing.
Ectopic Pregnancy: A pregnancy in a place other than the uterus, usually in one of the fallopian tubes. An ectopic pregnancy cannot move or be moved to the uterus, so it always requires treatment.
Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization.
Genes: Segments of DNA that contains instructions for the development of a person’s physical traits and control of the processes in the body. The gene is the basic unit of heredity and can be passed from parent to child.
Induced Abortion: An intervention to end a pregnancy so that it does not result in a live birth.
Jaundice [JAWN-duhs]: A condition that causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to take on a yellow appearance after buildup of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance that forms when red blood cells break down.
Miscarriage: Loss of a pregnancy that is in the uterus.
Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with medical and surgical training and education in the female reproductive system.
Oxygen: An element that we breathe in to sustain life.
Placenta [pluh-SEN-tuh]: An organ that provides nutrients to and takes waste away from the fetus.
Prenatal Care: Health care during pregnancy.
Rh Factor: A protein that can be found on the surface of red blood cells and makes up part of a person’s blood type.
Rh Immunoglobulin (RhIg): A substance given to prevent an Rh-negative person’s antibody response to Rh-positive blood cells.
Trimester: A time period of 3 months. There are three trimesters in pregnancy: the first trimester, second trimester, and third trimester.
Ultrasound Exams: Tests that use sound waves to examine inner parts of the body. During pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to check the fetus. Also called ultrasonography or sonography.
Umbilical Cord: A cord-like structure containing blood vessels. It carries oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the fetus.
Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus. Also called the womb.
