Last Updated on April 15, 2023 by vroom
Explore our extensive OBGYN glossary to better understand essential terms related to women’s health, pregnancy, and reproductive care. Stay informed and empower yourself with knowledge.
Comprehensive OBGYN Glossary: Essential Terms for Women’s Health Meta
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Amniotic Fluid | The fluid that surrounds and protects the fetus in the uterus during pregnancy. |
| Birth Plan | A written document outlining a woman’s preferences for her labor, delivery, and postpartum care. |
| Braxton Hicks Contractions | Irregular, often painless contractions that may occur throughout pregnancy but do not signify labor. |
| Cervix | The narrow, lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. |
| Cesarean Section (C‑Section) | A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. |
| Contraception | Methods used to prevent pregnancy, including hormonal, barrier, intrauterine, and emergency methods. |
| Dilatation and Curettage (D&C) | A surgical procedure in which the cervix is dilated and the uterine lining is scraped or suctioned away. |
| Ectopic Pregnancy | A potentially life-threatening pregnancy that occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus. |
| Embryo | An unborn baby from the time of fertilization until the end of the 8th week of pregnancy. |
| Endometriosis | A condition in which the tissue that normally lines the uterus grows outside the uterus. |
| Epidural | A form of regional anesthesia used to block pain during labor and childbirth. |
| Fertility | The ability to conceive and bear children. |
| Fertility Treatments | Medical procedures and therapies used to help couples achieve pregnancy. |
| Fetal Distress | A term used to describe a concerning pattern of fetal heart rate or movement, suggesting the baby is unwell. |
| Fetus | An unborn baby from the end of the 8th week of pregnancy until birth. |
| Gestational Diabetes | A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can affect both the mother and baby if not managed. |
| Hysterectomy | A surgical procedure to remove the uterus, and sometimes other reproductive organs. |
| In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) | A fertility treatment where eggs are fertilized with sperm outside the body and the embryos are implanted. |
| Menopause | The end of a woman’s menstrual cycles and fertility, usually occurring in the late 40s or early 50s. |
| Menstrual Cycle | The monthly hormonal process in women of reproductive age, including menstruation, ovulation, and potential pregnancy. |
| Ovary | One of two small, almond-shaped organs that produce eggs and hormones. |
| Ovulation | The release of a mature egg from the ovary, usually occurring around the middle of a woman’s menstrual cycle. |
| Pap Smear (Pap Test) | A screening test to detect abnormal cells on the cervix that may indicate infection or precancerous changes. |
| Placenta | The temporary organ that develops during pregnancy to provide oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal for the fetus. |
| Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) | A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age, characterized by irregular periods and ovarian cysts. |
| Postpartum Depression | A mood disorder that affects some women after childbirth, characterized by severe feelings of sadness and anxiety. |
| Preeclampsia | A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage, usually after the 20th week of pregnancy. |
| Prenatal Care | Regular healthcare visits and screenings during pregnancy to ensure the health and well-being of the mother and baby. |
| Preterm Labor | Labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy, which can result in premature birth and potential health risks for the baby. |
| Progesterone | A female hormone that plays a key role in regulating the menstrual cycle and maintaining pregnancy. |
| Ultrasound | A noninvasive imaging technique that uses sound waves to create images of the inside of the body, often used during pregnancy to monitor fetal development. |
| Umbilical Cord | A flexible, tube-like structure that connects the fetus to the placenta, providing oxygen, nutrients, and waste removal for the baby. |
| Uterine Prolapse | A condition in which the uterus descends into or protrudes out of the vagina due to weakened pelvic floor muscles and ligaments. |
| Uterus | A hollow, muscular organ in the female reproductive system where a fertilized egg implants and grows into a fetus during pregnancy. |
| Vagina | The muscular, tubular canal that extends from the cervix to the vulva, serving as the passageway for menstrual blood, intercourse, and childbirth. |
| Vulva | The external female genitalia, including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening. |
| Yeast Infection | A common vaginal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast, characterized by itching, burning, and a thick, white discharge. |
| Zygote | The initial cell formed when a sperm fertilizes an egg, representing the first stage in the development of a multicellular organism. |