| afterbirth | Stage 3 of the birth process in which the placenta and other membranes are discharged.
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| analgesics | Mild medications used to alleviate pain; may be used before and during labor.
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| anesthetics | Stronger medications used during labor to control pain; can numb mother to pain in the various stages of labor.
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| anoxia | Insufficient oxygen supply during labor and delivery, which can cause fetal brain damage or death.
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| Apgar scale | A test to evaluate a newborn's basic life signs administered at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth.
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| apnea | Brief periods when breathing is suspended.
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| Babinski reflex | Automatic response in which an infant's toes spread out in response to stroking the sole of the foot from heel to toes.
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| bonding | The formation of a close connection between newborn and caregiver, typically parents.
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| Braxton-Hicks contractions | Relatively mild muscle contractions that occur before real contractions begin.
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| Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale | Device to assess an infant's behavior; examines both neurological and psychological responses.
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| breech birth | Birth in which the baby is born feet first, buttocks first, or in a crosswise position (transverse presentation).
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| cerebral palsy | A condition resulting from an inability of the brain to control the body; result of brain damage before, during, or after delivery.
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| cesarean section | Surgery performed to deliver the baby through the abdomen if the baby cannot come through the birth canal.
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| dilation | The first stage of the birth process, during which the cervix dilates to about 4 inches in diameter.
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| doula | A woman trained as a caregiver to provide ongoing support to pregnant women before, during, and after delivery.
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| episiotomy | A surgical cut made to widen the vaginal opening.
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| expulsion | Stage 2 of the birth process; the baby passes through the birth canal.
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| fetal monitor | Electronic device used to monitor the baby's heartbeat throughout labor.
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| forceps | Metal clamps placed around the baby's head to pull the baby through the birth canal.
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| grasping reflex | Automatic response in which an infant's fingers curl toward palm of hand when object or finger is placed in palm.
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| induced labor | Labor initiated by doctors through use of medication and by breaking the amniotic sac.
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| isolette | Specially designed bed for premature infants that is temperature-controlled and enclosed in clear plastic; often referred to as an incubator.
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| kangaroo care | Practice of skin-to-skin contact, positioning baby against caregiver's bare chest.
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| Lamaze method | Natural childbirth method that stresses breathing and relaxation with the support of a partner.
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| midwife | A woman trained in delivering babies; typically a nurse.
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| Moro reflex | Infant's automatic response to sudden change in position or unexpected movement; arms and legs flail out in back in toward chest and back arches.
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| natural childbirth (or prepared childbirth) | Term to describe techniques women use prior to and during the birth process to create the most natural experience possible during delivery.
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| neonate | An infant in the first days and weeks after birth.
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| oxytocin | Hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions; has been linked to bonding between caregivers and infants.
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| plantar reflex | Automatic response in which an infant's toes curl inward when pressure is placed on balls of feet.
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| postpartum depression | Feelings of sadness and emotional withdrawal that continue for many weeks or months after delivery.
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| postpartum period | Period lasting approximately 6 weeks after birth as mother adjusts physically and psychologically.
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| premature birth | Early birth; occurs at or before 37 weeks after conception and is defined by low birth weight and immaturity.
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| reflex | An inborn, automatic response to certain stimuli.
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| Rh factor | Involves possible incompatibility between the blood types of mother and child. If the mother is Rh-negative and the child Rh-positive, miscarriage or even infant death can result.
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| rooting reflex | Automatic response in which an infant turns toward a finger or nipple placed gently on her cheek, attempting to get it into her mouth.
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| small for date | Term used for babies born or assessed as underweight for the length of the pregnancy.
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| stepping reflex | Automatic response in which the neonate, held under the arms with feet touching a flat surface, makes stepping movements similar to actual walking.
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| tonic-neck reflex | Automatic response in which an infant extends arm and leg on same side as the direction in which she is looking, while flexing other arm and leg.
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| vacuum extractor | Plastic cup attached to a suction device that pulls the baby through the birth canal.
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