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Induction – Artificial ways to start labor
Internal Fetal Monitoring – The doctor places an electrode on the baby’s scalp through the cervix. Usually done if the external methods are inconclusive or suspicious
In Utero Surgery – Surgery to correct birth defects before delivery
Jaundice – Yellowing of the skin and eyes. Cause by excessive amounts of bilirubin and the livers inability to eliminate the excess amounts
Kegel exercises – Exercises done to strengthen the muscles that control urination
Kick Counts – Indicates the health of the baby by recording how often the baby moves
Labor – A four-stage process to deliver the baby and the placenta
Lanugo – Fine hair that covers the body of a premature newborn
Lightening – The positioning of the baby’s head into the pelvis
Linea Nigra – The dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy
Low Birth Weight – Any baby born under 2500 grams is considered to have a low birth weight
Magnesium Sulfate – Mineral salt used to maintain nerve signaling, bones and muscle contraction. Used to slow down premature labor and treat pre-eclampsia
Mastitis – An infection of the breast tissue that causes pain and swelling
Meconium – The first stool a baby will pass. Dark green and tacky
Microcephaly – Abnormally small head associated to development delay. Generally a result of brain damage during birth or early infancy.
Midwife – A prenatal health care provider who will assist with a non-high risk pregnancy and delivery
