Refers to dilation of the cervix.

Also commonly referred to as a Sonicaid, this small portable device uses ultrasonic sound waves to detect and play back foetal heart rate. It is commonly used during antenatal appointments and during labour.

A pregnancy where the embryo attaches outside of the uterus. In up to 98% of cases, this will be in a fallopian tube (NICE, 2018). These pregnancies are not viable, as the fallopian tube, or other extrauterine place of attachment, is unable to provide the foetus with nutrients and oxygen via the placenta and is [...]

The inner layer, or cell mass, of the blastocyst (definition link). This goes on to become the amnion (definition link), umbilical cord (definition link), and the embryo.

Tubes that connect the ovaries to the uterus. They have fimbriae, which are finger like projections, that waft the ova from the ovary into the fallopian tube, they are lined with cilia which then continue to waft the ova towards the uterus, assisted by the contraction and relaxation of the smooth muscle layer within its [...]

Refers to how many weeks pregnant you are. For example, at 12 weeks gestation, you are 12 weeks pregnant. It is also used to refer to the time frame that people and animals generally carry for. For example, elephants gestation is usually between 18-22 months, and a human’s gestation is usually around 9 months.

Diabetes that develops in pregnancy. This is usually detected during a regular routine Midwifery appointment through high levels of glucose presenting in your urine or other symptoms such as persistent thirst (although many women experience no symptoms at all). It will then be diagnosed during the OGTT Test (definition link). It effects approximately 16% of [...]

The regulation of internal biological and chemical body systems to optimize life. This includes, but is not limited to, levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, body temperature, and fluid balance.

Labour that is started artificially, often using synthetic hormones. Initially this is commonly in the form of a gel, tablet, or pessary containing a synthetic version of prostaglandins inserted behind the cervix. Other methods of induction include rupturing the membranes (breaking your waters), and a hormone drip of artificial oxytocin, known as syntocinon. In the [...]

An alpha and beta-blocker that is used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in pregnancy. Alpha and beta blockers are used to slow the heartrate and reduce the force at which blood is pumped around the body, in turn, this reduces blood pressure.