| A | B |
|---|
| cervix | the lower part of the uterus |
| cesarean birth | the delivery of a baby by making a surgical incision in the mother's abdomen |
| contractions | the regular tightening and release of the muscle of the uterus during labor |
| dilates | get bigger |
| fontanels | open spaces in a baby's head where the bones have not yet joined |
| forceps | specialized tongs made from bands of surgical steel that are molded to fit the shape of the baby's head |
| apgar scale | a rating system used to evaluate a newborn's physical condition and applied shortly after birth |
| bonding | forming strong emotional ties between parent and child |
| colostrum | the first milk produced by a woman's breast after childbirth, which is esy to digest and rich in antibodies to protect the baby against disease |
| incubator | a special enclosed crib used for premature babies in which the oxygen supply, temperature and humidity can be closely controlled |
| postnatal | the period after birth |
| premature | babies born before 37 weeks of development and weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces |
| rooming in | an arrangement in which a newborn baby stays in the mother's room in the hospital day and night |
| grasp reflex | the automatic response of a newborn's hand to close over anything that comes into contact with the palm |
| reflexes | instinctive, automatic reponse such as sneezing or yawning |
| rooting reflexes | a newborn's automatic response when touched on the lips or cheeks of turning toward the touch and beginning to suck |
| startle reflex | a newborn's automatic response to a loud noise or a touch on the stomach in which the legs are thrown up fingers spread and arms are first extended and then brought back rapidly while the fingers close in a grasping action |
| temperment | a person's style of reacting to the world and relating to others |
