| 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 | Widening of cervix during childbirth. |
| 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 a baby's head. |
| Apgar | 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 mother's breast after childbirth, which is easy 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 arranginment 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 in contact with the palm. |
| reflexes | Instinctive, automatic responsess, such as sneezing or yawning. |
| rooting reflex | 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. |
| temperament | A persons's style of reacting to the world and relating to others. |
| episiotomy | Surgical cut to widen the vaginal opening. |
