| A | B |
|---|
| amniocentesis | a diagnostic procedure whereby a needle is inserted into the amniotic sac and a small amount of fluid is withdrawn and used for biochemical, chromosomal, and genetic studies |
| chorionic villis sampling (CVS) | a newer procedure that can provide chromosomal studies of fetal cells similar to that of amniocentesis |
| cordocentesis | a procedure similar to amniocentesis whereby fetal blood is withdrawn from the umbilical cord |
| doula | Greek for servant; birth assistants who are trained to provide the highest quality emotional, physical, and educational support to women and their families during childbirth and the postpartum period |
| estimated date of confinement (EDC) | the estimated date that the baby will be born |
| estimated date of delivery | the estimated date that the baby will be born |
| gravida | the number of pregnancies the woman has had (regardless of the outcome) |
| microcephaly | a very small cranium |
| multigravida | a woman who has had more than one pregnancy |
| Nagele rule | a formula used to determine the pregnancy due date by adding seven days to the dte of the first day of the last menstrual period (LMP), then subtracting 3 months |
| nulligravida | a woman who has never been pregnant |
| parity or para | communicates the outcome of previous pregnancies in the obstetric history |
| percutaneous umbilical blood sampling | same as cordocentesis |
| sonogram | a picture obtained with ultrasound |
| teratogens | from the Greek terato, meaning monster, and genesis meaning birth; an agent or influence that causes a defect or disruption in the prenatal growth process |
