| A | B |
|---|
| Afterpains | Cramps caused by contractions of the uterus as it shrinks back to its pre-pregnancy size and location after the baby. |
| Diaphoresis | The secretion of sweat, especially the profuse secretion associated with an elevated body temperature, physical exertion, exposure to heat, and mental or emotional stress. |
| Diuresis | The increased formation of urine by the kidney. |
| Engorgement | Occurs in the mammary glands due to expansion and pressure exerted by the synthesis and storage of breast milk. Normal breast fullness can develop into engorgement if the baby isn’t nursing often enough or vigorously enough or when the milk comes in. |
| Fundus | The top of the uterus |
| Homans' sign | Pain in the calf with dorsiflexion. Indicative of a blood clot. |
| Involution | A retrograde change. Example is the after pains contractions to shrink the uterus for several days after childbirth. Uterus returning to non pregnant size and shape |
| Lactation | The process of milk production. Human milk is secreted by the mammary glands, which are located within the fatty tissue of the breast. |
| Letdown reflex | At breast-feeding the bonding between mothers and babies is enhanced with breast-feeding. When mothers nurse, the letdown reflex triggers the release of oxytocin, which sends signals to her brain that produce relaxation, mothering behavior and maternal attachment. Skin-to-skin contact appears to produce the same effect in the baby's brain. |
| Lochia | The fluid that is discharged from the vagina after childbirth (rubra, serosa, and albicans) |
| Prolactin | A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates lactation (milk production). |
| Puerperium: | The time immediately after the delivery of a baby |
