Glossary

APGAR

A one- and five-minute score after birth that looks at appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration. A screening snapshot, not a diagnosis.

Baby blues

Tearfulness and mood swings in the first two weeks after birth. Lasting or severe symptoms need support.

Baby-led weaning

Offering soft finger foods so the baby self-feeds. Watch for choking risks and sit upright.

Braxton Hicks

Irregular practice contractions. They do not steadily get longer, stronger, and closer together.

Cesarean

Birth through a surgical incision in the abdomen and uterus. Also written C-section.

Circadian

The body clock. Newborns do not have a mature day-night pattern at first.

Cluster feeding

Several feeds close together, often in the evening. Common in the early weeks and not always a supply problem.

Colostrum

The first milk, thick and antibody-rich. Often called liquid gold. Volume is small and that is expected.

Doula

A trained support person for pregnancy, birth, or postpartum. Not a medical provider.

Engorgement

Breasts that feel overly full, firm, or painful when milk volume rises or feeds are missed.

Epidural

Regional anesthesia placed near the spine for labor pain. Discuss risks and timing with the care team.

Fontanelle

Soft spots on a baby's skull where bones have not fused. They allow growth and usually close over the first two years.

Gestational age

How far along a pregnancy is, counted from the first day of the last menstrual period unless dated otherwise.

Induction

Starting labor with medication or other methods when waiting is not the plan.

Jaundice

Yellowing of skin or eyes from bilirubin. Common in newborns; a clinician decides if treatment is needed.

Lanugo

Fine hair on a fetus or newborn that often sheds in the first weeks.

Let-down

The milk-ejection reflex. Milk moves from the breast, sometimes felt as tingling.

Lochia

Bleeding and discharge after birth that tapers over weeks. Heavy soaking or clots needs a call to care.

Mastitis

Breast inflammation that can include pain, redness, and fever. Needs clinical advice.

Meconium

A newborn's first stools: dark, sticky, and tar-like. Usually passes in the first days of life.

Midwife

A clinician who provides pregnancy, birth, and newborn care within their scope of practice.

Moro reflex

The startle reflex. Arms fling out then pull in after a sudden noise or movement. Fades over months.

Mucus plug

Thick cervical mucus that can pass late in pregnancy. Labor may still be days away.

NICU

Neonatal intensive care unit for newborns who need extra monitoring or treatment.

OB-GYN

A physician specializing in pregnancy and reproductive health.

Plagiocephaly

A flattened spot on the skull, often from positioning. Tummy time and position changes help many babies.

Postpartum

The weeks after birth while the body recovers and feeding and sleep patterns settle.

PPA / PPD

Postpartum anxiety or depression. Treatable medical conditions. Ask a clinician or a crisis line if you need help now.

Puree

Smooth first foods. Not required if a family follows baby-led weaning with clinician guidance.

Rooting

A reflex: stroking a cheek makes a baby turn toward the touch and open the mouth to feed.

Safe sleep

Alone, on the back, in a clear crib or bassinet. No pillows, loose blankets, or inclined sleepers.

Swaddle

Wrapping a baby snugly. Stop when rolling starts. Follow safe-sleep guidance.

Teething

Teeth erupting through gums. Drool and chewing are common. Fever is not explained by teething alone.

Torticollis

A tight neck muscle that tilts the head. Physical therapy is often used. Ask a clinician.

Trimester

Pregnancy divided into three spans of about 13 weeks each.

Tummy time

Supervised time on the belly while awake. Builds neck and shoulder strength. Start with short sessions.

VBAC

Vaginal birth after cesarean. Eligibility depends on history and local practice.

Vernix

A creamy coating on newborn skin that protected them in the womb. It can be left to absorb.

Wake window

Time awake between sleeps. Windows lengthen with age and vary by baby.

Water breaking

Rupture of the amniotic sac. Fluid may be a trickle or a gush. Call your care team.

Talk to a clinician for personal care. See the disclaimer.