The A–Z of Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Terms Every Parent Should Know
Pregnancy and early parenthood come with a flood of new words — from antenatal to zygote! Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, understanding the language of maternity care can make a huge difference.
At Dial-a-Midwife, we believe every woman deserves clear, kind, evidence-based information — not medical jargon. That’s why we’ve put together this A–Z of Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Terms to help you feel confident, informed and empowered every step of the way.
And remember — if you ever need to talk things through, our midwives are here 7 days a week, until 9pm, and our service is completely bulk-billed with a Medicare card.
Let’s dive in. 💛
🅰️ A – Antenatal Care
Antenatal care means care during pregnancy. It includes regular check-ups, blood tests, ultrasounds and discussions about your physical and emotional wellbeing. Consistent antenatal care helps ensure both you and your baby stay healthy.
🅱️ B – Braxton Hicks Contractions
Also known as “practice contractions,” Braxton Hicks help your body prepare for labour. They’re usually irregular and mild — think tightening rather than painful contractions. They can increase in frequency as your pregnancy progresses but sometimes it’s hard to tell a Braxton Hicks contraction from labour starting. If you’re unsure - contact us
🅲️ C – Caesarean Section
A caesarean is a surgical birth where the baby is delivered through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. In private hospitals, about 50% babies are born this way, while in public hospitals, about 33% babies are born this way. Whether planned or unplanned, it’s important to feel supported and informed about your options. Dial a Midwife helps you prepare for a positive caesarean.
🅳️ D – Due Date
The date that marks 40 weeks of pregnancy. “Term” is considered anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks and babies are ideally born between those dates. The other reason that the 40-week mark is important is that it assists midwives and doctors to time tests and scans in pregnancy and ensure that they are optimally timed.
🅴️ E – Epidural
A type of pain relief given through a small tube into your lower back during labour. It numbs the lower body, reducing or removing contraction pain while you remain awake.
🅵️ F – Fetal Movements
The wonderful flutters, rolls and kicks you feel as your baby grows. Regular movements are a reassuring sign of wellbeing. If your baby’s movements slow or change, always contact your hospital immediately.
🅶️ G – Gestational Diabetes
A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It’s managed through diet, exercise, and sometimes medication. Regular screening (the “glucose tolerance test”) is offered to all pregnant women between 24–28 weeks. Dial a Midwife has services tailored especially for women with diabetes in pregnancy.
🅷️ H – Hypnobirthing
A birth preparation technique that uses relaxation, visualisation and breathing exercises to reduce fear and tension during labour. Many women find it helps them feel calmer and more in control.
🅸️ I – Induction of Labour
When labour is started artificially, usually with medication, breaking the waters or a balloon catheter. Induction may be recommended for medical reasons, such as high blood pressure or going beyond 42 weeks of pregnancy. Dial a Midwife can help you prepare for a positive induction experience.
🅹️ J – Jaundice
A yellow tinge to a newborn baby’s skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin levels. Mild jaundice is common and usually resolves with feeding and time, but sometimes treatment under special lights (“phototherapy”) is needed.
🅺️ K – Kick Counts
Monitoring your baby’s movements each day helps track their wellbeing. There’s no “right” number, but knowing what’s normal for your baby is key. Any reduction in movement should be reported right away.
🅻️ L – Lactation
The process of producing breast milk. It’s hormonally driven and begins in pregnancy, continuing after birth. Every woman’s experience is unique — and if you ever struggle with feeding, our midwives are here to help.
🅼️ M – Miscarriage
When a pregnancy ends before 20 weeks. It’s much more common than most people realise, and can be emotionally devastating. Our midwives are experienced in supporting women and families through miscarriage and for the 6 weeks that follow - you’re not alone.
🅽️ N – Nuchal Translucency Scan
An ultrasound performed between 11 and 14 weeks. It’s part of optional screening for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome. We can talk you through your options.
🅾️ O – Oxytocin
Known as the “love hormone”, oxytocin triggers labour contractions and helps with bonding and breastfeeding. It’s also released through skin-to-skin contact and gentle touch.
🅿️ P – Placenta
The amazing organ that nourishes your baby throughout pregnancy. It delivers oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord. After birth, the placenta is delivered in the third stage of labour. We can talk you through options for birthing your placenta.
🆀 Q – Quickening
The first fluttery movements you feel from your baby — usually around 16–20 weeks. Many women describe it as “bubbles” or “butterflies.”
🆁 R – Round Ligament Pain
As your uterus grows, the ligaments supporting it stretch, causing sharp twinges or aching in your lower belly or groin. It’s common and usually harmless, but always check with your midwife if you’re unsure.
🆂 S – Skin-to-Skin Contact
Holding your newborn against your bare chest straight after birth helps regulate their temperature, heart rate and breathing — and promotes bonding and breastfeeding success.
🆃 T – TENS Machine
A small device that delivers gentle electrical pulses to your lower back to help reduce labour pain. Many women find it especially useful in early labour.
🆄 U – Umbilical Cord
The cord connects your baby to the placenta. After birth, it’s clamped and cut, leaving the small stump that eventually forms your baby’s belly button.
🆅 V – VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
Refers to giving birth vaginally after a previous caesarean. With the right support, many women can safely achieve a VBAC. Our midwives can discuss all of your options for a VBAC and help you plan for one.
🆆 W – Waters Breaking
When the amniotic sac ruptures and fluid leaks or gushes out — a sign that labour may be near. If your waters break (especially before contractions start), contact your hospital to discuss next steps.
🆇 X – X-linked Conditions
Genetic conditions that are passed down through the X chromosome (for example, haemophilia). These are rare but sometimes discussed during prenatal genetic counselling.
🆈 Y – Yolk Sac
A tiny structure visible on early pregnancy scans that nourishes the embryo before the placenta is fully developed. Its presence is an early sign of a healthy pregnancy.
🆉 Z – Zygote
The very first stage of life — a fertilised egg, formed when the sperm and egg meet. From that moment, a brand new human story begins.
🌿 Why Understanding These Terms Matters
Pregnancy is full of new experiences — and sometimes, new anxieties. Understanding what’s happening helps you feel in control and supported. Knowledge doesn’t just reduce fear; it builds confidence, trust, and connection — with your body, your baby and your care team.
At Dial-a-Midwife, we believe no woman should ever feel unsure or alone during pregnancy. Whether you’re navigating morning sickness, test results, birth choices, or baby care — we’re here to help, every day of the week.
💛 The Continuity of Midwifery Care You Deserve
Continuity of midwifery care means having a trusted midwife you can reach out to whenever questions or concerns arise — not just during hospital appointments. It’s proven to:
Reduce maternal anxiety
Improve bonding and attachment
Increase confidence in parenting
Lead to smoother births and transitions to motherhood
That’s exactly what we offer.
Our service is bulk-billed (free with a Medicare card), available 7 days a week across Australia, and open until 9pm daily — because support should never stop at 5 o’clock.
📞 Need to Talk? We’re Here for You
Whether you’re pregnant or adjusting to life with a newborn and have questions or worries — please reach out.
A quick chat with an experienced midwife can make all the difference. We’ll listen, reassure and guide you with compassion and evidence-based care.
Dial-a-Midwife — supporting Australian women and families, every step of the way.