Womb & Reproductive Health Ailment Glossary

- PMS: Premenstrual symptoms; physical and emotional symptoms during days or weeks before your cycle that includes mood swings, tender breasts, food cravings, fatigue, irritability and depression.
- PMDD: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder; a more severe form of PMS that comes about during your luteal phase- occurring 1 to 2 weeks before your period. Symptoms will include much more extreme mood shifts that disrupt your daily functioning.
- Dysmenorrhea: moderate to severe cramping that occurs during menstruation that are linked to painful periods, heavy bleeding, and clots.
- Amenorrhea: the absence of menstruation due to other conditions within the body, such as hormonal, genetic, or structural disorders. For example: PCOS.
- Hypomenorrhea: light menstrual bleeding caused by underlying factors such as age, perimenopause, PCOS, or egg implantation bleeding.
first menstrual bleedings that show signs of light bleeding, cramping, and mood swings. This marks the beginning of your fertility.
when your ovaries do not release an egg (oocyte) during your menstrual cycle causing ovulation to not take place, often caused by hormonal imbalance or lack of necessary nutrition.
chronic condition in which tissue lining similar to that of the uterus, grows outside of the uterus; leads to painful periods and heavy bleeding. Endometrium tissue can also be found outsid
throbbing or cramping pains felt in the lower abdomen during your menstrual cycle and usually last for the first 3 days.
non-cancerous growths (leiomyomas) that form in and around the uterus, in which they vary in size from pea to melon. They usually carry no symptoms when small in size but if they do, those symptoms can include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, and pelvic pain
fluid-filled sac that is found in an ovary or on the surface of it.
an inadequate level of hormones in either the male or female that gives off a main symptom of an inability to get pregnant. On occasion, a structural anatomical issue.
Bacterial vaginosis: mostly caused by Gardnerella vaginalis; an overgrowth of bacteria found in the vagina that upsets the balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria. The most common symptom being a change of odor to vaginal discharge.
fungal infection of the vagina caused by an overgrowth of yeast, usually Candida albicans; coupled with pain during urination and intense itching and irritation of vagina, particularly, vulva.
Polycystic ovary syndrome: hormonal disorder that causes enlarged ovaries with small cysts that can originate from genetic or environmental factors. The hormonal symptoms will include acne and facial hair, irregular periods, pre-diabetic symptoms, and more.
found on the body where skin touches skin (armpits, inner thighs), appears as a pimple or boil and begins at hair follicles. Known to worsen without treatment and can reappear. Often occurring in relation to other reproductive ailments.
excess hair growth condition that can be caused by PCOS, natural production of androgens, postmenopause, cushing's syndrome, or other underlying conditions.
surgical procedure used to remove non-cancerous uterine fibroids

Pregnancy Glossary

- First trimester: from the first day of your last period to week 12, the earliest phase of pregnancy.
- Second trimester: from week 13 to 26, the middle of pregnancy that's referred to as golden or honeymoon period.
- Third trimester: from week 27 to 40+, the final phase of pregnancy; mother is prone to experience more physical and emotional challenges as the fetus continues to grow and develop.
a desired plan developed by the expecting and their partner that describes your labor and delivery, delivery setting, preferred pain medication, breastfeeding, and who will be present during that precious moment. The birth plan is here to keep you aware of all of your options, not to decide exactly how your birth will manifest. Babies come, as they desire.
consist of placenta and other membranes that are pushed out of the uterus after the baby is born.
- Placenta: organ conceived in the uterus during pregnancy that delivers oxygen, nutrients, stem cells, cord blood, and hormones, to the fetus along with the removal of waste products.
- Placenta previa: when the placenta has shifted to cover all or part of the cervix and impedes the baby's ability to pass through the cervix for delivery. Remember, our womb is the manifestation of our emotions; placenta previa is a manifestation of fear.
- Placenta abruption: when the placenta detaches from the wall of the uterus; causes bleeding and pain in the abdomen along with the depletion of oxygen supply to your baby.
tube-like structure that connects the fetus to placenta and the mother’s bloodstream.
fetus that has reached a stage of development (36 weeks) to where it can survive outside of the womb, if necessary. Anything before 36 weeks would be considered premature.
white substance that covers your baby at birth, protects their skin when inside the womb
breathing and relaxation technique used to distract a dilating mother from pains during natural delivery.
a moment weeks before labor or when labor begins; when the baby descends into the pelvic area and can cause a change in the shape of the mother's abdomen.
clear fluid developed inside the womb that will surround and protect the baby in the uterus, also helps the development of fetus lungs.
partner-based method of natural childbirth that's used for relaxation to control labor pain; each birth partner is taught how to coach the mother through the labor.
the body’s “practice contractions”; abdominal muscles tighten briefly without the accompanying cervix dilation- can begin as early as second trimester and are known to be prompted from being tired, dehydrated, or after intercourse.
when the baby’s buttock’s or feet are pointing to the birth canal as opposed to the standard head-first position of babies in the birth canal for delivery. Breech birth is a form of normal, however many American doctors are not as trained in the techniques of supporting a breech birth.
opening of the uterus at the top of the vagina; this is what will widen during labor for the baby to be born.
gradual opening of cervix during labor that is measured in centimeters from 0 to 10; the phrase “fully dilated” is when your cervix has dilated to 10cm.
when the fertilized embryo attaches outside of the uterus instead of the uterine lining; most cases where embryo attaches to the fallopian tube.
thinning of cervix that gives the stretch needed for the baby to pass through; measured in percentages to 100%.
- Kegels: exercises done to strengthen muscles surrounding the vaginal opening; helps to prevent leaking urine throughout pregnancy and during delivery.
- Reverse kegels: pelvic floor relaxation that is down-training the muscles in a process that is aided by deep breathing and visualization. This is a necessary exercise towards the end of pregnancy.
bed of muscles intertwinedthat stretch from the bottom of the pelvis. Contracting these muscles during pregnancy helps sphincters tighten the opening of vagina, urethra, and anus. Exercising these muscles helps to decrease potential strain caused by growing a baby inside the womb and delivery.
line on abdomen stretching from belly button to pubic hair; can darken due to pregnancy hormone. More often than not, it will fade again after delivery.
skin change that occurs during pregnancy around the eyes, nose, and cheeks. Can be further influenced by sunlight or hormonal pills; usually fades after a baby is born.
develops to block the opening of cervix with the intentions of keeping bacteria out, passes in preparation of childbirth to be followed by softening of cervix. Fun fact: if the mucus plug releases too early, the body will create another.
feeling the baby move for the first time.
a tissue found in the area between the vaginal opening and anus that can tear during delivery
technique that stretches and manipulates the perineal tissue using one or two fingers to prepare for vaginal delivery.
process where the baby is lifted and turned while inside the womb from outside the abdomen to gently turn a breech baby into head-down position.
process of collecting and storing your baby's blood from the placenta and umbilical cord that contains stem cells; known to be used to treat future medical problems. Please do your own research on the ethical aspects of the associated companies.
pre-milk substance made by breasts, rich with fluid and antibodies that the newborn requires for nourishment during the first few days after birth.

Postpartum Glossary

Medically, the fourth trimester of pregnancy; the 6 to 8 weeks after delivery of baby and will end once body has nearly returned to pre-pregnancy state. Sociologically, postpartum ends when the mother or birthing person feels mentally, physically, emotionally, as close to their pre-pregnancy state as possible. For many, postpartum is forever.
a mood disorder that can take hold of a mother after birth. Symptoms include but are not limited to depressed mood or severe mood swings, excess crying, difficulty bonding with your baby, withdrawal behavior, and either loss of appetite or eating much more than usual.
excessive worrying present after having a baby that can be paired with physical symptoms; occurs due to drop in estrogen and progesterone at time of delivery.
a rare mental health condition that affects people after they give birth either several days after or up to twelve weeks after. Symptoms include but not limited to self harm, hallucinations, delusions, or thoughts of harming child.
translates to “quarantine” and originated from Latin america; a 40 day postpartum for a new mother that is a time of rest and recovery aided with support and observed diet relating to maternal-child health. From a Latin-X perspective, participation in this tradition includes avoiding cold showers, consuming hot liquids (milk, soup), being fully clothed, abstaining from intercourse, and wearing postpartum faja. From an Asian perspective, referred to as “sitting the month” in China; they will heal the postpartum by lessening activity, promoting rest, and not partaking in any cooking or household activities. From an African perspective, the rejuvenation after birth is a rite of passage that will take a year consisting of strengthening the mother and protecting the newborn from illness. In all indigenous cultures, the villages will take care of mother and body.