T

Threatened abortion: Bleeding during the first trimester without cramping or contractions; does not result in termination of pregnancy

Tocolysis: Medical procedure that inhibits contractions during premature labor

Transition: Phase of labor just before pushing, at about 6 cm dilation; contractions are more intense and are less predictable in duration and frequency

U

Umbilical cord: Cord connecting the placenta to the fetus, through which nutrients and oxygen from the mother are passed and waste products from the baby are expelled

Uterus (womb): Sack like organ where an embryo/fetus grows

V

Vacuum extraction: Medical procedure where a suction cup attached to a vacuum pump is placed on a baby’s head to aid in vaginal delivery

Varicose veins: Enlarged blood vessels; commonly develop during last trimester

Z

Zygote: Cell that results from the union of a sperm and egg at fertilization

Check out the 1st part of our Pregnancy Glossary

SOURCES:

• The Mother of All Parenting Books by Ann Douglas
• What to Expect When You're Expecting by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, and
• Sandee Hathaway
• Websites: americanpregnancy.org ; happyhealthypregnancy.com ; pregnancy-info.net ; pregnancy.about.com ; birth.com

Photo from sxc.hu