gravida A pregnant woman; refers to any pregnancy regardless of duration.
Hegar's sign Softening of the lower uterine segment just above the cervix.
hormone A chemical substance produced in an organ, which, being carried to an
associated organ by the bloodstream, excites in the later organ a functional activity.
hydatidiform mole An abnormal growth of a fertilized ovum.
hyperemesis gravidarum Severe nausea and vomiting that lasts beyond the fourth
month of pregnancy.
identical twins Twins developed from a single fertilized ovum, they are of the same
sex.
in utero Within the uterus.
ischial spines Two
relatively sharp bony projections protruding into the pelvic outlet
from the ischial bones that form the lower lateral border of the pelvis. It is used in
determining the progress of the fetus down the birth canal.
ischial tuberosities The major bony sitting support; important in measuring a
transverse diameter of the pelvis.
isthmus The portion of the uterus that joins the corpus to the cervix.
labia majora Two fleshy, hair covered folds located on both sides of the perineal
midline, extending from the mons veneris almost to the anus in women.
labia minora Two small folds of tissue covering the vestibule located just under the
labia major in women.
lactation The production of milk by the mammary glands.
leukorrhea A white or slightly grey discharge from the vagina or cervix.
lie Refers to the position of the spinal column of the fetus in relation to the spinal
column of the mother.
lightening The sensation of decreased abdominal distention produced by the descent
of the uterus into the pelvic cavity.
MD0921
G-4