GLOSSARY
abortion Termination of pregnancy before the fetus is viable and capable of
extrauterine existence.
amniocentesis The withdrawal of an amniotic fluid by insertion of a needle through the
abdominal and the uterine wall.
amnion A smooth, slippery, glistening innermost membrane that lines the amniotic
space.
amenorrhea The cessation of menstruation.
antepartal See prenatal.
attitude The degree of flexion of the fetus body parts (body, head, and extremities) to
each other.
ballottement The fetus, when pushed, floats away and then returns to touch the
examiner's fingers.
basal body temperature (BBT) A means to identify the time that ovulation occurs.
Bartholin's gland Two, small mucous glands situated on each side of the vaginal
opening that secrete small amounts of mucus during intercourse.
breech Delivery of an infant feet or buttocks first.
blastocyst The inner solid mass of cells within the morula.
Braxton-Hick's contractions Painless uterine contractions occurring throughout
pregnancy.
broad ligaments Two wing-like structures that extend from the lateral margins of the
uterus to the pelvic walls and divide the pelvic cavity into an anterior and posterior
compartment.
breast stimulation test (BST) A test that involves stimulation of the nipples (rubbing)
which causes the posterior pituitary to release the hormone oxytocin, which in turn,
causes contractions.
MD0921
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