Glossary

• At your antenatal appointment, your midwife may give you your maternity notes or maternity card
• This is to record all the details of your pregnancy
• Take this with you to all your antenatal appointments or if you go on holiday

Myelin is an essential part of the nervous system. It is a fatty substance that creates a sheaf to protect nerves. It is vital to the normal functioning of the nervous system and acts as an insulation layer, so that messages sent down the nerves don’t get lost.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a drug-free pain relief device. Pads connected to the machine are stuck to the lower back and these send low-level electrical impulses to block the pain pathways in the brain. Pregnant mums often use it in labour and towards the end of their pregnancy to help with backache and discomfort Braxton Hicks contractions sometimes cause.

Foetus is the medical term used to describe the state of your baby from the start of the ninth week until you give birth.

Vernix is a white, waxy substance that coats the baby’s skin – you can see patches of it on your baby after they’ve been born. It helps protect the baby’s skin in the womb.

Your baby is attached to the placenta by his umbilical cord and the placenta is attached to the lining of your uterus. It is the link between your blood supply and your baby’s. It acts as your baby’s lungs, kidneys and digestive system while he is in the womb.

Spina bifida is the Latin term for ‘split spine’. It’s used to describe birth defects that affect the healthy development of the spine and nervous system. In these cases, the spinal column does not fully close, leaving the nerves exposed, hence ‘split spine’.

Pre-eclampsia affects about 5% of women in their first pregnancy. It causes high blood pressure, protein in the urine and swelling. Some women also suffer from headaches and flashing lights, nausea and stomach pain. It is important to diagnose it as quickly as possible, as it can lead to eclampsia, which can cause convulsions and even a coma. If you do develop pre-eclampsia your pregnancy will be monitored closely to make sure you don’t develop eclampsia and deliver at the best time.

Braxton Hicks contractions is the uterus preparing for labour. These ‘practice’ contractions can cause discomfort in some women, for others they are painless. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular and fade away, so don’t panic and think you’re going into labour! Labour contractions are very regular and get stronger and more intense as the birth progresses.

Meconium is a black, sticky substance made from waste from nutrients that your baby has absorbed from the amniotic fluid. Meconium builds up through your pregnancy and moves into your baby’s large bowel at around 16 weeks. It is virtually sterile, has no smell and is usually expelled in your baby’s first bowel movement after birth.