English for Midwifery: Essential Vocabulary & Phrases

"fundal height"

The measurement in centimetres from the pubic symphysis to the top of the uterus, used to estimate gestational age and fetal growth

"At 28 weeks her fundal height measured 29 cm, which is within the normal range."

"fetal kick count"

A daily self-monitoring method in which a woman records the number of fetal movements to assess wellbeing

"She was asked to perform a fetal kick count each evening and report fewer than ten movements in two hours."

"gestational hypertension"

Elevated blood pressure arising after 20 weeks of pregnancy without the protein or other features of pre-eclampsia

"The midwife recorded a blood pressure of 148/94 mmHg and diagnosed gestational hypertension."

"amniocentesis"

A diagnostic procedure in which a small sample of amniotic fluid is withdrawn transabdominally to test for chromosomal abnormalities

"Following a high-risk combined screening result, the obstetrician offered amniocentesis for a definitive karyotype."

"symphysis–fundus height"

Another term for fundal height; the distance used in clinical practice to plot fetal growth on a customised chart

"The midwife plotted the symphysis–fundus height on the growth chart at each antenatal visit."

"presentation scan"

An ultrasound examination performed late in pregnancy to confirm the position of the baby before labour

"A presentation scan at 36 weeks confirmed a cephalic presentation, so external cephalic version was not required."

"glucose tolerance test"

A blood test measuring the body's response to a glucose load, used to screen for gestational diabetes

"She underwent a two-hour glucose tolerance test at 24 weeks because of her elevated body mass index."

"pre-eclampsia"

A pregnancy complication characterised by high blood pressure, proteinuria, and end-organ dysfunction after 20 weeks

"The woman was admitted urgently after developing severe pre-eclampsia with a headache and visual disturbances."

"cervical effacement"

The thinning and shortening of the cervix that occurs before and during the first stage of labour

"On vaginal examination the cervix was 80% effaced and 4 cm dilated, indicating established labour."

"rupture of membranes"

The breaking of the amniotic sac, either spontaneously or artificially, releasing amniotic fluid

"She called the midwife to report a spontaneous rupture of membranes and clear fluid at 39 weeks."

"oxytocin augmentation"

The intravenous infusion of synthetic oxytocin to strengthen or accelerate uterine contractions during slow labour

"After six hours in established labour with minimal progress, the team commenced oxytocin augmentation."

"epidural analgesia"

A regional anaesthetic technique in which local anaesthetic is injected into the epidural space to relieve labour pain

"She requested epidural analgesia after contractions became every two minutes and lasted 90 seconds."

"crowning"

The stage of birth at which the widest part of the baby's head is visible at the vaginal opening and does not recede between pushes

"The midwife asked the woman to breathe through the next contraction as crowning had begun."

"active management of third stage"

A protocol combining uterotonic administration, controlled cord traction, and uterine massage to reduce postpartum haemorrhage

"Active management of third stage was offered routinely; the placenta was delivered within five minutes."

"perineal tear"

A laceration of the skin and underlying tissues of the perineum that can occur during birth, classified by depth from first to fourth degree

"A second-degree perineal tear was identified and sutured in two layers under local anaesthesia."

"intrapartum fetal monitoring"

Continuous or intermittent assessment of the fetal heart rate during labour to detect signs of fetal compromise

"Intrapartum fetal monitoring via cardiotocography was commenced when meconium-stained liquor was observed."

"lochia"

The vaginal discharge of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue that occurs after childbirth, typically lasting four to six weeks

"She reported that the lochia had changed from red to a brownish discharge by the tenth day postpartum."

"uterine involution"

The process by which the uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size and position after delivery

"On palpation the midwife confirmed satisfactory uterine involution; the fundus was at the level of the umbilicus on day one."

"breastfeeding latch"

The way in which a baby attaches to the breast during feeding, critical for effective milk transfer and prevention of nipple trauma

"The lactation midwife observed the breastfeeding latch and corrected the position to ensure a deep, asymmetric latch."

"perineal healing"

The recovery of the perineal tissues after birth, including resolution of swelling, bruising, and any sutured tears or episiotomy

"She was advised to apply ice packs and perform pelvic-floor exercises to promote perineal healing."

"postnatal depression"

A mood disorder occurring in the weeks to months after birth, characterised by persistent low mood, tearfulness, and impaired bonding

"The six-week check identified postnatal depression; she was referred to the community mental health team and offered CBT."

"neonatal jaundice"

A yellowing of a newborn's skin and sclerae caused by elevated bilirubin levels, common in the first week of life

"The baby developed neonatal jaundice on day three and was placed under phototherapy for 24 hours."

"kangaroo care"

Skin-to-skin contact between a caregiver and newborn, promoting thermoregulation, bonding, and breastfeeding establishment

"Kangaroo care was initiated immediately after birth and continued for the first two hours while the mother received suturing."

"vitamin K prophylaxis"

The administration of vitamin K to newborns to prevent haemorrhagic disease of the newborn caused by low clotting-factor levels

"The parents consented to intramuscular vitamin K prophylaxis, which was given within the first hour of life."

"Apgar score"

A standardised five-criterion assessment of a newborn's condition at one and five minutes after birth, scoring appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration

"The baby's Apgar score was 8 at one minute and 10 at five minutes, indicating good adaptation to extrauterine life."

"meconium aspiration"

Inhalation of meconium-stained amniotic fluid into the lungs, potentially causing respiratory distress in the neonate

"The neonatologist was called to the birth room owing to thick meconium and the risk of meconium aspiration."

"thermoregulation"

The physiological mechanism by which a neonate maintains a stable core body temperature in the external environment

"Thermoregulation was supported by drying and wrapping the baby immediately and placing a hat on its head."

"rooting reflex"

An innate newborn reflex in which the baby turns its head and opens its mouth in response to touch near the cheek, facilitating feeding

"The midwife demonstrated the rooting reflex to the mother by gently stroking the baby's cheek to encourage breastfeeding."

"cord clamping"

The application of a clamp to the umbilical cord to stop blood flow between the placenta and the neonate; delayed clamping is recommended to improve iron stores

"Delayed cord clamping was performed for 90 seconds to allow placental transfusion before the cord was cut."

"heel-prick screening"

A newborn blood spot test obtained from the baby's heel to screen for metabolic and genetic conditions such as phenylketonuria and congenital hypothyroidism

"Heel-prick screening was performed on day five and the blood spot card was sent to the laboratory."

"transitional care"

A level of care intermediate between a neonatal unit and a postnatal ward, where mothers can care for their moderately premature or unwell infants alongside professional support

"The 34-week infant was admitted to transitional care so the mother could remain involved in tube feeding and skin-to-skin contact."

"neonatal hypoglycaemia"

A blood glucose level below the safe threshold in a newborn, requiring prompt feeding or glucose gel supplementation

"A blood glucose of 1.8 mmol/L at two hours of age confirmed neonatal hypoglycaemia; buccal dextrose gel was applied."

"postpartum haemorrhage"

Blood loss of 500 mL or more within 24 hours of birth, or any amount sufficient to cause haemodynamic instability

"A postpartum haemorrhage was declared when estimated blood loss reached 800 mL; the emergency team was activated."

"shoulder dystocia"

An obstetric emergency in which the baby's anterior shoulder becomes impacted behind the maternal pubic symphysis after delivery of the head

"Shoulder dystocia was identified immediately; the team performed the McRoberts manoeuvre and suprapubic pressure."

"placenta praevia"

A condition in which the placenta is partially or completely covering the internal cervical os, risking severe bleeding in late pregnancy and labour

"Placenta praevia was diagnosed at the 20-week scan; she was advised to avoid sexual intercourse and report any bleeding."

"umbilical cord prolapse"

An emergency where the umbilical cord descends through the cervix ahead of or alongside the presenting part, compressing the cord and compromising fetal blood flow

"On vaginal examination the midwife felt a pulsating loop of cord, confirming umbilical cord prolapse; she held the presenting part off the cord and called for emergency caesarean."

"uterine rupture"

A life-threatening tear in the wall of the uterus during labour, most commonly at the site of a previous caesarean scar

"When the CTG showed prolonged bradycardia and the woman reported acute abdominal pain, uterine rupture was suspected and an emergency laparotomy was performed."

"amniotic fluid embolism"

A rare but catastrophic obstetric emergency caused by entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulation, triggering cardiovascular collapse and coagulopathy

"The sudden onset of hypoxia, hypotension, and coagulopathy raised the diagnosis of amniotic fluid embolism; massive transfusion protocol was activated."

"HELLP syndrome"

A severe variant of pre-eclampsia characterised by haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count

"Blood results revealed HELLP syndrome; the team expedited delivery to prevent hepatic rupture and DIC."

"abruption placentae"

Premature separation of a normally sited placenta from the uterine wall, causing maternal haemorrhage and fetal compromise

"Severe abdominal pain with a board-like uterus and vaginal bleeding led to a clinical diagnosis of abruption placentae."

"birth plan"

A written document prepared during pregnancy outlining a woman's preferences for labour, birth, and the postnatal period

"The community midwife reviewed the birth plan at 36 weeks and noted the woman's preference for a water birth and delayed cord clamping."

"SBAR handover"

A structured communication tool standing for Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation, used to transfer care between clinicians safely

"The midwife used SBAR handover at shift change to clearly communicate the plan for the woman on oxytocin augmentation."

"informed consent"

The process by which a clinician explains the benefits, risks, and alternatives of a procedure and the woman agrees to proceed voluntarily

"Informed consent was obtained before commencing continuous electronic fetal monitoring and documented in the maternity notes."

"antenatal booking"

The first formal appointment with a midwife, usually before 10 weeks, at which a full history is taken and care is planned

"At the antenatal booking appointment the midwife assessed her medical history, booked blood tests, and provided the MATB1 certificate."

"escalation protocol"

A defined clinical pathway for referring or handing over care to a more senior clinician or specialist when a situation exceeds the midwife's scope of practice

"The escalation protocol was triggered when the woman's blood pressure did not respond to antihypertensives, and the on-call obstetrician was contacted."

"continuity of carer"

A model of maternity care in which a woman receives care from the same midwife or small team throughout pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period

"Research shows that continuity of carer reduces preterm birth rates and improves women's experience of maternity services."

"midwifery-led unit"

A birth setting staffed and managed by midwives for low-risk pregnancies, separate from an obstetric-led labour ward

"She was assessed as low risk and transferred her care to the alongside midwifery-led unit for her planned birth."

"mandatory reporting"

The legal or professional obligation to report specific concerns, such as child safeguarding issues or serious incidents, to the appropriate authorities

"Following a disclosure of domestic violence, the midwife fulfilled her mandatory reporting duty by notifying the safeguarding team."