| Apgar Score | A rapid assessment of a newborn’s physical condition at 1 and 5 minutes after birth, scoring Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. |
| Antepartum | The period during pregnancy before the onset of labor. |
| Birth Plan | A written document in which a pregnant woman outlines her preferences for labor and delivery. |
| Colostrum | The first form of milk produced immediately following delivery, rich in antibodies and nutrients. |
| Contraction Stress Test (CST) | A test to evaluate fetal well-being during contractions, often used when fetal oxygenation is in question. |
| Eclampsia | A severe complication of preeclampsia characterized by seizures in a pregnant woman. |
| Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) | The number of heartbeats per minute of the fetus; monitored to assess fetal well-being. |
| Fundal Height | Measurement from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus (fundus) to assess fetal growth and gestational age. |
| Gestational Age | The age of the fetus or newborn, usually expressed in weeks from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period. |
| Kangaroo Care | Skin-to-skin contact between a newborn and a parent to promote bonding and regulate the baby’s body temperature. |
| Lochia | Vaginal discharge after childbirth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. |
| Neonatal Period | The first 28 days of life, a critical time for monitoring newborn adaptation and complications. |
| Preeclampsia | A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organ systems, often the liver and kidneys. |
| Postpartum | The period after childbirth when the mother’s body returns to a non-pregnant state. |
| Rooming-In | A hospital practice in which the newborn stays in the same room with the mother to promote bonding and breastfeeding. |
| SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) | The sudden, unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant, usually during sleep. |
| Teratogen | Any agent or substance that can cause birth defects or harm fetal development. |
| Tocolytics | Medications used to suppress premature labor by inhibiting uterine contractions. |
| Umbilical Cord Care | Practices to keep the stump clean and dry until it naturally falls off, preventing infection. |
| Vernix Caseosa | A white, cheesy substance that covers and protects the skin of the fetus in utero and is present at birth. |
| Well-Child Visit | Regular pediatric checkups that monitor growth, development, and provide vaccinations and health education. |
| Breastfeeding | Feeding an infant directly from the mother’s breast, known for promoting immunity and bonding. |
| Developmental Milestones | Specific physical or behavioral signs of growth and development in children at expected ages. |
| Pediatric Dosage Calculation | Determining correct medication amounts for children based on weight or body surface area, to ensure safety. |
| Immunization Schedule | A chart or guideline outlining when children should receive specific vaccines to prevent disease. |
