Why Understanding Labor Medical Terms Matters

When you understand what your provider is saying, you can:

• Track your progress during labor
• Feel less anxious about the unknown
• Ask better questions about your options
• Communicate clearly about your preferences

Cervical Changes During Labor

Dilation

How open your cervix is, measured in centimeters from 0–10. Full dilation (10 cm) means you’re ready to push.

Effacement

How thin your cervix is, described as a percentage. At 100% effaced, your cervix is paper-thin and ready for delivery.

Signs That Labor Has Begun

Contractions

Rhythmic tightening of the uterus that gradually becomes stronger, longer, and closer together, pushing your baby down the birth canal.

Ruptured Membranes (“Water Breaking”)

When the amniotic sac breaks, releasing fluid. It may feel like a gush or a slow trickle.

The Moment of Birth

Crowning

When your baby’s head passes through the birth canal and stays visible at the vaginal opening. This means delivery is very close.

Interventions and Assistance

Induction

When labor is started or sped up with medical help—such as Pitocin (oxytocin), cervical ripening medication, or breaking the water.

Episiotomy

A small incision made to widen the vaginal opening. Today, this is used only when medically necessary.

Cesarean Birth and Alternatives

Cesarean Delivery (C-Section)

Surgical delivery of the baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus. Sometimes planned, sometimes necessary during labor.

VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

A vaginal delivery after one or more previous C-sections.

Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)

When a baby is too large to safely pass through the pelvis, making a C-section the safest option.

Newborn’s First Check

Apgar Score

A test given to your baby at one and five minutes after birth. It checks Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration. Most babies score between 7–9, meaning they are healthy and adjusting well.

The Apgar score is a quick test performed one minute after birth, then again at five minutes, assessing your baby's:

• Appearance (skin color)
• Pulse (heart rate)
• Grimace (reflex response)
• Activity (muscle tone)
• Respiration (breathing)

A perfect Apgar score is 10, with typical scores being 7–9. Scores below 7 indicate your baby might need help breathing.

Learn These Terms in Context

Reading definitions is helpful—but learning them alongside breathing, comfort measures, and birth planning makes the terms come alive. Our online pregnancy and childbirth class walks you through all of this so you and your partner feel confident and prepared. 👉 Explore our class at Nurtured Nest

Want to brush up on early pregnancy terms? Start with Pregnancy Medical Terms Every Parent Should Know.

How Parent Education Classes Help You Master Medical Terminology

Parent education classes do much more than teach breathing techniques—they provide crucial context for understanding medical terminology. When you learn these terms alongside information about labor stages, pain management options, and newborn care, the vocabulary becomes practical knowledge rather than intimidating jargon.

What You'll Gain from Parent Education

• Confidence in Medical Settings: Understand terms like cervical dilation and fetal position to ask informed follow-ups.
• Better Birth Planning: Terms like episiotomy, induction, and pain relief options become tools for decision-making.
• Improved Communication: Speak the same language as your healthcare team.
• Reduced Anxiety: Knowledge lowers fear and uncertainty.
• Partner Involvement: When both partners understand the vocabulary, support and advocacy improve.

Wondering what happens after delivery? Explore Newborn and Postpartum Medical Terms Every Parent Should Know.