Labor Medical Terms Every Parent Should Know
When labor begins, your healthcare team may use words like dilation, effacement, or induction. Knowing what these terms mean helps you feel more prepared, confident, and able to participate in your birth experience.
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
Preparing for birth? Our comprehensive online pregnancy & childbirth class guides you through every step of your journey with evidence-based information and practical techniques.
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 become 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.
Interactive Medical Terminology Reference
Use our interactive medical terminology guide below to quickly look up any pregnancy or birth term. Click any term to see its definition, or continue reading for detailed explanations in context.
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.
Immediately After Birth
The Apgar score is a quick test performed one minute after birth, then again at five minutes, assessing your baby's:
- A ppearance (skin color)
- P ulse (heart rate)
- G rimace (reflex response)
- A ctivity (muscle tone)
-
R espiration (breathing)
A perfect Apgar score is 10, with typical scores being 7, 8, or 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.
Making the Most of Your Healthcare Appointments
With a solid understanding of pregnancy and birth terminology, you can:
- Ask specific questions: Instead of asking "Is everything okay?" you might ask "How is my cervical effacement progressing?" or "What's my baby's current position?"
- Understand test results: When your provider discusses your Apgar scores, gestational diabetes screening, or monitoring for fetal distress, you'll know what these results mean for you and your baby.
- Participate in decision-making: If interventions like induction or cesarean delivery are discussed, you'll understand the options and can make informed choices.
- Recognize normal vs. concerning symptoms: Understanding terms like ruptured membranes or signs of preterm labor helps you know when to contact your healthcare provider.
What You'll Gain from Parent Education
- Confidence in Medical Settings: When your provider mentions cervical dilation or discusses your baby's position, you'll understand what they mean and can ask informed follow-up questions.
- Better Birth Planning: Understanding terms like episiotomy, induction methods, and pain relief options helps you make informed decisions about your birth preferences.
- Improved Communication: You'll be able to express your concerns and preferences using the same language as your healthcare team.
- Reduced Anxiety: Knowledge reduces fear. Understanding what different terms mean helps you feel more prepared and less anxious about the unknown.
- Partner Involvement: When both partners understand medical terminology, your support person can better advocate for you and understand what's happening during labor and delivery.
Wondering what happens after delivery? Explore Newborn and Postpartum Medical Terms Every Parent Should Know.
Create By The Nurtured Nest Team
Nurtured Nest’s content is developed by parenting educators, healthcare professionals, and real parents—so it’s always grounded in evidence and real-life experience. Learn more about our team.