Pregnancy Medical Terms Every Parent Should Know
Why Knowing Medical Terms Matters
When you’re expecting a baby, medical appointments can feel overwhelming. Your provider may mention terms like gestational diabetes or breech position, and it’s easy to wonder what those words actually mean. Understanding pregnancy medical terminology doesn’t just reduce confusion—it helps you feel more confident and empowered in your care.
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. View and Search Our Medical Term Guide
Key Pregnancy Medical Terms to Know
Antenatal / Prenatal – Both mean before birth and refer to care during pregnancy.
Gestational Diabetes – A type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy, usually tested for at 24–28 weeks.
Breech Position – When your baby is positioned feet- or bottom-first instead of head-down.
Engaged (Lightening) – When your baby’s head moves down into the pelvis, often making it easier to breathe but harder to walk.
Transverse Position – When your baby lies sideways across the uterus, which usually requires a C-section.
Dilation & Effacement – Dilation is how open the cervix is (0–10 cm); effacement is how thin the cervix is (0–100%).
Contractions – The tightening of the uterus that pushes your baby downward during labor.
Ruptured Membranes (“Water Breaking”) – When the amniotic sac breaks, either as a gush or slow leak.
Apgar Score – A quick test given to your baby at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to check breathing, heart rate, and reflexes.
When you understand the words your provider uses, you can:
Ask more specific questions during appointments
Understand your options and test results
Feel prepared instead of anxious
Participate fully in your pregnancy and birth planning
Essential Pregnancy Terms
Antenatal / Prenatal / Antepartum
All mean before birth and refer to the period of pregnancy. You’ll see these used interchangeably in your medical chart and at appointments.
Gestational Diabetes
A type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy when blood sugar levels are too high. It’s usually tested between 24–28 weeks and can be managed with diet, monitoring, or medication. It typically goes away after pregnancy.
“Learning pregnancy medical terms isn’t about memorizing jargon—it’s about feeling confident, asking better questions, and being an active voice in your own birth story.”
Understanding Your Baby’s Position
Breech Position
Your baby is positioned head-up instead of head-down. This occurs in about 3–4% of pregnancies near the due date. Your provider may discuss options if your baby remains breech.
Engaged (or “Lightening”)
When your baby’s head settles deeper into your pelvis late in pregnancy. Many parents notice it feels easier to breathe, but walking can be more uncomfortable.
Transverse Position
Your baby is lying sideways across the uterus. If your baby cannot be repositioned, a cesarean delivery will likely be recommended.
Products we recommend
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How to Learn These Terms in Context
Reading definitions is helpful, but the best way to really learn pregnancy terminology is in a class that also covers:
Labor stages
Pain management options
Breathing and relaxation techniques
Partner support strategies
Ready for the next stage? Learn how to understand the words your care team will use during birth in our guide: Labor and Delivery Terminology Every Parent Should Know.
Our online pregnancy and childbirth class combines medical terminology with practical skills so you’ll feel prepared and confident for labor and delivery.
Further Reading
For more support in understanding pregnancy and birth, explore these trusted resources:
Nurtured Nest — Medical Terminology Guide (free interactive reference) — Access it here
Glossary of Pregnancy Terms by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
Pregnancy, Birth, and Baby Glossary by Pregnancy, Birth & Baby (Australian Government health site)
Understanding Medical Terms by MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine
