Glossary
| Word / Term | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Alpha fetoprotein testing | A blood test performed during pregnancy to measure probability of foetus having birth defects |
| Amniocentesis | A test that involves taking a sample of amniotic fluid from the womb to see if foetus has any serious abnormalities |
| Antenatal | The period between conception and birth |
| Aromatherapy | The use of fragrances from essential oils to relieve tension and promote relaxation during labour |
| Birthing pool | A small pool filled with warm water for the woman to be in during labour and/or birth which can help with relaxation and pain relief |
| Caesarean [elective] | The planned delivery of a baby by a surgeon through a cut in the mother's stomach |
| Caesarean [emergency] | The delivery of a baby by a surgeon through a cut in the mother's stomach as an emergency |
| Caseload midwifery/DOMINO system | A scheme by which antenatal care is provided by a named midwife |
| Community based midwifery | Antenatal care is delivered by one of a team of midwives in the community |
| Double testing | A test measuring a combination of two proteins/hormones |
| Entonox | A mixture of gas and air which is self-administered through a mask or mouthpiece to help relieve pain in labour |
| Epidural | An anaesthetic injected into space around the spine to numb sensation so pain is minimised during labour |
| Episiotomy | A cut made between the vagina and rectum to prevent tearing during delivery |
| Forceps delivery | The delivery of a baby with the use of a tong-like instrument with curved ends to cradle the babies head |
| Induction | When labour is started artificially |
| Labour | The act of giving birth to a baby |
| LDRP room | A room in which labour, delivery, recovery and post-natal care all take place |
| Meptid | A non-opiate drug administered during labour for pain relief |
| Nuchal fold/translucency scan | A test using ultrasound to measure the clear space in the tissue behind the developing baby's neck which can help predict abnormalities |
| Pethidine | A drug similar to morphine which is given as pain relief |
| Postnatal | The period after birth |
| Quadruple testing | A test measuring a combination of four proteins/hormones |
| Team midwifery | A team of midwives look after a large group of women between them |
| TENS | TENS stands for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation. A machine gives out small pulses of electrical energy to help with pain |
| Triple testing | A test measuring a combination of three proteins/hormones |
| Ventouse [suction] delivery | The delivery of a baby with the use of a suction cap which fits on to the baby's head |
More information on maternity unit types
Shared midwife and consultant units: This is the traditional hospital-based maternity unit staffed with doctors and midwives which account for the vast majority of births in the UK. These units have consultant obstetricians on staff and are able to deal with both complex and straightforward pregnancies and deliveries. Many will offer a choice of being under the supervision of a doctor or a midwife, although if there are complications you will almost certainly be put under the care of a doctor. These units are capable of carrying out all medical interventions in childbirth and can offer a full anaesthetic service, including epidurals.
Midwife-led units: These maternity units do not have consultants working in them and offer services for women who show no signs of having any difficulty giving birth naturally. Most of them are staffed entirely by midwives although in a few GPs with training in obstetrics also provide care.
By and large these units offer a very different style of care compared with consultant units. In general there are no anaesthetists to administer epidurals and no surgeons to perform caesarean sections. Interventions are very limited. Midwife-led units can provide an environment in which women are given support to give birth without medical intervention or high levels of drugs for pain relief. However, if you do get into difficulties at one of these units, you would be quickly transferred to a large hospital.