Prenatal Care Terminology

Use this glossary to explain common terms patients, families, and healthcare professionals may hear when discussing pregnancy, routine prenatal care, screening, fetal development, and pregnancy-related conditions.

Prenatal care, also called antenatal care, provides ongoing assessment, education, screening, prevention, and support during pregnancy. Care is tailored to the pregnant individual’s health, pregnancy history, social needs, preferences, and risk factors. The exact schedule and services may vary by location, healthcare professional, and individual clinical needs.

Core concepts and prenatal care providers

Prenatal care: Healthcare provided during pregnancy to support the health and well-being of the pregnant individual and developing fetus through assessment, screening, prevention, education, and treatment.
Antenatal care: Another term for prenatal care, commonly used in global health and healthcare settings outside the United States.
Prenatal visit: A scheduled appointment during pregnancy to assess health, discuss concerns, provide education, complete recommended screening, and monitor the pregnancy.
Obstetrician-gynecologist (ob-gyn): A physician trained to provide care related to pregnancy, childbirth, the reproductive system, and related health conditions.
Certified nurse-midwife (CNM): A healthcare professional trained to provide pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and reproductive healthcare within their scope of practice.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialist: An obstetrician-gynecologist with additional training in caring for pregnancies with complex medical or pregnancy-related conditions.
Prenatal care team: The healthcare professionals and support services involved in a person’s pregnancy care. The team may include physicians, midwives, nurses, dietitians, social workers, genetic counselors, and other specialists.
Tailored prenatal care: A care approach that adjusts visit timing, monitoring, services, and care delivery to the pregnant individual’s medical, social, and personal needs.
Telehealth prenatal visit: A prenatal appointment provided by video or telephone when the needed assessment or service can be safely completed remotely.
Shared decision-making: A process in which the pregnant individual and healthcare team discuss options, benefits, risks, uncertainties, and personal preferences before making a care decision.
Social needs assessment: A discussion about factors such as housing, food, transportation, safety, finances, language access, and social support that may affect health and access to care.

Pregnancy dating and stages

Pregnancy: The period during which a fertilized egg develops in the uterus.
Gestational age: The length of a pregnancy, usually measured in weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period.
Trimester: One of the three stages of pregnancy. The first trimester is early pregnancy, the second trimester is the middle portion, and the third trimester is the final portion before birth.
Last menstrual period (LMP): The first day of the most recent menstrual period, used to help estimate gestational age and the due date.
Estimated due date (EDD): The estimated date when the pregnancy reaches approximately 40 weeks. Most babies are not born exactly on this date.
Dating ultrasound: An ultrasound examination used to estimate gestational age and support calculation of the estimated due date.
Viability: The stage of fetal development at which survival outside the uterus may be possible with medical support. The meaning and clinical assessment of viability depend on gestational age, health, and available care.
Singleton pregnancy: A pregnancy with one fetus.
Multiple pregnancy: A pregnancy with two or more fetuses, such as twins or triplets.
Preterm birth: Birth that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.
Full-term pregnancy: A pregnancy that reaches 39 weeks through 40 weeks and 6 days, according to commonly used obstetric definitions.

Routine prenatal assessment

Medical history: Information about current and past health conditions, surgeries, medications, allergies, mental health, family history, and prior pregnancies.
Reproductive history: Information about previous pregnancies, births, pregnancy losses, complications, and reproductive health.
Vital signs: Measurements such as blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature.
Weight and body mass index (BMI): Measurements that may help assess nutrition, health risks, and recommended weight gain during pregnancy.
Blood pressure measurement: Checking blood pressure to monitor general health and screen for hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Urinalysis: Testing a urine sample for substances or findings such as protein, glucose, blood, or signs of infection.
Urine culture: Testing a urine sample in a laboratory to identify bacteria that may cause a urinary tract infection.
Fundal height: The measurement from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus, used after a certain stage of pregnancy to help monitor fetal growth.
Fetal heart rate: The number of fetal heartbeats per minute, assessed by a Doppler device, electronic monitor, or ultrasound when indicated.
Fetal movement: Movement felt by the pregnant individual as the fetus develops. A noticeable change in usual movement should be discussed promptly with a healthcare professional.
Physical examination: An examination that may include assessment of the heart, lungs, abdomen, thyroid, legs, and other areas based on the person’s history and pregnancy needs.
Mental health screening: Assessment for depression, anxiety, trauma-related concerns, substance use, or other mental health needs during pregnancy.

Laboratory tests and infection screening

Complete blood count (CBC): A blood test that measures blood cells and may help identify anemia, infection, or other conditions.
Blood type: The classification of blood based on markers on red blood cells, such as A, B, AB, or O.
Rh factor: A protein that may be present on red blood cells. A person who lacks this protein is Rh negative.
Antibody screen: A blood test that checks for antibodies that could affect the pregnant individual or fetus, including antibodies related to blood-type incompatibility.
Rh sensitization: An immune response that may occur when an Rh-negative person is exposed to Rh-positive blood and develops antibodies.
Rh immune globulin: Medication that may be given to eligible Rh-negative pregnant individuals to reduce the risk of developing antibodies against Rh-positive blood cells.
Rubella immunity testing: A blood test that checks whether a person has protection against rubella, an infection that can cause serious problems during pregnancy.
HIV screening: Testing for human immunodeficiency virus so that treatment and steps to reduce transmission to the fetus or newborn can be discussed.
Syphilis screening: Testing for syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection that can affect pregnancy and fetal health if untreated.
Hepatitis B screening: Testing for hepatitis B virus so that treatment and newborn preventive care can be planned when needed.
Hepatitis C screening: Testing for hepatitis C virus to identify an infection and discuss evaluation, treatment, and care planning.
Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening: Testing for infections that can affect the pregnant individual or fetus and may require treatment during pregnancy.
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) screening: Testing late in pregnancy for bacteria that may be present in the vagina or rectum and can sometimes cause serious infection in a newborn.
Genetic carrier screening: Testing a person or couple to determine whether they carry a gene for certain inherited conditions that could affect a child.
Glucose screening test: A test used to screen for gestational diabetes, often performed during the second trimester.
Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): A blood test performed after drinking a measured glucose solution to evaluate how the body processes sugar.

Prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing

Prenatal genetic testing: Screening or diagnostic testing used to assess the chance of certain genetic conditions or birth defects.
Prenatal genetic screening: Testing that estimates the chance of a genetic condition but does not by itself confirm a diagnosis.
Cell-free DNA screening: A blood test that analyzes small pieces of placental DNA found in the pregnant individual’s bloodstream to estimate the chance of certain chromosome conditions.
First-trimester screening: A combination of blood tests and ultrasound assessment used to estimate the chance of selected chromosome conditions early in pregnancy.
Nuchal translucency ultrasound: An ultrasound measurement of fluid at the back of the fetal neck that may be used as part of first-trimester screening.
Second-trimester serum screening: Blood testing performed during the second trimester to estimate the chance of selected chromosome conditions or neural tube defects.
Diagnostic testing: Testing that can help determine whether a specific genetic condition or other condition is present. Diagnostic tests may carry risks and should be discussed with the healthcare team.
Chorionic villus sampling (CVS): A diagnostic test that collects a small sample of placental tissue for genetic testing.
Amniocentesis: A diagnostic test that uses a needle to collect a small sample of amniotic fluid for genetic or other testing.
Genetic counseling: Professional guidance that helps a person understand genetic risks, testing options, possible results, limitations, and choices.

Ultrasound and fetal assessment

Ultrasound: An imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the uterus, placenta, amniotic fluid, and developing fetus.
Transabdominal ultrasound: An ultrasound performed with a probe moved over the abdomen.
Transvaginal ultrasound: An ultrasound performed with a specially designed probe placed in the vagina to obtain images of the uterus, cervix, ovaries, or early pregnancy.
Anatomy scan: A detailed ultrasound examination, often performed during the second trimester, to assess fetal anatomy and development.
Fetal growth ultrasound: An ultrasound used to assess fetal size, growth patterns, amniotic fluid, and related findings.
Doppler ultrasound: An ultrasound technique used to evaluate blood flow through blood vessels or the fetal circulation.
Amniotic fluid: The fluid surrounding the fetus inside the amniotic sac. It cushions the fetus and supports development.
Placenta: An organ that develops during pregnancy and transfers oxygen and nutrients to the fetus while carrying waste products away.
Placental location: The position of the placenta in the uterus, assessed during ultrasound when relevant to pregnancy care.
Nonstress test (NST): A test that monitors fetal heart rate and movement, usually during the later part of pregnancy.
Biophysical profile (BPP): A test that combines ultrasound observations and fetal heart-rate monitoring to assess fetal well-being.
Antenatal fetal surveillance: Monitoring performed before birth to assess fetal well-being when there is a medical or pregnancy-related reason.

Common pregnancy-related conditions

High-risk pregnancy: A pregnancy with a higher chance of health problems for the pregnant individual, fetus, or both because of medical history, current health, pregnancy complications, or other factors.
Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops or is first recognized during pregnancy.
Gestational hypertension: High blood pressure that begins during pregnancy without certain findings that would meet the definition of preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia: A pregnancy-related condition involving high blood pressure and signs that organs may be affected. It requires medical evaluation and monitoring.
Eclampsia: Seizures associated with preeclampsia. This is a medical emergency.
Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe, ongoing nausea and vomiting during pregnancy that may cause dehydration, weight loss, or electrolyte problems.
Anemia: A condition in which the blood does not carry enough oxygen, commonly related to a low number of red blood cells or low hemoglobin.
Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, most often in a fallopian tube. It can become life-threatening and requires prompt medical care.
Miscarriage: The loss of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive outside the uterus.
Stillbirth: The loss of a pregnancy after the stage defined by local clinical or legal standards for stillbirth.
Fetal growth restriction (FGR): A condition in which the fetus is smaller than expected for the gestational age, often requiring additional assessment or monitoring.
Placenta previa: A condition in which the placenta covers or is close to the opening of the cervix.
Placental abruption: Partial or complete separation of the placenta from the uterus before birth.
Preterm labor: Regular contractions that cause changes in the cervix before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.
Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM): Breaking of the amniotic sac before labor begins.
Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM): Breaking of the amniotic sac before labor begins and before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.
Rh incompatibility: A difference in Rh blood type between the pregnant individual and fetus that may create a risk of Rh sensitization.

Prevention, treatment, and health education

Prenatal vitamin: A supplement that may contain nutrients such as folic acid, iron, iodine, vitamin D, and other vitamins or minerals recommended during pregnancy.
Folic acid: A B vitamin that helps reduce the risk of certain neural tube defects when taken before and during early pregnancy.
Iron supplementation: Taking iron to prevent or treat iron-deficiency anemia when recommended by a healthcare professional.
Nutrition counseling: Guidance about food, nutrients, weight gain, food safety, and hydration during pregnancy.
Exercise counseling: Guidance about physical activity that is appropriate for the person’s health, pregnancy, and clinical circumstances.
Vaccination during pregnancy: Receiving recommended vaccines to protect the pregnant individual and, in some cases, provide protection to the newborn after birth.
Low-dose aspirin: A medication that may be recommended for selected pregnant individuals at increased risk of preeclampsia. It should be used only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Antihypertensive therapy: Medication used to treat high blood pressure when treatment is indicated during pregnancy.
Insulin therapy: Medication treatment used to manage blood glucose when lifestyle measures or other approaches are not enough.
Antenatal corticosteroids: Medication given in selected situations when preterm birth is expected, to help support fetal lung development.
Prenatal education: Information and preparation about pregnancy changes, warning signs, childbirth, feeding, newborn care, and available support.
Birth plan: A written or discussed summary of a person’s preferences for labor, birth, pain relief, support people, and newborn care. It may change as medical needs or preferences change.

Referrals, urgent concerns, and next steps

Referral: A recommendation or arrangement for evaluation or treatment by another healthcare professional or service.
Maternal-fetal medicine referral: Referral to a specialist for additional assessment or care when a pregnancy has complex medical, fetal, or pregnancy-related needs.
Genetic counseling referral: Referral to a genetic counselor to discuss family history, screening, diagnostic testing, or possible inherited conditions.
Triage: The clinical process of assessing symptoms and prioritizing how quickly a pregnant individual needs evaluation.
Urgent evaluation: Prompt assessment when symptoms may indicate a serious concern, such as heavy vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal pain, severe headache, vision changes, chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizure, or a significant change in fetal movement.
Hospital admission: Staying in the hospital for continued monitoring, treatment, or evaluation.
Transfer: Moving a pregnant individual to another hospital, unit, or specialized service for care that is not available at the current location.
Follow-up: Additional evaluation, testing, education, or treatment after a prenatal visit or pregnancy-related concern.
Postpartum care: Healthcare provided after birth to assess physical recovery, emotional well-being, feeding, contraception, and ongoing health needs.

Prenatal care terminology and recommended services may vary by country, healthcare system, individual risk factors, and clinical guidance. A healthcare professional can explain which visits, tests, treatments, and monitoring options are appropriate for a particular pregnancy.

Prenatal Care Terminology

A glossary of common terms related to prenatal visits, pregnancy monitoring, screening, prevention, and care planning.