English Vocabulary - Labour and Childbirth - English Like A Native

Summary

In this video, Anna English provides a comprehensive guide to childbirth vocabulary, breaking down the terms and processes involved in pregnancy, labor, and delivery. From full-term and preterm pregnancies to vaginal births and C-sections, Anna explains the key medical terms related to childbirth. She covers pain relief options like hypnobirthing and epidurals, the stages of labor, and the roles of medical professionals like midwives and obstetricians. With personal anecdotes and practical insights, the video serves as an informative resource for anyone looking to understand the terminology and process of giving birth.

Takeaways

• 😀 You 'have' a baby but you 'give birth' to a baby, and the room where the baby is delivered is called the 'delivery room'.
• 😀 Full-term pregnancy is around 40 weeks, while preterm refers to babies born before 37 weeks, and overdue babies are born after 40 weeks.
• 😀 A vaginal birth is also known as a 'natural birth', while a C-section (Caesarean section) involves surgically delivering the baby through the abdomen.
• 😀 Water birth is a type of vaginal birth where the baby is delivered in water, either in a hospital pool or at home.
• 😀 Labor is the hard work of pushing the baby out, and can either begin naturally or be induced through medical interventions.
• 😀 Labor induction can involve methods like membrane sweeps, pessary tablets, or a hormone drip through a cannula.
• 😀 During labor, the cervix must dilate to 10 cm to allow the baby to pass, and vaginal exams help monitor dilation and other stages.
• 😀 Contractions are painful muscle tightenings that help push the baby out during labor, and pain relief options are available.
• 😀 Pain relief options include hypnobirthing (breathing and relaxation techniques), gas and air, epidurals, and spinal blocks.
• 😀 Medical professionals involved in childbirth include midwives, obstetricians, pediatricians, gynecologists, and anesthetists.
• 😀 After birth, the first stool of the baby is called 'meconium', which is black, sticky, and different from regular baby poop.

Q & A

What does the term 'full-term' refer to in pregnancy?

Full-term refers to a pregnancy that lasts around 40 weeks, during which the baby is fully developed and ready to be born.

What is the difference between preterm and overdue births?

A preterm birth occurs when a baby is born before 37 weeks of pregnancy, while an overdue birth happens when the pregnancy lasts longer than 40 weeks.

What are the main types of childbirth mentioned in the video?

The main types of childbirth discussed are vaginal birth (natural birth), Caesarean section (C-section), and water birth.

How is labor typically induced if it does not begin naturally?

Labor can be induced using methods like a membrane sweep, pessary (a tablet or gel inserted into the vagina), or a hormone drip administered through a cannula.

What does 'dilation' mean during labor?

Dilation refers to the process of the cervix opening in preparation for childbirth, measured in centimeters. During active labor, the cervix typically dilates to about 10 centimeters.

What is the role of the mucus plug during pregnancy?

The mucus plug seals the cervix during pregnancy, preventing bacteria from entering the uterus. When it comes out, it signals that labor may begin soon.

What are 'contractions' in the context of childbirth?

Contractions are the tightening of the muscles in the uterus that help push the baby out during labor. They can be very painful and are a key indicator that labor is progressing.

What are some pain relief options during labor?

Pain relief options during labor include hypnobirthing (a drug-free approach), gas and air (inhaled for pain relief), epidurals (injected into the back for numbing), and spinal blocks (used mainly for C-sections).

What is the purpose of an episiotomy during childbirth?

An episiotomy is a surgical cut made between the vagina and anus to relieve pressure and prevent severe tearing during vaginal birth.

What happens after a baby is born, in terms of the placenta and umbilical cord?

After the baby is born, the placenta, which nourished the baby during pregnancy, is expelled. The umbilical cord, which connects the baby to the placenta, is cut, often by the father or another loved one.