Glossary

Baby Blues

Refers to a common temporary feeling of sadness that occurs a few days after delivery and can last up to 2 weeks

Cesarean delivery

A surgical procedure used to deliver a baby through incisions in the abdomen and uterus

Dyspnea

Shortness of breath or feeling like you can’t catch your breath

Ectopic pregnancy

Fertilized egg attaches outside the uterus, most often in the fallopian tube

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

A congenital syndrome caused by excessive consumption of alcohol by the mother during pregnancy, can cause problems in mental development and physical growth

Gestational diabetes

A condition characterized by elevated glucose levels in the blood during pregnancy

Listeria

A group of bacteria commonly found in raw foods that can cause illness including potentially fatal infections

Mania

Mental illness marked by periods of great excitement or euphoria, delusions, and overactivity

Neonatal abstinence syndrome

A withdrawal syndrome that can occur to newborns who have been exposed to substances, including opioids, during pregnancy. Symptoms can include, but are not limited to, tremors, seizures, and twitching.

Orthopnea

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing when lying down

Perinatal Depression

Depression that occurs during pregnancy or the first year after birth

Peripartum cardiomyopathy

An uncommon form of heart failure that happens during the last month of pregnancy or up to 5 months after giving birth. Also known as postpartum cardiomyopathy

Postpartum depression

Strong feelings of sadness, anxiety and tiredness that lasts a long time after giving birth

Preeclampsia

Condition involving high blood pressuring in pregnancy and can increase risk of brain injury, blood clotting, seizures as well as maternal and infant death

Preterm labor

Labor that starts before 37 weeks of pregnancy. This does not mean that a birth will occur, however immediate medical attention is needed.

Reproductive coercion

Behavior intended to maintain power and control in a relationship related to reproductive health by someone who is, was, or wishes to be involved in an intimate or dating relationship with an adult or adolescent

Salmonella

A bacterium that causes salmonellosis through foods and contaminated animal feces

Self-agency

This is the sense that some actions are self-generated. Essentially, it is the idea that an individual can influence new patterns within themself as well as in their environment and that people can be influenced by old, current and expected future patterns within themself at any given time – in real time.

Self-care

The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress

Social support

Having friends and family to turn to in a time of crisis to give broader focus and positive self-image. Enhances quality of life and provides a buffer against life events.

Sudden infant death syndrome

The death of a seemingly healthy baby in its sleep, due to apparent spontaneous cessation of breathing. The cause is unknown, however smoking during pregnancy can be a risk factor.

Toxoplasma

A parasite commonly found in undercooked or contaminated meat and infected cat feces

Well-Being

The state of being comfortable, healthy or happy through different elements that includes physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual and economical.