Pregnancy Terms

Brush up on these pregnancy terms to know before your ultrasound appointment! Here are fourteen terms and definitions that you may hear during your ultrasound appointment-some of these words may be new to you. If you have a question during your ultrasound, please ask! We want you to be informed and comfortable.

1.Conception

Biologically, conception is the moment when a sperm cell from a male enters the ovum, or egg, from a female. The process is also known as fertilization and is the initial stage of development for human growth.

2. Fetus

An unborn human baby more than eight weeks after conception. ➡️An embryo is a human offspring during the period from approximately the second to the eighth week after fertilization (after which it is usually termed a fetus).

3. Ectopic Pregnancy

A pregnancy that develops somewhere other than within the uterus. This is usually in the fallopian tube but can be elsewhere in the pelvis. An ectopic pregnancy must be terminated, as it is dangerous to the mother.

4. Fetal Heart Rate

In the fetus, the number of heartbeats per minute. The normal range can vary depending on the age of the baby.

5. Gestation

The process of carrying or being carried in the womb between conception and birth.

6. Gestational Age

How far along you are. Pregnancy is dated from the first day of the last menstrual period. This is approximately two weeks longer than the conception date.

7. In Utero

Within the uterus.

8. Miscarriage

The expulsion of a fetus from the womb before it is able to survive independently. It can be
spontaneous or the result of an accident. Also called a Spontaneous Abortion.

9. Placenta

The organ inside the uterus is attached to the baby by the umbilical cord. It is essential during
pregnancy for the growth and development of the baby.

10. Sonogram

Also called an Ultrasound. Uses sound waves to produce a visual image of the unborn baby. A sonogram can be
used to give an accurate answer to “How far along am I?”.

11. Trimester

The word trimester means “three months.” Pregnancy is broken down into three periods
(trimesters) of three months each.

12. Urine Pregnancy Tests

A pregnancy test that uses urine to find the hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, or
HCG. Urine Pregnancy tests are taken two weeks after conception, or any time after a woman
misses a period.

13. Uterus

A female organ that holds the pregnancy where a baby grows. Also called a Womb.

14. Viable Pregnancy

A Viable Pregnancy is one in which the baby can be born and have a reasonable chance of survival. By contrast, a nonviable pregnancy is one in which the baby has no chance of being born alive-an example is an Ectopic Pregnancy.

Have other questions? Give us a call 24/7 at 513-321-3100 or schedule at the link at the top of this page. Even More Pregnancy Terms to Know before your Ultrasound: Labor and Birth: Terms to Know.

Links

The Top 11 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Before Your Ultrasound: 14 Terms To Know