Uncomplicated Momming

Understanding Fertility and Pregnancy Jargon

Navigating the world of fertility and pregnancy can feel like learning a new language, filled with big words and endless acronyms. From TTC to IUGR, this guide breaks down the most common terms and abbreviations I encountered on my journey to becoming a parent and you likely will, too. Whether you’re tracking ovulation, managing a high-risk pregnancy, or deciphering your doctor’s notes, I’ll try to help! Note this list is not exhaustive, just the ones I came across most.

1. TTC (Trying to Conceive): The period during which a person or couple is actively attempting to become pregnant.
2. WPP (Weeks Postpartum): The number of weeks since a woman has given birth. Used to track recovery and postpartum changes.
3. MPP (Months Postpartum): The number of months since a woman has given birth. Used to track long-term postpartum recovery and milestones.
4. DPO (Days Post Ovulation): The number of days that have passed since ovulation, often used to track potential pregnancy symptoms.
5. IUI (Intrauterine Insemination): A fertility treatment that involves placing sperm directly into a woman’s uterus to increase the chances of fertilization.
6. IVF (In Vitro Fertilization): A fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries and fertilized by sperm in a laboratory, with the resulting embryo(s) then transferred to the uterus.
7. LMP (Last Menstrual Period): The first day of a woman’s last period, used to calculate the estimated due date of a pregnancy.
8. LH (Luteinizing Hormone): A hormone that triggers ovulation; LH surges can be detected with ovulation predictor kits.
9. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): A hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age that can affect ovulation and fertility.
10. Progesterone: A hormone produced by the ovaries that helps prepare the uterine lining for pregnancy and maintain early pregnancy.
11. hCG Test (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin Test): A test that measures the levels of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in the body to confirm pregnancy. There are two types of hCG tests:
    • Qualitative hCG Test: Detects whether the hCG hormone is present in the blood or urine and provides a simple yes-or-no answer to whether someone is pregnant.
    • Quantitative hCG Test (Beta hCG Test): Measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood, which can provide more detailed information about the pregnancy’s progression and is used to monitor early pregnancy, detect potential complications, and evaluate the health of a pregnancy.
12. RE (Reproductive Endocrinologist): A medical doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating infertility and hormonal disorders affecting reproduction.
13. MFM (Maternal-Fetal Medicine): A medical specialty that focuses on managing health concerns of the mother and fetus before, during, and shortly after pregnancy. Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists, also known as perinatologists, are obstetricians who have received additional training to care for high-risk pregnancies and provide specialized care, including advanced fetal monitoring, genetic testing, and managing complex maternal health conditions.
14. Apgar Score: A quick assessment of a newborn’s health, evaluating heart rate, breathing, muscle tone, reflex response, and color immediately after birth.
15. Braxton Hicks Contractions: Irregular, often painless contractions during pregnancy, sometimes referred to as “practice contractions.”
16. Di/Di Twins (Dichorionic/Diamniotic Twins): Twins who have separate placentas and amniotic sacs, indicating they are either fraternal twins or identical twins who split very early.
17. EDD (Estimated Due Date): The calculated date when a baby is expected to be born, typically based on the LMP.
18. EFW (Estimated Fetal Weight): An estimate of the baby’s weight in utero, often based on ultrasound measurements.
19. FHR (Fetal Heart Rate): The number of heartbeats per minute of the fetus, monitored during pregnancy and labor.
20. NST (Non-Stress Test): A prenatal test used to monitor the fetal heart rate and movement to ensure the baby’s well-being. During an NST, sensors are placed on the mother’s abdomen to measure the baby’s heart rate in response to its movements. The test is called “non-stress” because it does not place any stress on the fetus; it simply observes how the baby’s heart rate reacts when it moves. NSTs are commonly performed in the third trimester, especially in high-risk pregnancies or when there are concerns about the baby’s health.
21. Gestational Age: The age of the fetus calculated from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period.
22. Adjusted Age (Corrected Age): A developmental age used for premature babies to account for their early birth when assessing growth and developmental milestones.
23. GD (Gestational Diabetes): A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy, often diagnosed with a glucose tolerance test.
24. High-Risk Pregnancy: A pregnancy with an increased risk of health problems for the mother or baby, often requiring specialized care.
25. LGA (Large for Gestational Age): A term describing a baby who is larger than the typical weight range for their gestational age.
26. NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit): A specialized unit in hospitals that provides intensive care for premature and ill newborns.
27. NT Scan (Nuchal Translucency Scan): An ultrasound performed in the first trimester to measure the thickness at the back of the baby’s neck, used to assess the risk of Down syndrome and other chromosomal abnormalities.
28. Placenta Previa: A condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which can cause complications during delivery.
29. Preeclampsia: A pregnancy complication characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to other organs, often the kidneys; can occur after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
30. Preterm Labor: Labor that begins before 37 weeks of pregnancy, potentially leading to preterm birth.
31. SGA (Small for Gestational Age): A term describing a baby who is smaller than the typical weight range for their gestational age.
32. IUGR (Intrauterine Growth Restriction): A condition in which a fetus is smaller than expected for the number of weeks of pregnancy, typically because the fetus is not growing at a normal rate inside the womb. IUGR can be due to various factors, including placental problems, maternal health conditions, or genetic disorders, and it can lead to potential complications during pregnancy and delivery.
33. VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean): A vaginal delivery after a previous birth was delivered by cesarean section.

Measure of Time

1. Gestational Age Notation (e.g., 34w1d): This format is commonly used to indicate how far along a pregnancy is:
   • w: Stands for weeks of pregnancy.
   • d: Stands for days of pregnancy.
   • 34w1d: Indicates 34 weeks and 1 day of pregnancy.

These terms and acronyms provide a foundation for understanding the various aspects of fertility and pregnancy, helping individuals navigate their journey with more confidence and knowledge.