Parenthood is a fascinating and transformational journey. It can be thrilling and at the same time daunting for first-time fathers with the changes that happen so fast. It’s like no one writes a manual for these things. And yeah, many fathers are pretty clueless when they finally become parents.
But not anymore.
This blog would provide you with basic terminologies that you need to know as a Dad or soon to be dad.
It’s so crucial to equip yourself with the information necessary to actively support your partner during pregnancy and delivery.
Knowing the phrases for each stage of pregnancy, from conception to birth, will not just help you appreciate them, but will also improve your capacity to communicate with and understand your partner. Here are 60 important terms that every dad to be should be getting acquainted with whilst waiting for baby to arrive.
Let’s get right into it
- Acid reflux: a condition that causes stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort. Ot usually happens as the size of the abdomen increases.
- Afterpains: the cramping and contractions that occur after giving birth.
- Amniotic Fluid: The fluid that surrounds and protects the baby in the womb.
- Baby blues: a period of emotional ups and downs that some mothers experience after childbirth.
- Baby Shower: A celebration where friends and family give gifts to the expectant mother.
- Bed rest: a period of rest recommended by a doctor. During pregnancy it can be for various reasons, such as preterm labour or high blood pressure.
- Braxton Hicks Contractions: Practice or mild contractions that can occur in the second and third trimesters. They usually resolve spontaneously or sometimes might need medications prescribed by a doctor.
- Breastfeeding: Feeding the baby with breast milk.
- Burping: a technique used to help babies expel air from their stomachs.
- Cervical effacement: the thinning and shortening of the cervix that occurs in preparation for labour. Doctors check it when trying to determine the progression of labour.
- Cervix: The lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. It should be dilated up to 10cm so that the baby can pass through
- Cesarean Section (C-Section): Surgical delivery of the baby through an incision in the mother’s abdomen.
- Circumcision: a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin from the penis.
- Colic: unexplained, prolonged crying in an otherwise healthy baby.
- Colostrum: The first milk produced by a mother’s breasts, rich in nutrients and antibodies.
- Conception: The process through which sperm fertilizes an egg to produce a zygote.
- Contraction: The tightening and shortening of the muscles of the uterus during labour, which helps to open the cervix and push the baby out of the uterus. Contractions can be painful and can vary in duration, frequency, and intensity. They can start mild and irregular and then become stronger and more regular as labour progresses.
- Cradle cap: a common skin condition in infants that causes a flaky, scaly rash on the scalp.
- Crowning: when the baby’s head emerges from the birth canal.
- Diaper rash: a common skin irritation in infants caused by wet or soiled diapers.
- Dilation: The opening of the cervix is during labour to allow the baby to pass through.
- EDD: Expected Date of Delivery
- Embryo: The early stage of development from conception to around the eighth week of pregnancy.
- Epidural: Anesthesia that is used to relieve pain during labour.
- Episiotomy: a surgical incision made in the perineum to assist with delivery so that the baby can pass.
- Fetus: The developing baby from the tenth week of pregnancy until birth.
- Gestation: The period during which the baby develops in the womb, typically lasting about 37 – 40 weeks.
- Gestational diabetes: a condition where the mother’s blood sugar levels become too high during pregnancy.
- Gripe water: a herbal remedy used to soothe a fussy baby.
- Gynecologist: a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system, including everything from fertility to pregnancy to menopause.
- Immunization: the process of becoming protected from disease by getting a vaccine, which contains a small amount of a weakened or dead version of the disease-causing agent. Babies get doses of vaccines after they are born.
- Jaundice: a common condition in newborns that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes.
- Labour: The process of childbirth, involving contractions that help the baby move through the birth canal.
- Labour induction: when labour is artificially started with medication such as syntocin or other methods
- Latching: the process of the baby attaching to the breast for breastfeeding.
- Lochia: the discharge of blood and uterine tissue that occurs after birth.
- Morning Sickness: Nausea and vomiting that some women experience during the early stages of pregnancy.
- Nausea: that awful feeling of unease and discomfort in the stomach that can lead to vomiting. It can be caused by a variety of things, including pregnancy ( “morning sickness”), motion sickness, food poisoning, and medications.
- Nesting: the urge to organize and prepare the home for the baby.
- Nursery: The baby’s room or area that is prepared with essentials like a crib, diapers, toys and clothes.
- Oxytocin: a hormone that’s known as the “love hormone” because it plays a role in social bonding and maternal behaviour. It’s also involved in labour, breastfeeding, and other reproductive functions.
- Pediatrician: a doctor who specializes in the medical care of children from birth through adolescence.
- Paternal Leave: Time off work for fathers to support their partner and bond with their newborn.
- Pelvic girdle pain: pain in the pelvic region caused by the loosening of ligaments during pregnancy.
- Placenta: An organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the baby. It basically connects the baby and mother allowing exchange of nutrients throughout pregnancy.
- Placenta previa: a condition where the placenta covers the cervix, which can cause bleeding and preterm labour.
- Postpartum: The period after childbirth, including physical and emotional recovery.
- Pre-eclampsia: a condition that can occur during pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine.
- Prenatal Care: Medical care and check-ups for both the mother and baby throughout the experience.
- Spit-up: a common occurrence in infants where they vomit small amounts of milk.
- Tongue-tie: a condition where the tongue is connected to the bottom of the mouth with a short, tight band of tissue.
- Trimesters: Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters, each lasting about three months.
- Tummy time: a recommended activity where babies are placed on their stomachs to help develop their neck and back muscles.
- Ultrasound: A medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the developing fetus.
- Vaginal tearing: the stretching or tearing of the vaginal tissue that can occur during childbirth.
- Water breaking: the rupture of the amniotic sac that surrounds the baby.
- Wet nurse: a woman who breastfeeds another woman’s baby.
- White noise: a type of sound that is used to soothe and calm babies. (We use this exact machine for both my boys)
- Developmental milestones: Milestones in the growth of your baby that doctors check to access the growth of your baby. Some are age of sitting without support, crawling social smile etc.
- Breech: Abnormal baby presentation at delivery. Instead of the head down the baby presents with the buttocks or feet first.
Remember, pregnancy is a personal experience for every couple, and there are a lot of terminologies associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Communication, desire for knowledge and support are pivotal throughout the journey. Understanding these terms can help first-time dads be more involved and informed during this significant period. As a first time dad, you should not be afraid. Don’t enter into panic mode, no matter what happens. Just seek the right help, and support your partner. Also take your time. You cannot know it all at once. Do not be too hard on yourself, dear dad!