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Glossary
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Afterbirth
The placenta is commonly called the afterbirth once it has been delivered.
All Terrain Wheels
All terrain wheels have oversized tyres which are usually filled with air for extra comfort. In many ways they are like off-road mountain bike tyres in that they are ...
Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP)
This is a protein, produced by the foetus's liver, which can be detected in the mother's blood - most accurately between the 16th and 18th weeks of pregnancy. High ...
Amniocentesis (Amnio)
A diagnostic test used to determine possible genetic abnormalities; it is usually performed between weeks 15 and 18 of pregnancy. Amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the amniotic sac by ...
Amniotic fluid
The clear straw-coloured liquid in the amniotic sac in which the foetus grows. It cushions the baby against pressure and knocks, allows the baby to move around and grow ...
Amniotic sac
The sac or "bag of waters" filled with amniotic fluid in which the developing baby grows. The membranes which make up the sac may occasionally rupture naturally as labour ...
Angle indicator
A device that indicates whether a child's car seat is appropriately positioned and is at the right level of incline on the vehicle seat.
Anomaly Scan
A screening which uses ultrasound scanning to detect certain abnormalities within the foetus.
Antenatal care
Medical care for a pregnant woman and her developing baby for the duration of the pregnancy.
Antenatal classes
A method of emotional and physical preparation for childbirth, including pain reduction techniques.
Antenatal tests
Medical tests conducted during pregnancy to determine any genetic disorders in the foetus and/or to check the well-being of the woman.
Anterior position
When the baby's spine faces the front of the pelvis during pregnancy and/or labour.
APGAR test
The APGAR test is routinely used one minute and five minutes (and sometimes ten minutes) after birth to assess a newborn baby's health. It assesses five basic indicators of ...
Appliance locks
Plastic hinges, straps and locks that can be fixed to household appliances (DVDs, videos, fridges) to prevent unsupervised opening or access.
Areola
The areola is the dark area on the breast surrounding the nipple; this area may spread or darken further during pregnancy.
Armoire
A wardrobe - usually part of a coordinated range of nursery furniture. Generally it will have two doors which open to reveal shelves, a hanging rail and sometimes two ...
Aromatherapy
A form of alternative medicine that uses essential oils and other aromatic compounds from plants to help alleviate ailments. Certain oils combined in the right quantities can be used in pregnancy and ...
Assisted conception treatment
Any procedure which involves medical intervention to aid conception.
Audio/Movement Monitors
An audio baby monitor which includes a sensor pad. (See Sensor Pad).
Audio/Video Monitors
A baby monitor which transmits an image as well as the sound of the baby. A video camera in the nursery sends pictures to a small receiving unit, which ...
Auto Close gate
A spring-loaded device on some safety gates which ensures that the gate will close automatically if accidentally left in an open position. Auto Close gates are good for high ...
Auto Lock
Device on a safety gate which ensures that the gate locks automatically when it is shut.