Braxton-Hicks contractions – “false” contractions; these minor contractions are felt as early as the 6th or 7th month and are working to prepare your uterus for the big event
breech – when a baby is positioned in the uterus feet-first rather than with his head down; if your baby is breech, your doctor or midwife might have suggestions for encouraging him to turn before his birth day; in most cases, breech babies are delivered by C-section
gestational age – the age of the fetus, or how many weeks along the pregnancy is
kick count – a record of baby’s movement over a certain period of time; doesn’t require any medical instrument, just a little attention from mom
lightening – the dropping of the fetus further into the birth canal; happens in the weeks before delivery
perineal massage – gently stretching and massaging the perineum to prevent tearing during delivery; many experts believe it greatly reduces the need for an episiotomy
quickening – the initial feeling of fetal movement felt by the mother.
