Lightening

From WikiMD.org
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Lightening

Lightening (pronunciation: /ˈlaɪt(ə)nɪŋ/) is a term used in the field of Obstetrics to describe the process in which the fetus moves towards the pelvic region as the birth approaches. This usually occurs a few weeks before labor in first-time mothers, but it may happen later in women who have had previous pregnancies.

Etymology

The term 'lightening' comes from the feeling of relief that a pregnant woman experiences when the fetus descends into the pelvic region, making it easier for her to breathe. The term is derived from the Old English 'līhtan', which means 'to alleviate' or 'to make light'.

Related Terms

  • Engagement (Obstetrics): This is the process where the widest part of the fetus's head enters the pelvic brim. This usually happens after lightening in first-time mothers.
  • Braxton Hicks contractions: These are often referred to as 'practice contractions' and may become more noticeable after lightening.
  • Crowning (childbirth): This is the stage of childbirth where the baby's head remains visible without slipping back in. This happens much later than lightening, during the second stage of labor.
  • Station (Obstetrics): This term is used to describe the descent of the baby's head into the pelvis. The station is measured in relation to the ischial spines of the mother's pelvis.
  • Effacement (Obstetrics): This is the thinning of the cervix in preparation for childbirth, which may begin to occur around the same time as lightening.

External links

Esculaap.svg

This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.


Languages: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, Urdu, বাংলা, తెలుగు, தமிழ், ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, European español, Deutsch, français, русский, português do Brasil, Italian, polski