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Catheter
A small, flexible tube. Catheters are commonly used in epidurals and when a woman cannot urinate (a catheter is placed up the urethra and into the bladder)--commonly referred to as "being cathed."
Cephalopelvic Disproportion (CPD)
The term given when the size, presentation, and position of the baby's head in relationship to the mom's pelvis prevents dilation of the cervix and/or decent of the baby's head.
Cervidil
A medication used to ripen the cervix before induction (or to induce labor by itself).
Cervix
The entrance to the uterus.
Cesarean
The baby is delivered via an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus. (-section, -birth, -delivery)
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
This procedure tests for genetic fetal defects by analyzing a piece of chorion, which is the outer tissues of the sac surrounding the embryo. CVS can be done earlier than amniocentesis, typically between 9 and 11 weeks of pregnancy.
Colostrum
Baby's first food, this is a thin white fluid discharged from the breasts at the beginning of milk production, and usually noticeable during the last few weeks of pregnancy (though may appear in tiny amounts as early as 16 weeks). Colostrum is rich in antibodies.
Complete Breech
The baby's buttocks are presenting at the cervix, but the legs are folded "indian style," making vaginal delivery difficult or impossible.
Conception
When the sperm penetrates the egg, a new life has been created.
Contraction
The regular tightening of the uterus, working to dilate and efface the cervix and to push the baby down the birth canal.
Cord Prolapse
Describes a condition where the umbilical cord slips down below the baby and into the vaginal canal during birth and is directly blocking the baby from being born without compressing the cord (which would cut off baby's oxygen and blood supply).
Crowned/Crowning
Describes when the baby's head is pushing though the fully dilated cervix and ready to pass into the birth canal.
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