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B1 Health

At the Maternity Unit — Giving Birth

In this lesson you will learn essential medical vocabulary for talking with doctors and nurses in a maternity unit. This language is useful whether you are pregnant, accompanying someone through labour, or simply want to understand how childbirth is discussed in English medical settings.

1

Vocabulary

15 words
labour /ˈleɪbər/ noun
The process of giving birth, from the beginning of contractions until the baby is delivered.
She was in labour for twelve hours before the baby was finally born.
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contraction /kənˈtrækʃən/ noun
A powerful tightening of the uterus muscles that helps push the baby out during labour. Contractions become stronger and more frequent as labour progresses.
The contractions were coming every five minutes, so the midwife told her to come to the hospital.
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midwife /ˈmɪdwaɪf/ noun
A healthcare professional trained to assist women during pregnancy, labour, and the period after birth. Midwives manage normal births independently and call doctors when complications arise.
The midwife checked the baby's heartbeat regularly throughout the labour.
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obstetrician /ˌɒbstɪˈtrɪʃən/ noun
A doctor who specialises in pregnancy, childbirth, and women's care after delivery. Obstetricians manage high-risk pregnancies and perform caesarean sections.
The obstetrician decided that a caesarean section was necessary because the baby was in the wrong position.
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epidural /ˌɛpɪˈdjʊərəl/ noun
A type of anaesthetic injected into the space around the spinal cord in the lower back. It blocks pain signals from the lower body and is commonly used during labour.
After six hours of contractions, she asked the anaesthetist for an epidural to manage the pain.
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caesarean section /sɪˈzeəriən ˈsekʃən/ noun phrase
A surgical operation in which the baby is delivered through a cut in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It may be planned in advance or performed as an emergency.
Because the baby's heart rate dropped suddenly, the team performed an emergency caesarean section.
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dilate /daɪˈleɪt/ verb
When the cervix gradually opens wider during labour to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal. Full dilation is 10 centimetres.
The midwife examined her and said the cervix had dilated to seven centimetres.
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cervix /ˈsɜːvɪks/ noun
The lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens (dilates) during labour to allow the baby to be born.
The doctor explained that the cervix needed to dilate fully before she could start pushing.
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amniotic fluid /ˌæmniˈɒtɪk ˈfluːɪd/ noun phrase
The liquid that surrounds and protects the baby inside the uterus during pregnancy. When the amniotic sac breaks, this is called the 'waters breaking'.
Her waters broke in the early morning, releasing the amniotic fluid, and contractions started shortly afterwards.
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placenta /pləˈsentə/ noun
An organ that grows in the uterus during pregnancy and supplies the baby with oxygen and nutrients from the mother's blood. It is delivered after the baby is born.
After the baby arrived, the midwife waited for the placenta to be delivered naturally.
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umbilical cord /ʌmˈbɪlɪkəl kɔːd/ noun phrase
The flexible tube connecting the baby to the placenta, through which the baby receives oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy. After birth, it is clamped and cut.
The midwife asked the father if he would like to cut the umbilical cord after the baby was born.
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anaesthetist /əˈniːsθətɪst/ noun
A doctor who specialises in giving anaesthetics — drugs that remove sensation or cause unconsciousness before or during medical procedures.
The anaesthetist came in and explained exactly how the epidural would work before giving the injection.
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postnatal /ˌpəʊstˈneɪtəl/ adjective
Relating to the period immediately after childbirth, for both the mother and the newborn baby.
She spent two nights on the postnatal ward before she was well enough to go home.
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ward /wɔːd/ noun
A room or section of a hospital where patients with similar conditions are cared for. Maternity hospitals have delivery wards, postnatal wards, and neonatal wards.
After the birth, she was moved from the delivery room to the postnatal ward to recover.
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newborn /ˈnjuːbɔːn/ noun / adjective
A recently born baby, typically in the first weeks of life. Newborns are closely monitored by midwives and paediatricians after delivery.
The newborn was placed directly on the mother's chest to begin skin-to-skin contact.
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2

Test Yourself

10 questions
Question 1
What is a midwife?
A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who provides care during pregnancy, labour, and the postnatal period. Midwives manage normal births independently and involve doctors when complications arise.
Question 2
What does it mean when the cervix 'dilates'?
During labour, the cervix dilates (opens) from 0 to 10 centimetres. When it is fully dilated, the mother can begin pushing. The midwife checks dilation by examining the mother.
Question 3
Where is an epidural injection given?
An epidural is injected into the lower back in the epidural space around the spinal cord. It blocks pain signals from the lower body, making it one of the most effective forms of pain relief during labour.
Question 4
What is a caesarean section?
A caesarean section (C-section) is a surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus. It may be planned in advance or performed as an emergency.
Question 5
What is the main function of the placenta?
The placenta transfers oxygen, nutrients, and antibodies from the mother's blood to the baby. It also removes waste products from the baby's blood. After the baby is born, the placenta is delivered — this is called the 'third stage' of labour.
Question 6
What are contractions?
Contractions are powerful, rhythmic muscle tightenings of the uterus. In early labour they may be mild and irregular. As labour progresses, they become stronger, longer, and closer together, eventually helping to push the baby out.
Question 7
What is the umbilical cord?
The umbilical cord is a flexible tube containing blood vessels that connects the baby to the placenta. Through it, the baby receives oxygen and nutrients. After birth, the cord is clamped and cut; the small remaining piece dries and falls off within a few weeks, forming the belly button.
Question 8
What does 'postnatal' mean?
'Postnatal' comes from Latin: post (after) + natal (relating to birth). The postnatal period covers the weeks after delivery when mother and baby are recovering. A postnatal ward is the hospital area where new mothers rest after giving birth.
Question 9
What is amniotic fluid?
Amniotic fluid fills the amniotic sac (the 'bag of waters') that surrounds the baby in the uterus. It cushions the baby from physical impact, supports movement, and helps lung development. When the sac ruptures — 'the waters break' — labour usually follows.
Question 10
Which specialist doctor focuses on pregnancy and childbirth?
An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specialises in obstetrics — the branch of medicine covering pregnancy, labour, and the period after birth. They manage complicated pregnancies and perform surgical deliveries such as caesarean sections.
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