Midwifery

thumb|Diagram illustrating how the endometrium|uterine lining builds up and breaks down during the menstrual cycle Menstruation (also known as a period, among other colloquial terms) is the regular discharge of blood and mucosal tissue from the inner lining of the uterus through the vagina. The menstrual cycle is characterized by the rise and fall of hormones. Menstruation is triggered by falling progesterone levels, and is a sign that pregnancy has not occurred. Feminine hygiene products are used in order to maintain hygiene during menses.

The nipple is a raised region of tissue on the surface of the breast from which, in lactating females, milk from the mammary gland leaves the body through the lactiferous ducts to nurse an infant. The milk can flow through the nipple passively, or it can be ejected by smooth muscle contractions that occur along with the ductal system. The nipple is surrounded by the areola, which is often a darker colour than the surrounding skin.

milk produced by the mammary glands in the breast of a human female

A midwife (: midwives) is a health professional who cares for mothers and newborns around childbirth, a specialisation known as midwifery.

a type of ovulation cycle where the endometrium is shed if pregnancy does not occur

Ovulation is an important part of the menstrual cycle in female vertebrates where the egg cells are released from the ovaries as part of the ovarian cycle. In female humans ovulation typically occurs near the midpoint in the menstrual cycle and after the follicular phase. Ovulation is stimulated by an increase in luteinizing hormone (LH). The ovarian follicles rupture and release the secondary oocyte ovarian cells.

period beginning immediately after the birth of a child and extending for about six weeks

Eileithyia or Ilithyia (; , ; (Eleuthyia, ) in Crete, also (Eleuthia, ) or (Elysia, ) in Laconia and Messene, and (Eleuthō) in literature) was the Greek goddess of childbirth and midwifery, and the daughter of Zeus and Hera.

Vaginismus is a condition in which involuntary muscle spasm interferes with vaginal intercourse or other penetration of the vagina. This often results in pain with attempts at sex. Often it begins when vaginal intercourse is first attempted. Vaginismus may be considered an older term for pelvic floor dysfunction.

death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy

Midwifery is the health science and health profession that deals with pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period (including care of the newborn), in addition to the sexual and reproductive health of women throughout their lives. In many countries, midwifery is a medical profession (special for its independent and direct specialized education; should not be confused with the medical specialty, which depends on a previous general training). A professional in midwifery is known as a midwife.

the fluid surrounding a fetus within the amnion

medical procedure

nausea due to pregnancy

legal rights and freedoms relating to reproduction and reproductive health

testing and prenatal care that focus on detecting problems with the pregnancy as early as possible

thumb|right|Agnodice in her disguise as a male physician, imagined here not as lifting her tunic to reveal her true sex, but as opening her outer garment to show that she has breasts.

Comprises a range of conditions, including non-optimal contractions and cervical dilation, fetal factors such as position, e.g., shoulder dystocia, and macrosomia (heavier than average birth weight)

sac in which the fetus develops in amniotes

stage of pregnancy at which the already fertilized egg adheres to the wall of the uterus

an attended or an unattended childbirth in a non-clinical setting

malpresentation of the fetus at near term or during labor with the fetal cephalic pole in the fundus of the uterus

Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP, α-fetoprotein; also sometimes called alpha-1-fetoprotein, alpha-fetoglobulin, or alpha fetal protein) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the AFP gene. The AFP gene is located on the q arm of chromosome 4 (4q13.3). Maternal AFP serum level is used to screen for Down syndrome, neural tube defects, and other chromosomal abnormalities.

neglect, physical abuse and lack of respect during childbirth

thumb|right|Ixchel in the Dresden Codex Ixchel or Ix Chel is the 16th-century name of the aged jaguar goddess of midwifery and medicine in ancient Maya culture.

childbirth that occurs in water

deaths of humans during late pregnancy from 22 weeks of gestation or within the first 7 days after birth

process in which an embryo and later fetus develops during gestation of a viviparous animal

health of women during pregnancy, child birth, and the postpartum period

In obstetrics, lochia is the vaginal discharge after giving birth, containing blood, mucus, and uterine tissue. Lochia discharge typically continues for four to eight weeks after childbirth, a time known as the postpartum period or puerperium. A 2016 review ties this "lochial period" to worldwide customs of postpartum confinement, a time for the new mother and baby to bond.

regular check-ups that allow doctors or midwives to treat and prevent potential health problems throughout the course of the pregnancy

state of the reproductive system without evidence of disease, disorders, or deficiencies

measure of the age of a pregnancy

day to recognize and honor midwives

The decidua is the modified mucosal lining of the uterus (that is, modified endometrium) that forms every month, in preparation for pregnancy. It is shed off each month when there is no fertilized egg to support. The decidua is under the influence of progesterone. Endometrial cells become highly characteristic. The decidua forms the maternal part of the placenta and remains for the duration of the pregnancy. After birth the decidua is shed together with the placenta.

Umbilical cord wrapped around the fetus's neck in the womb

Mesopotamian goddess

contraction of the uterus

practice of forcing a woman to become or remain pregnant against their will

unlicensed person who practices the art of healing using traditional practices, herbal remedies and even the power of suggestion

persistent or recurrent inability to attain sexual arousal or to maintain arousal until the completion of a sexual activity

obstetric pain

weight of an organism at birth

human disease

condition in which all or part of the placenta or membranes remain in the uterus during the third stage of labour

childbirth without routine medical interventions, particularly anesthesia

healthcare facility where pregnant mothers can give birth

British midwife, anthropologist and activist (1929-2015)

blood collection procedure for newborns

pre-labor scoring system to assist in predicting whether induction of labor will be required

HIV transmission route

A caul is a piece of membrane that can cover a newborn's head and face. Birth with a caul is rare, occurring in fewer than 1 in 80,000 births. The caul is harmless and is immediately removed by the attending parent, physician, or midwife upon birth of the child.

bluish discoloration of the cervix, vagina, and labia resulting from increased blood flow

the cervical mucus plug that blocks the cervix of the uterus after conception

Cycle of uterine contractions

German physician

disease of anatomical entity that is located in reproductive system organs