ABC for Trying to Conceive and New Moms – eBook “How to Get Pregnant”

Do you know what DC is? DPO? No? How about having a dictionary for those trying to conceive and moms at your fingertips whenever you need it, deciphering the acronyms we see in forums, websites for women trying to conceive, and even on “Trocando Fraldas”? There’s nothing better than being able to read and understand what’s being said, even if it’s just a simple ultrasound report. That’s why here comes the ABC for women trying to conceive and new moms. Let’s go!

Full Term	A baby born at the right time, that is, in the 9th month of pregnancy.
AC	Abdominal circumference of the baby on the ultrasound, helps to estimate the approximate weight.
HC	Head circumference that determines whether the brain is growing adequately.
Anovulatory Cycle	A cycle in which the woman does not ovulate in either ovary.
Cervix	The entrance to the uterus, the area closest to the vagina, where most of the mucus accumulates.
Umbilical Cord	A gelatinous structure that connects the placenta to the baby, contains two veins and one artery, and delivers all nutrients and oxygen to the baby.
Corpus Luteum	A cyst from which the egg was released, which fills with blood after ovulation and provides hormonal support for a possible pregnancy, maintaining the endometrium in place.
DC	Day of the menstrual cycle. Counted from the first day of menstruation to the start of the next cycle. Typically ranges from 21 to 40 days.
DHEG	Pregnancy-induced hypertension, a condition exclusive to pregnancy that can cause problems for both the baby and mother if untreated.
DPO	Day post-ovulation, counted from the moment the fertile period ends.
LMP	Date of last menstrual period.
Endometrium	The inner lining of the uterus made up of blood and tissue necessary for pregnancy. If not implanted, an embryo exits as menstrual flow.
Femur	The baby’s thigh bone, whose measurement on ultrasound multiplied by seven can indicate the baby’s approximate height.
IVF	In vitro fertilization.
Luteal Phase	The luteal phase (carried out by the corpus luteum), which after ovulation stimulates progesterone production, supporting the implantation of the egg in the uterus.
OB-GYN	Obstetrician-gynecologist, a doctor specializing in women’s health, whether pregnant or not.
AI	Artificial insemination, a method of inserting selected sperm into the uterus for fertilization purposes.
Billings Method	A way to analyze cervical mucus (vaginal discharge) to identify a woman’s fertile period.
Implantation	The implantation of the zygote in the endometrium after a long journey through the fallopian tubes to the fundus of the uterus, where it settles, creates a layer, and forms “roots.” It then divides into two parts, with one becoming the placenta and the other the baby. This happens seven to fifteen days after fertilization, with or without apparent bleeding.
Ovary	The place where all the eggs a woman will release during her fertile life are stored; also, the main site for production of most hormones of the fertile period.
Early Ovulation	A cycle in which ovulation occurs earlier than expected.
Late Ovulation	A cycle in which ovulation occurs seven or more days later than expected.
C-section	Cesarean section birth performed via surgery to deliver the baby.
Home Birth	Birth performed at home by a doula or an obstetrician, chosen by the mother.
Morning-after Pill	Emergency contraceptive method.
Fertile Period	The days when a woman can become pregnant.
Humanized Birth	Humanized birth that respects the mother’s wishes, whether in the hospital or at home.
Placenta	An organ responsible for transferring all nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus, looks like a liver full of veins and arteries, formed during pregnancy.
Vaginal Birth	Normal birth through the vagina.
Mucus Plug	A secretion formed by hormones that blocks the cervix during pregnancy to prevent bacteria from entering, helping to keep the pregnancy free from infections.
BBT	Basal body temperature, a method where a thermometer is used after at least six hours of rest (sleep).
NT	Nuchal translucency, an ultrasound scan to detect a possible Down syndrome.
Labor	Labor, the onset of the baby’s birth.
PMS	Premenstrual syndrome, symptoms that appear before or during menstruation that may cause discomfort, headaches, cramps, back pain, and mood swings.
Fallopian Tubes	Part of the uterus resembling arms, where the egg is fertilized by the sperm; these organs act as a bridge necessary for fertilization and entry to the uterus.
Humerus	The baby’s upper arm bone.
US	Ultrasound, sonography, or ultrasonography, an imaging exam that can visualize solid structures using sound waves.
Vernix	A type of white fat that protects the baby’s body inside the womb.
Yolk Sac	A temporary support for the baby that appears with embryo formation and acts as the placenta until the ninth week of pregnancy, after which it ceases to function.