Unit 19 Vocabulary: Reproduction and Childbirth I

Noun (thing)
Afterbirth
the material providing nutrition for an unborn baby which is later expelled
The placenta is delivered as part of the afterbirth with a small gush of blood.
Noun (thing)
Amnion
a membrane covering an embryo when first formed
The unborn baby is surrounded by the amnion which protects it.
Noun (thing)
Amniorrhexis
a breakage or rupture of the amnion
Amniorrhexis is more commonly known as "breaking water" and is a sign that birth is imminent.
Noun (thing)
Amniotic fluid
liquids surrounding the unborn baby
Amniotic fluid swallowed by the fetus helps in the formation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Noun (thing)
Amniotic sac
a mass of tissue around the unborn baby
Rupturing of the amniotic sac usually occurs at the moment of entering labor.
Noun (thing)
Aspermia
the state of having no sperm
He was infertile due to having aspermia.
Noun (thing)
Breech birth
a birth in which the head is not the first part of the baby to come out
Most babies born from breech births are healthy but there is a slightly higher risk for certain problems.
Noun (thing)
Coitus
sexual intercourse
For many people coitus is about more than just reproduction.
Noun (thing)
Conception
the very beginning of a pregnancy; the action of conceiving through fertilization and/or implantation
Pregnancy tests start to become accurate at two weeks after conception.
Noun (thing)
Ejaculation
the discharge of semen at the moment of sexual climax
Most of the time, ejaculation happens during an orgasm.
Noun (thing)
Fetus
an unborn baby after 9 weeks from conception
At 12 weeks the average fetus is about the same size as a lime.
Adjective
Impotent
not being able to get or maintain an erection
His medication made him temporarily impotent.
Verb (infinitive)
Lactate
to produce breast milk
It can take a couple of days for a woman to start to lactate after childbirth.
Adjective
Lactogenic
causing the production of breast milk
Oats and other cereals are well-known lactogenic foods.
Noun (thing)
Libido
sexual desire
A decrease in libido may be an indicator of a more serious condition.
Noun (thing)
Ovum
the female sex cell or egg
A mature ovum is released from ovaries every 28 days.
Adjective
Puerperal
immediately after childbirth
Puerperal psychosis is a severe mental illness which can include symptoms such as depression, confusion, and hallucinations.
Noun (thing)
Puerperium
the period of between 3 to 6 weeks after childbirth
During the puerperium physiological changes to the mother's body that occurred in pregnancy revert back to normal.
Noun (thing)
Reproduction
the production of offspring by sexual intercourse
It is important for youths to be educated on reproduction.
Noun (thing)
Semen
fluid containing sperm
An analysis of his semen showed low motility.