What is Amniotic Fluid?
Amniotic fluid is the clear, yellowish liquid that surrounds and protects your baby inside the amniotic sac throughout pregnancy.
Amniotic fluid serves several vital functions: it cushions your baby from physical impact, maintains a steady temperature, and allows for fetal movement, which is essential for bone and muscle development. Your baby also swallows the fluid, which helps develop their digestive and respiratory systems. We monitor the levels of this fluid during ultrasounds to ensure your baby has exactly the right amount of support.
If your fluid levels are too low (oligohydramnios) or too high (polyhydramnios), don't panic. These are conditions we monitor closely and can often manage with hydration, rest, or more frequent ultrasounds.
What is a Blastocyst?
A blastocyst is a very early stage of development, occurring about five to six days after fertilization when the cluster of cells begins to form a hollow structure.
At this stage, the cells have already begun to differentiate into those that will become the baby and those that will form the placenta. The blastocyst is what eventually implants into the lining of your uterus (endometrium). Understanding this stage is particularly important if you are undergoing fertility treatments like IVF, where blastocyst transfer is a common milestone.
What is the Cervix?
The cervix is the lower, narrow part of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It acts as a gateway that remains tightly closed during pregnancy and opens during labor.
During pregnancy, the cervix is firm and thick, often protected by a mucus plug to prevent infection. As you approach labor, the cervix begins to soften, thin out (efface), and open (dilate). We check the health of your cervix during routine exams and ultrasounds to ensure it is staying closed and supporting the pregnancy as it should.
What is Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)?
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a prenatal test performed between 10 and 13 weeks to detect chromosomal abnormalities by taking a small sample of placental tissue.
CVS is a diagnostic test, meaning it provides a definitive 'yes' or 'no' answer rather than just a risk assessment. It can identify conditions such as Down syndrome or cystic fibrosis early in the first trimester. While it is an invasive procedure, it is offered to families who want more certainty about their baby's genetic health.
What is Colostrum?
Colostrum is the first milk your breasts produce during pregnancy and in the first few days after birth. It is thick, yellowish, and packed with antibodies.
Often called 'liquid gold,' colostrum provides your newborn with essential nutrients and immunity in very small, concentrated doses. It also helps your baby's digestive system pass its first stool (meconium). You may even notice small amounts of colostrum leaking from your breasts in the third trimester, which is a normal sign that your body is preparing for breastfeeding.
What is Dilation?
Dilation is the process of your cervix opening during labor, measured in centimeters from zero to 10.
When you are 'fully dilated' at 10 centimeters, your cervix has opened enough for your baby's head to pass through. Dilation happens alongside effacement (thinning) and is driven by the strength and frequency of your contractions. We track your progress during labor to determine when it is time to begin pushing.
What is an Ectopic Pregnancy?
An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants outside the main cavity of the uterus, most commonly in a fallopian tube.
Unfortunately, an ectopic pregnancy cannot proceed normally and can be life-threatening if the tube ruptures. Early signs include sharp pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. If we suspect an ectopic pregnancy, we use ultrasounds and blood tests to confirm the location and provide immediate medical or surgical treatment to protect your health.
What is Effacement?
Effacement is the process of the cervix thinning out and shortening in preparation for labor, measured in percentages from 0% to 100%.
Before labor begins, the cervix is typically about three to four centimeters long. As contractions begin, the cervix is pulled upward and thins out until it is paper-thin (100% effaced). Often, for first-time mothers, effacement happens before significant dilation begins.
What is an Epidural?
An epidural is a regional anesthetic injected into the space around the spinal nerves to provide pain relief during labor while allowing you to remain awake.
The goal of an epidural is to provide 'analgesia' (pain relief) rather than total 'anesthesia' (lack of feeling). It allows you to feel pressure so you can still push, but significantly reduces the intensity of labor contractions. It is one of the most common and effective pain management options chosen by our patients at Mount Sinai West.
What is an Episiotomy?
An episiotomy is a surgical incision made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus) to enlarge the vaginal opening for childbirth.
While episiotomies were once routine, they are now performed only when medically necessary, such as when the baby is in distress and needs to be delivered quickly. Most obstetricians, including the team at Viva Eve, prefer to allow the tissue to stretch or tear naturally if possible, as natural tears often heal better than surgical incisions.
What is a Fetus?
The term 'fetus' refers to your developing baby from the end of the eighth week after fertilization until birth.
Before the eighth week, the developing baby is called an embryo. During the fetal stage, the primary organs and structures that were formed in the first trimester continue to grow and mature. By the time the baby is born, it has transitioned from a microscopic cluster of cells to a fully formed human being ready for life outside the womb.
What is Gestational Diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a type of high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy in women who did not previously have diabetes.
It occurs when pregnancy hormones interfere with how your body uses insulin. Most women are screened for this condition between 24 and 28 weeks with a glucose challenge test. It is typically managed through diet and exercise, and our in-house dietitian can help you create a plan to keep your blood sugar stable for both you and your baby.
What is Gestational Hypertension?
Gestational hypertension is high blood pressure that begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy in a woman who previously had normal blood pressure.
Unlike preeclampsia, gestational hypertension does not involve protein in the urine or other signs of organ damage. However, it requires close monitoring because it can sometimes lead to more serious complications. We check your blood pressure at every visit to ensure any changes are caught and managed early.
What is Group B Strep (GBS)?
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common bacterium that can live in the vagina or rectum. While harmless to you, it can be passed to your baby during birth.
We screen all pregnant women for GBS between 36 and 37 weeks using a simple swab. If you test positive, we will provide you with IV antibiotics during labor to prevent the bacteria from being passed to your baby. This routine precaution has significantly reduced the risk of newborn infections.
What is Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)?
hCG is the 'pregnancy hormone' produced by the placenta after implantation. It is the hormone detected by home pregnancy tests.
In early pregnancy, hCG levels should roughly double every 48 to 72 hours. These rising levels are a sign that the pregnancy is developing normally. hCG is also what triggers many of those early pregnancy symptoms, like morning sickness and fatigue.
What is Lanugo?
Lanugo is the fine, soft hair that covers the body of a fetus. It helps hold the vernix caseosa (protective coating) against the skin.
Lanugo typically appears around the fifth month and disappears before birth, though some babies (especially those born early) may still have a little bit of this soft fuzz on their shoulders or back when they arrive. It's completely normal and will fall off on its own in the first few weeks.
What is the Linea Nigra?
The linea nigra is a dark, vertical line that often appears on the abdomen during pregnancy, running from the belly button to the pubic area.
It is caused by the same pregnancy hormones that can darken your nipples or cause 'the mask of pregnancy' (melasma). The line is always there (called the linea alba), but the increased melanin makes it visible. It usually fades after delivery, though it may take a few months to disappear completely.
What is Lochia?
Lochia is the vaginal discharge you experience after giving birth, consisting of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue.
Lochia is similar to a heavy period for the first few days and gradually lightens in color and amount over four to six weeks. It transitions from bright red (lochia rubra) to pinkish-brown (lochia serosa) and finally to a creamy white (lochia alba). This is a normal part of the healing process as your uterus returns to its pre-pregnancy size.
What is Meconium?
Meconium is your baby's first stool. It is thick, sticky, and dark green or black in color.
It is made up of things the baby swallowed while in the womb, like amniotic fluid and skin cells. While babies usually pass meconium after birth, some pass it while still in the womb. If your water breaks and the fluid is green or brown, it may be a sign of meconium, and we will monitor your baby closely during labor.
What is Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)?
NIPT is a simple blood test performed after 10 weeks that analyzes small fragments of fetal DNA in your blood to screen for chromosomal conditions.
NIPT is highly accurate for screening for Down syndrome, Trisomy 18, and Trisomy 13. It can also tell you the biological sex of your baby. Because it only requires a blood draw, it poses no risk to the pregnancy. While it is a screening test (not diagnostic), it provides excellent reassurance for many families.
What is Oxytocin?
Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the brain that triggers labor contractions and helps with the release of milk during breastfeeding.
Often called the 'love hormone,' oxytocin also helps with bonding between you and your baby. A synthetic version called Pitocin is sometimes used to start (induce) or speed up (augment) labor if necessary. Your body produces it naturally in response to skin-to-skin contact with your newborn.
What is the Placenta?
The placenta is an organ that develops in your uterus during pregnancy. It provides oxygen and nutrients to your baby and removes waste products.
The placenta is attached to the wall of your uterus, and the baby's umbilical cord arises from it. It is a remarkable organ that acts as the baby's lungs, kidneys, and liver all in one. After the baby is born, the placenta is also delivered, which is often called the 'third stage of labor.'
What is Placenta Previa?
Placenta previa is a condition where the placenta lies low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervix.
It is often discovered during a second-trimester ultrasound. If the placenta stays low as the pregnancy progresses, it can cause bleeding and may require a C-section delivery. In many cases, as the uterus grows, the placenta 'moves' away from the cervix on its own, resolving the issue.
What is Preeclampsia?
Preeclampsia is a serious condition characterized by high blood pressure and signs of damage to another organ system, most often the liver or kidneys.
It usually begins after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms can include severe headaches, vision changes, and swelling in the hands and face. We monitor your blood pressure and urine at every visit to screen for preeclampsia, as early detection and management are essential for the safety of both you and your baby.
What is Quickening?
Quickening is the term for the first time you feel your baby move. It often feels like 'flutters' or 'bubbles' in your lower abdomen.
For first-time mothers, quickening typically happens between 18 and 22 weeks. If you have been pregnant before, you might recognize the feeling as early as 16 weeks. It's one of the most exciting milestones of pregnancy, as it's the first physical communication between you and your baby.
What is a Teratogen?
A teratogen is any substance, such as a drug, chemical, or virus, that can interfere with fetal development and cause birth defects.
Common examples include alcohol, tobacco, and certain medications. This is why we perform a thorough 'medication review' during your preconception or first prenatal visit. We want to ensure that everything you are putting into your body is safe for your developing baby.
What is a Trimester?
A trimester is one of the three stages of pregnancy, each lasting approximately 13 to 14 weeks.
The first trimester (weeks 1-13) is a time of rapid development. The second trimester (weeks 14-27) is often when you feel your best. The third trimester (weeks 28-birth) is the final stretch of growth and preparation. We organize your care and testing around these three distinct phases.
What is an Ultrasound?
An ultrasound (sonogram) is a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of your baby and reproductive organs.
Ultrasounds are used to confirm pregnancy, check for twins, monitor growth, and perform the anatomy scan at 20 weeks. At Viva Eve, we have on-site sonography, which means you can get your images taken and reviewed by your doctor in one convenient appointment.
What is Vernix Caseosa?
Vernix caseosa is a white, creamy substance that coats the skin of a fetus to protect it from the amniotic fluid.
Think of it as nature's 'barrier cream.' It moisturizes the baby's skin and has antibacterial properties. Some babies are born with quite a bit of vernix still on them, while others have absorbed most of it. Many hospitals now recommend delayed bathing to allow this protective layer to sink into the baby's skin after birth.
What is a Zygote?
A zygote is the very first stage of life: a single cell formed by the union of a sperm and an egg.
The zygote contains the full set of 46 chromosomes — 23 from each parent — that determine everything from eye color to biological sex. Within hours of fertilization, the zygote begins to divide, starting the incredible journey from a single cell to a newborn baby.