Glossary
Chorion: A membrane covering the fetus that separates the fetus’ body from the mother’s uterine cavity.Amnion: A thin membrane that closely covers the embryo when it is formed slowly fills up with the amniotic fluid. Amnion is protected by chorion.
Amniotic sac: A fluid-filled sac covered by amnion and chorion that protects the fetus in the womb.
Amniotic fluid: The fluid surrounding the fetus within the amnion.
Placenta: An organ that connects the developing fetus to the uterine wall via the umbilical cord. Exchange of oxygen, nutrients and waste takes place between the fetus and the mother.
Umbilical cord: The flexible cord-like structure containing blood vessels that carries the essential supplies to the fetus and brings back waste materials to the placenta.
Epidural anesthesia: Anesthetic medicine injected into an area of the spine called the epidural space. The epidural space is the space just outside the membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and spinal fluid.
Polymicrobial infection: Infection caused by the presence of several species of microorganisms.
Neonatal Sepsis: The presence of bacterial bloodstream infection in a newborn baby. The infections may include meningitis, pyelonephritis or pneumonia.
Endometritis: Infection of the endometrium. Endometrium is the inner mucous membrane of the uterus in mammals. Postpartum endometritis refers to the endometritis that occurs after delivery.
Fetal acidemia: Abnormal acidity of the blood of the fetus and umbilical blood vessels.
