• Labia

    The labia are part of the female genitalia; they are the major externally visible portions of the vulva. There are two pairs of labia: the labia majora (or the outer labia) are larger and fattier, while the labia minora are folds of skin between the outer labia. The labia surround and protect the clitoris and the openings of the vagina and the urethra.

     
  • Labor

    Labor is a series of continuous, progressive contractions of the uterus that help the cervix dilate and efface (thin out). This lets the fetus move through the birth canal. Labor usually starts two weeks before […]

     
  • Lactation

    Lactation describes the secretion of milk from the mammary glands and the period of time that a mother lactates to feed her baby.

     
  • Lanugo

    Lanugo is very thin, soft, usually unpigmented, downy hair that is sometimes found on the body of a fetus or newborn baby.

     
  • Lightening

    Lightening is a non-clinical term that describes the time when the baby descends into the pelvic cavity in preparation for birth. In clinical terms this is referred to as engagement.

     
  • Linea nigra

    Linea nigra (Latin for "black line") is a dark vertical line that appears on the abdomen in about three quarters of all pregnancies. The brownish streak is usually about a centimeter in width. The line runs vertically along the midline of the abdomen from the pubis to the umbilicus, but can also run from the pubis to the top of the abdomen.

     
  • Lochia

    Lochia is the vaginal discharge composed of blood, mucus, and uterine tissue, that occurs after giving birth. Lochia discharge typically continues for 4 to 6 weeks after childbirth, which is known as the postpartum period.