Pregnancy Diagnostics Glossary
100 terms total — 24 showing — Last updated 15 Sep 2026
PROM PROM
Premature rupture of membranes occurring before the onset of labor, requiring assessment of gestational age and infection risk.
Discordant growth
Significant difference in fetal size between twins, typically defined as >20% weight difference, indicating potential co...
Doppler velocimetry
Ultrasound technique measuring blood flow velocity in fetal and maternal vessels to assess placental function and fetal...
Ductus venosus
Fetal blood vessel that shunts oxygenated blood from the umbilical vein directly to the heart.
EFW
Estimated fetal weight, calculated measurement derived from ultrasound biometry to assess fetal size and growth.
engagement
The descent of the fetal presenting part to the level of the ischial spines in the maternal pelvis.
estimated date of confinement
Traditional obstetric term for the calculated due date, now largely replaced by 'estimated date of delivery.'
estimated fetal weight discordance
Significant difference in estimated weights between twins, typically defined as greater than 20% difference.
Fetal anomaly
Structural or chromosomal abnormality detected during prenatal screening or diagnostic testing.
fetal biometry
Ultrasonic measurement of fetal anatomical structures to assess gestational age, growth, and development.
fetal echocardiography
Specialized ultrasound examination focusing on detailed assessment of fetal cardiac anatomy and function during pregnanc...
fetal fibronectin
Glycoprotein found at the interface between fetal membranes and maternal decidua, used as a biomarker for preterm labor...
Fetal growth percentile
Statistical ranking of fetal size measurements compared to gestational age-specific reference ranges.
fetal heart rate monitoring
Continuous or intermittent assessment of fetal cardiac activity during pregnancy or labor to evaluate fetal well-being.
fetal movement counting
Maternal assessment of fetal activity patterns used to monitor fetal well-being, typically in the third trimester.
fetal pole
Early embryonic structure visible on ultrasound, representing the developing fetus before distinct anatomical features a...
Fetal programming
Process by which intrauterine environment permanently alters fetal development and adult health outcomes.
Fetal reduction
Selective termination of one or more fetuses in multiple pregnancies to improve outcomes for remaining fetuses.
fetal scalp electrode
Internal monitoring device attached directly to the fetal scalp to obtain continuous, high-quality fetal heart rate trac...
fetal station
Measurement of the presenting part's descent through the maternal pelvis relative to the ischial spines.
FHR tracing
Continuous electronic monitoring record of fetal heart rate patterns during labor and delivery.
FISH
Fluorescence in situ hybridization; rapid genetic test using fluorescent probes.
FTS
First trimester screening combining maternal age, ultrasound measurements, and biochemical markers to assess chromosomal...
gestational age assessment
Clinical evaluation to determine the duration of pregnancy using various dating methods and fetal measurements.
Gestational choriocarcinoma
Malignant tumor arising from trophoblastic tissue that can occur after any pregnancy event.