Menstruation
The monthly process of building up and shedding of the lining of the uterus in preparation for possible pregnancy. When the lining is shed, it results in vaginal bleeding for anyway from 3 to 7 days. Usually occurs every 28 days.
Ovary
The egg producing part of the female reproductive system. An egg (ovum) is released from the ovary each month during ovulation.
Placenta
The temporary organ which serves as the communication between a mother's body and the fetus during pregnancy. It develops with the fetus from the time of conception. Throughout a pregnancy, the placenta has many roles. Starting at 12 weeks, the placenta produces hormones that sustain a pregnancy. It also carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s blood supply to the baby’s. Likewise, it is the primary way a developing baby can eliminate wastes. A functioning placenta is absolutely necessary for a pregnancy to continue. Placental problems are a frequent cause of bleeding in pregnancy and pregnancy loss.
Preterm
Any pregnancy which ends after 24 and before 37 weeks gestation. Although "preterm" may also be used prior to 24 weeks in the case of "preterm labor," a pregnancy loss before 24 weeks is still considered a miscarriage, rather than an infant death. These distinctions are mostly of concern to medication professionals, and do not affect a woman’s emotional reaction to pregnancy loss. It is important, however, to know how far along you were at the time of your previous losses because it may help your provider plan your care for future pregnancies.
Trimester
Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters. The first trimester, from weeks 1-12, is the most common for miscarriage. The second trimester, from weeks 13-27, includes both late miscarriage and preterm delivery. The third trimester, from weeks 28-42, is when a pregnancy loss is called an intrauterine fetal demise (IUFD) or stillbirth.
Uterus
The large muscular organ which is part of the female reproductive system. The uterus develops a thick layer of blood and other cells each month prior to ovulation in preparation for a potential pregnancy. If an egg becomes fertilized at the proper time, it will implant in this specialized layer of nutrients and begin to develop. The uterus will grow to many times its size during pregnancy while the baby is housed inside. Problems with the uterus can contribute to difficulty getting pregnant, and pregnancy loss.
Vagina
Also known as the birth canal, the vagina is the tunnel-like part of the female reproductive system which leads from the uterus and cervix to the outside of the body. A baby passes through the vagina in the second stage of labor.
