Pregnancy glossary D - Doppler to Dysfunctional labor

• Doppler
• Doula
• Down Syndrome
• Dysfunctional labor

Doppler

This is an ultrasound device used to listen to the fetal heart during your pregnancy.

Doula

A professional labor assistant - usually a woman - who provides emotional, physical and sometimes spiritual support to the mother during labour.

Down Syndrome

Also known as Trisomy 21, Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. This syndrome is caused by the presence of an extra number 21 chromosome and can cause various problems. Those affected experience intellectual disability which can range from mild to severe/profound.

Dysfunctional labor

Failure to progress in a clinically normal pattern of labor

Find more:

• Birth Terms
• Labour Terms
• Pregnancy glossary index

This article was written by Claire Halliday for Kidspot New Zealand.