Blighted ovum | Also called an anembryonic pregnancy. A fertilised egg implants in the uterus but doesn’t grow into an embryo. |
Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit (EPAU) | A hospital clinic that cares for people with early pregnancy problems like bleeding, miscarriage, or ectopic pregnancy. Also known in some places as EPAS, EPLU, EPAC, or EPLC. |
Early pregnancy loss | Also called miscarriage. The unexpected loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks. |
Embryo | The early stage of a baby’s development, soon after the egg is fertilised. |
Fallopian tubes | Tubes that carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus. |
Fetus | A medical term for the developing baby after body parts start forming. May also be called pregnancy tissue or products of conception. |
General Practitioner (GP) | A doctor who provides general health care and can refer you to specialists. |
Heavy bleeding | Soaking one pad an hour for two hours and/or passing large clots. Or if you feel your bleeding is excessive. Seek medical help right away. |
hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) | A hormone made in pregnancy. Blood or urine tests check its levels to monitor pregnancy. |
Hyperemesis gravidarum | Severe vomiting in pregnancy that can cause dehydration and weight loss. |
Midwife | A trained health professional who supports people during pregnancy, birth, and after. |
Miscarriage | Another word for early pregnancy loss (before 20 weeks). |
Missed miscarriage | The baby has died or stopped developing, but the body hasn’t recognised the loss yet. |
Obstetrician | A doctor who specialises in pregnancy and birth. |
Ovary | Organ that stores eggs and makes hormones. There are two—one on each side of the uterus. |
Placenta | An organ that grows during pregnancy to provide oxygen and nutrients to the baby through the umbilical cord. |
Previable | A baby who is not developed enough to survive outside the uterus. |
Products of conception | A medical term for tissue formed from the fertilised egg, including the baby and placenta. |
Recognition of Life Certificate | A certificate some hospitals offer if your baby’s birth cannot be legally registered (under 20 weeks or no signs of life at birth). |
Sub-chorionic hematoma (SCH) | A pocket of blood between the uterus and the membrane around the baby. A common cause of early bleeding. |
Tissue testing (Pathology) | Testing pregnancy tissue to look for possible causes of the loss. It’s not always offered and depends on stage and hospital policy. |
Tubal pregnancy | A type of ectopic pregnancy where the baby grows in a fallopian tube. |
Ultrasound | A scan that uses sound waves to create images. In pregnancy, it checks growth, heartbeat, and pregnancy health. |
Unregistered birth | A birth not legally recorded, usually if under 20 weeks and the baby showed no signs of life. This does not affect the meaning or importance of the baby. |
Uterus | A muscular organ where the baby grows during pregnancy. |
Disclaimer: Some medical terms may sound clinical, but they don’t always reflect how healthcare professionals see you, your pregnancy, or your baby. These terms are often used as shorthand to ensure clear communication within the care team and are never meant to diminish your experience or your baby’s significance. If a particular term feels uncomfortable, you or your support person can ask your care team to use a different term that better supports your understanding and experience.
