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Magnesium Sulfate
One of the stronger drugs given through IV to stop or slow labor.
Malpresentation
Baby is not "presenting" (positioned in the pelvis) in the anterior (normal) position. There are different types of malpresentation (see breech presentation, face presentation, and posterior).
Meconium
Baby's first bowel movement, this is the greenish substance that builds up in the bowels of a growing fetus and is normally discharged shortly after birth.
Midwife
A DEM (Direct Entry Midwife) assists homebirths while a CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) assists births that take place in the hospital or birthing center. Both health care providers offer prenatal care and strive to reduce c-section rates, traumatic deliveries and un-needed medical intervention.
Mittelschmerz
Some women feel an abdominal pain or twinge - mittelschmerz, literally meaning "middle pain" - upon ovulation.
Molding
Because the newborn's skull bones are not yet fused (to assist the birthing process), baby's heads can look "coned" or squished. This molding will not be permanent.
Mucous Plug
Pinkish mucous discharge - which blocks the cervix during pregnancy - that you may see when the cervix starts to open. Also called the 'show' or 'bloody show,' it is generally considered a sign that labor will soon begin.
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