firstScan Definitions

These are the definitions that we use in our clinics. Make a note of them as there will be questions on this later in the course.

• LMP: The date of first day of last normal menstrual period.
• EDD: Estimated date of delivery.
• Egg Retrieval (IVF)
• Embryo Transfer Date
• Endometrium/Endometrial Thickness: Lining of the womb.
• Decidua: Lining of the womb in pregnancy.
• Corpus Luteum: Ovarian cyst after ovulation which produces hormones.
• Gestation sac: First sign of developing pregnancy.
• Yolk Sac: first structure seen within a developing pregnancy sac. Confirms a pregnancy in the uterus.
• Embryo: Early stage development of a baby up to 10 weeks gestation.
• Fetus: What baby is called after 10 weeks gestation.
• Fetal heartbeat: Seeing a heart beating within the developing baby.
• Crown Rump Length (CRL): Measurement of embryo/fetal pole from top of head to buttocks.
• No heartbeat
• Complete Miscarriage: Miscarriage has happened.
• Missed/Silent Miscarriage: No heartbeat and baby has died.
• Non Viable Pregnancy: Pregnancy has ended/no heartbeat.
• Inconclusive scan: When a single scan cannot confirm if pregnancy is viable.
• Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG): Pregnancy hormone that gives a positive pregnancy test.
• Ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that is developing outside the womb.
• Molar pregnancy: The placental tissue develops excessively but no baby develops.
• Pregnancy of Unknown Location (PUL): No pregnancy seen on scan but positive pregnancy test continues.
• EPU: Early Pregnancy Unit.
• Gravida: Number of previous pregnancies (counted as 1 even if twins).
• Parity (para): Number of children born after 24 weeks gestation.

Definitions NEVER Used

• Abortion: Never use the word…replace with miscarriage.
• Complete abortion
• Missed abortion
• Blighted Ovum: Out dated term for missed miscarriage.
• Anembryonic pregnancy: Out dated term.
• Fetal pole: A term for developing baby.