Home

For Patients/Families

Glossary of Terms

Contraction
Almost always refers to the contracting of the muscles of the uterus during labor. The uterus contracts in an effort to expel the fetus into and out of the birth canal. Contractions are usually a sign of labor; although they can occur before labor, see Braxton Hicks contractions.
This is Children's Glossary of Medical Terms - and much more. You'll find the basic definitions and, for many medical subjects, a larger medical context written by an experienced Children's pediatrician. All the definitions are in an easy-to-print format.

Glossary Index

Search Glossary

Date Last Modified: 08/26/2003 12:42