Labor to Lochia

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Labor

Contractions of the uterine muscles, which open the cervix and allow a baby to be born.

Lacerations

Tearing wounds. During delivery of a baby, sometimes an episiotomy can prevent tearing of the mother's perineum.

Lanugo

The fine, downy hair that covers the unborn baby by about 26 weeks gestation.

Lightening

Also called "engagement," lightening is the repositioning of the baby lower in the pelvis, sometimes referred to as "dropping." This can occur up to several weeks before the onset of labor.

Linea Nigra

The barely noticeable white or dark-colored line that runs from the navel to the pubic hair, which often darkens during pregnancy.

LMP (Last menstrual period)

The first day of your last period.

Lochia

The discharge of blood, mucus and tissue from the uterus, following childbirth, which usually lasts about 6 weeks postpartum.