Fallopian tubes

Part of the female reproductive system. The eggs produced in the ovaries have to travel down the fallopian tubes before embedding in the lining of the uterus. Occasionally a fertilised egg will embed in the tube, causing an ectopic pregnancy.

Fetal blood sampling (FBS)

If a baby appears to be in distress during labour a small amount of blood can be taken and checked. This is a more reliable method of assessing the baby’s condition than using a belt monitor alone which can only indicate that the baby may be in distress.

Fetal distress

Sometimes the strength of labour contractions can reduce the baby’s oxygen supply, causing the baby to become distressed. This is usually indicated by a persistently abnormal heartbeat or an irregular rhythm.

Fetus

From 10 weeks onwards the baby is called a fetus. Before this the baby is called an embryo.

First stage

The time from the beginning of labour until the cervix is fully dilated to 10cm. The first stage can vary from a few hours to 12 hours or more.

Fontanelles

The two soft spots on a newborn’s head where the skull bones do not yet meet.

Forceps

A pair of hollow blades, rather like large salad servers, which are placed either side of the baby's head to assist with the birth. When this happens, it is known as a forceps delivery.

Fundus

The top of the uterus. The height of the fundus is sometimes measured to help determine the length of the pregnancy.