Meconium

In the uterus the baby’s bowel is lined with a thick black tarry substance called meconium. Usually the first few nappies after the birth are full of this substance. Occasionally a baby in distress will empty his bowels before birth. If he then inhales amniotic fluid as he is born, the meconium can damage his lungs. If the amniotic waters are meconium stained the baby will be carefully monitored.

Moulding

The compression and overlapping of the bones of the baby’s skull during the birth process. It is a normal response to labour and not dangerous to the baby.

Multigravida

A mother having a second or subsequent baby.