Contraction — may refer to: In physiology: Muscle contraction, one that occurs when a muscle fiber lengthens or shortens Uterine contraction, contraction of the uterus, such as during childbirth Contraction, a stage in wound healing In linguistics: Synalepha,… … Wikipedia
contraction — late 14c., action of making a contract (especially of marriage), also action of shrinking or shortening, from O.Fr. contraction (13c.), or directly from L. contractionem (nom. contractio), noun of action from pp. stem of contrahere (see CONTRACT… … Etymology dictionary
contraction — ► NOUN 1) the process of contracting. 2) a shortening of the muscles of the womb occurring at intervals during childbirth. 3) a word or group of words resulting from contracting an original form … English terms dictionary
Contraction stress test — Oxytocin A contraction stress test (CST) is performed near the end of pregnancy to determine how well the fetus will cope with the contractions of childbirth. The aim is to induce contractions and monitor the fetus to check for heart rate… … Wikipedia
Childbirth — Parturition redirects here. For the Voyager episode, see Parturition (Star Trek: Voyager). Childbirth (also called labor, birth, partus or parturition) is the culmination of a human pregnancy or gestation period with the birth of one or more… … Wikipedia
Childbirth positions — The term childbirth positions (or maternal birthing position )[1] refers to the various physical postures the pregnant mother may assume during the process of childbirth. They may also be referred to as delivery positions or labor positions. In… … Wikipedia
contraction — noun 1》 the process of contracting. 2》 a shortening of the uterine muscles occurring at intervals before and during childbirth. 3》 a word or group of words resulting from contracting an original form … English new terms dictionary
contraction — n. 1 the act of contracting. 2 Med. (usu. in pl.) shortening of the uterine muscles during childbirth. 3 shrinking, diminution. 4 a a shortening of a word by combination or elision. b a contracted word or group of words. Etymology: F f. L… … Useful english dictionary
Uterine contraction — A uterine contraction is a muscle contraction of the uterine smooth muscle. Contents 1 Throughout menstrual cycle 2 In childbirth 3 In orgasm 4 References … Wikipedia
Natural childbirth — Intervention MeSH D009321 Natural Childbirth is a philosophy of childbirth that is based on the notion that women who are adequately prepared are innately able to give birth without routine medical interventions. Natural childb … Wikipedia
