Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook Part 46

Ibid.

Ibid.

Section 74.2 Family and Medical Leave Act Excerpted from "Fact Sheet #28: The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993," by the Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, part of the U.S. Department of Labor (www.dol.gov), revised January 2009.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration, Wage and Hour Division, administers and enforces the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for all private, state and local government employee and some federal employees. Most federal and certain congressional employees are also covered by the law and are subject to the jurisdiction of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management or the Congress.

594.

Working after Birth: Parental Leave Considerations The FMLA became effective on August 5, 1993 for most employers and ent.i.tles eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave in a 12-month period for specified family and medical reasons. Amendments to the FMLA by the National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2008 (NDAA), Public Law 110-181, expanded the FMLA to allow eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave in the applicable 12-month period for any "qualifying exigency" arising out of the fact that a covered military member is on active duty, or has been notified of an impending call or order to active duty, in support of a contingency operation. The NDAA also amended the FMLA to allow eligible employees to take up to 26 weeks of job-protected leave in a "single 12-month period" to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness.

Employer Coverage FMLA applies to all public agencies, including state, local and federal employers, local education agencies (schools), and private-sector employers who employed 50 or more employees in 20 or more workweeks in the current or preceding calendar year, including joint employers and successors of covered employers.

Employee Eligibility To be eligible for FMLA benefits, an employee must: * work for a covered employer; * have worked for the employer for a total of 12 months; * have worked at least 1,250 hours over the previous 12 months; and * work at a location in the United States or in any territory or possession of the United States where at least 50 employees are employed by the employer within 75 miles.

While the 12 months of employment need not be consecutive, employment periods prior to a break in service of seven years or more need not be counted unless the break is occasioned by the employee's fulfill-ment of his or her National Guard or Reserve military obligation (as protected under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act [USERRA]), or a written agreement, including a collective bargaining agreement, exists concerning the employer's intention to rehire the employee after the break in service.

595.

Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook, Third Edition Leave Ent.i.tlement A covered employer must grant an eligible employee up to a total of 12 workweeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for one or more of the following reasons: * for the birth and care of a newborn child of the employee; * for placement with the employee of a son or daughter for adoption or foster care; * to care for a spouse, son, daughter, or parent with a serious health condition; * to take medical leave when the employee is unable to work because of a serious health condition; or * for qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee's spouse, son, daughter, or parent is on active duty or call to active duty status as a member of the National Guard or Reserves in support of a contingency operation.

A covered employer also must grant an eligible employee who is a spouse, son, daughter, parent, or next of kin of a current member of the Armed Forces, including a member of the National Guard or Reserves, with a serious injury or illness up to a total of 26 workweeks of unpaid leave during a "single 12-month period" to care for the service member.

Spouses employed by the same employer are limited in the amount of family leave they may take for the birth and care of a newborn child, placement of a child for adoption or foster care, or to care for a parent who has a serious health condition to a combined total of 12 weeks (or 26 weeks if leave to care for a covered service member with a serious injury or illness is also used). Leave for birth and care, or placement for adoption or foster care, must conclude within 12 months of the birth or placement.

Under some circ.u.mstances, employees may take FMLA leave intermittently-taking leave in separate blocks of time for a single qualifying reason-or on a reduced leave schedule-reducing the employee's usual weekly or daily work schedule. When leave is needed for planned medical treatment, the employee must make a reasonable effort to schedule treatment so as not to unduly disrupt the employer's operation. If FMLA leave is for birth and care, or placement for adoption or foster care, use of intermittent leave is subject to the employer's approval.

596.

Working after Birth: Parental Leave Considerations Under certain conditions, employees or employers may choose to "subst.i.tute" (run concurrently) accrued paid leave (such as sick or vacation leave) to cover some or all of the FMLA leave. An employee's ability to subst.i.tute accrued paid leave is determined by the terms and conditions of the employer's normal leave policy.

"Serious health condition" means an illness, injury, impairment, or physical or mental condition that involves either: * inpatient care (i.e., an overnight stay) in a hospital, hospice, or residential medical-care facility, including any period of incapacity (i.e., inability to work, attend school, or perform other regular daily activities) or subsequent treatment in connection with such inpatient care; or * continuing treatment by a health care provider, which includes: 1. a period of incapacity lasting more than three consecutive, full calendar days, and any subsequent treatment or period of incapacity relating to the same condition, that also includes: *

treatment two or more times by or under the supervision of a health care provider (i.e., in-person visits, the first within 7 days and both within 30 days of the first day of incapacity); or *

one treatment by a health care provider (i.e., an in-person visit within 7 days of the first day of incapacity) with a continuing regimen of treatment (e.g., prescription medication, physical therapy); or 2. any period of incapacity related to pregnancy or for prenatal care. A visit to the health care provider is not necessary for each absence; or 3. any period of incapacity or treatment for a chronic serious health condition which continues over an extended period of time, requires periodic visits (at least twice a year) to a health care provider, and may involve occasional episodes of incapacity. A visit to a health care provider is not necessary for each absence; or 4. a period of incapacity that is permanent or long-term due to a condition for which treatment may not be effective. Only supervision by a health care provider is required, rather than active treatment; or 597.

Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook, Third Edition 5. any absences to receive multiple treatments for restorative surgery or for a condition that would likely result in a period of incapacity of more than three days if not treated.

Maintenance of Health Benefits A covered employer is required to maintain group health insurance coverage for an employee on FMLA leave whenever such insurance was provided before the leave was taken and on the same terms as if the employee had continued to work. If applicable, arrangements will need to be made for employees to pay their share of health insurance premiums while on leave. In some instances, the employer may recover premiums it paid to maintain health coverage for an employee who fails to return to work from FMLA leave.

Job Restoration Upon return from FMLA leave, an employee must be restored to the employee's original job, or to an equivalent job with equivalent pay, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment. An employee's use of FMLA leave cannot result in the loss of any employment benefit that the employee earned or was ent.i.tled to before using FMLA leave, nor be counted against the employee under a "no fault" attendance policy. If a bonus or other payment, however, is based on the achievement of a specified goal such as hours worked, products sold, or perfect attendance, and the employee has not met the goal due to FMLA leave, payment may be denied unless it is paid to an employee on equivalent leave status for a reason that does not qualify as FMLA leave.

An employee has no greater right to restoration or to other benefits and conditions of employment than if the employee had been continuously employed.

598.

Part Eight

Additional Help and Information

Chapter 75.Glossary of Terms Related to Pregnancy and Birth amniocentesis: A test performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy that can indicate chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, or genetic disorders such as Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and others. It also can detect the baby's s.e.x and risk of spina bifida (a condition in which the brain or spine do not develop properly). A test performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy that can indicate chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, or genetic disorders such as Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and others. It also can detect the baby's s.e.x and risk of spina bifida (a condition in which the brain or spine do not develop properly).

amniotic fluid: Clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac. Clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.

amniotic sac: A sac is formed within the uterus that encloses the fetus. This sac bursts normally during the birthing process, releasing the amniotic fluid. A popular term for the amniotic sac with the amniotic fluid is the bag of waters. A sac is formed within the uterus that encloses the fetus. This sac bursts normally during the birthing process, releasing the amniotic fluid. A popular term for the amniotic sac with the amniotic fluid is the bag of waters.

anemia: When the amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the substance in the blood that carries oxygen to organs) becomes reduced, causing fatigue that can be severe. When the amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the substance in the blood that carries oxygen to organs) becomes reduced, causing fatigue that can be severe.

birth center: A special place for women to give birth. They have all the required equipment for birthing, but are specially designed for a woman, her partner, and family. Birth centers may be free standing (separate from a hospital) or located within a hospital. A special place for women to give birth. They have all the required equipment for birthing, but are specially designed for a woman, her partner, and family. Birth centers may be free standing (separate from a hospital) or located within a hospital.

This glossary contains terms excerpted from glossaries and doc.u.ments produced by the National Inst.i.tute of Child Health and Human Development, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Office of Women's Health, and U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

601.

Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook, Third Edition carpal tunnel syndrome: A group of problems that includes swelling, pain, tingling, and loss of strength in the wrist and hand. Women deal with strong hormonal changes during pregnancy that make them more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. A group of problems that includes swelling, pain, tingling, and loss of strength in the wrist and hand. Women deal with strong hormonal changes during pregnancy that make them more likely to suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome.

cervix: The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The cervix forms a ca.n.a.l that opens into the v.a.g.i.n.a, which leads to the outside of the body. The lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The cervix forms a ca.n.a.l that opens into the v.a.g.i.n.a, which leads to the outside of the body.

cesarean section (C-section): Procedure where the baby is delivered through an abdominal incision. Also called cesarean delivery or cesarean birth. Procedure where the baby is delivered through an abdominal incision. Also called cesarean delivery or cesarean birth.

colostrum: Thick, yellowish fluid secreted from breast during pregnancy and the first few days after childbirth before the onset of mature breast milk. Also called "first milk," it provides nutrients and protection against infectious diseases. Thick, yellowish fluid secreted from breast during pregnancy and the first few days after childbirth before the onset of mature breast milk. Also called "first milk," it provides nutrients and protection against infectious diseases.

doula: An expert support person who helps give physical support during labor and birth. A doula offers advice on how to breathe, relax, and move. She also gives emotional support and comfort. Doulas and midwives often work together during a woman's labor. An expert support person who helps give physical support during labor and birth. A doula offers advice on how to breathe, relax, and move. She also gives emotional support and comfort. Doulas and midwives often work together during a woman's labor.

eclampsia: A more severe form of preeclampsia that can cause seizures and coma in the mother. A more severe form of preeclampsia that can cause seizures and coma in the mother.

ectopic pregnancy: A pregnancy that is not in the uterus. It happens when a fertilized egg settles and grows in a place other than the inner lining of the uterus. Most happen in the fallopian tube, but can happen in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity. A pregnancy that is not in the uterus. It happens when a fertilized egg settles and grows in a place other than the inner lining of the uterus. Most happen in the fallopian tube, but can happen in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.

embryo: A period during pregnancy where the baby has rapid growth, and the main external features begin to take form. A period during pregnancy where the baby has rapid growth, and the main external features begin to take form.

epidural: When a needle is inserted into the epidural s.p.a.ce at the end of the spine to numb the lower body and reduce pain. This allows a woman to have more energy and strength for the end stage of labor, when it is time to push the baby out of the birth ca.n.a.l. When a needle is inserted into the epidural s.p.a.ce at the end of the spine to numb the lower body and reduce pain. This allows a woman to have more energy and strength for the end stage of labor, when it is time to push the baby out of the birth ca.n.a.l.

episiotomy: A procedure where an incision is made in the perineum (area between the v.a.g.i.n.a and the a.n.u.s) to make the v.a.g.i.n.al opening larger in order to prevent the area from tearing during delivery. A procedure where an incision is made in the perineum (area between the v.a.g.i.n.a and the a.n.u.s) to make the v.a.g.i.n.al opening larger in order to prevent the area from tearing during delivery.

estrogen: A group of female hormones that are responsible for the development of b.r.e.a.s.t.s and other secondary s.e.x characteristics in women. A group of female hormones that are responsible for the development of b.r.e.a.s.t.s and other secondary s.e.x characteristics in women.

Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and other body tissues. Estrogen, along with progesterone, is important in preparing a woman's body for pregnancy.

602.

Glossary of Terms Related to Pregnancy and Birth Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): A federal regulation that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the serious health condition of the employee, parent, spouse or child, or for pregnancy or care of a newborn child, or for adoption or foster care of a child. A federal regulation that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12-month period for the serious health condition of the employee, parent, spouse or child, or for pregnancy or care of a newborn child, or for adoption or foster care of a child.

fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD): A term used to describe the full range of harmful effects that can occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol. A term used to describe the full range of harmful effects that can occur when a fetus is exposed to alcohol.

fetus: A developing being, usually from 3 months after conception until birth for humans. Prior to that time, the developing being is typically referred to as an embryo. A developing being, usually from 3 months after conception until birth for humans. Prior to that time, the developing being is typically referred to as an embryo.

gestational diabetes: Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. Diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

group B strep (GBS): A type of bacteria often found in the v.a.g.i.n.a and r.e.c.t.u.m of healthy women. One in 4 women has it. GBS usually is not harmful to the mother, but can be deadly to the baby if pa.s.sed during childbirth. A type of bacteria often found in the v.a.g.i.n.a and r.e.c.t.u.m of healthy women. One in 4 women has it. GBS usually is not harmful to the mother, but can be deadly to the baby if pa.s.sed during childbirth.

hemorrhoids: Veins around the a.n.u.s or lower r.e.c.t.u.m that are swollen and inflamed. Veins around the a.n.u.s or lower r.e.c.t.u.m that are swollen and inflamed.

hormone: Substance produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect a function of the body, such as growth or metabolism. Substance produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect a function of the body, such as growth or metabolism.

human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG): A hormone that is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. hCG is only found in the body during pregnancy. The amount of hCG rapidly builds up in a woman's body with each pa.s.sing day she is pregnant. Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in either the urine or blood. A hormone that is made when a fertilized egg implants in the uterus. hCG is only found in the body during pregnancy. The amount of hCG rapidly builds up in a woman's body with each pa.s.sing day she is pregnant. Pregnancy tests work by detecting hCG in either the urine or blood.

hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy; more extreme than morning sickness. Severe, persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy; more extreme than morning sickness.

infertility: A condition in which a couple has problems conceiving, or getting pregnant, after 1 year of regular s.e.xual intercourse without using any birth control methods. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it's also called infertility. Infertility can be caused by a problem with the man or the woman, or both. A condition in which a couple has problems conceiving, or getting pregnant, after 1 year of regular s.e.xual intercourse without using any birth control methods. If a woman keeps having miscarriages, it's also called infertility. Infertility can be caused by a problem with the man or the woman, or both.

lactation: Breastfeeding, or the secretion of breast milk. Breastfeeding, or the secretion of breast milk.

low birth weight: Having a weight at birth that is less than 2500 Having a weight at birth that is less than 2500 grams, or 5 pounds, 8 ounces.

603.

Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook, Third Edition mast.i.tis: A condition that occurs mostly in breastfeeding women, causing a hard spot on the breast that can be sore or uncomfortable. A condition that occurs mostly in breastfeeding women, causing a hard spot on the breast that can be sore or uncomfortable.

It is caused by infection from bacteria that enters the breast through a break or crack in the skin on the nipple or by a plugged milk duct.

menstrual cycle: A recurring cycle in which the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for pregnancy and then is shed if pregnancy does not occur. A recurring cycle in which the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for pregnancy and then is shed if pregnancy does not occur.

mifepristone: Used, together with another medication called misoprostol, to end an early pregnancy (within 49 days of the start of a woman's last menstrual period). Used, together with another medication called misoprostol, to end an early pregnancy (within 49 days of the start of a woman's last menstrual period).

miscarriage: An unplanned loss of a pregnancy. Also called a spontaneous abortion.

neural tube defect: A major birth defect caused by abnormal development of the neural tube, or the structure in an embryo which develops into the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects are among the most common birth defects that cause infant death and serious disability. The most common neural tube defects are anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele. A major birth defect caused by abnormal development of the neural tube, or the structure in an embryo which develops into the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects are among the most common birth defects that cause infant death and serious disability. The most common neural tube defects are anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele.

nurse-midwife: A nurse who has undergone special training and has received certification on birthing (labor and delivery). Nurse-midwives can perform most of the same tasks as physicians and have emergency physician backup when they deliver a baby. A nurse who has undergone special training and has received certification on birthing (labor and delivery). Nurse-midwives can perform most of the same tasks as physicians and have emergency physician backup when they deliver a baby.

OB or OB/GYN (obstetrician/gynecologist): A medical doctor who is an expert in prenatal care, labor, and in delivering babies. A medical doctor who is an expert in prenatal care, labor, and in delivering babies.

ovaries: The ovaries (part of the reproductive system) produce a woman's eggs. Each month, through the process called ovulation, the ovaries release eggs into the fallopian tubes, where they travel to the uterus, or womb. If an egg is fertilized by a man's sperm, a woman becomes pregnant and the egg grows and develops inside the uterus. The ovaries (part of the reproductive system) produce a woman's eggs. Each month, through the process called ovulation, the ovaries release eggs into the fallopian tubes, where they travel to the uterus, or womb. If an egg is fertilized by a man's sperm, a woman becomes pregnant and the egg grows and develops inside the uterus.

If the egg is not fertilized, the egg and the lining of the uterus are shed during a woman's monthly menstrual period.

ovulation: The release of a single egg from a follicle that developed in the ovary. It usually occurs regularly, around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle. The release of a single egg from a follicle that developed in the ovary. It usually occurs regularly, around day 14 of a 28-day menstrual cycle.

oxytocin: A hormone that increases during pregnancy and acts on the breast to help produce the milk-ejection reflex. Oxytocin also causes uterine contractions. A hormone that increases during pregnancy and acts on the breast to help produce the milk-ejection reflex. Oxytocin also causes uterine contractions.

604.

Glossary of Terms Related to Pregnancy and Birth perinatal depression: Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery. Depression that occurs during pregnancy or within a year after delivery.

peripartum depression: Depression after pregnancy. Depression after pregnancy.

placenta previa: When the placenta covers part or entire opening of cervix inside of the uterus. When the placenta covers part or entire opening of cervix inside of the uterus.

placenta: During pregnancy, a temporary organ joining the mother and fetus. The placenta transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and permits the release of carbon dioxide and waste products from the fetus. The placenta is expelled during the birth process with the fetal membranes. During pregnancy, a temporary organ joining the mother and fetus. The placenta transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the fetus, and permits the release of carbon dioxide and waste products from the fetus. The placenta is expelled during the birth process with the fetal membranes.

placental abruption: When the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can mean the fetus doesn't get enough oxygen. When the placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery, which can mean the fetus doesn't get enough oxygen.

postpartum depression: A serious condition that requires treatment from a health care provider. With this condition, feelings of the baby blues (feeling sad, anxious, afraid, or confused after having a baby) do not go away or get worse. A serious condition that requires treatment from a health care provider. With this condition, feelings of the baby blues (feeling sad, anxious, afraid, or confused after having a baby) do not go away or get worse.

preconception health: A woman's health before she becomes pregnant. It involves knowing how health conditions and risk factors could affect a woman or her unborn baby if she becomes pregnant. A woman's health before she becomes pregnant. It involves knowing how health conditions and risk factors could affect a woman or her unborn baby if she becomes pregnant.

preeclampsia: Also known as toxemia, it is a syndrome occurring in a pregnant woman after her 20th week of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs. Also known as toxemia, it is a syndrome occurring in a pregnant woman after her 20th week of pregnancy that causes high blood pressure and problems with the kidneys and other organs.

preterm birth: Also called premature birth, it is a birth that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy. Also called premature birth, it is a birth that occurs before the 37th week of pregnancy.

preterm labor: Labor that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Labor that occurs before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy.

progesterone: A female hormone produced by the ovaries. Progesterone, along with estrogen, prepares the uterus (womb) for a possible pregnancy each month and supports the fertilized egg if conception occurs. Progesterone also helps prepare the b.r.e.a.s.t.s for milk production and breastfeeding. A female hormone produced by the ovaries. Progesterone, along with estrogen, prepares the uterus (womb) for a possible pregnancy each month and supports the fertilized egg if conception occurs. Progesterone also helps prepare the b.r.e.a.s.t.s for milk production and breastfeeding.

progestin: A hormone that works by causing changes in the uterus. A hormone that works by causing changes in the uterus.

When taken with the hormone estrogen, progestin works to prevent thickening of the lining of the uterus.

605.

Pregnancy and Birth Sourcebook, Third Edition prolactin: A hormone that increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It stimulates the human breast to produce milk. Prolactin also helps inhibit ovulation. A hormone that increases during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It stimulates the human breast to produce milk. Prolactin also helps inhibit ovulation.

Rh factor: A protein found on most people's red blood cells. If you do not have the protein, you are Rh negative. Most pregnant women who are Rh negative need treatment to protect the fetus from getting a blood disease that can lead to anemia. A protein found on most people's red blood cells. If you do not have the protein, you are Rh negative. Most pregnant women who are Rh negative need treatment to protect the fetus from getting a blood disease that can lead to anemia.

s.e.m.e.n: The fluid (which contains sperm) a male releases from his p.e.n.i.s when he becomes s.e.xually aroused or has an o.r.g.a.s.m. The fluid (which contains sperm) a male releases from his p.e.n.i.s when he becomes s.e.xually aroused or has an o.r.g.a.s.m.

stillbirth: When a fetus dies during birth, or when the fetus dies during the late stages of pregnancy when it would have been otherwise expected to survive. When a fetus dies during birth, or when the fetus dies during the late stages of pregnancy when it would have been otherwise expected to survive.

toxoplasmosis: An infection caused by the parasite named An infection caused by the parasite named Toxoplasma Toxoplasma gondii gondii that can invade tissues and damage the brain, especially in a fetus and in a newborn baby. that can invade tissues and damage the brain, especially in a fetus and in a newborn baby.

trimester: Pregnancy is divided into three time periods, or trimesters, that are each about three months in duration-the first, second, and third trimesters. Pregnancy is divided into three time periods, or trimesters, that are each about three months in duration-the first, second, and third trimesters.

ultrasound: A painless, harmless test that uses sound waves to produce images of the organs and structures of the body on a screen. Also called sonography. A painless, harmless test that uses sound waves to produce images of the organs and structures of the body on a screen. Also called sonography.

umbilical cord: Connected to the placenta and provides the transfer of nutrients and waste between the woman and the fetus. Connected to the placenta and provides the transfer of nutrients and waste between the woman and the fetus.

uterine contractions: During the birthing process, a woman's uterus tightens, or contracts. Contractions can be strong and regular (meaning that they can happen every 5 minutes, every 3 minutes, and so on) during labor until the baby is delivered. Women can have contractions before labor starts; these are not regular and do not progress, or increase in intensity or duration. During the birthing process, a woman's uterus tightens, or contracts. Contractions can be strong and regular (meaning that they can happen every 5 minutes, every 3 minutes, and so on) during labor until the baby is delivered. Women can have contractions before labor starts; these are not regular and do not progress, or increase in intensity or duration.

uterus: A woman's womb, or the hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen between the bladder and the r.e.c.t.u.m. A woman's womb, or the hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen between the bladder and the r.e.c.t.u.m.