Term	Definition	Example
Antenatal (prenatal)	Relating to pregnancy, before birth. UK uses 'antenatal'; US uses 'prenatal.'	"Your antenatal care will be managed by the community midwifery team."
Booking visit	The first formal midwifery appointment in pregnancy, usually around 8–10 weeks. 'Booking' here means registering for maternity care, not making a reservation.	"We'll go through your medical history at the booking visit."
Due date (EDD)	Estimated date of delivery — when the baby is expected. Calculated from the last menstrual period.	"Based on your dates, your estimated due date is the fourteenth of March."
Last menstrual period (LMP)	The first day of the most recent period. Clinicians use this date to calculate the due date.	"Can you remember the date of your last menstrual period?"
Folic acid	A vitamin supplement taken in early pregnancy to support the baby's development.	"Are you taking a folic acid supplement at the moment?"
Screening test	A test that checks for the likelihood of a condition, not a diagnosis. Always offered, never mandatory.	"We'll offer you a screening test around the end of the first trimester."
Booking bloods	The set of routine blood tests taken at the first antenatal appointment — blood group, anaemia check, infection screen.	"I'll take your booking bloods today so we have a baseline."
Midwife	A healthcare professional specialising in pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care. Plural: midwives. The role is not gender-specific.	"You'll see the same midwife for most of your antenatal appointments."
Ultrasound scan	An imaging test using sound waves to check the baby's development. Patients often simply say 'the scan.'	"Your first ultrasound scan will be at around twelve weeks."
Birth plan	A document outlining the patient's preferences for labour and delivery — a conversation starter, not a contract.	"There's no rush on the birth plan, but it's good to start thinking about it."

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