Doptone - A powerful handheld ultrasound tool that enables the doctor to hear the fetus's heartbeat at 10 to 12 weeks.
Doula - A professional labor assistant experienced in labor and delivery. She provides support, but not medical aid, and focuses only on the mother's needs during childbirth and immediately after.
Down syndrome - A genetic disorder caused by an extra chromosome and characterized by mental retardation, distinct facial features, and medical problems including heart defects.
Dyspnea - Shortness of breath, caused in pregnancy by the enlarging uterus pressing on the diaphragm.
Diastasis symphysis pubis - A painful condition resulting when the pelvic ligaments stretched during pregnancy don't return to their normal size after birth.
Dilation (dilatation) - The amount that the cervix has opened, generally during the first stage of labor. Full dilation is about 10 centimeters, or about 4 inches.
Diastasis - The separation of the two halves of the rectus abdominis muscle in the middle of the stomach. If often heals after delivery.