Postpartum Medical Terms Decoded
Words sound scarier when we don't know the meaning, so let's break them down
Around 90% of medical terms are derived from Latin or Greek roots. As medical providers, we learn how to decode these. For example, anything ending with “itis” means inflammation. So tendonitis= inflammation of the tendon. When you don’t recognize a term, it can often seem scary when it doesn’t need to be.
Let’s decode some terms that are often used in postpartum recovery so you can feel in control.
Hi! I’m Ally. I’m a Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in functional fitness for women throughout every stage of life, including pregnancy & motherhood.
DIASTASIS RECTI
Diastasis means “separation or standing apart.” Recti refers to the muscle “rectus abdominis.” So in diastasis recti, the “rectus abdominis” muscles are “standing apart.” When they are separated by more that 2 centimeters, is considered a diagnosable diastasis rect. Learn to assess yourself in this article.
DYSPAREUNIA
Dys means “difficult or bad.” Pareunia refers to “sexual intercourse.” So dyspareunia is difficulty with sexual intercourse, but specifically difficulty due to pain. It’s a long word basically meaning pain with sex.
URINARY INCONTINENCE
Urinary refers to “urine or pee.” In- means “not.” While -continence means “retention.” All in all, urinary incontinence means not retaining pee… AKA peeing your pants.
What are some other terms you’ve come across that you don’t understand or want to decode?