Definition of Parturition

Parturition: Childbirth, the process of delivering the baby and placenta from the uterus to the vagina to the outside world. Also called labor and delivery.

Parturition comes from the Latin parturire, "to be ready to bear young" and is related to partus, the past participle of parere, "to produce."

Source: MedTerms™ Medical Dictionary
http://www.medterms.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=4792
Last Editorial Review: 4/27/2011 5:27:15 PM