Which term refers to the period before birth?

• A. Antepartum
• B. Angioplasty
• C. Antecubital
• D. Anterior

Answer: (A)

Antepartum is the term used for the period before birth. The prefix ante- means before, and partum relates to birth or labor, so antepartum literally describes the time before delivery. This term is commonly used in obstetrics to talk about prenatal care, tests, and conditions that occur during pregnancy prior to labor. In contrast, angioplasty is a procedure to open narrowed blood vessels; antecubital refers to the inner elbow area; and anterior is a directional term meaning toward the front. Thus, antepartum precisely identifies the timeframe before birth.