Pronunciation: [vˈad͡ʒiːnt] (IPA) 
The word "vagient" is not a commonly known term. However, it refers to a newborn's cry during the first moments after birth. The spelling of "vagient" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˈveɪdʒiənt/. The first syllable "vay" is pronounced as the "ay" sound in "day", followed by "jient" which is pronounced with a soft "j" sound followed by the "i" sound as in "fit" and the "ent" sound.
Vagient refers to a term that is commonly used in the medical field and specifically in the obstetrics and gynecology domain. It is an adjective used to describe a baby's cry immediately after birth, particularly among newborn female infants. The term is derived from a combination of "vaginal" and "urgent," reflecting the urgent, high-pitched cry that newborn girls produce due to varying physiological factors.
A vagient cry is characterized by a sharp, loud, and sometimes shrill sound. This cry is a result of the baby's respiratory system adjusting to the outside environment, as well as the expulsion of amniotic fluid from the lungs during the birthing process. The vagient cry is typically short-lived and may vary in intensity and duration from one baby to another.
Medical professionals often assess a newborn's cry as it serves as an initial indicator of their overall health and determines if the respiratory system is functioning properly. The vagient cry can also provide insights into the baby's ability to breathe and vocalize effectively.
Although vagient is primarily used in the medical context, it may also be employed in broader discussions related to childbirth and infant care. Overall, the term highlights the distinct cry exhibited by newborn girls immediately after birth and contributes to the understanding of normal newborn behavior.
The word "vagient" originates from the Latin word "vagire", which means "to cry out" or "to wail". "Vagire" is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *wek-, which carries the sense of "to utter a sound". "Vagient" is specifically used in the medical context to describe the cry or wail of a newborn baby immediately after birth.
