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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Adenomyosis - The abnormal, but benign, ingrowth of the endormetrium into the uterine walls. Women between the ages of 35 and 50 are most commonly affected. The condition has been associated with uterine trauma, such as cesarean section, tubal ligation, pregnancy or abortion. The symptoms are similar to that of endometriosis and the only permanent cure is hysterectomy.
Adjusted Age - An infant or child's chronological age minus the number of weeks they were born early. Evaluation of growth, feeding skills, and development should be based on the adjusted age for preterm infants
Adolescent Pregnancy - A pregnancy that occurs in a female aged 19 and under. Most adolescent pregnancies are unplanned. Because an adolescent's body and mind is not completely ready to handle the demands of pregnancy, there are increased risks for both mother and baby.
Adoption - Adoption is the legal act of permanently placing a child with a parent (or parents) other than the biological birth parents. Often the birth mother chooses to place her child for adoption when she realizes that she can not provide a quality life for the child. If a birth parent wishes to remain in contact with the child, an open adoption may be considered. In an open adoption, birth families are allowed to write, email, call and see the child. In a closed adoption, no communication by any means is carried out after the adoption has been finalized. Domestic, international and intra-family adoptions are all types to consider. There are a variety of adoption agencies around the country that specilize in the adoption process.
Adrenogenital Syndrome - General term for a group of syndromes characterized by masculinization of women, feminization of men or early sexual development in children. This condtion can be caused by malignant tumors or overgrowth of cells in the adrenal cortex.
Adrenosterone - A male sex hormone that is found in the adrenal cortex.
Advanced Directive - A signed document in the form of a living will or a durable power of attorney for heatlh care that states an individual's wishes in regards to medical care in the event of becoming unable to make decisions. The document does not have to be signed or reviewed by an attorney, but it must be signed by two witnesses. In some areas, the witnesses can not be the patient's relatives, heirs or doctors.
Advanced Maternal Age - A woman that is 35 years of age or more at the time of delivery of her baby. It is becoming more popular for women to begin or extend their family after the age of 35. A woman of advanced age will likely be offered additional tests to diagnose or rule out possible complications. Research has shown that women over the age of 35 are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy, labor and delivery. However, not all women that are considered to be of advanced maternal age will experience complications.
Adverse Drug Effect - An undesired effect of a medication that may range in severity from barely noticeable, to uncomfortable, to dangerous. Common side effects include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, anxiety and diarrhea.
AFP - A protein produced by a developing fetus that is present in amniotic fluid and in the mother's blood. The early blood test is called the triple screen and should be performed between the 15th and 18th week of pregnancy. Abnormal levels of AFP can indicate abnormalities in the fetus. Elevated levels would be a sign of a neural tube defect and low levels would signal Down's syndrome.
Afterbirth - The placenta and fetal membranes that are expelled from the uterus following the birth of the baby. The placenta is the valuable, yet disposable, organ that joins the mother and fetus throughout the pregnancy. The placenta provides oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. The afterbirth will be approximately 7 inches in diameter and approximately 2 inches thick. The afterbirth will be bloody and the delivering doctor will place it in a container for evaulation after delivery.
Afterpains - Cramping sensations that are triggered by the contracting of the uterus in the postpartum phase as it shrinks down to its pre-pregnant size. Afterpains are more common and painful in subsequent pregnancies. With each pregnancy the tone of the uterus becomes more relaxed, which makes the uterus contract more forcefully as it shrinks to its pre-pregnant state. The cramping sensations tend to decrease as recovery time increases. Breastfeeding releases oxytocin and can make the cramping more intense in the early days of postpartum recovery as it encourages the uterus to contract.
Agenosomia - Congenital absence, or abnormal development, of the genitals. Generally, the abnormality is accompanied by protrusion of the abdominal organs through an incomplete abdominal wall.
Agglutination Inhibition Test - A test for detection and confirmation of pregnancy by means of immunologic techniques, based on the antigenic properties of the hCG hormone. The test measures urine levels of hCG and pregnancy can be detected as early as 10 days after a missed menstrual period. The test is also used to aid in the detection of hCG secreting tumors, such as hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma.
Aging Placenta - A deteriorating placenta, towards the ends of pregnancy. As the placenta ages, it is less capable of supplying oxygen and nutrients to the fetus. After 42 weeks of pregnancy, the placenta is not able to handle the demands of pregnancy and it is crucial that the baby be delivered.
Agonadism - Congenital absence of the ovaries or testes. The gonads may have initially developed, but degenerated shortly afterwards.
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. Caused by a strain of HIV that can be transmitted through sexual contact, contaminated blood or bodily fluids, contaminated drug needles and through childbirth if the mother is infected. The disease attacks and destroys the body's immune system, which makes the individual susceptible to infections and other diseases and causing weight loss, central nervous system problems and death.
Albinism - An inherited condition in which an individual lacks pigmentation of the skin, hair, choroid, retina and iris. People with albinism have fair skin, light colored or white hair and sunburn easily.
Albumin - A protein made in the liver that assists in maintaining blood volume in the arteries and veins. The preotein is detectable by urinalysis or a simple blood test. If the protein is detected during pregnancy, it could be a sign of preeclampsia.
Albuminuria - A condition in which albumin is found in the urine above a specified level, which indicates a possible kidney disorder.
Albuterol - A bronchodilator used for the treatment of asthma that can cause low sugar levels and rapid breathing levels in the newborn if taken during pregnancy. Research shows that albuterol may decrease the occurrence of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
Alcohol Abuse - The continuous and excessive use of alcohol and alcoholic drinks, despite negative consequences. Alcohol abuse will lead to alcoholism, which is a disease. There are many complications that are associated with alcohol abuse during pregnancy, including low birth weight, congenital abnormalities and fetal alcohol syndrome.
Alexander Technique - A technique that is named after F. Matthias Alexander, in which indiviudals are made aware of proper posture and movement. This technique is often used during childbirth to reduce pain and improve breathing.
Allan Herndon Dudley Syndrome - An extremely rare condition that is only known to affect approximately 25 people in the entire world.
Researchers believe that a X-linked trait is the cause and therefore, only males experience the disorder. People that suffer from this disorder are severely mentally retarded and have a hard time speaking clearly and putting words together.
The disorder is also characterized by decreased muscle tone. Generally, infants will appear normal until approximately six months old. It is at this time that parents and caregivers notice physical developmental delays.
Allergen - Any agent or substance that can trigger an allergic reaction. Common allergens include foods, molds, grass, weeds, pet dander, cigarette smoke and detergents. Researchers believe that avoiding foods that can cause allergies, such as peanuts and wheat, during pregnancy may prevent the offspring from developing certain food allergies.