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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Amnion Nodosum - A placental lesion consisting of numerous small nodules on the amnion of the chorionic disc, placental membranes, or the umbilical cord. The condiiton is associated with other conditions that accompany severe and prolonged oligohydramnios.
Amnioscopy - An invasive prenatal examination in which a special instrument called an amnioscope is inserted into the amniotic sac through the cervical canal so that the fetus and amniotic fluid can be observed. The amniotic fluid is being checked for meconium, as any meconium in the womb can distress the fetus and cause complications.
Amniotic Band Syndrome - A fetal condition in which a band of amnion causes constriction and possible amputation of digits and limbs. Webbing of digits, clunfoot and fusion deformities of the cranium and face can sometimes be present.
Amniotic Bands - Abnormal strands of tissue that can develop between the fetus and the amniotic sac that contains the fetus. Fetal abnormalities can be a result of this condition.
Amniotic Caruncles - A placental lesion consisting of numerous small nodules on the amnion of the chorionic disc, placental membranes, or the umbilical cord. The condiiton is associated with other conditions that accompany severe and prolonged oligohydramnios.
Amniotic Fluid - A colorless and odorless fluid that surrounds the developing baby during pregnancy. Production of amniotic fluid begins approximately two weeks after fertilization. At full term there is about a quart of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac, most of which is fetal urine. The amniotic fluid protects and cushions the baby, allows movement inside of the womb, prevents heat loss and protects the baby from infection. A growing fetus inhales and exhales the amniotic fluid as the lungs develop and mature for life outside of the womb.
Amniotic Fluid Crystallization Test - A test that is used to determine if the amniotic sac has ruptured. The test enables a health care provider to detect premature leakage of amniotic fluid from fetal membranes in a minimal amount of time. A vaginal liquid pool specimen is obtained with a swab, allowed to dry completely in room air and examined microscopically. A
positive result can be confirmed by the presence of fern-like patterns characteristic
of amniotic fluid crystals.
Amniotic Fluid Embolism - A rare complication of childbirth in which amniotic fluid enters the blood circulation of the laboring woman. The amniotic fluid enters through ruptured uterine veins which generally causes hemorrhage, shock, pulmonary embolism and, often, maternal death. Risk factors include extreme contractions, premature detachment of the placenta, a dead fetus, trauma caused by abdominal injury, operative delivery of the fetus and the use of an intrauterine catheter to monitor uterine contractions.
Amniotic Fluid Infection - Infection of the amniotic fluid with a variet of microorganisms. The infection may occur after the membranes have ruptured or it can occur while the membranes are still intact. Common symptoms that may be seen with the infection include fever, uterine tenderness and foul smelling amniotic fluid.
Amniotic Fluid Test - A prenatal test that is used to detect birth defects, fetal infections or obtain the definite sex of the developing fetus. The test is performed after the 15th week of pregnancy and is done by inserting a needle through the abdomen to retrieve a small amoutn of amniotic fluid that contains placental cells. An ultrasound may be used to properly guide the needle. Although the risk are low, possible complications ican nclude infection in the amniotic sac from the needle and early rupture of the membranes, which could lead to a miscarriage. Preterm labor and fetal trauma are also possible.
Amniotic Sac - The sac that surrounds the developing baby inside of a pregnant woman's uterus. The sac contains the baby, the placenta and the amniotic fluid.
Amniotome - A medical instrument that is used to puncture the fetal membranes and allow the amniotic fluid to escape. The instrument is used during an amniotomy and resembles a crochet hook.
Amniotomy - A usually painless procedure in which the membranes (amniotic sac) are ruptured by a doctor or midwife. Rupturing the bag of waters will speed labor up and cause stronger contractions in the laboring woman. Amniotomy is done with an instrument that looks like a long crochet hook with a sharp tip or a small thimble-like instrument with a sharp tip placed over the doctor's finger.
Amphetamine - A group of drugs that have a strong effect on the central nervous system. Some prescribed medications are amphetamines, while others are abused illegaly. The use of amphetamines during pregnancy can cause preterm labor, placental abruption, fetal distress, postpartum hemorrhage and intrauterine growth retardation.
Anal Abscess - An abscess that is located along the anal canal. The abscess may be deep or superficial and is generally caused by a bacterial infection, such as staphylococci or streptococci. The infection can become very painful and individuals may experience pain while having a bowel movement or changing bodily positions. The infection may be feel similar to that of hemorrhoids, but other signs of infection will occur, such as fever, chills and fatigue. Surgery is necessary to drain the abscess.
Anal Atresia - Congenital absence of the anus that is often associated with abnormal openings of the anal canal into the urethra or vagina. The end of the intestinal tract has not perforated the skin in the perineal area. The condition can be observed at birth during a physical examination. If the diagnosis is missed at birth, the condition will present itself within a few days of birth because the abdomen will swell and the baby will begin to vomit fecal matter. An ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can then diagnose the condition. Surgery is the only treatment option for anal atresia.
Anal Sex - Sexual activity in which the penis is inserted into the anus. Anal sex during pregnancy is usually safe as well. However, if you have hemorrhoids, remember that they tend to become larger during pregnancy. If your hemorrhoids are bleeding and you have anal sex, you can lose a considerable amount of blood, which can endanger both mother and baby. Never directly transition from anal to vaginal sex without cleaning up first and changing condoms if you're using one -- otherwise you put yourself at risk for bacterial vaginitis, and there is some concern that this infection can cause preterm labor or make your water break early.
Analgesia - Full or partial relief of pain while remaining conscious.
Anaphylactoid Syndrome of Pregnancy - A rare complication of childbirth in which amniotic fluid enters the blood stream of the laboring woman through ruptured uterine veins. The condition causes hemorrhage, shock, pulmonary embolism and sometimes, maternal death. The condition can often be caused by powerful uterine contractions, early detachment of the placenta, a fetus that has died in utero, trauma and the introduction of a intrauterine contraction monitor.
Androgen - A group of hormones that promote the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics. Androgens are necessary for puberty, male fertility and male sexual function.
Andrologist - A medical doctor that specializes in the study of male reproduction, semen analysis, hormone production and infertility.
Andropause - The period of time in a man's life, similar to the female menopause. It generally occurrs usually between the ages of 45 and 55 and is characterized by a drop in testosterone levels. Body changes occur and may be accompanied by changes mood, fatigue, a loss of energy, sex drive and physical agility.
Anemia - A lower than normal number of red blood cells. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is not enough iron in the blood. Iron is an important building block for hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. In pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body must increase by almost 50% to support the growing baby. As a result, the mother`s body starts to make blood at a faster pace than it is accustomed to. Sometimes the need for iron is greater than the amount stored in the body. The result is iron deficiency anemia. Approximately 20% of pregnant women have anemia.
Anencephaly - A neural tube defect in which the the head end of the neural tube does not close.
Normally, the neural tube will fold and close during the 3rd to 4th week of pregnancy. When it does not close, it causes a large portion of the brain, skull and scalp to be missing.
A fetus that has been diagnosed with anencephaly will be born without a forebain and cerebrum. The cerebrum is the part of the brain that is responsible for thinking and coordination. Usually the brain tissue will not be covered with bone or skin and is exposed at birth.
Most babies that are born with this condition are blind, deaf, unconscious and are not able to sense pain. Researchers think that the mother's diet and vitamin consumption may play a vital role in the cause of the disorder, but there is no exact known cause.
Because there is no treatment for anencephaly, most babies will be stillborn or will die within a few hours or days of birth.