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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Bladder - A hollow and muscular balloon-shaped organ that stores urine until it is expelled from the body. The average capacity of the adult bladder is about half a liter. During pregnancy, women may feel the need to urinate more often due to increased pressure on the bladder from the growing uterus and abdomen.
Bladder Infection - Urinary Tract Infection. A common occurence during pregnancy. A UTI occurs when the urinary tract becomes inflammed. When bacteria enters the urinary tract, it can become infected. This can happen during sexual intercourse, improper wiping techniques, the placement of a catheter or simply because of the changes in the urinary tract during pregnancy. As your uterus grows, it sits on the bladder and does not the bladder to completely empty, which can lead to an infection. If the UTI is not caught in time, it can lead to a kidney infection. While a urinary tract infection itself will not harm your developing baby, a kidney infection can. A kidney infection can lead to preterm labor.
Blastocyst - The embryo at the time of implantation into the inner wall of the uterus. A blastocyst contains a single layer of outer cells, a fluid-filled cavity and a mass of inner cells. The surface cells of the blastocyst will become the placenta while the inner cells will become the fetus.
Blastomere - One of the cells into which the fertilized egg divides. Blastomere formation begins immediately after the sperm fertilizes the egg and continues through the first week of embryonic development.
Blastula - An early stage of embryonic development in which the fertilized egg transforms from a solid mass of cells to a hollow ball of cells. The blastula consists of a spherical structure formed by a single layer of cells that encloses a fluid-filled cavity.
Bleeding Chart - A written record of uterine bleeding, frequently used to characterize menstrual function.
Blenorrhea - Any profuse discharge of secretions containing mucus, especially from the vagina or urethra. Gonorrhea is a common cause of blenorrhea and the condition often causes diffiuclty with conception.
Blighted Ovum - Occurs when a fertilized egg attaches itself to the uterine wall, but an embryo does not develop, it is known as a blighted ovum. A blighted ovum is a miscarriage that occurs very early on. Blighted ovums are the cause for approximately half of all first trimester miscarriages. Generally, the blighted ocum is because of chromosomal problems. A woman's body recognizes the abnormal chromosomes and discontinues the pregnancy.
Blood Bank - A medical facility where blood is collected, sorted by type and appropriately stored until it is needed by an individual receiving a blood transufsion.
Blood Gas - A blood test that measures the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the baby's blood. Healthcare providers must obtain a blood sample for testing and the blood may be obtained from an artery, vein or capillary. The test can tell the healthcare provider about the baby's respiratory status.
Blood Glucose Screening Test - A simple, prenatal test that is used to check for gestational diabetes between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. At the beginning of the glucose screening test, the mother is asked to consume a drink containing a known amount of glucose. An hour later, a blood specimen is collected. If the level of glucose is acceptable, then it is unlikely that she has gestational diabetes. If the level is moderately elevated, a longer, more conclusive glucose tolerance test (GTT) may be discussed. If the level is significantly elevated, the results are considered conclusive for gestational diabetes and a GTT may not be recommended.
Blood Mole - A uterine mass that occurs after fetal death and is comprised of blood clots, fetal membranes, and the placenta.
Blood Patch - A treatment for post-spinal headache in which blood from the patient is placed in the epidural space at a previous puncture site in an effort to plug a leak of spinal fluid.
Blood Pressure - The force of the blood on blood vessel walls as the heart beats and relaxes. A good, healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80. High blood pressure can be very dangerous to both mother and baby during pregnancy.
Blood Transfusion - The transfer of blood or blood products from a donor to a recipient. Blood is given through an IV line that has been inserted into the vein. Varying degrees of hemorrhage are common during childbirth and if too much blood is lost during labor or delivery, a transfusion may be necessary. Blood transfusions can be life saving in many emergency situations.
Bloody Show - A classical sign that labor is drawing near. Represents expulsion of the mucus plug that has filled the cervical canal during pregnancy. It begins in early labor as the cervix begins to dilate and efface to prepare for delivery. A bloody show can also be caused by sex or an internal examination.
Bloom Syndrome - An inherited birth defect that occurs when there are numerous breaks along the chromosomes in an individual's body.
Although the syndrome can affect anyone, it is most common among Jews. People with Bloom's syndrome generally have a short stature and a narrow face with a prominent nose. It is common to have a butterfly-shaped rash on the face and skin color changes on the face that are usually more noticeable after being in direct sunlight.
Many individuals with this condition will have a high pitched voice and some degree of mental retardation. The disorder causes there to be an increased risk of developing infections, respiratory illness, cancer and leukemia.
The disorder also can cause fertility problems. Doctors can diagnose Bloom's syndrome prenatally through the use of CVS or amniocentesis.
Although there is no treatment for Bloom's syndrome, people that suffer from the condition should be monitored closely for any form of cancer or illness that can be associated with the syndrome.
Blue Baby - An infant born with a bluish tint of the skin due to inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood. The condition is caused by a developmental defect, such as ab abnormal opening within the heart or transposition of the main arteries that leave the heart. The disorder allows the venous blood and arterial blood to mix, which causes deoxygenated blood to cycle back through the veins.
Blueberry Muffin Baby - The occurence of yellowish and purple patches on the skin of a newborn. It may be the result of an intrauterine viral infection that is transmitted from the mother through the placenta.
BMI - A measurement of body fat based on an individual's height and weight. BMI classifications include: Underweight (<18.5), Normal Weight (18.5 - 24.9), Overweight (25 - 29.9), and Obese(>30).
Body Mass Index - A measurement of body fat based on an individual's height and weight. BMI classifications include: Underweight (<18.5), Normal Weight (18.5 - 24.9), Overweight (25 - 29.9), and Obese(>30).
Boerhaave's Syndrome - Spontaneous rupture of the lower portion of the esophagus. When this occurs during pregnancy, it is most likely a result of increased pressure from vomiting.
Bonding - The process in which mother, father and baby get to know one another after delivery and develop a strong attachment to one another. Bonding may occur instantaneously or it may develop over several weeks or months.
Botryoid Sarcoma - A rare condition in which an infant or young child develops a highly malignant tumor of the vagina. The tumor develops in the submucosal vaginal tissue and spreads rapidly, leaving large grapelike clusters. These clusters can protrude through the vagina.
Botulism - A severe and potentially deadly illness that is caused by a bacteria. This type of food poisoning is often associated with improperly canned foods. Common symptoms of the illness include vomiting, blurred vision, dry mouth, impaired speech and weakness of the limbs. Because of the possibility of preterm delivery and other dangerous effects that can affect a developing fetus, it is important that pregnant women follow all guidelines to prevent the spread of botulism.