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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Brewer Score - A numerical expression, ranging from 0 to 3, for predicting the likelihood of developing gestatinal trophoblastic tumors in subsequent pregnancies after the first occurrence of a molar pregnancy.
Brittle Bone Disease - A genetic disorder that affects approximately 1 per 30,000-70,000 live births. Ther are four different types of the condition, each with their own exact symptoms. Patients with the disorder have fragile bones that are easily broken or fractured. Sometimes, infants with the condition will have broken bones before they are born. Other symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta include hearing loss, shorter statures, a bluish-gray tint of the sclera in the eyes, dental complications and respiratory abnormalities. In severe cases, a small rib cage may be present and the lungs are not developed properly. Infants with severe cases usually have a difficult time breathing and can die after birth from respiratory complications. Because there is no cure available, it is critical that parents and caregivers learn how to decrease the chances of bone breakage. Careful handling and positioning of the newborn and toddler are critical in the early years of life. Most doctors recommend supportive shoes and leg braces. Physical therapy is another option that may be able to help the child reach their full physical development.
Bromocriptine - A medication that can be used to treat pituitary problems in individuals. Females that have experienced a missing period for several months, infertility, milk production unassociated with nursing and a lack of ovarian function may be candidates for the medications, as these can all be caused by a defect within the pituitary gland.
Bronchial Bud - One of several outgrowths from the embryonic lateral and stem bronchi that become the air passages within the lungs.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia - A chronic lung condition that is seen in premature infants, usually within the first 4 weeks of life. Babies that have had respiratory distress and received oxygen or ventilator support are likely to experience the disease, because their sensitive lungs are more likely to become damaged. While the condition generally affects babies that are born atleast 4 weeks before their estimated due date, full term infants can develop the disease as well.
Brucellosis - A bacterial disease of the reproductive system that can cause miscarriage. Symptoms of the infection may include fever, sweating, weakness, headaches, depression and a general flu-like feeling with body aches.
Brush Biopsy - Removal of cells with a brush tipped instrument. The cells are entrapped in the bristles by manipulating the instrument against the suspected area of disease or concern.
Bubble Stability Test - An amniotic fluid test to detect risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the fetus. The test is performed by taking a sample of amniotic fluid and placing it in a test tube with saline and ethynol. Once the saline and ethynol have been added to the amniotic fluid, it is shaken for 15 seconds and placed upright for 15 minutes. If a ring of bubbles forms on the surface of the solution, fetal lung maturity is indicated. If no bubbles are present, varying levels of respiratory distress syndrome is indicated.
Bubo - Inflammatory swelling of one or more lymph nodes that usually appears in the groin and drains pus.
Bulimia - A type of eating disorder in which the individual consumes large amounts of food in short periods of time and self-induces vomiting or diarrhea to control weight gain. This is a common eating disorder among mainly young females. The individual often has feelings of guilt, depression, and self-condemnation.
Bunch Feeding - A method of breastfeeding in which the mother allows the baby to nurse at closer intervals during the day and go longer between feedings throughout the night hours, in hopes of the baby sleeping for longer periods of time during the night.
Buphthalmos - An uncommon congenital glaucoma occurring in both eyes of an infant. Increased fluid and pressure within the eyeball produces a larger than normal eye with a milky, protruding cornea.
BV - The most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, caused by a decrease in good bacteria and an inrease in harmful bacteria. During pregnancy, the infection can cause complications such as premature rupture of the membranes or infection of the amniotic fluid. The most common symptoms of bacterial vaginosis include a grayish vaginal discharge and fishy odor. Antibiotics are necessary to treat the infection.