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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Cystic Fibrosis - An inherited disease that affects about 70,000 individuals worldwide.
In cystic fibrosis, a defective gene will cause the body to make a thick and sticky substance that clogs the lungs and causes lung infections. This mucus also obstructs the pancreas, which will not allow the body to break down food properly. The symptoms of cystic fibrosis are wheezing and shortness of breath, poor weight gain, coughing, lung infections, salty-tasting skin and bowel movement difficulty.
A couple can obtain prenatal genetic testing to rule out the condition. Newborns can be screened for the disease after birth. Cystic fibrosis can be treated with antibiotics and diet therapy. It is also very important to drain the excess mucus by coughing it out.
Cystic Hygroma - A fluid-filled sac that occurs when there is a blockage in the lymphatic system. They appear as single or multiple cysts and are usually found on the neck. In a fetus, the cystic hygroma can turn into hydrops, an excessive amount of fluid in the baby's body) in which the fetus could possibly die. Each case is different. Some may resolve and lead to other conditions such as webbed neck, swelling and a yelloish-tan tumor on the skin while other cases of cystic hygromas can become very large, often larger than the fetus itself. Many babies that have other birth defects will have cystic hygromas, with the most common being Turner Syndrome and Trisomy 13, 18 and 21.
Cystic Hygromas are caused by environmental factors and genetic factors. Environmental factors that would contribute to a cystic hygroma are maternal infections or alcohol abuse. This can be diagnosed prenatally through detailed ultrasounds, amniocentesis and CVS. A baby could also be diagnosed after birth through a physical examination.
Although there is generally a poor prognosis for a baby that has been diagnosed with a fetal cystic hygroma, some babies do well and the hygroma resolves. Babies that have this condition should be delivered in a hospital with the means of caring for a sick neonate. If the cystic hygroma is large, a cesarean section may be required for a safe delivery.
Cystitis - Inflammation of the urinary bladder, which can cause pain, fever and blood in the urine. Antibiotics are prescribed for cystitis that is caused by bacteria. Drinking adequate amounts of fluid will flush the bladder and kidneys out.
Cytogeneticist - A specially trained and highly educated geneticist that is responsible for preparing, evaulating and interpreting the number, shape and quality of chromosomes. This indiviudal is specialized in cytogenetics, which is the microscopic study of the structure, function, and abnormalities of human chromosomes and cell division.
Cytogenetics - The microscopic study of the structure, function, and abnormalities of human chromosomes and cell division. A cytogeneticist is responsible for preparing, evaulating and interpreting the number, shape and quality of chromosomes.
Cytomegalic Inclusion Disease - A disease that is caused by infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV). The disease is transmitted through sexual contact, transfusion of infected blood or transplantation of an infected organ. An infected pregnant woman can transmit the disease to her fetus through the placenta, childbirth or via breastmilk. The infected infant can develop an enlarged liver and spleen, jaundice, hemorrhage, central nervous system complications and mental retardation.
Cytomegalovirus - An infection that can be passed to an unborn fetus during pregnancy. The infection is part of the herpes virus and can be found in saliva, urine, breastmilk, tears, sweat, blood, vaginal fluids, semen and other body fluids. Possible symptoms of the condition include small size at birth, seizures, jaundice, respiratory complications, liver abnormalities and complications with the spleen. More permanent disabilities from the condition include hearing loss, vision loss, a small head, mental disability and occasionally, death. Testing for the infection can be done during pregnancy, before pregnancy or after the baby has been delivered.
Cytotec - A drug that is placed into the vagina to ripen the cervix prior to a vaginal delivery. The drug will cause the cervix to soften, or efface, so that a vaginal delivery can occur.