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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Chlorothiazide - A diuretic drug that is used to reduce fluid retention and in the maintenance of high blood pressure. If taken by a pregnant woman during the first trimester, it can cause an increased risk of birth defects. Use during pregnancy is not suggested, as it can cause complications within the placenta.
Chocolate Cyst - An ovarian cyst that is filled with old blood from tissues in the uterus. The cyst is commonly found when endometriosis attacks the ovary causing it to bleed and swell. The fluid in the cyst generally looks like chocolate syrup or used motor oil.
Choline - A natural substance that is classified as a B-Vitamin. Getting adequate amounts of choline during pregnancy is important for fetal brain development and decreases the risk for neural tube defects. Choline plays a significant role in both male and female fertility. It is recommended that pregnant women consume 450 milligrams of choline each day, while lactating women should consume 550 milligrams a day. Choline can be found naturally in organ meats, yeast, leafy vegetables and egg yolks.
Chorangioma - A benign tumor of the placenta that is made up of blood vessels. Approximately 100 out of every 100,000 pregnancies will be affected by the condition. Chorangiomas vary in size and can be a single mass or several multiple masses. Complications may include preterm labor, premature rupture of membranes, preterm delivery, maternal hemorrhage, growth retardation and skin hemangiomas.
Chorea Gravidarum - Irregular, rapid, jerky movements of the face,arms and legs that occur during pregnancy. The movements are involuntary and dissapear while the individual is sleeping.
Chorioadenocarcinoma - A type of hydatidiform mole that invades the uterine wall. The abnormal pregnancy may completely penetrate the wall and could be associated with uterine rupture. the condition occurs in about 20% of molar pregnancies and the moles can develop before and after treatment by D & C. An invasive mole is generally treated with chemotherapy.
Chorioamnionitis - A serious infection of the placental tissues and amniotic fluid that occurs in about 1 to 2 percent of all pregnancies. Although it is rare, it appears to be more common in preterm births. It can cause a blood infection in the mother and may lead to preterm birth.
Choriocarcinoma - An uncommon malignant tumor of the placenta that is usually found in the uterus after pregnancy. Cancer cells grow in the tissues that are formed in the uterus after conception and can spread to the lungs. Sometimes the condition occurs as a result of an abortion and often times the tumor develops after pregnancy.
Chorion - The outer membrane of the amniotic sac that envelopes the fetus during fetal development. The cells of the chorion are sampled during chorionic villus sampling.
Chorionic Plate - Placental tissues on the fetal sie of the placenta. The chorionic plate will become the chorionic villi and is composed of amniotic epithelium, connective tissues and a layer of cellular trophoblasts.
Chorionic Vessels - Branches of the umbilical blood vessels that fan out throughout the connective tissue layer of the of the chorionic vessels, which are the tissues on the fetal side of the placenta.
Chorionic Villi - Slender, finger-like projections that attach the developing embryo/fetus to the wall of the uterus. Most of the placental disc is composed of chorionic villi. During chorionic villus sampling, the cells of the chorionic villi are sampled.
Chorionic Villus Sampling - A genetic screening test that is offered to women at risk between the 10th and 12th weeks of pregnancy. A procedure in which a small sample of cells are taken from the placenta through a needle placed through the vagina and the cervix. An ultrasound is used to guide the needle. The test is used to diagnose Down syndrome and other birth defects.
Choroid Plexus Cysts -
Approximately 1-2% of all women that have an ultrasound between 16 and 24 weeks will be diagnosed with fetal choroid plexus cysts.
The choroid plexus is a tissue in the brain that produces cerebrospial fluid. During a second trimester ultrasound, doctors will often find a cyst(s) in the choroid plexus. Usually these cysts will go away by the 28th week of pregnancy and will not affect the baby.
A CPC tells doctors that there could be another chromosomal abnormality present. The presence of CPC's indicates an increased risk for trisomy 18. Women that are diagnosed with this condition will be offered additional ultrasound examinations and an amniocentesis.
Chromatography - A test in which a pregnant woman's urine is collected and examined in a laboratory to detect illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and marijuana.
Chromosomal Aberration - An abnormality of chromosome number or structure that can alter the development of an embryo.
Chromosomal Anomaly - Any error in a person's genetic code, or DNA that causes an abnormality, defect or anomaly. The anomaly can range in severity from minor to severe, with some being so slight that they are hardly noticeable and others being so complex that the complication is not compatible with life. A chromosomal anomaly is often the cause of an early miscarriage.
Chromosome - In any cell, one of a group of threadlike structures that are located within the cell nucleus and contain DNA encoding genetic information from both parents. A typical human has 46 chromosomes. Males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes.
Chronic Endometritis - Inflammation or infection of the lining of the uterus that is characterized by the presence of plasma cells in the stroma, usually caused by chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, tuberculosis, and chlamydia. Common symptoms of the condition includes blood stained discharge and possibly lower abdominal pain.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - A complex disorder that is characterized by persistent exhaustion, muscle weakness, depression, and sleep disturbances. The disorder makes daily tasks very hard to complete. The disorder may get better or worse during pregnancy, depending onm the individual that is affected. It is important to get plenty of rest, eat a well balanced diet and ask for help.
Chronic Hypertension - Elevated blood pressure that is identified either prior to conception or before 20 weeks of gestation. Approximately 3% of pregnant women suffer from the condition. If the condition is severe or occur in conjunction with other complications, additional risks are present for both mother and baby that include preterm labor, stillbirth, IUGR, kidney failure and placental abruption. Quality prenatal care, labortatory testing and additional tests are necessary to ensure a safe pregnancy.
Chronic Lung Disease - 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.
Circular Hymen - A hymen with a small round opening.
Circumcise - To cut off the foreskin of the penis. Many infants are circumcised for religious or medical purposes. It is best to perform the operation within the first 2 to 3 weeks after birth. It can become more complicated as a child gets older. The procedure is usually performed during the first 10 days (often within the first 48 hours), either in the hospital or, for some religious ritual circumcisions, at home.
Clap - Common sexually disease caused by a bacteria that can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, damaged fallopian tubes, infertility and an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Individuals that are infected with the disease will have a pus-like discharge from the genitals. During pregnancy, gonorrhea can cause premature labor and stillbirth. The mother may give the infection to her baby as the baby passes through the birth canal during delivery, which can cause blindness, joint infection or a blood infection in the baby. Several antibiotics can successfully cure gonorrhea.