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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Dactinomycin - A medication that is commonly prescribed to treat malignant tumors, including choriocarcinoma. Intrauterine exposure to the drug has been associated with an increased risk of stillbirth and low-birth weight in the infant.
Dactylitis - Painful sausage-shaped swelling of the feet and hands in individuals with sickle cell anemia.
Danazol - A hormonal drug used for treating endometriosis. The medication suppresses estrogen production and menstruation. Side effects of the medication include weight gain, increased muscle bulk and increased facial hair.
Dandy Walker Malformation - A birth defect that affects the cerebellum- the area at the back of the brain that is responsible for movement. It is estimated to affect approximately 1 out every 5,000 births.
Dandy Walker malformation causes an enlargement of the fourth ventricle, a partial or total absence of the space in between the two cerebella hemispheres and cysts by the internal base of the skull. The cysts will form during early fetal development.
A patient that has Dandy Walker malformation will not be able to drain the fluid from their brain properly, which will lead to hydrocephalus, or water on the brain. It is common for a patient to experience increased pressure of the brain, mental retardation, congenital heart problems, facial anomalies, slow motor development and a continuing enlargement of the skull.
As the child gets older, additional signs of the defect will develop. These include decreased coordination, jerky movements, convulsions, poor eye control, increased head size, breathing complications and irritability. A prenatal ultrasound can diagnose the condition. A bulge or lump on the back of the fetus' head can be seen with increased head circumference during a routine measurement check.
Because the defect is accompanied by excessive fluid in the skull, a drainage tube may need to be placed. The drainage tube will help control any pressure or swelling inside of the brain. Therapy to help with coordination and development may also be helpful.
Date Rape - Forced, non-consentual sexual activity that occurs during a social setting, or on a date. The main difference between date rape and rape is that the victim agreed to spend time with the attacker, before the attack occurred. Date rape drugs are commonly used to alter the consciousness of the victim before the attack.
Daunorubicin - An antibiotic drug that is prescribed to treat tumors. When taken by either parent, there is an increased risk for birth defects in the fetus/baby.
Dead Fetus Syndrome - A complex condition that occurs when a dead fetus remains inside of a woman's uterus, normally for longer than 4 weeks. Complications such as disseminated intravascular coagulation and low levels of fibrinogen are common. Excessive bleeding during delivery is common with the condition.
Decaffeinated - Caffeine has been removed from products that are caffeine free or decaffeinated. Caffeine is an alkaloid that can be found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, chocolate, medications and a variety of other foods. There are several decaffeinated products available for expectant mothers and breastfeeding mothers.
Decaplets - A multiple birth in which ten babies are born from one pregnancy.
Deceleration - A fall in fetal heart rate below the normal rate of 120 to 160 beats per minute. Deceleration is observed through internal fetal monitoring. Common causes for the drop in fetal heart rate include poor blood flow to the fetus, uterine contractions, epidural anesthesia, medications, cord prolapse or cord compression.
Decidua - The inner lining of the pregnant uterus, which becomes thick and vascular. The decidua forms a favorable environment for implantation of the fertilized egg and continued development of the fetus. This lining is shed during childbirth.
Decidual Cast - The degenerated endometrium that is shed from the uterus upon the death of a fetus in a tubal pregnancy.
Deep Dyspareunia - Discomfort during sexual intercourse that occurs when the penis is thrusted into the vagina. The condition may be a result of other conditions such as endometriosis, inflammatory adhesive disease or uterine displacement.
Deep Transverse Arrest - A condition of vaginal delivery that occurs when the fetal head fails to rotate despite steady descent. This is common in oversized babies and women that have a flat pelvis. Women with this condition who fail to deliver spontaneously will be treated with a cesarean section, forceps or vacuum extraction to assist in the delivery.
Deep Vein Thrombosis - A blood clot that forms in the deep veins of a particular body part. Most often, the clot forms in the leg, thigh, pelvis or arm. The clot can dislodge and travel to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Dehydration - The abnormal loss of too much water in the body in relation to how much is consumed. The loss can occur through frequent urinating, sweating, diarrhea or vomiting. Being dehydrated can cause fatigue, muscle cramps, headaches, dark yellow urine, low amniotic fluid and during the second and third trimester dehydration can lead to premature labor. To prevent dehydration, it is important to drink plenty of water. IV therapy may be necessary to replace lost fluids if dehydration is present.
Delayed Ejaculation - A rare condition in which a male experiences a normal erection but ejaculation does not occur. Researchers believe that the majority of men that experience a lack of ejaculation have psychological problems that affect their sexual performance. Some men may be afraid of a possible pregnancy, a dirty vagina or have experienced a very strict upbringing regarding sexual health.
DelCastillo Syndrome - A combination of a profuse milky secretion from the breast of a nonlactating woman in addiition to the absence of menstruation. The condition is not associated with recent pregnancy and may be associated with a benign tumor in the pituitary gland.
Delivery Room - A hospital room into which women in labor are taken for delivery. Delivery rooms are equipped with all of the necessary supplies, instruments and equipment that are needed for a vaginal delivery.
Demerol - A fast acting, narcotic durg that is used to alleviate moderate to severe pain. Demerol binds to the receptors in the central nervous system, which alters how pain is felt. Demerol can be given as an injection or into the vein or muscle. Side effects of Demerol include drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, respiratory depression, and low blood pressure. If the medication is given within 2-4 hours of delivery, the baby may experience breathing complications.
Denticular Hymen - A hymen in which the opening has serrated edges that resemble teeth surrounding the vaginal opening.
Deoxyribonucleic Acid - The material located inside the nucleus of cells that carries genetic information. Almost every cell in a person’s body has the exact form of deoxyribonucleic acid. Half of a person's nuclear DNA comes from the father and half comes from the mother. Deoxyribonucleic acid contains the instructions that are necessary for a person to develop, survive and reproduce.
Depo Provera - A synthetic hormone (progesterone) that is given in larger doses as a form of birth control. The shot is 97-99.7% effective at preventing pregnancy. It is injected into the arm, hip, upper thigh or abdomen every three months. Depo Provera does not allow the ovaries to release eggs and causes the cervical mucus to thicken. The uterine lining changes, which makes it harder for sperm to enter and survive in the uterus, thus preventing fertilization.
Depression - A mental condition that is characterized by ongoing feelings of sadness, wothlessness,despair, loss of energy, lack of interest in things that were once enjoyable and difficulty dealing with normal daily life. Depression may be mild or severe and can be controlled with antidepressants.
Dermatologist - A doctor that specializes in the care and treatment of the skin. Because of the effects that pregnancy may have on the skin, many women find it necessary to see a dermatologist during their pregnancy.