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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Dimple Chin - A Y-shaped fissure that is found on the chin. This characterisitc is an inherited trait and can be seen from bith.
Diphallia - Penile duplication.
This occurs when the baby is born with 2 penises and occurs in 1 out of 5,000,000 male births. It extremely rare and only about 100 cases have been reported to date. Generally, a child that is born with penile duplication will also have other congenital defects, including spina bifida.
Babies that are born with diphallia are at an increased risk of infant death because of the defects and infections that are associated with the condition. Researchers believe that a fetus will develop diphallia around 23-25 days of gestation because the genital tubercle fails to fuse properly.
Direct Intraperitoneal Insemination - Injection of washed and processed sperm into the peritoneal cavity by puncturing the vaginal cul-de-sac. The procedure is performed by a licensed and highly skilled physician at the time of ovulation in hopes of achieving fertilization and pregnancy.
Directed Pushing - The practice of a laboring woman holding their breath to ten, and pushing, numerous times during one contraction. Because of the reduction in oxygen levels, the mother usually turns purple and the eyes may bulge out. Raised or broken blood vessels are common. This form of pushing increases the risk of a tear, makes the mother feel more fatigued and decreases the amount of oxygen that both mother and baby receive.
DISH - A form of arthritis in which the tendons and ligaments of the spine, heels, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and hands become hardened. Common symptoms include stiffness, pain and decreased range of motion. Pregnant women may experience a worsening in their symptoms as the pregnancy progresses.
Dispermy - Entrance and fertilization of two spermatozoa into the egg or ovum.
Disposable Diaper - A garment that contains absorbent chemicals and is thrown away after use. Diapers are worn by babies and young children that are unable or unwilling to control their bladder and bowels.
Disposable Nappy - A garment that contains absorbent chemicals and is thrown away after use. Nappies are worn by babies and young children that are unable or unwilling to control their bladder and bowels.
Diuretic - A chemical that stimulates the production of urine. Diuretics are not safe during pregnancy and should be avoided. Examples of diuretics include water pills and caffeine (tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, etc) .
Dizygotic Twin - The most common type of multiple pregnancy. Fraternal twins occur when two different eggs are fertilized by different sperm. Because these types of siblings do not share any of the exact genetic material, they will be no more alike than siblings born at separate times. Fraternal siblings can be the same sex or different sexes.
Dizziness - A feeling of physical unsteadiness, imbalance, and lightheadedness. Dizziness is a normal symptom during pregnancy. Common causes of dizziness include rising hormone levels, low blood sugar levels, quick changes in body position and lying on the back. If other symptoms accompany dizziness, it is best to contact a doctor for an evaulation, as these could be signs of a more serious condition.
DNA - 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 DNA. Half of a person's nuclear DNA comes from the father and half comes from the mother. DNA contains the instructions that are necessary for a person to develop, survive and reproduce.
DNA Testing - A technique in which DNA is analyzed to look for a genetic alteration that may indicate an increased risk for developing a specific disease or disorder. The purpose of the examination is to determine if an inherited genetic disease is present and the likelihood of passing the defect on to offspring.
DNA Typing - A test on a cell to detect characteristics in genetic structures that are unique to an individual. The test may be used for identification purposes.
DNA Virus - Types of viruses that have an inner core of DNA and multiply in the nuclei of cells. Examples of DNA viruses include those that cause herpes simplex, herpes zoster, chickenpox, smallpox, warts and some malignant tumors.
Do It Yourself Test - A health test that is performed at home or in a personal private space, using a test kit sold over the counter at a drugstore. Tests include home pregnancy tests, ovulation prediction kits, blood-glucose monitoring tests and drug tests.
Docosahexaenoic Acid - An important Omega-3 fatty acid that is a major structural component of brain, nerve and retinal membranes. DHA can be found naturally in human breastmilk and many infant formula manufacturer's now incorporate DHA into the formula.
Dominant - A characteristic that is apparent in a child even when the gene for it has been inherited from only one parent.
Dominant Inheritance - A character or trait that is more likey to be passed on to offspring. Only one affected parent is needed to pass on the trait to their children. There is a 50% chance of inheritance.
Donor - An individual that gives a part of their body to be used by another person in need. Donors can donate blood for transfusions, organs and tissues for transplantation, eggs for fertiliaztion or sperm for artificial insemination.
Donor Insemination - A procedure in which fresh sperm, either from the female's partner or from a donor, are placed in a woman's vagina, cervix r uterus. The procedure is performed around the time of ovulation.
Doppler Flow - A type of ultrasound which use sound waves to measure blood flow.
Double Bubble Sign - A finding that can be observed on radiographs of newborns and infants or on ultrasound examinations in a developing fetus. The examinations reveal two air-filled structures in the upper abdomen, and in utero, the stomach and duodenum are typically filled with fluid. The presence of a double bubble sign may be an indicator of congenital anomalies, such as Down's syndrome.
Double Cervix - A developmental anomaly resulting from separate maturation of the mullerian ducts ,which causestwo distinct cervices to be present in one individual.
Douche - A cleansing fluid that is flushed through the vagina as a hygienic measure. A douch may consist of water, water mixed with vinegar or other antiseptic chemicals. Douching is unecessary in a a healthy female and should not be performed, especially during pregnancy. Douching can wash bacteria into the uterus and Fallopian tubes, causing fertility problems.