Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics
in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net.
|
Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Encephalitis - Inflammation of the brain that can occur as a result of a bacterial, viral of fungal infection. Early symptoms of the condition include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, neck pain and lethargy. The illness can lead to seizures and death if not treated properly. Treatment must begin as early as possible to attempt to avoid potentially serious and life-long effects.
Encephalocele - A birth defect that occurs in about 1-4 babies out of every 10,000 live births. An encephalocele is a neural tube defect and occurs when there is a gap in the skull that allows brain tissue to protrude.
The neural tube does not close completely during fetal development. Usually, encephaloceles are found along the midline of the skull and occur most often in the rear. The sizes of encephaloceles vary and can be very small with minimal brain tissue or very large with a lot of brain tissue.
Most people with this disorder have some degree of mental retardation. It is estimated that approximately 20% of patients with encephalocele are born alive and out of those, only half will survive.
Although many encephaloceles are not diagnosed until birth, it is highly possible to diagnose encephalocele during a prenatal ultrasound. Surgery will likely be required to put the protruding brain tissue into the skull and remove the outer sac.
Endocervical Aspiration - Removal of mucus from the canal of the cervix for microscopic examination for diagnostic purposes. During a routine pap smear, endocervical aspiration is common.
Endocervicitis - Inflammation of the lining of the uterine cervix. The inflammation can be caused by infection with sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhea and chlamydia. Symptoms may include pain upon urination, discharge from the vagina, painful sexual intercourse and bleeding from the vagina after intercourse. Women that have been diagnosed with the condition may have a difficult time becoming pregnant.
Endoderm - The innermost of the three primary germ layers of an embryo. As the endoderm continues to develop, the endoderm will give rise to the lungs, pancreas, liver, bladder digestive tract and its glands.
Endometrial Ablation - !S!WCRTESTTEXTAREA000002!E!
Endometrial Biopsy - A sample of endometrial tissue is removed through the opening of the cervix and examined microscopically for abnormal cells. The procedure is easily performed during an office visit. An instrument is inserted into the uterus to gather sample tissue that will be observed under a microscope to diagnose the condition of the uterus, check for signs of ovulation, diagnose hormone levels,check for fibroids or cancer.
Endometrial Cycle - Female reproductive cycle starting at puberty and ending at menopuase. The continuoius, monthly cycle in women where once a month an egg is released from the ovary and the uterine wall thickens to prepare for a fertilized egg to settle in it. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining sheds with discharge of blood, known as menstruation.
Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma - A bulky malignant tumor of the uterine lining, capable of spreading early and extensively. Common symptoms include pelvic pain, irregular bleeding and uterine enlargement.
Endometrioma - 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.
Endometriosis Interna - The abnormal, but benign, ingrowth of the endormetrium into the uterine walls. Women between the ages of 35 and 50 are most commonly affected. The condition has been associated with uterine trauma, such as cesarean section, tubal ligation, pregnancy or abortion. The symptoms are similar to that of endometriosis and the only permanent cure is hysterectomy.
Endometritis - Inflammation or infection of the lining of the uterus. The cause of the inflammation or infection can be caused by a bacteria, a virus, parasite or foreign body. Common symptoms of the condition include lower abdominal pain, fever and abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge. Risk factors include the need for a cesarean section, prolonged rupture of membranes and multiple vaginal examinations during a long labor. Helathcare providers generally treat the condition with antibiotics.
Endometrium - The inner lining of the uterus, made up of tissue and blood that are shed during menstruation every month in a woman of child-bearing age. Once conception has occurred, the embryo implants itself in the endometrium.
Endorphins - Chemicals that the brain generates in order to regulate pain. These natural pain-killers are released at times of severe mental stress or strenuous exercise. Hightened endorphin levels can provide a natural sense of pain relief, calmness and euphoria for women during labor and delivery.
Endoscope - A long, thin tube that is used to view internal body parts or assist with surgery. The instrument has a light and a camera at the tip, which projects bright and magnified images of the body. An endoscope can be used during pregnancy to view the fetus, diagnose abdominal bleeding or severe pain in the abdomen, pancreatitis and other complications.
Endoscopic Biopsy - A biopsy that is performed with a viewing instrument, known as an endoscope, equipped with forceps or a brush. This method is used to removal tissue or cells from the linking of a hollow organ, such as the stomach, colon or uterus.
Endotracheal Tube - A soft tube is placed through the mouth or nose and into the windpipe. The tube serves as an artificial respirator because it keeps the airway open and connects the patient to the ventilator. Infants in the NICU are occasionally placed on endotracheal tubes to assist with breathing.
Enema - Administration of liquid into the rectum (bowel) through a tube, usually with the aim of triggering bowel movement and the passage of stools. Some doctors prefer for their laboring patients to have an enema before childbirth.
Enflurane - A nonflammable and nonexplosive liquid that is used as an inhalation general anesthetic during normal vaginal deliveries. Use was more common in the 1970's and 80's, but it is still available for use today. There is no toxicity to the mother or baby.
Engagement - A sensation that is experienced by many pregnant women, normally towards the last month of the pregnancy as the fetus settles in the pelvis to prepare for birth. Breathing becomes easier as the pressure on the diaphragm lessens, although the need to urinate will increase due to the increase of pressure on the bladder. The abdomen will usually feel as if it has dropped and the woman may actually look different because of the change.
Engorgement - Excessively swollen and tender breasts, usually beginning between two days and a week after childbirth. As milk production increases, blood and lymph fluids accumulate in the breast. If the baby is not nursing frequently, effectively, and for as long as he wants, the mother`s breasts can become engorged. Engorgement is different than normal fullness because it is more painful and more likely to interfere with the baby`s ability to nurse.If the baby is nursing frequently, effectively, and as long as he wants, this fullness will decrease significantly in 12 to 48 hours. A woman may continue to experience some fullness as her body learns how much milk her baby needs.
Enterovaginal Fistula - A fistula between the vagina and neighboring intestine. The condition is usually associated with intestinal disease, especially diverticulitis.
Entonox - A mixture of 50% oxygen and 50% nitrous oxygen that is used by some laboring women during childbirth. There is no color or odor to the gas and most hospitals have the mixture readily available. The gas is breathed in through a mask that is placed over the face and the additional oxygen can be beneficial for the fetus. Etonox is only a mild pain reliever and can make some patients feel sick to their stomach.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke - A mixture of the smoke given off from a lit cigarette, pipe, cigar or smoke that is exhaled from the lungs of a smoker. Nonsmokers do inhale the smoke and it remains in the air for a period of time after cigarettes have been put out. Secondhand smoke can cause a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory infections, and asthma. Women that are exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy have a higher chance of experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Epidermal Cyst - A closed cyst that is found below the surface of the skin--usually on the neck, face, scalp and genitals. The cysts are usually painless and move freely under the skin. The cyst is filled with fluid, known as keratin, that presents as a greyish-white colored fluid with a foul smell when drained. These cysts generally go away on their own without treatment. However, if the cyst becomes inflammed or infected, it can become large and painful. In the event of infection, the cyst may need to be surgically removed by a physician.