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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Fetopelvic Disproportion - Disproporiton in size between the presenting part of the fetus and the maternal pelvis, precluding vaginal delivery.
Fetoscope - A medical instrument, similar to a stethoscope, that is used to listen to the fetal heartbeat.
Fetotoxic Agent - Any agent or substance that causes dangerous or harmful effects to a developing fetus through maternal exposure during pregnancy. Examples include drugs, gases, cleaners, radiation and various types of bacterial and viral infections. Effects to the fetus include fetal malformations ranging in severity, intrauterine growth retardation and fetal death.
Fetus - An unborn child from the eighth week after conception until delivery has occured. Although many organs began to develop in the embryonic stage, organ and system development will continue during this stage until the fetus is born. Although a miscarriage can still occur in the fetal stage of development, the odds decrease significantly. During fetal development, the fetus will grow from 1.2 inches to approximately 19-21 inches.
Fetus Compressus - A flattened, partly mummified twin fetus that dies early in pregnancy and remains in the uterus until the term is completed. The fetus is compressed between the uterine wall and the amniotic sac of the living twin.
Fetus Papyraceus - A flattened, partly mummified twin fetus that dies early in pregnancy and remains in the uterus until the term is completed. The fetus is compressed between the uterine wall and the amniotic sac of the living twin.
Fever - A body temperature above 98.6°F (37°C). Fever is not an illness or a diagnosis, but is frequently a symptom of an infection as the immune system works to fight off any infection that can be occuring.
FG Syndrome - A genetic birth disorder in which a male will suffer from a variety of complications affecting the physical and mental development.
Females can be carriers of the disorder, but are not affected by it. People that are born with FG syndrome have low muscle tone, mental retardation, anal deformities, short stature, broad toes, brain anomalies, constipation and a large head. It is also common for a patient to experience seizures and fixed joints. There is no cure for FG syndrome, but individual symptoms can be treated.
Surgery may be needed to fix anal abnormalities if present.
Fibroadenoma of Breast - A single, freely movavble nodule that is 1 to 10 cm in diameter. This is the most common benign tumor of the female breast and is most commonly seen during a woman's reproductive years.
Fibrocystic Change Of Breast - Benign condition of the female breast characterized by formation of cysts, overgrowth of connective tissue and sclerosing of gland tissue.
Fibroid - A benign tumor that is primarily composed of fibrous tissue.
Fibroidectomy - A surgical procedure in which a uterine fibroid is removed from the uterus. The surgery can be performed through an abdominal incision, which requires a bikini cut incision and hospitalization for approximately 48 hours. Other options for removal include laparascopic surgery (several small incisions) and hysteroscopic myomectomy, which would not require any incision.
Fibromyalgia - A debilitating and chronic syndrome that causes muscle, joint and/or bone pain. Extreme fatigue, headaches and sleep problems are common with the condition. Fibromyalgia does not affect fertility, nor will it harm a developing fetus. However, the symptoms of fibromyalgia may get worse as the pregnancy progresses, which can make pregnancy hard for many women with the disorder.
Fifth Disease - An illness that is caused by a the human parvovirus B19, which is transmitted through respiratory secretions and blood. Fifth disease is most common in the early spring and children ages 2-12 are the most likely to develop the illness. Most cases are contagious before the actual onset of the illness. Symptoms of fifth disease include an intense flush on a child's face that looks like a slapped-cheek. The following day the child generally develops a lacy rash on the arms and legs. Three days after, the child has come in contact, they will have a rash her inner surfaces, fingers, toes, trunk and the buttocks. The rash could still appear on and off with exposure to heat for 2 to 3 weeks and even months. Occasionally, the child may have a fever and joint pain with fifth disease.
Fimbria - The opening of the fallopian tube that is located near the ovary. When the area is stimulated by follicular fluid released during ovulation, fingerlike ends grasp the ovary and pull the egg into the fallopian tube.
First Degree Laceration - A minor laceration of the vaginal mucus membrane or the skin. The majoirty of first-degree lacerations are very small and require little to no stitches. The lacerations generally heal quickly and cause little or no pain during the recovery period.
First Trimester - Occurs from the moment of conception and lasts until 14 weeks (12 weeks of gestation). The most rapid rate of growth and development take place during the first trimester and at the end of this trimester, the fetus will have grown to 3.4 inches and will weigh about 1.5 ounces. As your body adjusts to being pregnant, you may have nausea, fatigue, backaches, mood swings, painful breasts and a missed period. Facial features, genitalia, limb buds and major organs have begun forming, including a beating heart and developing brain.
Fistula - An abnormal passage between two organs that is caused when damaged tissues come into contact with each other and fuse during the healing process.
Flat Nipple - A nipple that does not protrude with stimulation. Breastfeeding can still be accomplished by the use of breast shells..
Floppy Infant Syndrome - Limp, slack muscles in an infant. The condition is often caused by a variety of birth anomalies and/or trauma during the childbirth process.
Fluid Retention - An excessive accumulation of fluid within the tissue spaces. Edema is common during pregnancy because of extra blood production and pressure on the vena cava from the growing uterus. Swelling seems to be at its worst during the second and third trimesters. Some swelling is normal during pregnancy and should not be alarming. However, if sudden swelling in the hands and face becomes evident, it could be a sign of preeclampsia.
Foam Stability Test - An amniotic fluid test to detect risk of respiratory distress syndrome in the fetus. The test is performed by taking a sample of amniotic fluid and placing it in a test tube with saline and ethynol. Once the saline and ethynol have been added to the amniotic fluid, it is shaken for 15 seconds and placed upright for 15 minutes. If a ring of bubbles forms on the surface of the solution, fetal lung maturity is indicated. If no bubbles are present, varying levels of respiratory distress syndrome is indicated.
Focal Point - Intended focus and concentration of a single thought, word, sound, phrase, photograph or object that can ease anxiety, fear and nervousness. Focal points are beneficial during labor and delivery to help with the natural relief of pain.
Folate - B vitamin that is necessary for cell growth and division. Folate is found in leafy green veg, beans and grains.
The folate in prenatal vitamin supplements occurs in only one form, which is folic acid. Consuming adequate amounts of folate and folic acid prevent neural tube defects of the fetus during pregnancy.
Folate Deficiency - A condition in which an individual is lacking folic acid in the blood. It is critical that pregnant women consume adequate amounts of folic acid because women that do not are more likely to give birth to low birth weight and premature infants, and infants with neural tube defects. Signs of folate deficiency include weakness, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, diarrhea, weight loss and poor appetite.