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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Freeman Sheldon Syndrome - A rare genetic condition that is also known as Whistling Face Syndrome. Characteristic facial features of Freeman-sheldon syndrome include an unusually small mouth with puckered lips that cause a whistling appearance. Because the mouth is very small, feeding complications and speech impairment are common in infants and children. A flattened face with underdeveloped nasal cartilage is common. Most children will have a dimple on their chin that resembles the letter H or Y. The eyes will appear squinty and droopy and hearing loss is common. Because the muscles and joints in the fingers and hands are contracted, the hands often remain clenched together. Other common symptoms include club feet, scoliosis and difficulty walking. Surgery is recommended to repair the mouth abnormalities, eyes, feet, hands and fingers. Various therapies include physical therapy and speech therapy
Frigid - Abnormally lacking the desire for sexual intercourse or unable to achive orgasm during intercourse. The term is usually used to refer to women rather than men.
Frontal Fontanel - The largest of the six fontanels that are present in a newborn baby. The frontal fontanelle is diamond shaped and is located on the top of the head. This soft spot generally closes by 18 months of age.
Fryns Syndrome - An extremely rare birth disorder that affects several parts of the body. Fryns syndrome is an inherited birth disorder. A diaphragmatic hernia is a common symptom of Fryns syndrome. This will cause the child's abdominal contents to protrude into the chest area, which can cause breathing complications and underdeveloped lungs. Facial anomalies include cleft lip, cleft palate and ear abnormalities. Other common symptoms include genital anomalies, undescended testicles, kidney abnormalities, underdeveloped fingers and toes, cardiac complications and mental retardation. Surgery is necessary to repair the diaphragmatic hernia and an infant will usually be placed on a breathing machine after birth. There is no cure for Fryns syndrome, but treatment options are available. Therapy is usually recommended to help the child with mental retardation.
FSH - A hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the ovary to ripen a follicle and release a mature egg for fertilization. In males, the hromone is responsible for sperm production.
Full Term - The end of gestation. A pregnancy that has reached 37-40 weeks is considered full term. Because all organs and systems are fully developed by 37 weeks, an infant that is born at this time will be ready for life outside of the womb.
Functional Dysmenorrhea - Dysmenorrhea that occurs in a woman without any other organic disease, such as endometriosis. Treatment options include oral contraceptive pills and anti-inflammatory medications.
Fundal Dominance - The greater intensity of uterine contractions in the fundus relative to those in the mid or lower portions of the uterus. This is seen in the normal process of labor and delivery.
Fundal Height - A measurement of the pregnant uterus, that is obtained with a centimeter measuring tape. A healthcare provider will measure from the pubic syphysis to the top of the uterine mass over the curve of the abdominal surface. Measuring fundal height is one way of keeping track of fetal growth.
Fundus - The rounded portion of the uterus, above the fallopian tubes. During prental visits the fundus is measured to monitor fetal growth.
Funic Presentation - A type of fetal presentation in which the umbilical cord has prolapsed below the presenting part of the baby before the membranes have ruptured. During a pelvic examination, the doctor or midwife is able to feel loops of the umbilical cord that have palpated through the membranes. Because of the severity of the condition, death is likely in the fetus and the mother usually experiences complications.
Funis - A rope-like cord that is formed by the fifth week of pregnancy and connects the placenta to the fetus. The cord is responsible for removing waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus. It is also responsible for trasnferring oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetus. The umbilical cord typically contains three vessels, two arteries and one vein. After birth, the umbilical cord will be cut and clamped. The cord stump will remain for approximately two weeks, when it will fall off and give way to the belly button. Some families will have their baby's cord blood harvested after delivery in a process known as umbilical cord blood banking.
Funisitis - Inflammation of the umbilical cord in response to an infection in the amniotic cavity. Although the condition is rare, most babies will either be stillborn at the time of delivery or die within a few days of birth.
Funnel Chest - A birth defect that affects the appearance of the chest. A baby that is born with pectus excavatum will have a caved-in looking chest. During fetal development, too much connective tissue grew from the ribs to the breastbone, causing the sternum to grow inwards. Although the heart and lungs usually develop properly, breathing and exercise can be difficult or bothersome at times. Doctors can diagnose the condition based on physical appearance because there will generally be a deep depression in the center of the child's chest. Otherwise, x-rays or other tests can be performed to diagnose the condition. If the condition affects how the child lives or is particularly bothersome, surgery may be necessary to repair the deformity.
Funneling - A condition that occurs during pregnancy in which the cervical canal assumes a conical shape because of dilation. This allows the amniotic sac to protrude into the cervical canal. Funneling is associated with preterm delivery.