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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Hydrosalpinx - Accumulation of serous fluid in a fallopian tube. Hydrosalpinx is a result of injury to the tube, usually from an infection. Common causes of hydrosalpinx are IUDs, endometriosis, abdominal surgery, chlamydia and gonorrhea. Hydrosalpinx causes infertility and generally affects both fallopian tubes.
Hydrotherapy - The therapeutic use of water in a solid form, liquid form or gaseous form. Various forms of hydrotherapy include saunas, steam baths, foot baths, sitz baths, and the use of cold and hot water compresses. The use of hydrotherapy during pregnancy has been shown to alleviate common aches, pains and discomforts. Hydrotherapy has also proved beneficial during labor and delivery, such as in water births and the use of compresses for labor pains.
Hymen - A thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal entrance of most females at birth. Although the hymen is normally broken during sexual intercourse, it can be broken by playing active sports or inserting tampons.
Hymenectomy - A medical procedure that requires surgically removing or opening the hymen. Common reasons for the surgery are to treat imperforate hymen or other situations where the hymen is unusually thick or rigid. The procedure will allow normal menstruation, sexual intercourse and tampon insertion in women that are naturally unable to do so.
Hyper Menorrhea - Excessive or prolonged menstrual flow.
Hyperalimentation - A process in which vital nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals are administered into a vein. This procedure is used in infants that are not capable of consuming breast milk or formula by mouth.
Hyperbilirubinemia - Yellow colroing of the skin and sclera in the eyes that is a result of elevated levels of bilirubin in the blood. Infants with hyperbilirubinemia are treated with colored lights called phototherapy.
Hyperemesis Gravidarum - A severe form of morning sickness, with unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids. Hyperemesis gravidarum is considered a rare complication of pregnancy. Estimates of the percentage of pregnant women affected range from 0.3% to 2%. The cause of hyperemesis gravidarum is unknown. The leading theories speculate that it is an adverse reaction to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. In particular hyperemesis gravidarum may be due to raised levels of beta HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) as it is more common in multiple pregnancies and in gestational trophoblastic disease.
Hypersomia - A condition in which a newborn infant is abnormally large at birth, usually weighing 10 pounds or greater. This condition is often seen in infants that are born to mothers with diabetes as a result of the mother's blood sugar levels being higher than normal during the pregnancy.
Hypertension - The medical term for high blood pressure. Usually, this means that a patient has a blood pressure of 140/90 or higher. Hypertension can be dangerous to a pregnant woman and her developing baby. Blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood your heart pumps and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. You are at an increased risk for heart attack or stroke if you have high blood pressure.
Hypertonic Uterine Dysfunction - An elevated tone of the uterus that generally occurs in the latent phase of labor. The condition causes frequent and intense contractions, but they are not effective. This may be caused by the mid segment of the uterus contracting with such a force that is greater than the fundus or a lack of nerve impulse synchronization.
Hyperventilation - A condition that results from rapid, deep breathing that is commonly associated with anxiety or emotion, which causes a decreae in blood levels of carbon dioxide and an increase in blood levels of oxygen. Symptoms include tingly or numb limbs and lips, dizziness, increased blood pressure and blackouts. Women that overexert themselves during labor may hyperventilate.
Hyphemia - A reduced amount of blood in the body. During labor this can be caused by hemorrhage. A blood transfusion may be necessary to prevent additional complications.
Hypnobirthing - A unique method of childbirth, in which the mother is relaxed, eudcated and enhanced by self-hypnosis techniques or by the direction of a hypnotherapist. The technique provides the laboring woman with a sense of relaxation, comfort and relief. Mothers that use this method are not as likely to require the use of medications to relieve pain and remain completely alert and awake during the birthing process.
Hypochondrogenesis - A rare but severe genetic bone disorder. A baby that suffers from hypochondrogenesis will have extreme shortening of the arms, legs and chest. Because the chest and ribs are small, the child's lungs will not develop properly and breathing complications are expected. A large head with a flattened face, wide set eyes, small chin and cleft palate is another symptom of the condition. The bones do not harden and therefore, do not show up well on an x-ray. This makes it easy for doctors and radiologists to diagnose the condition. A diagnosis can be made prenatally or after delivery through x-rays, biopsies, DNA testing and physical examinations. Most babies that are diagnosed with hypochondrogenesis will be stillborn or die within a few weeks of birth.
Hypodermic Injection - Injection into the loose tissue just beneath the skin.
Hypodontia - The congenital absence of one or more teeth, up to six. Hypodontia is generally a genetic problem and often occurs in families. A team of oral providers, such as a dentist, oral surgeon and orthodontist can coorect the abnormality.
Hypoestrogenic - A condition in which there are abnormally low amounts of estrogen in the body. Symptoms may include hot flashes, headaches, night sweats and vaginal dryness. Low levels of estrogen can also play a factor in ovulation and infertility.
Hypomenorrhea - An abnormally light or short menstrual flow. Rather than experiencing a regular period, spotting is typical in an individual with hypomenorrhea. An overactive thyroid function, oral contraception pills and kidney diseases can both cause hypomenorrhea.
Hypospadias - A birth defect that affects the foreskin and urethral tube.Instead of the urethra being on the tip of the penis, it is located on the underside of the penis. This abnormality occurs during fetal development when the urethra is growing. A baby with hypospadias will have extra foreskin on the top side of the penis and little to no foreskin on the underside. After delivery, the baby will have a physical examination and the doctor will diagnose hypospadias at that point. Without treatment, hypospadias will cause an abnormal flow of urine during urination, sexual dysfunction, a curved penis and possible fertility complications. Treatment involves surgery to correct the deformity.
Hypospermatogenesis - An abnormal condtion, affecting fertility, in which a man has decreased sperm production.
Hypotension - A sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs when the systolic reading is less than 90 and the diastolic is less than 50. The condition can occur when an individual rises too quickly from sitting or lying. Hypotension can cause dizziness, lightheadedness and fainting.
Hypothyroidism - A birth disorder that affects approximately 1 out of every 3,500 babies. Research shows that congenital hypothyroidism affects more girls than boys. The disorder causes a loss or complete absence of thyroid function, which helps with physical growth, brain development and metabolism. The condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not develop or is not able to function. Although most infants do not show any distinct symptoms, some infants with severe cases will have a puffy face, thick tongue, dry hair, jaundice, low hairline, constipation, short stature, excessive sleepiness and decreased muscle tone. To diagnose hypothyroidism a doctor will order blood tests, thyroid scans and x-rays. Treatment includes replacement therapy.
Hypotonia - Decreased muscle tone that causes the infant to appera limp. Common causes in the newborn include trauma during delivery, infection, chromosomal abnormalities, hemorrhage in the brain and drug effects.
Hypotonic Uterine Dysfunction - Uterine dysfunction that typically occurs during the active phase of labor, after the cervix has dilated to more than 4 cm. Contractions are usually irregular and are not forceful enough to dilate cervix at a satisfactory rate, which will lead to prolonged labor.