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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Iatrogenic Menopause - Permanent cessation of menstruation resulting from surgical procedures that remove the ovaries, uterus, or both. Can also be caused by radiation or chemotherapy.
Iatrogenic Transmission - Transmission of infections or diseases through medical or dental interference, such as contaminated and unsterilized medical instruments and equipment.
Ibuprofen - A nonsteroid anti-inflammatory medication that is used to treat pain, swelling, and fever. Advil and Motrin are common medications that include ibuprofen. Doctors do not recommend taking ibuprofen during pregnancy. The use of ibuprofen during pregnancy can lead to an increased risk of miscarriage, low levels of amniotic fluid, fetal hypertension, birth defects, low birthweight and preterm labor.
ICP - A rare condition that affects approximately 0.5% of pregnant women. Usually, the condition develops during the third trimester and will stop after delivery. If you had ICP during a previous pregnancy, your chances of getting it again are about 50%. Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy occurs when there is an increased amount of bile in the bloodstream, because of a backup in the liver. When the bile builds up in the bloodstream, it leaves the skin with a severe itching sensation. The intense itching of intrahepatic choleostasis of pregnancy can be controlled with anti-itch medications, antihistamines, oatmeal baths, oral steroids or skin creams. In more severe cases, doctors may choose to prescribe medications that help bile secrete properly.
Identical - Not as common as fraternal siblings. Occurs when the fertilized egg divides in two while it is a small collection of cells. The halves then develop into two babies, with the exact same genetic information.
Idiopathic Infertility - A term that is used when, after thorough examination and evaluation, no reason can be found to explain the cause of a couple's infertility problem.
Imagery - A technique in which the patients forms mental images of posiitve things or events, in hopes of achieving a state of calmness and relaxation. Imagery is used during labor as a means of relaxation, stress reduction and natural pain relief.
Immature Infant - An infant born between 20 and 28 weeks and weighing in between 1.1 to 2.2 pounds (500 to 1,000 grams). Babies born at this time are considered premature and will spend time in the neonatal intensive care unit continuing to develop and grow.
Immune System - The body's system of defenses against disease. The system is composed or organs, tissues and cells that find and destroy invaders that could cause disease or infection to develop. Pregnant women are more susceptible to infections because of changes in immune function and hormonal balance. Infections such as toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus and rubella can be very dangerous to a developing fetus.
Immunity - The body's ability to become immune or protected against infection, disease, and foreign substances that can be caused by a virus, bacteria or parasite.
Immunization - A process in which dead or weakened microorganisms are directed into the body, usually be means of an injection. Antibodies form against the microorganisms that have been adminstered and an immunity is developed. If the same microorganisms enter the body at a later time, they will be killed by the antibodies and the immunized individual will be protected.
Immunologic Pregnancy Test - A test for detection and confirmation of pregnancy by means of immunologic techniques, based on the antigenic properties of the hCG hormone. The test measures urine levels of hCG and pregnancy can be detected as early as 10 days after a missed menstrual period. The test is also used to aid in the detection of hCG secreting tumors, such as hydatidiform mole and choriocarcinoma.
Impaired Expulsive Effort - Inadequate and inaffective pushing by a laboring woman during the second stage of labor. This is commonly caused by conduction analgesia, excessive sedation, exhaustion, neurologic dysfunction (paraplegic) or psychiatric disorders.
Imperforate Anus - Congenital absence of the anus that is often associated with abnormal openings of the anal canal into the urethra or vagina. The end of the intestinal tract has not perforated the skin in the perineal area. The condition can be observed at birth during a physical examination. If the diagnosis is missed at birth, the condition will present itself within a few days of birth because the abdomen will swell and the baby will begin to vomit fecal matter. An ultrasound, CT scan or MRI can then diagnose the condition. Surgery is the only treatment option for anal atresia.
Imperforate Hymen - A hymen which completely closes the vaginal orifice. Approximately 1 out of every 2,000 females are born with an imperforate hymen and surgery is necessary to correct the abnormality.
Impetigo - A bacterial skin infection that is normally caused by Staph or Strep. The infection is characterized by small pus-filled blisters that form yellowish crusts. The condiiton is contagious and is most often seen in children from ages 2-6. The blisters may be itchy and is commonly found around the nose, mouth, hands, and forearms. A child with impetigo should be seen by a medical doctor that can prescribe antibiotics.
Implantation - The embedding of the embryo into the endometrium of the uterus so it can establish contact with the mother's blood supply for nourishment. Implantation usually occurs 5-10 days following fertilization of the ovum.
Implantation Bleeding - Slight uterine bleeding that normally occurs at the time of implantation of the fertilized egg. It is caused by disruption of blood vessels at the implantation site is normally not a cause for concern.
Implantation Failure - A condition in which a fertilized egg is not capable of implanting in the uterine lining.
Implantation Window - The time period during which the uterine wall will allow implantation of the fertilized egg, usually approximately 1 to 4 days.
Impotence - An abnormal physical or psychological state in a male characterized by inability to have or maintain an erection of the penis sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
In Utero - Referring to the time frame that the fetus is growing and developing inside of the uterus or womb.
In Vitro Fertilization - IVF. A form of fertility treatment in which fertilization is accomplished outside of the body, usually in a laboratory. The process involves inducing ovulation, surgically removing an egg from the ovary, combining it with sperm that has been provided by the partner or donor in a petri dish until fertilization occurs. The doctor will then place the fertilized embryo into the woman's uterus in hopes of implantation and successful pregnancy.
Incest - Sexual intercourse or sexual activities performed between individuals that are closely related by blood. This would occur most often between a parent and their offspring or brother and sister.
Incision - A surgical cut made into the skin, tissue or organ of the body. During a cesarean section, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdomen and through the abdominal muscles and uterus to deliver the baby. During an episiotomy, the surgeon makes a small incision in the perineum to allow more room during a vaginal delivery.