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. |
Incompetent Cervix - A weak cervix that opens prematurely during pregnancy due to the pressure of the growing fetus. The condition is a common cause of second trimester miscarriages, but can be treated with a cerclage.
Incomplete Abortion - An abortion or miscarriage in which some of the fetus, placenta or membranes remain inside of the uterus and cause heavy bleeding and pain. Generally a portion of the placenta is intact in the uterus and will need to be removed.
Incontinence - Loss of bladder or bowel control that leads to the accidental loss of urine or feces. Stress incontinence is more common in women and causes urine to leak when laughing or coughing. Urge incontinence is caused by urinary muscle spasms that cause an urgency to urinate. Multiple pregnancies, being overweight, and genetic weaknesses in the mucles can also cause incontinence.
Incontinentia Pigmenti - A disorder in which the skin develops a discoloration within the first six weeks of life. A baby's skin will have a marbled appearance in grey, blue or brown tints and will usually be found on the trunk or limbs. Generally, the pattern of development includes blisters that are present at birth or develop in the first six weeks, changing to a rough wart appearance and ending in a swirled pattern of discoloration. Other common symptoms include cerebral atrophy, delays in motor development, muscle weakness, seizures, mental retardation, crossed eyes, cataracts, vision loss and dental complications. Research has shown that the cause is a mutation in one of the genes and males will suffer more severe cases than females. A doctor can diagnose the condition during a physical examination. Generally, the skin discolorations will go away on their own, so no treatment is necessary. However, the other symptoms of the condition should be treated as needed for the individual.
Incoordinate 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.
Incubation Period - The phase of an infectious disease from te time the infectious organism enters the body until the time it makes its appearance known with symptoms.
Incubator - A transparent, box-like enclosure in which sick or preterm babies are placed after birth and until they have reached a point in which the device is no longer necessary. The device is temperature controlled for babies who cannot maintain or regulate their own body temperatures.
Indomethacin - A drug that is administered as a suppository in the short term. The medication is given to delay premature labor by reducing uterine contractions through inhibition of prostaglandins.
Induced Abortion - Any abortion that is electively performed by using medication, medical instruments or other tools that will remove the fetus from the uterus and ensure that survival does not occur.
Induced Labor - Labor that is artificially started or accelerated through the use of medical intervention. These methods include placing prostaglandin gel on the cervix, starting an IV drip of oxytocin or artificially breaking the amniotic fluid to stimulate contractions. Most doctors will only induce labor if the woman has reached 42 weeks or if there is a complication that requires immediate delivery.
Inevitable Abortion - A spontaneous abortion that is not able to be stopped. Any type of uterine bleeding and continuous dilation of the cervix that occurs after the 20th week of pregnancy.
Infant - An individual from the moment of birth to the end of the the first year of life.
Infant Acne - Blemishes that are found on the skin of an infant. Because the baby is exposed to the mother's adult hormones, a mild case of acne can develop in infants. Infant acne usually becomes apparent around two weeks and will clear up on its own within six months to one year. Do not use any type of acne medication that is manufactured for teenagers and adults. These products are too harsh for your baby's sensitive skin. Normal washing is usually all that is required.
Infant Death - Death that occurs in a baby under the age of 1 year.
Infant Mortality Rate - The number of children out of every 1,000 born alive that die before they reach the age of one year.
Infantile Muscular Atrophy - A rare disease of newborn infants that is inherited as an autosomal trait. The disease affects the motor nerve cells of the spinal cord which cause floppiness and paralysis of muscles. Most affected children will die before the age of three years. Many mothers of affected children also noted reduced fetal movement during pregnancy.
Infantile Paralysis - A highly contagions viral disease that damages the spinal cord and can cause muscle paralysis. Although there are usually no symptoms present, symptoms of the infection may include headache, fever, sore throat and muscle stiffness. With no cure, polio was one of the most feared childhood diseases of the 20th century. Because of the increased use of polio vaccinations, polio is a rare disease. The vaccination consists of four treaments at various ages.
Infantile Spasms - An uncommon and severe disorder of infants in which epileptic seizures are present. Infants are usually affected during the first 3-5 months of life and the condition is caused by dysfunction in the brain that develops before birth, during birth or after birth.
Infected Abortion - An abortion that is accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, including fever, pelvic pain, bleeding, elevated white blood count and possible foul odor in the genital area.
Infectious - Capable of being spread or transmitted from one person to another with or without direct contact. Some infections are airborne, while others are not.
Infectious Mastitis - An acute condition in which one breast becomes tender, reddened, swollen, and hot. The inflammation is caused by a microorganism which gains entry through the cracks in the nipple. The individual will develop a fever and appear ill. This condition occurs as a complication of breastfeeding, usually affecting first time mothers.
Infecundity - A woman's inability to bear children. The condition can be caused by a variety of genetic, physical or psychological problems.
Infertile - Unable to produce children. There are a variety of reasons why a couple may not be able to conceive naturally or without medical assistance. Although no mehtod is guaranteed at providing conception, fetility treatments are available to women and couples that have not been successful on their own.
Infibulation - A form of female circumcision in which the entire clitoris, labia minora and part of the labia majora are removed. This procedure is performed around the age of 7 years, mainly in countries throughout Africa and in the Middle East, and in the Muslim populations of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Inflammation - A common reaction of tissues in the body to injury, infection or disease. Inflammation is characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain. Inflammation in the pelvic region should be reported because it could be a sign of a more serious infection.