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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Informed Consent - Voluntary permission given by a patient of patient's legal representative (parent, guardian, etc) for medical, surgical or experimental treatment. The patient, patient's representative and physician will discuss the purpose and potential benefits of the procedure in addition to the risks, possible complications and adverse affects that may occur during or after the procedure. These risks must be disclosed to the patient before the procedure, except for in the event of a medical emergency.
Inheritance - In genetics, the process of transmitting characteristics from parent to child.
Inhibin-A - A hormone that is produced by the fetus and passed into bloodstream of the mother. During a quad screen test, offered during the second trimester, healthcare providers are able to measure the levels of this hormone. Heightened levels may indicate an increased risk for Down syndrome in the developing baby.
Inhibited Ejaculation - A rare condition in which a male experiences a normal erection but ejaculation does not occur. Researchers believe that the majority of men that experience a lack of ejaculation have psychological problems that affect their sexual performance. Some men may be afraid of a possible pregnancy, a dirty vagina or have experienced a very strict upbringing regarding sexual health.
Iniencephaly - A very rare birth defect of the neural tube. Iniencephaly is closely related to spina bifida, but is much more severe and the infant is usually stillborn or dies within a few hours of birth. During fetal development, the neural tube does not close properly. A newborn will generally appear to be looking up when they are born because the head is bent backwards and there is severe abnormalities of the spine. The neck is usually missing and the facial skin is connected to the chest skin. A newborn's scalp will be connected to the skin of the back. It is common for the child to experience other birth defects such as cyclopia, anencephaly, cleft lip, cleft palate, cephalocele, diaphragmatic hernia and heart complications in conjuction with iniencephaly. There is no treatment for the condition and prognosis is poor, even for the child that survives for more than a couple of hours after birth.
Insomnia - Inability to fall asleep or stay asleep for long periods of time. Common causes of insomnia during pregnancy may include frequent urination, an unquiet mind, stress, leg cramps or the inability to get into a comfortable position.
Instant Period - Aspiration of the endometrium that is performed one to three weeks after the woman has failed to menstruate. This method can also be used to remove the remaining tissue of an incomplete miscarriage. A small, flexible tube is inserted into the uterus through the cervix and a handheld syringe is used to suction any remaining pregnancy material from inside of the uterus.
Instrumental Pelvimetry - Measurement of the pelvis that is conducted by using a pelvimeter, which is a special medical instrument used to measure the diameter of the pelvis.
Insulin - A hormone that is produced by the pancreas and helps the body to regulate blood sugar. Because progesterone counters isulin, women with type 1 diabetes may need more insulin during pregnancy.
Intermenstrual Bleeding - Bleeding from the uterus and through the vagina that takes place between two consecutive menstrual periods. Common causes of intermenstrual bleeding include uterine fibroids or polyps, injury or disease of the vagina, stopping and starting birth control pills, ectopic pregnancy, IUD, stress and low thyroid production.
Intermenstrual Pain - Pelvic pain that occurs between two consecutive menstrual periods.
Internal Monitoring - A form of fetal monitoring during labor, in which a small electrode is placed under the fetus's scalp to accurately monitor contractions. The heatlhcare provider can monitor the condition of the fetal heartbeat in addition to the duration and intensity of uterine contractions. With internal monitoring, the mother is not able to move during labor and there is a risk of infection to the fetus or the mother.
Internal Version - A form of a version in which the fetus is manually turned by inserting the hands into the uterus. This is done to move the fetus into a more desireable position for a vaginal birth.
Interphase - The period of the cell cycle in which the cell is not actively dividing.
Interstitial Mastitis - Inflammation of the connective tissue in the breast.
Intestinal Malrotation - A birth defect that occurs during fetal development and affects approximately 1 out of every 500 births. The entire digestive tract begins as a straight tube that extends from the stomach to the rectum. Normally, the tube would turn and appear squiggly. In intestinal malrotation, the intestine does not turn properly and the cecum is not able to develop normally. Common symptoms of intestinal malrotation include abdominal discomfort, blood in the stools, fast heart rate, fast breathing, vomiting bile and a swollen abdomen. Symptoms of the disorder are generally seen within the first week of life as the infant will usually have acute bowel obstruction symptoms. Babies that are born with this condition are at an increased risk of developing a volvulus, which occurs when the intestine becomes twisted. The twisting can cause an obstruction, which will not allow food to be digested. Because the intestine becomes twisted, blood is not able to flow properly and the twisted part of the intestine can die. Intestinal malrotation can be diagnosed during a thorough physical examination, abdominal x-ray or barium enema. Treatment options include antibiotics to prevent infection, IV fluids and surgery to repair the defect.
Intestinal Motility - The rate at which food is digested and passed through the digestive tract. Because of increased amounts of progesterone during pregnancy, it can take longer for food to be digested which can lead to morning sickness, heartburn, nausea and vomiting.
Intestinal Obstruction - Bowel obstruction that can result from postoperative adhesions, such as abdominal surgery scars, pelvic surgery scar tissue or a previous cesarean section. The obstruction may become aggravated during pregnancy due to increasing compression of the bowels by the growing uterus. Symptoms of the condition include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
Intra-amniotic Infection - Infection of the amniotic fluid with a variet of microorganisms. The infection may occur after the membranes have ruptured or it can occur while the membranes are still intact. Common symptoms that may be seen with the infection include fever, uterine tenderness and foul smelling amniotic fluid.
Intractable Pain - Pain that is not relieved by anesthesia medications. Some women request epidurals during labor and the medication does not work for them.
Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection - A laboratory procedure in which a single sperm is injected into an egg to enable fertilization. A microscope is used during the process to guide the needle. If the egg is fertilized, it will then be placed into the woman's uterus.
Intraductal Papilloma Of Breast - A noncancerous tumor that arises from the inner lining of lactiferous duct near the nipple and usually causes a clear, often bloody, discharge from the nipple.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy - 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.
Intramuscular Injection - Injection into a muscle. Many injections that are necessary during pregnancy and labor are given into a muscle.