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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Intrapartal Care - The management and care of a pregnant woman throughout the labor process, from the beginning of dilation and contractions to the delivery of the baby.
Intrapartum Fever - A body temperature above 98.6°F (37°C) that occurs during labor and delivery. Fever during childbirth can be a sign of maternal infection, neonatal sepsis or pneumonia.
Intraperitoneal Hemorrhage - Hemorrhage within the peritoneum, which can be found in the abdomen. During pregnancy, intraperitoneal hemorrhage can occur as a result of the uterine varicose vein rupturing, ectopic pregnancy or other uterine bleeding. The condition can be life-threatening and medical attention should be provided immediately.
Intrathecal Injection - Injection into the subarachnoid space, used to induce spinal anesthesia.
Intrauterine Device - A birth control method that is placed into the uterus by a doctor. There is a copper wire on the intrauterine device that causes the atmosphere in the uterus to change. The changes do not allow the sperm to fertilize eggs. They can remain in palce for 5 years and are 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Some women may experience more painful periods and the chances of getting pelvic inflammatory disease is higher with the use of an intrauterine device. For women that are breastfeeding, this may be the best option.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction - Inadequate fetal growth during pregnancy. When a baby is diagnosed with IUGR, they may be described as small for gestational age as well. A fetus that has been diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction normally weighs less than 90% of all other fetuses that are the same gestational age.
Intrauterine growth restriction occurs when the cells and tissue can not grow. This usually happens when the baby does not receive the proper amount of nutrients or oxygen that is needed for growth and development. IUGR can be diagnosed at any point during the pregnancy. Doctors diagnose IUGR in a variety of ways. During prenatal visits, caregivers measure the height of the fundus. The measurement usually corresponds with the week of pregnancy after the 20th week. If the measurement is low, IUGR may be suspected. Ultrasound examinations are often used to accurately estimate a baby's size.
A baby with IUGR will be thin and is often born with pale, loose skin that may be dry. Many babies with IUGR will look malnourished at birth, but not all will appear that way. Usually the babies umbilical cord is thin and dull in color rather than thick and shiny. It is not uncommon for babies to be born with low oxygen levels and low Apgar scores. Babies that have IUGR may also suffer from low blood sugar and have a hard time regulating their body temperature. Babies that experience severe degrees of IUGR may be born stillborn or have long-term problems as life progresses.
Intrauterine Insemination - An artificial insemination technique in which washed sperm (separated from the seminal fluid) is placed in the uterine cavity through a small catheter on the day of ovulation. This form of assisted reproductive technology is used to bypass hostile cervical mucus and overcome low sperm count and motility complications.
Intrauterine Transfusion - Exchange transfusion of the fetus within the uterus by umbilical vein catheterization performed through the mother's abdominal wall under ultrasound guidance. The procedure is performed in order to maintain an effective red blood cell mass within the fetal circulation and to maintain the pregnancy.
Intravenous - A medical method of supplying fluids and medications into the bloodstream. Women that want pain-relief during labor may request intravenous medication. Medications that are given intravenously into a vein or muscle will help dull pain but will not eliminate it completely. An obstetrician must approve the medication and may limit the amount that can be given. Intravenous medications can make the mother and baby sleepy. Fluids and antibiotics may also be given intravenously during pregnancy and labor.
Intravenous Feedings - 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.
Intravenous Injection - Injection into a vein. Many medications are given through an intravenous line in the hospital. Common drugs that are given intraveneously include pitocin, magnesium sulfate, pain medications and antibiotics.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage - Abnormal bleeding in the ventricles of the brain. The condition is common in premature infants or those of very low birth weight and is a result of lack of blood flow, which causes cell death and deterioration of the walls within the blood vessles, which causes bleeding.
Intubate - A medical procedure in which a tube is passed through the mouth or nose and into the windpipe. The procedure is performed to make sure the patient gets enough oxygen. A woman may need to be intubated during childbirth if her oxygen levels become low. Premature infants may also need to be intubated to ensure adequate oxygen levels.
Invasive - A medical procedure that requires the healthcare provider to insert an instrument through the skin or into a body opening. Examples of invasie procedures include vaginal ultrasounds, amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling and blood-based pregnancy tests.
Invasive Mole - A type of hydatidiform mole that invades the uterine wall. The abnormal pregnancy may completely penetrate the wall and could be associated with uterine rupture. the condition occurs in about 20% of molar pregnancies and the moles can develop before and after treatment by D & C. An invasive mole is generally treated with chemotherapy.
Inverted Nipple - A nipple that turn inwards and is retracted into the breast. The cause could be a congenital anomaly or it could be the cause of a cancerous growth within the breast.
Inverted Uterus - A rare, but serious abnormality in which the uterus turns inside out after the baby has been delivered. The condition is usually due to a placenta that remains attached. Other common causes include a long labor, the use of magnesium sulfate, weak uterus, short umbilical cord or puling on the cord to remove the placenta. The uterus may protrude through the cervix or vagina. The placenta will be manually detached and the uterus will be pushed back into place. If this is not possible, a hysterectomy may be necessary.
Involution - The postpartum process in which the uterus returns to its normal size and shape before the pregnancy occurred. As the uterus contracts to shrink back to its pre-pregnant state, some women may feel uncomfortable pains in the abdomen.
Ischiopagus - A rare type of conjoined twin that is connected at the lower half of the two bodies. The spines are connected and usually only have one external genitalia and anus.
Isocarboxazid - A medication that is used to treat clinical depression and anxiety. The use of the drug during pregnancy has been linked to an increased risk of producing fetal abnormalities and birth defects.
Isoimmunization - Development of antibodies directed at the red blood cells of the fetus while in the uterus. This happens when an Rh negative woman gives birth to an Rh positive baby. It will not effect the first pregnancy or be a problem if the baby is also Rh negative.
Isolette - 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.
IUD - A birth control method that is placed into the uterus by a doctor. There is a copper wire on the IUD that causes the atmosphere in the uterus to change. The changes do not allow the sperm to fertilize eggs. IUD's can remain in palce for 5 years. The IUD is 98% effective in preventing pregnancy. Some women may experience more painful periods and the chances of getting pelvic inflammatory disease is higher with the use of an IUD. For women that are breastfeeding, an IUD is optimal.
IUGR - Inadequate fetal growth during pregnancy. When a baby is diagnosed with IUGR, they may be described as small for gestational age as well. A fetus that has been diagnosed with intrauterine growth restriction normally weighs less than 90% of all other fetuses that are the same gestational age.
Intrauterine growth restriction occurs when the cells and tissue can not grow. This usually happens when the baby does not receive the proper amount of nutrients or oxygen that is needed for growth and development. IUGR can be diagnosed at any point during the pregnancy. Doctors diagnose IUGR in a variety of ways. During prenatal visits, caregivers measure the height of the fundus. The measurement usually corresponds with the week of pregnancy after the 20th week. If the measurement is low, IUGR may be suspected. Ultrasound examinations are often used to accurately estimate a baby's size.
A baby with IUGR will be thin and is often born with pale, loose skin that may be dry. Many babies with IUGR will look malnourished at birth, but not all will appear that way. Usually the babies umbilical cord is thin and dull in color rather than thick and shiny. It is not uncommon for babies to be born with low oxygen levels and low Apgar scores. Babies that have IUGR may also suffer from low blood sugar and have a hard time regulating their body temperature. Babies that experience severe degrees of IUGR may be born stillborn or have long-term problems as life progresses.
IUI - An artificial insemination technique in which washed sperm (separated from the seminal fluid) is placed in the uterine cavity through a small catheter on the day of ovulation. This form of assisted reproductive technology is used to bypass hostile cervical mucus and overcome low sperm count and motility complications.