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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Menometrorrhagia - Uterine bleeding occuring at irregular intervals and in varying amounts and duration of flow.
Menopause - The conclusion of a female's reproductive years marked by the discontinuance of estrogen production in the ovaries and a permanent cessation of menstruation.
Menorrhagia - Excessive or prolonged menstrual flow.
Menstrual Aspiration - 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.
Menstrual Cycle - Female reproductive cycle starting at puberty and ending at menopuase. The continuoius, monthly cycle in women where once a month an egg is released from the ovary and the uterine wall thickens to prepare for a fertilized egg to settle in it. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining sheds with discharge of blood, known as menstruation.
Menstrual Induction - 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.
Menstrual Period - The monthly bleeding occurring in sexually mature women at intervals of about 28 days. The period occurs in nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause. A monthly period is a part of the menstrual cycle in which the uterine lining is shed if fertilization does not occur.
Menstruation - The monthly bleeding occurring in sexually mature women at intervals of about 28 days. Menstruation occurs in nonpregnant women from puberty to menopause. Menstruation is a part of the menstrual cycle in which the uterine lining is shed if fertilization does not occur.
Mercaptopurine - An anticancer drug that may cause abnormalities in the fetus if taken during pregnancy.
Mercury - A metal that is found in different kinds of fish and can harm an unborn baby's developing brain and nervous system. Fish that have a lot mercury in them are swordfish, shark, king mackerel and tilefish. Do not eat these kinds of fish when you are pregnant. Limit the amount of tuna you consume to 6 ounces per week.
Mermaid Syndrome - A birth defect that affects approximately 1 out of every 65,000 live births. The legs are fused together and the child will look like a mermaid. Mothers that have diabetes have an increased risk of carrying a baby with mermaid syndrome. Because the kidney and bladder will not be able to develop or function properly, babies that are born with this condition will generally die within a few days of birth. However, there have been a few people that have survived because their kidney and bladder were not affected. In the case that a child's bladder and kidneys are not affected, surgery will be performed to separate the fused legs. A prenatal ultrasound examination can generally detect the condition before the child is born.
Mesoblast - A cell of the early mesoderm.
Mesoderm - The middle layer of the 3 germ cell layers of the embryo, that is found between the endoderm and ectoderm. As the mesoderm continues to develop, it will produce the skeleton, muscles and connective tissue.
Mesometrium - The portion of the broad ligament of the uterus which lies beneath the attachment of the ovary and extends to the lateral wall of the pelvis.
Metabolism - The processes that occur in the body that turn consumed food into energy that the body can use. During pregnancy, meatabolism increases in order to provide nourishment to the developing fetus.
Metatarsus Adductus - A common foot deformity occurring in newborn infants. This foot deformity occurs in approximately 1-2 out of every 1,000 live births. Metatarsus adductus occurs when the bones in the middle of the foot bend inwards. The back of the foot and ankle will appear normal. Researchers believe that the foot deformity is caused by the infant's position inside of the uterus during fetal development. Most babies will also have a deep skin cleft in the midfoot. A doctor will diagnose the condition through a physical examination after birth. Most cases of metatarsus adductus will clear up on their own by one year of age. Treatments involve foot stretches/exercises and casting or bracing. If the deformity is severe, a pediatric orthopaedic surgeon may consider surgery to create a normal and functional foot.
Meth - A drug that stimulates the central nervous system and depresses intestinal motility, causing an increase in appetite. Drug abusers take the medication orally or intraveneously, which causes psychological dependence. Pregnant women that take the drug are at an increased risk of developing preterm labor, placental abruption, fetal distress, intrauterine growth retardation, low birthweight and postpartum hemorrhage.
Methamphetamine Hydrochloride - A drug that stimulates the central nervous system and depresses intestinal motility, causing an increase in appetite. Drug abusers take the medication orally or intraveneously, which causes psychological dependence. Pregnant women that take the drug are at an increased risk of developing preterm labor, placental abruption, fetal distress, intrauterine growth retardation, low birthweight and postpartum hemorrhage.
Method Effectiveness - The effectiveness of a desired form of birth control when used as as instructed. Different forms of birth control have varying degrees of effectiveness against both pregnancy and STD's.
Methotrexate - A drug that is used to treat some ectopic pregnancies before surgery is required.
Metolazone - A diuretic drug used in the treatment of high blood pressure. The medication is also used to reduce fluid retention in conditions such as kidney disorders, heart failure and premenstrual syndrome. If the medication is taken during the first trimester of pregnancy, there is an increased risk of congenital defects in the developing fetus.
Metrodin - An injectable type of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) that is used to stimulate ovulation.
Metrodynamometer - An instrument for measuring the force of uterine contractions.
Metropathia Hemorrhagica - Abnormal, profuse, and prolonged uterine bleeding that is associated with cyst formation in the lining of the uterus.