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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Pack - To fill a cavity or or body opening to prevent bleeding. In the event of severe bleeding after a vaginal delivery, packing may be used to absorb the blood and control bleeding before more advanced measures must be taken.
Pad Test - A urinary incontinence test in which a pre-weighed sanitary pad is worn by an individual while performing activities that could cause incontinence. The pad is removed and weighed to determine urine loss. Pregnancy can cause incontinence and many women are tested after delivery.
Palmar Erythema - A condition that occurs in some pregnancies in which the palms of the hands and feet become bright red in color. This is caused by the increase in body temperature and blood volume during pregnancy.
Palpation - A procedure that is often performed during pregnancy by a doctor to determine the position of the baby. The healthcare provider perfroms a physical examination of the abdomen with their hands. Palpation can also be used to determine the size, shape and firmness of organs to find masses, abnormalities and other conditions.
Panic Attack - A sudden episode of an overwhelming sense of impending doom, occurring unexpectedly and for no apparent reason. The condition is characterized by rapid heartbeat, fast breathing, gasping for air, sweating, weakness, chest pains, hot flashes, nausea, dizzoness or feelings of unreality. Panice related disorders should be dealt with by medical professionals to avoid any worsening symptoms during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
Pap Smear - A common medical test that is used to detect cancer or other abnormalities in the cells of a female's cervix. A doctor will generally perfom a pap smear during the first prenatal visit.
Pap Test - A common medical test that is used to detect cancer or other abnormalities in the cells of a female's cervix. A doctor will generally perfom a pap test during the first prenatal visit.
Para - Referring to a woman's past pregnancies that have reached the period of viability whether a live birth or a still birth has resulted. Is designated by Roman Numerals to correlate with each pregnancy.
Paracervical Block - A less common form of regional anesthesia that is used during childbirth. A local anesthetic is injected on each side of the cervix and acts quickly to reduce pain that is felt during the first stage of labor. Common side effects include fetal distress, reduced muscle tone in the newborn infant, fussiness and relaxed newborn reflexes.
Paramethadione - A medication that is prescribed to individuals suffering from convulsions. Intrauterine exposure during the first trimester has harmful effects on the developing fetus which can include an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects.
Paraplegia - Paralysis of both legs and the lower part of the body. During the second stage of labor, the paraplegic woman will not experience any pain, even during extremely painful contractions of the uterus. Because the laboring woman will not experience the urge to push, she must be told when to bear down as contractions occur.
Parasalpingitis - Inflammation of the tissues that surround the fallopian tubes.
Paratubal Cyst - A cyst of the female reproductive system that is symptomless. The cyst is approximately 1 cm in diameter and is filled with clear fluid. Most commonly, the cyst is found in the fallopian tube(s).
Parenteral Nutrition - 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.
Paroxysmal Supraventricular Tachycardia - Abnormally fast heart rate that occurs abruptly and recurrently. The condition is commonly seen in pregnant women wihtout heart disease.
Parry Romberg Syndrome - A disorder in which the tissue of the face begins to deteriorate and waste away. Because the tissue and skin shrink, the eyebrow, ear, cheeks and mouth will become distorted. It is common for the child's hair to fall out or turn white. The disorder is not present at birth and will generally not get worse after 5 years of progression. Treatment includes reconstructive surgery and pain relief medications to keep the child comfortable.
Partial Birth Abortion - An induced abortion that is generally performed by an abortionist after the 16th week of pregnancy. Medication is given to a pregnant female in order to dilate the cervix. Once the cervix is fully dilated, clamps are inserted into the uterine cavity and pieces of the fetus are grasped and pulled out. The head is then grasped, crushed and removed and the remaining pregnancy products are suctioned out.
Partial Breech Extraction - An operation for the delivery of a fets that is presenting in the breech position. The infant is allowed to spontaneously deliver to the level of its umbilicus, then the doctor will manually maneuver the remainder of the body.
Partial Hysterectomy - An operation in which the uterus is removed, but the cervix is left in palce. The fallopian tubes and ovaries are not removed.
Partial Mastectomy - Removal of part of the breast or of a growth in the breast, along with only enough breast tissue to ensure that the margins of the removed specimen are free of tumor.
Partial Trisomy 11;22 - Emanuel syndrome is also known as partial Trisomy 11;22. Emanuel syndrome occurs when there is a translocation between genes 11q and 22 q.
Signs of this condition include a small head, abnormally shaped ears with tags, a long philtrum, cleft palate, dislocated hips, low muscle tone, broad nose and small chin. Boys may have undescended testicles. Hearing loss, heart complications and misshapen kidneys are common in babies with Emanuel syndrome.
The condition causes very slow physical and intellectual development. Most children with Emanuel syndrome will not walk until they are around 5 years old and some children never learn how to speak.
Passive Smoking - A mixture of the smoke given off from a lit cigarette, pipe, cigar or smoke that is exhaled from the lungs of a smoker. Nonsmokers do inhale the smoke and it remains in the air for a period of time after cigarettes have been put out. Secondhand smoke can cause a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory infections, and asthma. Women that are exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy have a higher chance of experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Pasteurized - A heating process with eliminates bacteria, viruses, protozoa, molds, and yeasts within milk, juice, cheese and other consumable items. To prevent complications, pregnant women should not consume any type of food or drink that has not been pasteurized.
Pastore Technique - A technique for delivery of the placenta. The uterine function is elevated with the fingers of the right hand placed on the pregnant woman's uterus while the left hand is placed flat on the abdomen . When a contraction is present and the placenta separates, the fundus is gently squeezed and pushed downwards. When the placenta is felt to pass into the cervix or vagina, the fundus is elevated further and the placenta is removed by gently pulling the umbilical cord.