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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Pubic Symphysis - The joint between the pubic bones in the front portion of the pelvis, above the vulva. During a vaginal delivery, the pubic symphysis separates slightly to allow the baby to fit through the pelvis.
Pubic Symphysis Dysfunction - A condition that causes excessive movement of the symphysis pubis during pregnancy, which can cause a tremendous amount of pain in the back, hip and/or groin. The body produces a hormone known as relaxin during pregnancy. Relaxin softens the ligaments in your pelvis to enable your baby to pass through your pelvis. Normally, the two halves of the pelvis do not move very easily because the symphysis pubis is strengthened by ligaments. If one side of the pelvis moves more than the other side, pain and inflammation are likely.
PUBS - A prenatal test that screens blood from the umbilical cord for abnormalities while the fetus is in the uterus. The test is generally done between week 18 and 36 of a pregnancy. This test gathers fetal blood by guiding a needle into the umbilical vein. It is primarily used in addition to an ultrasound and amniocentesis if your health care provider needs to quickly check your baby's chromosomes for defects or disorders or if he or she is concerned that your baby may be anemic. This is a very fast test. If a developing baby is showing signs of distress, it is helpful to know whether the baby has a fatal chromosomal defect. If the baby is suspected to be anemic or to have a blood platelet disorder, this is the only test that can confirm suspicions. If the fetus needs a blood transfusion or fluids, the test allows them to be done while the needle is in place.
Pudendal Block - An anesthetic that is injected into the vaginal wall to block discomfort in the lower vagina and vulva. This form of local anesthesia is used during the repair of an episiotomy or when forceps or vacuum extraction is used during vaginal childbirth.
Puerperal Eclampsia - Eclampsia that occurs within six weeks after childbirth.
Puerperal Endometritis - Inflammation or infection of the lining of the uterus that after childbirth that is most often caused by bacteria from the lower genital or GI tract. The condition is seen most often in women that undergo an unplanned cesarean section after labor has begun. Common symptoms include abdominal tenderness and pain, fever, chills, headache, a general feeling of sickness and sometimes discharge from the vagina. Treatment involves the use of antibiotics.
Puerperal Fever - A body temperature above 98.6°F (37°C) that occurs after childbirth and is usually caused by an infection of some type. The illness is usually severe and occurs from unsanitary conditions in the deliverying facility.
Puerperal Infection - An infection that is caused by any kind of bacteria that are normal vaginal flora of pregnant and nonpregnant females without causing disease. Common symptoms include a fever of 100.4 or higher on any two consecutive days after the first 24 hours postpartum, chills, headache, loss of appetite and malaise. The infection is more common in women with premature rupture of membranes, prolonged labor, multiple pelvic examinations during labor or a cesarean section.
Puerperal 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.
Puerperal Period - The period of time that begins just after childbirth has occurred. During this time the uterus will return to its original state. This period generally lasts 6 weeks.
Puerperium - The postpartum recovery period after the birth of a baby, whether it be by vaginal birth or cesarean birth. The timeframe is usually the first 4 to 6 weeks after the birth in which a woman's body returns to its normal physical state.
Pulmonary Atresia - Congenital narrowing of the opening between the pulmonary trunk and the right ventricle of the heart. The condition is marked by reduced blood flow to the lungs, heart enlargement and atrophy of the right ventricle. It is usually accompanied by cardiovascular anomalies. The newborn will likely be taken to the intensive care unit for a ventilator and oxygen. Heart surgery may be a necessary form of treatment.
Pulse Rate - The number of times a heart beats per minute in a person's body. Obtaining a pulse rate is routinely performed at prenatal visits throughout the pregnancy.
PUPP - A rash that occurs in some women during thieir first pregnancy. PUPPP will usually show up around week 35 and most women notice it in stretch marks on their stomach. One major difference in PUPPP and other rashes that pregnant women may develop is that the belly button is not affected. The rash will appear as small, red, spongy areas in the stretch marks. They will grow together to form larger areas on the stomach. The rash will spread to the thighs, arms, breasts and butt. The face is never affected by this rash.
Although the rash can be quite itchy and bothersome, there is no reason to worry about the rash harming mother or baby. The average rash will last around six weeks and it will all go away after delivery. The cause of PUPPP is not fully understood, although researchers believe it may have something to do with the fetal DNA of a male baby.
PUPPP - A rash that occurs in some women during thieir first pregnancy. PUPPP will usually show up around week 35 and most women notice it in stretch marks on their stomach. One major difference in PUPPP and other rashes that pregnant women may develop is that the belly button is not affected. The rash will appear as small, red, spongy areas in the stretch marks. They will grow together to form larger areas on the stomach. The rash will spread to the thighs, arms, breasts and butt. The face is never affected by this rash.
Although the rash can be quite itchy and bothersome, there is no reason to worry about the rash harming mother or baby. The average rash will last around six weeks and it will all go away after delivery. The cause of PUPPP is not fully understood, although researchers believe it may have something to do with the fetal DNA of a male baby.
Purple Pushing - The practice of a laboring woman holding their breath to ten, and pushing, numerous times during one contraction. Because of the reduction in oxygen levels, the mother usually turns purple and the eyes may bulge out. Raised or broken blood vessels are common. This form of pushing increases the risk of a tear, makes the mother feel more fatigued and decreases the amount of oxygen that both mother and baby receive.
Pyogenic Granuloma Of Pregnancy - A benign vascular lesion of the skin, that can be found on the gums of a pregnant female. The tumor appears to be purple or reddish in color and can vary in size, from a few millimeters in diameter to over an inch or more. Approximately 5% of women will experience the lesion during pregnancy. The tumor is prone to bleeding, may be uncomfortable or painful and can grow. Proper oral care is important, including daily brushing, flossing and regularly scheduled dental visits.
Pyopagus - Conjoined twins that are joined at the lower back, in the area of the sacrum, or around the buttocks.
Pyosalpinx - A reproductive system disorder, in which one or both fallopian tubes are filled with pus.
Pyrosis - More commonly known as heartburn. A painful burning sensation in the chest that is caused by food and stomach juices backing up into the esophagus. Pyrosis is a common complaint among pregnant women. Pyrosis is generally not dangerous and will go away after the baby is born. More than half of all pregnant women will experience some form of heartburn during their pregnancy. Changing hormone levels, an enlarged uterus and a relaxed lower esophageal sphincter all make pregnant women prone to heartburn.
Pyuria - Pus in the urine, which can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections and should speak to their healthcare providers when symptoms appear.