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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Patau Syndrome - A birth defect that occurs when the child receives duplicated information from chromosome #13. This disorder affects approximately 1 in every 10,000 babies. Common symptoms of the disorder include cleft palate/cleft lip, close set or fused eyes (becoming a cyclops), low muscle tone, polydactyly, hernia, coloboma, severe mental retardation, undescended testicles in the male, small eyes and head, seizures, missing skin, skeletal malformations and low set ears. Babies will generally have feeding complications, breathing abnormalities, heart complications and will be deaf. Because of the severe malformations of the disorder, most affected babies are either stillborn or die within the first few months of life.
Paternity Test - A genetic test that is used to determine whether a man is the biological father of a particular child. Testing is 99.9999% accurate and can be done prenatally or after the child is born. A DNA analysis can consist of a buccal swab from inside of the cheek, urine test, hair strand test, blood test or other fom of cell collection.
Patient Controlled Anesthesia - A type of pain medication that is controlled by the patient. When the patient begins to feel pain, a button can be pushed to administer medication through an IV. The pain system will not allow the medication to be abused, so there is no worry of overdose. Anesthesia can be given via this route during labor.
PCO - A hormonal condition that causes in which women experience acne, obesity, irregular or absent periods, excessive hair growth and absent ovulation. The ovaries also have several small cysts on them. Women with this condition are at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and uterine cancer. Although the exact cause of the disease is not known, there are treatments available to help with the symptoms of the condition.
PCOS - A hormonal condition of the female reproductive system in which multiple cysts appear in the ovary. Common symptoms of the condition include irregular or no periods, acne, obesity, excess hair growth and sometimes, the absence of ovulation, which can cause infertility. Other symptoms include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, skin tags, pelvic pain, sleep apnea and diabetes. Treatment options include birth control pills, lifestyle changes, surgery and medications.
PCP - A hallucinogenic drug that can cause an individual to experience extreme psychological disturbances. The drug is generally a combination of heroine and cocaine. Intrauterine exposure to the drug can have harmful effects on the fetus, including abnormal physical features, involuntary movements of the eyes, excess muscle tone, respiratory distress and withdrawal symptoms.
Peak Day - During the ovulatory cycle, this is the day with the highest probability of conception. During this time, the cervical mucus has the consistency of egg whites and the woman will notice a spike in basal body temperature.
Peau d'orange - An abnormal dimpled condition of the skin that resembles the skin of an orange. The condition is seen in some individuals with breast cancer.
Pectus Carinatum - A birth defect that occurs when there is a protrusion over the sternum in the chest. A baby that is born with pectus carinatum will have a bird-like appearance because it will be bowed outwards. During a physical examination, the lungs and heart will appear normal, but they may not function properly. The condition will usually become worse with age and during growth spurts. Breathing may be difficult and exercise may be harder for an individual with pectus carinatum. Pectus carinatum can occur by itself or with other birth disorders, such as Trisomy 18 or 21, Marfan's syndrome and a variety of other defects. Treatment usually involves wearing a brace to stabilize and support the affected bones. In more severe cases, surgery is necessary.
Pectus Excavatum - A birth defect that affects the appearance of the chest. A baby that is born with pectus excavatum will have a caved-in looking chest. During fetal development, too much connective tissue grew from the ribs to the breastbone, causing the sternum to grow inwards. Although the heart and lungs usually develop properly, breathing and exercise can be difficult or bothersome at times. Doctors can diagnose the condition based on physical appearance because there will generally be a deep depression in the center of the child's chest. Otherwise, x-rays or other tests can be performed to diagnose the condition. If the condition affects how the child lives or is particularly bothersome, surgery may be necessary to repair the deformity.
Pediatrician - A licensed medical doctor who focuses on babies, children, adolescents, and young adults from birth to age 21 years. This health care provider provides: preventive health care for healthy children and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. Following graduation from a general medical school, pediatricians complete three years of education in an accredited pediatric residency program. Pediatric residency training focuses on the care of the whole infant, child, adolescent, and young adult. Following the pediatric residency, the pediatrician is eligible for board certification with successful completion of a thorough written examination. Recertification is required every seven years.
Pelvic Adhesions - Scar tissue that can be found within the pelvic cavity as a result of a cesarean section, D&C, endometriosis, infection or injury. The scar tissue can block the reproductive organs and play a factor in female infertility.
Pelvic Bone - The anterior portion of the hipbone. It is surrounded by cartilage in the early years of life and ossifies with time. The bones in the pelvis will begin to separate as the due date approaches to allow additional room for the baby to pass during childbirth.
Pelvic Examination - An examination that includes vaginal, bimanual pelvic and rectovaginal examinations in addition to inspection of the genital area to note pubic hair distribution, clitoris size, vulvar lesions and./or masses, hymen, discharge and inflammation of the vaginal opening.
Pelvic Floor - A network of muscles, ligaments, and other tissues that hold up the pelvic organs. The pelvic floor extends from the pubic bone to the tailbone. It's important to excercies this muscle not only during pregnancy, but througout a womans life.
Pelvic Floor Exercise - An exercise of the pelvic floor muscles that is used to strengthen the muscles which support the urethra, bladder, uterus, and rectum. Doing these simple exercises can prevent and help treat incontinence.
Pelvic Infection - A general term that refers to a variety of infections involving the pelvic organs and their surrounding tissues. Common pelvic infections include pelvic inflammatory disease, postpartum infections and abortion associated infections.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - An infection of the female reproductive system, including the uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. The inflammation is usually caused by a sexually transmitted disease, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. The damage may result in infertility, a future tubal pregnancy or chronic pelvic pain.
Pelvic Pressure - An uncomfortable feeling of fullness or heaviness in the pelvic region, that may feel like something is going to fall out of the vagina. Pressure felt throughot the pregnancy is likely due to the growing uterus. Pelvic pressure is common in the last trimester becasue the baby's head is engaging in the pelvis to prepare for bith.
Pelvicephalometry - Comparative measurement of the maternal pelvis and fetal head. This is used to determine if a vaginal birth can be safely attempted.
Pelvimetry - An x-ray examination of the pelvic region to determine the capacity and diameter of the pelvis in relation to the expected size of the fetus. This measurement is used to determine if a vaginal birth can be safely attempted.
Pelvis - A basin like bony structure found at the bottom of the body that connects the spinal column to the legs. Pelvic pain is common during pregnancy as the pelvic bones must separate to allow room for the baby to pass through during a vaginal delivery.
Pelviscope - An instrument provided with a light source that is used to examine and inspect the inside of the pelvis.
Pendred Syndrome - A genetic defect that affects the ears, thyroid gland and often times, the vestibular system. Hearing loss is the most common symptom of the disorder and infants that are born with Pendred syndrome will notice a decrease in their hearing by 3 years of age, if not sooner. It is not uncommon for a child with Pendred syndrome to experience complete deafness over time. The thyroid can grow very large, which is known as a goiter. A goiter can cause breathing and swallowing complications. There is no cure for Pendred syndrome, but treatment options include frequent medical visits to check the progression of the disorder, sign language and cochlear implants.
Penetrance - The odds that a trait will show in the offspring that carries it.