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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Perineal Massage - A procedure in which the perineum (area between the anus and vagina) of a pregnant female is massaged in order to prepare for a vaginal delivery. The goal of perineal massage is to reduce the possibility of vaginal tearing and/or an unecessary episiotomy. Perineal massage can also help prevent the need for a vacuum extractor or forceps assisted birth. Massage oil, pure vegetable oil or a water soluble lubricant can be used to genty, but firmly, massage and stretch the perineum. It is recommended to perform the massage daily, starting at the 34th week pregnancy.
Perineal Tear - A superficial tearing of the tissue in the vagina, perineum and/or anus that occurs during a vaginal delivery. Lacerations are classified as one of four types, based on the severity.
Perineoplasty - A surgery used ot correct the relaxed condition of the musculature
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.
Periodic Abstinence - Abstaining from sexual intercouse for a few days before, during, and after the expected day of ovulation for birth control purposes.
Periodic Breathing - A pattern of irregular breathing in which there are pauses for as long as 10 to 20 seconds. This is a common occurrence in newborn infants.
Periodontitis - A severe gum infection that destroys the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. The infection increases a woman's risk of having a premature or low birth weight baby. Common symptoms of the condition include swollen, bright red or purple gums, spaces between the teeth, chronic bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth or loose teeth. It is important to brush and floss teeth daily and see a dentist during pregnancy.
Peripheral Cyanosis - A temporary bluish discoloration of the infant's extremities, fingers or toes that is caused by immature circulation.
Peritoneocentesis - Aspiration of fluid from the torso with a needle or other hollow instrument
Periurethral Abscess - An abscess that involves the tissues of the urethra. Symptoms usually present as painful and strenuous urinating, in addition to pain, fever and swelling in the local area. The condition is often associated with gonorrhea or other bacterial infections that cause pus.
Pernicious Vomiting Of Pregnancy - A severe form of morning sickness, with unrelenting, excessive pregnancy-related nausea and/or vomiting that prevents adequate intake of food and fluids. The condition is considered a rare complication of pregnancy. Estimates of the percentage of pregnant women affected range from 0.3% to 2%. The cause of of the condition is unknown. The leading theories speculate that it is an adverse reaction to the hormonal changes of pregnancy. In particular hyperemesis gravidarum may be due to raised levels of beta HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) as it is more common in multiple pregnancies and in gestational trophoblastic disease.
Persistent Fetal Circulation - A respiratory abnormality in which a newborn infant has difficulty breathing on their own after birth.
Pessary - A medical device positioned in the vagina that can be used as a contraceptive or to provide support for a prolapsed uterus.
Pethidine - A fast-acting drug that is given by injection to ease the pain of labor. Side effects from the pain medication include nausea and/or vomiting in the mother and extreme sleepiness in the newborn baby.
Pfannenstiel's Incision - A horizontal skin incision that is made near the pubic hairline in order to gain access to the uterus. This type of cut is generally made in order to perform a cesarean section or hysterectomy.
Pfeiffer Syndrome - A birth defect in which the sutures of the skull fuse together too early and a deformed skull develops. Common characteristics of Pfeiffer syndrome include bulging wide-set eyes, shallow eye sockets, an abnormal looking midface, prematurely fused skull that cannot grow properly, short thumbs, big toes and webbing of the hands and feet. Some children may also experience vision complications, dental complications and hearing loss.Treatment options for Pfeiffer syndrome include surgery on the jaw, teeth and face to restore a more normal appearance. Doctors will also take necessary measures to help the child's head grow properly.
Phantom Pregnancy - Development of pregnancy symptoms in a nonpregnant woman, including morning sickness, tender breasts, exhaustion and a missed period. The abdomen is also tender and swollen. Symptoms are clinically present, but no fetus is found during examination. Most often, the condition is psychological and is related to either wanting to be pregnant or an intense fear of becoming pregnant.
Pharaonic Circumcision - A form of female circumcision in which the entire clitoris, labia minora and part of the labia majora are removed. This procedure is performed around the age of 7 years, mainly in countries throughout Africa and in the Middle East, and in the Muslim populations of Indonesia and Malaysia.
Pharmacist - A licensed health care professional that is responsible for filling, dispensing and distributing prescription drugs to individuals. A pharmacist educates patients, physicians and other healthcare providers about the selection, dosage, interactions, and side effects of medications. Pharmacists are employed within a pharmacy.
Pharmacy - A location in which prescription drugs are filled, dispensed and sold in a manner that is legal. The medications are filled by a pharmacist that is licensed in the state in which they are practicing. Most hospitals have a pharmacy located onsite that can provide medications around the clock to their patients, when needed and ordered by their healthcare provider.
Pharyngeal Gonorrhea - Sexually transmitted infection of the pharynx. The infection is caused by an uninfected individual performing oral sex on an individual that is infected with gonorrhea. The infection can cause sore throat, discomfort in swallowing and occasionally, a discharge with swelling of the vulva.
Phencyclidine - 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.
Phenergan - A common prescription medication that is used as a sedative to relieve pain or to treat nausea and vomiting. Pregnant women may benefit from the use of Phenergan, but should speak with their healthcare provider prior to doing so.
Phenindione - An anticoagulant medicine that is used to prevent blood clots. Intrauterine exposure has a significant risk of causing abnormalities in the fetus. The medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than the associated risks to the fetus. This medication is also excreted through the breastmilk.