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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Postpartum Thyroiditis - An inflammation of the thyroid gland that may occur after the birth of a child, usually after three-eight months. This will cause either an underactive or overactive thyroid, affecting metabolism. Approximately 5-9% of all women are affected by the condition. Symptoms may include weight loss or gain, feeling warm or not being able to tolerate cold temperatures, tired or weak, constipation, rapid heartbeat, loss of memory and concentration. Treatment options vary and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Posttraumatic Uterine Adhesion - Intrauterine adhesions or scar tissue that is located in the uterus. Scar tissue and adhesions can complicate conception and pregnancy, which can lead to infertility and/or miscarriage. Uterine scarring is possible after a D&C. Surgery may be necessary to remove scar tissue and adhesions from the uterus.
Potter's Syndrome - Congenital absence of kidneys and skeletal deformities of the face, hip and feet. During pregnancy, the condition is associated with decreased levels of amniotic fluid, low birth weight and underdeveloped lungs. Most babies that have the condition will either be stillborn or will die within the first few days of life.
Pouch Of Douglas - A small pouch like structure that can be found between the rectum and uterus in females and between the rectum and bladder in males.
PPROM - A condition that occurs in some pregnancies, in which the sac that holds the fluid surrounding the fetus ruptures prior to the 37th week of pregnancy. Because of the risks involved with prematurity, a woman that is experiencing preterm premature rupture of membranes should be transferred to a hospital this is more advanced and capable of handling the care of preterm labor and a premature infant.
Prader-Willi Syndrome - A genetic disorder that has no cure and leads to obesity. The area of the brain that relays the fullness message after eating does not function correctly. Because the baby's brain does not signal them to stop eating, they will overeat and become overweight. A baby that is affected by Prader-Willi syndrome will lack muscle tone and will have poor motor skills. Other common symptoms of the disorder include undescended testicles, sucking complications, underdeveloped sex organs, low levels of sex hormones and mental retardation. Although there is no cure for the disease, treatment options include daily exercises, dietary monitoring and growth hormones to build muscles and keep weight gain within healthy ranges.
Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis - A medical procedure that is commonly used with In Vitro Fertilization. For the procedure, a cell is removed from a fertilized egg that has begun to develop. The chromosomes within the fertilized egg are then examined to detect any genetic abnormalities.
Precipitate Labor - Labor that is of an unusually short duration. Common causes of a short labor include very strong uterine contractions and a mother that has had several children already.
Preconception - The period of time that occurs before conception takes place.
Preconception Care - A comprehensive program of health care that aims to identify and reduce a woman's reporductive risks before conception takes place. Topics discussed include genetic counseling, genetic testing, financial and family planning, medical assessment and nutritional guidance.
Predelivery Room - A hospital room in which women in labor are monitored prior to delivery.
Preeclampsia - A complication occuring in pregnant women, usually after the 20th week, that is characterized by pregnancy-induced high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and swelling (edema) due to fluid retention. If left untreated, preeclampsia can lead to a more serious condition, known as eclampsia. The condition is fairly common and affects up to one in seven pregnant women around the world.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act - A law that was created in 1978 to protect pregnant women from acts of discrimination in the workplace. Any company that employs 15 or more individuals must abide by the law. Because of this law, employers cannot refuse employment to an individual because she is pregnant or has experienced pregnancy-related complications. The employer must also not refuse to allow the woman to return to work after the birth of the baby. If the pregnant woman is not able to perform her job duties because of the pregnancy, they must treat her the same that other disbaled workers are treated. The law also keeps pregnant employees from paying higher deductibles for health insurance than the other employees do.
Pregnancy Glow - A skin change that occurs to some women during pregnancy. During pregnancy, there is an increased blood flow. The increased volume of blood causes the cheeks to take on an attractive blush, because of the many blood vessels just below the skin's surface. On top of this redness, the increased secretions of the oil glands give the skin a waxy sheen. The flushed face on many pregnant women is similar to the one non-pregnant people experience when they are excited, cry, or do anything that increases their heart rate.
Pregnancy Proteins - Proteins that are produced by a pregnant womans body or by the placenta of the developing fetus. Women that are undergoing estrogen therapy or are taking oral contraceptive pills may also have these proteins within their system.
pregnancy symptom - 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.
Pregnancy Test - A test that is performed, either with urine or blood, to determine if pregnancy has occured. The test works by detecting the presence of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG), the pregnancy hormone. A positive result will indicate that pregnancy has occured and may be seen within several days of the missed period. A pregnancy test cannot distinguish a normal pregnancy from an ectopic pregnancy or one that is destined to end in miscarriage.
Pregnancy Tumor - 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.
Pregorexia - Restricting calories during pregnancy. Women that restrict calories while pregnant will deprive themselves and possibly their baby of nutrients and vitamins that are critical for fetal development.
Preimplantation Test - A procedure in which a woman's unfertilized eggs are removed and fertilized in a Petri dish and some cells are later removed from each embryo and tested for genetic defects. Only the embryos that are found to be disease free are transferred to the uterus for implantation.
Premature Baby - A baby that was born before the 37th week of pregnancy. Babies that are born prematurely may have to spend time in a special unit of the hospital, known as the NICU. It is not uncommon for premature babies to experience some form of complications at birth. Low birthweight, respiratory complications and other birth defects can occur in a premature baby.
Premature Ejaculation - A sexual dysfunction in which the male ejaculates semen prior to or immediately upon engaging in sexual intercourse. The condition affects approximately 25-40% of men and is mainly characterized by a lack in voluntary control over ejaculation.
Premature Menarche - A first menstrual period occuring before the age of ten years and in the absence of other secondary sexual development.
Premature Menopause - Cessation of ovarian function at an abnormally early age; usually before the age of forty-five.
Premature Ovarian Failure - A condition in which the ovaries stop producing eggs before the age of 40. The condition is often associated with autoimmune abnormalities in the woman and a history of infertility, IVF failures, exposure to harsh chemicals, chemotherapy, radiation for cancer treatment. or recurrent pregnancy losses.