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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Premature Rupture Of Membranes - A condition that occurs in some pregnancies, in which the sac that holds the fluid surrounding the fetus ruptures after the 37th week of pregnancy, but before labor has begun. The condition occurs in approximately 10% of pregnancies, in which women experience leakage of fluid, vaginal discharge, vaginal bleeding, and pelvic pressure, but no contractions are present.
Premenstrual - The time period that occurs during a female's menstrual cycle prior to the beginning of menstruation. Premenstural syndromes are common during this time.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder - A severe form of premenstrual syndrome in which 3-8% of women experience severe depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety and extreme fatigue. The symptoms generally cease once menstrual bleeding has begun.
Premenstrual Syndrome - A group of symptoms that are linked to the menstrual cycle and typically occur 1 or 2 weeks before menstruation begins. Common symptoms include breast swelling and tenderness, acne, fatigue, muscle pain, bloating, food cravings, cramps and mood swings.
Prenatal - The period of time from conception and the onset of labor. It usually used to describe the period when a woman is pregnant.
Prenatal Care - Comprehensive care provided to a pregnant woman and her fetus throughout pregnancy to enhance the health and well-being, to prevent complications at delivery and to decrease the incidence of disease and mortality. Care may involve tests of bboth woman and fetus to detect disease or abnormality, lab tests and nutritional guidance regarding exercise and diet.
Prenatal Depression - A mental condition that is characterized by ongoing feelings of sadness, wothlessness,despair, loss of energy, lack of interest in things that were once enjoyable and difficulty dealing with normal daily life during the period of time from conception to birth. Depression may be mild or severe and can be controlled with antidepressants.
Prenatal Massage - A form of therapeutic massage that is aimed at meeting the needs of the pregnant woman. The massage helps to improves circulation, reduce stress, reduce fatigue and decrease common body aches and symptoms of pregnancy. The massage is usually performed during the second and third trimesters.
Prenatal Vitamin - A multivitamin specially formulated for women that are trying to concerive, are pregnant or breastfeeding. It is advised that all pregnant and breastfeeding women, take prenatal vitamins to make up for any nutritional deficiencies in their daily diet. Research shows that prenatal vitamins greatly reduce the risk of birth defects and neural tube defect in babies. Most prenatal vitamins include folic acid, Vitamin A, C, D & E, calcium, iron, zinc, ribofalvin and other essential minerals.
Prenatal Yoga - Yoga that is performed while pregnant. This light form of exercise keeps the body limber, tones muscles and improves balance and circulation, with minimal impact on the joints. The class teaches pregnant women how to breathe properly, which will help with labor pains during childbirth.
Prepuce - A retractable double-layered fold of skin that covers the penis. During a circumcision, the prepuce is removed. This fold of skin is extremely sensitive and an intact foreskin aids in sexual feelings and lubrication during intercourse.
Prescription - A written statement from a doctor to a pharmacist regarding the type, amount and direction of the use of a medication for a patient. Prescription medications are only available when prescribed by a medical doctor.
Presentation - The position of the fetus in the womb in comparison to the cervix before the onset of labor.
Presentation of the Cord - A type of fetal presentation in which the umbilical cord has prolapsed below the presenting part of the baby before the membranes have ruptured. During a pelvic examination, the doctor or midwife is able to feel loops of the umbilical cord that have palpated through the membranes. Because of the severity of the condition, death is likely in the fetus and the mother usually experiences complications.
Presenting Part - In obstetrics, the portion of the fetus that is closest to the birth canal and which can be felt through the cervix during a vaginal examination. Doctors and midwives use the presenting part to determine which position the fetus is lying in during labor.
Preterm Labor - Labor that begins before the 37th week of pregnancy. If a woman's labor cannot be stopped, a preterm birth is likely. Preterm birth is a common cause of birth defects and infant death.
Preterm Premature Rupture Of Membranes - 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.
Primary Atelectasis - Failure of the lungs to expand and establish respiration immediately after birth. The condition may be caused by fetal oxygen deficiency, excessive intrapulmonary secretions, pneumonia or lack pf surfactant in the lungs.
Primary Dysmenorrhea - Dysmenorrhea that occurs in a woman without any other organic disease, such as endometriosis. Treatment options include oral contraceptive pills and anti-inflammatory medications.
Primary Syphilis - The first stage of syphilis, in which small ulcer develop into chancres and heal 6-12 weeks later. The lesions that occur with syphilis occur on the genitals, mouth or near the anus.
Primary Tokophobia - A form of tokophobia, in which a woman is extremely afraid of vaginal childbirth and the pain that is associated with it. This phobia begins before pregnancy, sometimes in early adolesence, and can keep a woman from becoming pregnant or enjoying pregnancy.
Primitive Reflex - Any of the reflexes occurring natrually in a newborn infant. Reflexes are an indication of normal neuromuscular development.
Probiotics - Live microorganisms that are similar to beneficial microorganisms found in the human gut. Probiotics are often referred to as "good bacteria" and can be found in dietary supplements and some foods. Probiotics can be used to treat diarrhea, prevent and treat infections of the urinary tract or female genital tract, treat irritable bowel syndrome and a variety of other disorders. Most doctors agree that probiotics are safe to take during pregnancy.
Procreation - The act of reproduction by means of sexual activity to achieve conception.
Proctocele - A condition in which the rectum protrudes or herniates into the vagina. During childbirth, the thin fibrous tissue between the rectum and vagina can weaken and tear, which will allow the rectum to protrude into the vagina. The condition can also occur during a hysterectomy.