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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Quad Screen - A protein produced by a developing fetus that is present in amniotic fluid and in the mother's blood. The early blood test is called the triple screen and should be performed between the 15th and 18th week of pregnancy. Abnormal levels of AFP can indicate abnormalities in the fetus. Elevated levels would be a sign of a neural tube defect and low levels would signal Down's syndrome.
Quadruplet - Four children born at the same time from the same pregnancy . Although identical quadruplets are rare, it is possible for the pregnancy to produce two sets of identical twins, one set of identical twins and two fraternal babies, all identical or all fraternal.
Quattrodecaplets - A multiple birth in which fourteen babies are born from one pregnancy.
Quickening - A sensation that is experienced by many pregnant women, normally towards the last month of the pregnancy as the fetus settles in the pelvis to prepare for birth. Breathing becomes easier as the pressure on the diaphragm lessens, although the need to urinate will increase due to the increase of pressure on the bladder. The abdomen will usually feel as if it has dropped and the woman may actually look different because of the change.
Quinidine - An alkaloid from cinchona bark, used in the management of irregular heartbeats. Pregnant women should avoid the medicaiton as intrauterine exposure may cause blood platelet reduction in the newborn.
Quinine - An alkaloid from cinchona bark, used in the treatment of malaria. Pregnant women should avoid taking the medication during pregnancy as intrauterine exposure has been linked to malformations of the newborn's central nervous system and heart.
Quintuplet - One of five babies born at the same time from one pregnancy.