Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics
in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net.
|
Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Seckel Syndrome - An inherited birth defect that causes dwarfism. Common symptoms of the disorder include a short stature, small head, big eyes, low-set ears, low birth weight, beaked nose, dislocated hips and elbows, undescended testicles and a small chin. Generally the child will have an abnormally small brain, which will lead to mental retardation and developmental delays.
Second Degree Laceration - A laceration of the vginal mucus membranes, the skin of the vaginal area, underlying superficial fascia and perineal muscle. The tears will need to be stitched closed and the stitches will dissolve on their own as the weeks go by. The laceration will be moderately painful and will take a few weeks to heal.
Second Trimester - Occurs from week 14 to 28 weeks of pregnancy (12-26 weeks of gestation). Both the woman and the fetus are growing and changing at an amazing rate. It is possible to hear the heartbeat during prenatal appointments and an ultrasound will generally be performed around the 20th week of pregnancy. All of the major organs have formed by the 15th week of pregnancy, but the heart, lungs and kidneys, will continue to develop. Eyebrows and fingernails have begun to form and the skin is covered with lanugo, a fine hair. By the end of the second trimester. the fetus is approximately 12 to 14 inches long and weighs about 2 to 2½ pounds. Although you may not feel movements yet, the baby is flipping, kicking and moving around throughout the day and night.
Secondary Dysmenorrhea - Dysmenorrhea that is caused by inflammation, tumor or infection in a woman's reproductive organs. The pain generally begins early in the menstrual cycle and lasts longer than typical menstrual cramps.
Secondary Infertility - A condition that occurs when a woman is unable to become pregnant or carry a pregnancy to term after already experiencing atleast one previous pregnancy. The causes of secondary infertility are generally the same as for primary infertility, which include obesity, stress, scar tissue, sexually transmitted diseases, etc.
Secondary Syphilis - The second stage of syphilis that begins after healing of the initial chancre and lasts indefinitely. This stage is characterized by contagious lesions, mucus patches, fever and other symptoms.
Secondary Tokophobia - A form of tokophobia, in which a woman has an extreme fear of vaginal childbirth and the pain that is associated with it. Unlike primary tokophobia which begins prior to any pregnancy, secondary tokophobia is a result of a prior traumatic birthing experience, poor obstetric care or postpartum depression.
Secondhand Smoke - A mixture of the smoke given off from a lit cigarette, pipe, cigar or smoke that is exhaled from the lungs of a smoker. Nonsmokers do inhale the smoke and it remains in the air for a period of time after cigarettes have been put out. Secondhand smoke can cause a wide range of health problems, including cancer, respiratory infections, and asthma. Women that are exposed to secondhand smoke during pregnancy have a higher chance of experiencing a miscarriage or stillbirth.
Secretory Adenocarcinoma - An uncommon type of endometrial cancer occuring as a well differentiated tumor with progestational changes. This form of cancer causes abnormal uterine bleeding.
Secretory Phase - The last half of the menstrual cycle, after ovulation, in which the endometrium is prepared for the fertilized egg to implant. If fertilization does not occur, the uterine lining is shed and mesntrual bleeding will begin.
Sedative - A drug depresses the central nervous system , which helps a person to relax and may make them feel sleepy. Sedatives are usually injected into a muscle and if used by themself, they do not take pain away. Sedtives and narcotics are often used together during the first stage of labor.
Segmental Mastectomy - Removal of part of the breast or of a growth in the breast, along with only enough breast tissue to ensure that the edges of the removed specimen are free of tumor.
Self-Breast Examination - Inspection of her own breasts by a woman to detect lumps, asymmetry of the breasts and slight dimpling in the skin. To perform the exam, the woman will stand in front of a mirror and look for changes as she places her arms by her side, places them on the hips and as she rasises the arms above her head. While lying down, the woman should place one arm behind her head and use the opposite hand to palpate each breast, feeling for lumps and other abnormalities.
Semen - The mily-white fluid that is released through the penis at the point of climax (orgasm) during sexual intercourse or other formof sexual arousal. Approximately one teaspoon of semen is released from the penis during ejaculation, with millions of sperm living in the ejaculate. Semen is made up of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the prostate.
Semen Analysis - Evaluation of fresh sperm and seminal fluid under a microscope. The test determines the sperm count and evaluates their shape and motility. A sample is collected after masturbation or sexual intercourse and microscopically observed for several characteristics. This procedure is often performed in couples that are seeking fertility treatment and men who want to make sure that a vasectomy or vasectomy reversal has been successful.
Semen Viscosity - The thickness of the semen after ejaculation. Ideally, semen should liquefy approximately 30 minutes after ejaculation. When semen remains thick, conception is unlikely.
Seminal Fluid - The mily-white fluid that is released through the penis at the point of climax during sexual intercourse or other arousal. Approximately one teaspoon of seminal fluid is released from the penis during ejaculation, with millions of sperm living in the ejaculate. Seminal fluid is made up of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the prostate.
Seminal Vesicle - A small pouch located behind the male’s bladder and connected to the vas deferens. They produce a thick gel which is one of the substances from which semen is produced.
Septate Cervix - A developmental anomaly in which the cervix is divided by a septum, which is usually a downward continuation of a septum in the uterine cavity or an upward continuation of a septum in the vagina.
Septate Hymen - A hymen in which the opening is divided by a narrow septum, or band of tissue. This condition is rare.
Septate Uterus - An abnormality in which the uterine cavity is divided by a piece of tissue down the middle. The septum could be thin and cause no complications during pregnancy, or it could be thick and unmovable, which would increase the chances of a miscarriage or preterm labor. Treatment for a septate uterus includes surgery.
Septate Vagina - An abnormality of the vagina in which there is actually a double vagina because of a longitudinal divider. The condition can be missed by both doctor and patient, but during sexual intercourse one side will become more dominant while the other remains tighter to enter.
Septic Abortion - Infected abortion that is accompanied by life-threatening dissemination of microorganisms and toxic substances throughout the mother's blood circulation. The condition is characterized by a foul odor, pelvic pain, abdominal pain and pubic tenderness.
Septuplets - A multiple birth in which seven babies are born from one pregnancy.
Serophene - A commonly prescribed fertility drug that is used to stimulate ovulation in women that are not be ovulating or that have a luteal phase defect. The medication stimulates ovulation by releasing gonadotropins from the pituitary gland. Women that use fertility drugs are more likely to experience multiples during the pregnancy.