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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Ulnar-mammary Syndrome - An inherited birth disorder that causes bone abnormalities in the hand and forearms. Some patients may have underdeveloped bones in the hands and forearms, while other patients experience more severe complications, such as the absence of bone in the forearms or hands. Sweat glands under the breasts are also underdeveloped. This can cause the child to not be able to sweat. Because the mammary glands can be affected, some girls may not be able to produce milk during their childbearing years.
Ultrasonic Cephalometry - Measurement of the fetal head by means of ultrasonography during prenatal development.
Ultrasound - An imaging method that uses high-frequency sound waves to outline a part of the body. The sound wave echoes are picked up and displayed on a television screen. Ultrasounds can be performed externally or internally and can be used to date a pregnancy, determine the well-being of the fetus, determine the gender of the baby, detect possible fetal abnormalities, measure the amount of amniotic fluid in the amniotic sac and determine the size of the baby.
Umbilical Arterial Catheter - A small catheter that is inserted into the artery at the stump of the umbilical cord in an infant. These catheters are mainly used for monitoring blood pressure, drawing blood samples and giving fluids, if necessary.
Umbilical Artery Doppler Velocimetry - A medical test that is used to determine the well being of the fetus while inside of the uterus. An ultrasound is used to evaluate the flow of blood through the umbilical artery. A weak, absent, or reverse flow alerts healthcare providers to possible fetal malnutrition or distress.
Umbilical Cord - A rope-like cord that is formed by the fifth week of pregnancy and connects the placenta to the fetus. The cord is responsible for removing waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus. It is also responsible for trasnferring oxygenated blood and nutrients to the fetus. The umbilical cord typically contains three vessels, two arteries and one vein. After birth, the umbilical cord will be cut and clamped. The cord stump will remain for approximately two weeks, when it will fall off and give way to the belly button. Some families will have their baby's cord blood harvested after delivery in a process known as umbilical cord blood banking.
Umbilical Cord Accident - A non-specific term that refers to any problem with the umbilical cord. Cord accidents could include cord prolapse, a knot in the cord or an umbilical cord that is not functioning properly and providing the necessary nutrients and oxygen that the fetus needs to survive.
Umbilical Cord Presentation - 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.
Umbilical Duct - A narrow tubular stalk that connects the yolk sac with the embryo through the umbilical opening during early fetal development. Typically, the yolk stalk would become concealed as fetal development continues. However, in approximately 3% of the population, a small remnant may remain which causes Meckelis diverticulum.
Umbilical Hernia - A fairly common type of birth defect that affects approximately one out of every six children. An umbilical hernia occurs when there is not a complete closing of the ring of muscle around the umbilical ring where the umbilical vessels enter the fetus.
Umbilical Phlebitis - Inflammation of the umbilical veins.
Umbilical Souffle - A blowing, whistling sound synchronous with the fetal heartbeat, heard during late pregnancy. The condition is caused by blood flowing through the umbilical vessels when the cord is subject to torsion, tension or pressure.
Umbilical Venous Catheter - A small catheter that is inserted into the vein at the stump of the umbilical cord of an infant. The catheter allows nutritious fluids and medications to be given to the baby. Blood products can also be given through the catheter if necessary.
Umbilicus - The indentation in the middle of the stomach or abdomen, that leaves the small hole, which can be classified as an inny or outty. This is the point of attachment to the umbilical cord while in utero.
Uncut - A term that refers to a penis that has not been circumcised.
Undescended Testicles - When one or both testicles fails to descend into the scrotum. Approximately 4% of full term infants are born with this condition, but it is more common in preterm babies.
Undiagnosed Spontaneous Abortion - A pregnancy that is aborted or reabsorbed into the body before it is recognized.
Uniparental Disomy - A circumstance in which an individual receives two copies of a chromosome come from one parent, instead of one copy from the mother, and one copy from the father. Two of the most common disorders that are caused by this are Angelman syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome.
Unstable Lie - A fetus that consistently changes its position during the prenatal period. The fetus may lie horizontal at one moment and vertically at another.
Ureaplasma - An infection that can cause sperm antibodies to form or cuase inflammation of the uterine lining. Either condition may interfere with implantation of the embryo, which would result in the loss of an early pregnancy.
Ureterocele - A birth defect in which one of the ureters is swollen, which can block the normal flow of urine. Because the urine collects in the ureter (the tube that carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder), it makes the ureter blow up like a balloon. Ureteroceles affect approximately 1 in 500 to 1 in 4,000 people and seem to be more prominent in Caucasians. Common symptoms include back pain, chronic urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, incontinence, abdominal pain, fever, abnormal odor to the urine or a burning sensation while urinating.
Ureterolcele - A birth defect in which one of the ureters is swollen, which can block the normal flow of urine. Because the urine collects in the ureter (the tube that carries the urine from the kidney to the bladder), it makes the ureter blow up like a balloon. Ureteroceles affect approximately 1 in 500 to 1 in 4,000 people and seem to be more prominent in Caucasians. Common symptoms include back pain, chronic urinary tract infections, blood in the urine, incontinence, abdominal pain, fever, abnormal odor to the urine or a burning sensation while urinating.
Urethra - The tube that allows urine to pass between the bladder and the outside of the body. The opening of the urethra is just above the vaginal opening in women.
Urethritis - Inflammation of the urethra that is commonly caused by infections or chemical irritants. The most common symptom of the condition is a burning sensation when passing urine.