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. |
Vaccination - A process in which dead or weakened microorganisms are directed into the body, usually be means of an injection. Antibodies form against the microorganisms that have been adminstered and an immunity is developed. If the same microorganisms enter the body at a later time, they will be killed by the antibodies and the vaccinated individual will be protected.
Vacuum Aspiration Curettage - Removal of the contents of the uterus with a suction curet. The procedure is performed as a method for inducing an abortion as well as a therapeutic procedure used after a miscarriage to make sure all contents are removed. To perform the procedure, a doctor will apply a local anesthetic to numb the cervix and will dilate the cervix with instruments or medications. Once the cervix is dialted, a sterile cannula is inserted into the uterus and attached to an electric or manual pump that will empty the uterine contents.
Vacuum Delivery - A common method that a doctor may use during an assisted birth. If your doctor decides to use a vacuum extractor, a flexible rounded suction cup will be applied to the baby's head. There is an electric or manual pump that creates vacuum pressure and holds the cup tightly on the baby's head. While the doctor pulls the handle, the mother will need to push. This will help the baby move down the birth canal and out of the vagina. The baby may have a bruise on his head but it will gradually fade away within a few weeks. Mothers that require the use of a vacuum may have an increased chance of perineal tearing, vaginal tearing and tears within the anus.
Vacuum Extractor - An instrument that doctors may use during an assisted delivery to speed up the birth of a baby. The device is an electric or manual pump that creates vacuum pressure and holds the cup tightly on the baby's head. While the doctor pulls the handle, the mother will need to push. This will help the baby move down the birth canal and out of the vagina.
Vagina - The female organ of sexual intercourse where the sperm are deposited for reproduction. The vagina is a tube-like passage that connects the cervix with the external genitals. During a vaginal delivery, the baby will slowly descend into the vagina until it emerges to the outside of the body.
Vaginal Adenosis - Abnormal development of glandular tissue in the vagina as a result of in utero exposure to diethylsilbestrol (DES) while the affected woman was a fetus. The condition causes vaginal bleeding and discharge.
Vaginal Agenesis - A congenital defect in which a baby girl is born without a uterus. During fetal development the uterus and vagina do not form as they should, but the external genital area appears normal. A girl with vaginal agenesis will typically experience puberty along with all of her peers, but she will not get a menstrual cycle. Most females are not able to be sexually active until the vagina is lengthened, either by daily manual dilation methods or surgical procedures.
Vaginal Barrel - The vaginal cavity that extends from the uterus to the vulva.
Vaginal Birth - A method of childbirth in which the fetus is expelled through the vagina, or birth canal. A vaginal birth has three phases. During the first stage, contractions will cause the cervix to dilate and efface. During the second stage of labor, the cervix is completely dilated and pushing will take place. The end of the second stage of labor occurs when the baby has been expelled. During the third stage of labor, the placenta is delivered.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean - A birth in which the woman delivers vaginally on a subseqent birth after delivering via a cesarean previously. In the past, women that had one cesarean delivery would be required to have cesarean sections for all subsequent deliveries. Today, women can attempt a vaginal delivery after they have had a previous cesarean section. By having a vaginal delivery, you avoid scarring to your uterus that is caused by a cesarean section. The more scars that your uterus has, the more likely you are to experience complications with future pregnancies. A mother that delivers vaginally will likely experience a shorter recovery time after birth. A cesarean section carries a higher risk of infection than a vaginal birth and a longer stay in the hospital. Although the chances are slim, doctors are most concerned that a previous c-section scar could come open during labor. Most doctors do not attempt a VBAC unless the hospital is equipped with the staff and equipment needed to do a quick emergency cesrean for this reason.
Vaginal Contraceptive RIng - The vaginal ring is a newer form of birth control and is 98-99% effective when used as prescribed. The ring does release hormones into the body once it is inserted into the vagina. The ring is actually a bendable plastic ring that is about 2 inches in diameter. One new ring is inserted into the vagina, where it will stay for three weeks. At the end of three weeks, the ring is removed and your menstrual cycle will begin. Because you do not have to remember to take a pill each day, the ring can be a convenient choice for birth control. To get the ring, a doctor must write you a prescription.
Vaginal Cuff - The upper end of the vagina that surrounds the cervix and remains open after a hysterectomy.
Vaginal Discharge - Any type of secretion that comes out of the vagina, other than menstrual bleeding. The discharge can originate from the uterus, cervix, or vagina. Vaginal discharge is normal and helps to clean the vagina, keep it lubricated and free from infection. Discharge will vary in consistency based on the menstrual cycle, sexual excitement, ovulation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, sress and diet. Normal discharge is clear or whitish and any yellow, green or foul-smelling discharge can be a sign of a more complex condition that should be evaluated by a medical doctor.
Vaginal Hood - A deformity of the vagina occurring in a young woman whose mother was treated with DES in early pregnancy. The deformity consists of a fold of mucus membrane surrounding the vaginal opening of the cervix.
Vaginal Hysterectomy - A surgical procedure in which the uterus is removed through the vaginal opening. The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and a patient can expect to remain in the hospital for 1-3 days after the procedure.
Vaginal Packing - A medical procedure that is performed in severe cases of hemorrhage. Gauze is compacted into the vagina to absorb the blood and apply pressure on the arteries of the uterus. Vaginal packing can slow bleeding and sometimes stop bleeding that is due to vaginal lacerations or uterine bleeding. Vaginal packing would be necessary in the event of postpartum hemorrhage. Most cases of post partum hemorrhage are caused by the uterus not contracting firmly after delivery, a retained blood clot that is inside the uterus or a retained placenta.
Vaginal Pouch - Any protective sheath that is worn by a woman during sexual intercourse as a contraceptive device and as a protection against STD transmission.
Vaginal Smear - A smear of secretions that is collected from vaginal walls with a cotton-tipped applicator, resembling a long q-tip, or wooden spatula. The test is used to determine the cause of vaginitis, irritation or itching of the genitals, pain in the genitals, or rash, odor and discharge from the vagina. Once the secretions are placed on a slide, the slide is taken to a lap and examined under a microscope for bacteria and other cells.
Vaginal Wet Mount - A smear of secretions that is collected from vaginal walls with a cotton-tipped applicator, resembling a long q-tip, or wooden spatula. The test is used to determine the cause of vaginitis, irritation or itching of the genitals, pain in the genitals, or rash, odor and discharge from the vagina. Once the secretions are placed on a slide, the slide is taken to a lap and examined under a microscope for bacteria and other cells.
Vaginectomy - Surgical removal of the vagina. The surgeon may remove part of the vagina or all of the vagina, depending on the severity of the abnormality. The procedure is commonly performed to treat cancer of the vagina.
Vaginismus - A condition in which there is continuous prolonged spasm of the pelvic floor muscles that contract during an orgasm. The pain can be very strong and penetration and sexual intercourse may become impossible.
Vaginitis - Inlammation of the vagina, usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. The irritation can also be caused by allergens that come into contact with the vagina, such as sprays, douches, soap, detergent and spermicidal products. Common symptoms include redness, irritation, itching and/or discharge from the vagina. Common types of vaginitis include bacterial vaginosis, trichomoniasis and yeast infections.
Vaginoscopy - Visual exmaination of the vagina, usually with the aid of a medical instrument that enables easy viewing.
Vagitus Uterinus - A rare phenomenon in which a fetus cries while still in the uterus. Researchers believe this occurs as a result of the fetus inhaling air in the amniotic cavity after the membranes have ruptured.
Vanishing Twin Syndrome - A common and potential problem in pregnancies with more than one baby is the so-called vanishing twin syndrome. This is most often detected early in the pregnancy. An ultrasound will detect twins in the first trimester but only one grows to term. Why this happens is not completely understood. The lost twin is reabsorbed into the mother's body or miscarried with little or no warning and few or no symptoms--unlike a regular miscarriage, where you normally have cramping and bleeding.