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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Variable Deceleration - Deceleration of the fetal heart rate occurring irregularly at different times during a uterine contraction and varying in intensity and duration. Medical professionals agree that the most common cause for this deceleration is from compression of the umbilical cord.
Varicella - An acute contagious disease that is caused by the varicella-zoster virus. Although the disease is most commonly seen in children, individuals of any age can become infected. Pregnant women should be partiuclarly cautious not to become infected because of the potenital effects on the developing fetus. Common effects that may be seen in the fetus/baby if infected while pregnant include scars on the skin, malformed limbs, small head, bone defects, mental retardation and blindness.
Varicose Veins - A vein that has become dilated, bulging and twisted. Varicose veins are more common in women who have had children, and the more pregnancies women have, the more likely they are to develop varicose veins. Varicose veins look like swollen veins raised above the surface of the skin. They can be dark purple or blue in color and are found most often on the backs of the calves or on the inside of the leg.
Varivax - A live strain of the varicella virus that is used for human immunization. Pregnant women should not receive the vaccination and women wishing to become pregnant should wait for three months after receiving the vaccine.
Vasa Previa - An uncommon condition in which the fetal blood vessels traverse the amniotic sac across the lower segment of the uterus between the baby and the cervical opening. Because the fetus's vessels become pinched off as they are compressed between the baby and the walls of the birth canal, total blood loss occurs and fetal death is common.
Vasectomy - A permanent sterilization procedure for men to prevent pregnancy. The procedure is usually done as an outpatient surgery with local anesthetic. Each vas deferens is cut and the ends separated to prevent the passage of sperm. While the procedure can sometimes be reversed, it is generally considered a permanent form of birth control.
Vault Cap - A bowl-shaped contraceptive cap that fits snuggly over the uterine cervix to prevent sperm from entering and fertilizing an egg.
VBAC - Vaginal birth after cesarean. 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.
Veil - The portion of fetal membranes that sometimes surrounds the head of a newborn at the time of birth. This is only seen in births in which the membranes remain intact until completion of delivery.
Vellus Hair - Fine, soft nonpigmented hair that replaces the primary hair of the newborn. This hair begins to appear in the first few months of life.
Velocardiofacial Syndrome - A genetic disorder that affects approximately 130,000 people in the United States. Although researchers have not found the exact cause of the disorder, they do know that a small part of chromosome #22 is missing. The most common symptoms of velocardiofacial syndrome are cleft palate, heart defects, a distinct facial appearance that includes a long face, wide nose, small ears and almond-shaped eyes, speech complications, learning delays and feeding complications. In addition to the more distinct facial features associated with this condition, some children may have flattened cheeks, a blue tint under the eyes and an underdeveloped lower jaw. Other possible symptoms include chronic ear infections, eye complications, short stature, muscle weakness, scoliosis and a weakend immune system.
Venereal Bubo - Inflammatory swelling of one or more lymph nodes that is associated with a venereal disease. Pus can usually be drained from the bubo.
Venereal Disease - A disease that is spread through intimate sexual contact., which includes vaginal sex, oral sex and anal sex. A sexually transmitted disease can also be spread from one infected person to another individual by the use of IV drugs, childbirth, a blood transfusion and breastfeeding. Using a condom during any type of sexual contact is the best way to protect against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.
Venereal Lymphogranuloma - A sexually transmitted disease that is caused by the Chlamydia virus. The disease is characterized by a genital blister or ulcer that heals and disappears within a few days without leaving a scar. Other symptoms include fever, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, rash and swelling of lymph nodes in the groin and rectum.
Venereal Ulcer - A highly contagious sexually transmitted disease that is characterized by painful sores on the genitals. The disease is caused by the Hemophilus ducreyi bacterium. Inflammation of the lymph nodes of the groin are common in affected individuals.
Venereal Warts - A highly contagious sexually transmitted infection that is caused by the HPV virus. The infection is transmitted through direct skin to skin contact. Venereal warts often occur in clusters and can be found on the vagina, cervix, penis and anus. Venereal warts can be treated with medications, laser treatment, cauterization and surgery.
Ventouse - A plastic or metal vacuum cup that is placed over the baby’s head to assist in a vaginal delivery.
Ventricular Septal Defect - One of the most common heart defects that presents at the time of birth, affecting approximately 1% of all babies. During fetal development, a wall will form in the fetus;s heart to separate the left and right ventricles. If the wall (septum) fails to form or does not form completely, one or more holes will remain, and will the baby will have a ventricular septal defect. Common symptoms of VSD include hard and rapid breathing, a fast heart rate, paleness, inability to gain weight or failure to thrive, respiratory infections and shortness of breath. Sometimes no treatment is necessary and the hole will close on its own.
Ventriculomegaly - A condition in which the ventricular system of the brain is enlarged that affects about one in 1,000 live births. . The ventricular system contains sac-like pockets called ventricles that are filled with cerebrospinal fluid. The condition can be diagnosed before birth by a prenatal ultrasound in the second trimester. Treatment is necessary if hydrocephalus is present.
Venus Thrombosis - A blood clot that develops in a vein. Blood clots are more common in a leg. For women, clots are more common during pregnancy and postpartum. If the clot travels, it can cause a great amount of damage, including stroke.
Vernix - A thick, greasy substance, resembling cheese, which covers and protects the baby’s skin in the uterus. Vernix is secreted by the sebaceous glands around the 20th week of gestation to protect the fetus from the amniotic fluid. The covering may be present at birth and it will wash off.
Version - The manual turning of a fetus in the uterus to alter its position to one more favorable for delivery. This is performed if the baby is lying in a position other than head down.
Vertex - The crown of the fetal head. The vertex is the first part of the head that will be seen as the baby is crowning during a vaginal birth.
Vertical Transmission - Direct, prenatal passage of an infectious agent or genetic characteristic from mother to child.
Vesicouterine Fistula - A fistula between the bladder and the uterus that is most commonly caused by cervical cancer.