A-B |
C-D |
E-G |
H-L |
M-O |
P-R |
S-Z
Show
The bloody show or mucous plug is blood-tinged mucus discharge from the vagina before and during labor, when the cervix begins to thin and relax. It can appear minutes, hours or even days before actual labor begins.
Spina Bifida
Spina Bifida is a birth defect in the spine that results from the incorrect development of the spinal cord. This can occur in any vertebae, but is most commonly found at the base of the back and lower spine. Folic acid reduces the likelihood of spina bifida.
Spinal Block
A spinal block is similar to an epidural block, but the anesthetic is injected into the space below the spinal cord, rather than into the area around it. With this anesthesia, the procedure can be performed more quickly and easily than with an epidural, but only one dose can be given, which lasts about two hours. Spinal blocks are used for about 40 percent of cesarean births.
Squint (strabismus)
Squint or strabisus is also called ‘crossed eyes’, occurs when the eyes appear to be misaligned and point in different directions. It can occur at any age, but is most common in infants and young children. Parents may notice their baby’s eyes wandering from time to time during the first few months of life, especially when the infant is tired. This happens because the baby is still learning to focus. Most babies outgrow this by three months of age.
Stages of Labor
There are three stages of labor: First- onset of true labor contractions to complete dilation and effacement of the cervix. Second- complete dilation and effacement of the cervix to the birth of the baby. Third- from the birth of the baby to the delivery of the placenta (afterbirth).
Still birth
The death of a baby, still birth, after the 20th week of gestation, but before birth. Some causes are genetic or congenital defects, umbilical cord or placenta problems, medical conditions of the mother, but unfortunately many causes are unknown.
Stretch Marks
Areas of the skin which have pink or reddish-colored streaks are stretch marks. This is skin that has been torn and stretched during pregnancy. They are often found on the abdomen, breasts, legs, hips and buttocks.
Supplements
Prenatal supplements are multivitamis that are taken during pregnancy, especially early, may help prevent certain birth defects.
Surfactant
Surfactant is a substance covering the inner lining of the air sacs in the lungs, which allow the lungs to expand normally during breathing.
Toxoplasmosis
An infectious disease called toxoplasmosis is caused by microscopic parasites found in infected cat feces and undercooked meat. It is fairly rare, but can cause stillbirth or miscarriage when contracted by a pregnant woman.
Trimester
One of the three periods of pregnancy is a trimester. Each period or stage lasts about three months.
Toxemia
Also known as preeclampsia, toxemia is a serious condition occurring during pregnancy, characterized by hypertension, protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy and swelling.
Tubal Sterilization
A tubal ligation, also known as ‘tubal sterilization’, is the procedure of tying and cutting a woman’s fallopian tubes to prevent the egg from being fertilized by sperm during intercourse.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound is a procedure that uses high-frequency sound waves to scan a pregnant woman’s abdomen, which produces a moving image (sonogram) of the baby and placenta. An ultrasound used to diagnose infertility as well as other problems associated with the internal organs.
Umbilical Cord
The umbilical cord is tissue that connects the placenta to the developing baby. It removes waste products and carbon dioxide from the baby and carries oxygen and nutrients from the mother through the placenta to the baby.
Uterus
The uterus is a pear-shaped female organ in which the unborn baby develops.
Vacuum Extraction
Vacuum extraction involves attaching a suction cup instrument against the baby’s head, creating suction with a pump and gently pulling to help ease the baby down the birth canal. The vacuum extractor is sometimes used instead of forceps. The force of the suction may cause a bruise on the newborn’s head.
Vernix
A slippery, cheesy, white substance that covers the skin of a baby while in the womb is vernix.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is a vitamin that aids normal blood coagulation. A deficiency of vitamin K prolongs blood clotting time and can lead to hemorrhage. In the United States, virtually all babies receive an injection of vitamin K shortly after birth.
Water Breaking
Water breaking or when a pregnant woman's water is broke the amniotic sac breaks or leaks before or during labor. This is when the fluid that has cushioned the baby comes out in a trickle or a gush before the baby is born.
Whartons Jelly
Whartons Jelly is the gelatin-like mucus that gives the umbilical cord an elastic effect, so it can tolerate the bending, stretching and twisting of an active baby. Umbilical cords without much Wharton’s jelly are more prone to compression and complete absence is usually associated with fetal death.
Yeast Infection (candida infection)
Candida or a yeast infection is an infection caused by a yeast-like fungus present in the vagina. The yeast are kept under control by normally growing bacteria in the body, but if the natural balance of microorganisms is disrupted, the yeast grow of control. Symptoms include mild to severe itching in the vaginal area, watery to thick white cottage-cheese-like discharge that smells sweet, redness, irritation and painful intercourse.
Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide is an ingredient found in many diaper rash creams and ointments.
Zygote
The zygote is a result of the union of an ovum and sperm; a single, fertilized egg before it begins to divide and grow.
| 
