A-Z of Pregnancy Terms

A-E  |  F-I  |  J-P  |  Q-Z

F

Face presentation: Baby comes into the birth canal face first.

Fallopian tube: Tube that leads from the cavity of the uterus to the area of the ovary. Also called uterine tube.

False labour: Tightening of uterus without dilatation of the cervix.

Fasting blood sugar: Blood test to evaluate the amount of sugar in the blood following a time period of fasting.

Fertilization: Joining of the sperm and egg.

Fertilization age: Dating a pregnancy from the time of fertilization. 2 weeks earlier than the gestational age.

Fetal anomaly: Fetal malformation or abnormal development.

Fetal goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid in the fetus.

Fetal-growth retardation (IUGR): Inadequate growth of the fetus during the last stages of pregnancy.

Fetal monitor: Device used before or during labour to listen to and record the fetal heartbeat. Can be external monitoring (through maternal abdomen) or internal monitoring (through maternal vagina) of the baby inside the uterus.

Fetal period: Time period following the embryonic period (first 10 weeks of gestation) until birth.

Fetus: Refers to the unborn baby after 10 weeks of gestation until birth.

Forceps: Instrument used to help remove baby from the birth canal during delivery.

Frank breech: Baby presenting buttocks first. Legs are flexed and knees extended.

G

Genetic counseling: Consultation between a couple and a specialist about genetic defects and the possibility of genetic problems in a pregnancy.

Genital herpes simplex: Herpes simplex infection involving the genital area. It can be significant during pregnancy because of the danger to a newborn fetus infected with herpes simplex.

Genitourinary problems: Defects or problems involving genital organs and the bladder or kidneys.

Gestational age: Dating a pregnancy from the first day of the last menstrual period; 2 weeks longer than fertilization age.

Gestational diabetes: Occurrence or worsening of diabetes during pregnancy (gestation).

Gestational trophoblastic disease (GTN): Abnormal pregnancy with cystic growth of the placenta. Characterized by bleeding during early and middle pregnancy.

Glucose-tolerance test: Blood test done to evaluate the body's response to sugar.

Glucosuria: Glucose in the urine.

Gonorrhea: Contagious venereal infection, transmitted primarily by intercourse. Caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhea.

Grand mal seizure: loss of control of body functions. Seizure activity of a major form.

Group-B streptococcal infection: Serious infection occurring in the mother's vagina and throat.

Gyri: Prominent, rounded elevation found on the surface of the brain tissue.

H

Habitual abortion: Occurrence of three or more spontaneous miscarriages.

Heartburn: Discomfort or pain that occurs in the chest. Often occurs after eating.

Hematocrit: Determines the proportion of blood cells to plasma. Important in diagnosing anemia.

Hemoglobin: Pigment in red blood cell that carries oxygen to body tissues.

Hemolytic disease: Destruction of red blood cells.

Hemorrhoids: Dilated blood vessels in the rectum or rectal canal.

Human chorionic gonadatropin (HCG): Hormone produced in early pregnancy.Measured in a pregnancy test.

Human placental lactogen: Hormone of pregnancy produced by the placenta. Found in the bloodstream.

Hyaline membrane disease: Respiratory disease of the newborn.

Hydramnios: Increased amniotic fluid.

Hydrocephalus: Excessive accumulation of fluid around the brain of the baby. Sometimes called water on the brain.

Hyperbilirubinemia: Extremely high level of bilirubin in the blood.

Hyperemesis gravidarum: Severe nausea, dehydration and vomiting during pregnancy. Occurs most frequently during the first trimester.

Hyperglycemia: Increased blood sugar.

Hypertension: Pregnancy-induced-High blood pressure that occurs during pregnancy. Defined by an increase in the diastolic and/or systolic blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism: Elevation of the thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.

Hypoplasia: Defective or incomplete development or formation of tissue.

Hypotension: Low blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism: Low or inadequate levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream.

I

Immune globulin preparation: Substance used to protect against infection with certain diseases, such as hepatitis or measles.

In utero: Within the uterus.

Incompetent cervix: Cervix that dilates painlessly, without contractions.

Incomplete abortion: Miscarriage in which part, but not all, of the uterine contents are expelled.

Inevitable abortion: Pregnancy complicated with bleeding and cramping. Usually results in miscarriage.

Insulin: Peptide hormone made by the pancreas. It promotes the use of glucose.

Invasive squamous-cell carcinoma: Cancer of the cervix that extends beyond the cervix into surrounding tissues or deeper layers.

Iron-deficiency anemia: Anemia produced by lack of iron in the diet. Often seen in pregnancy.

Isoimmunization: Development of specific antibody directed at the red blood cells of another individual, such as a baby in utero. Often occurs when an Ph-negative woman carries an Ph-positive baby or is given Rh-positive blood.

Continued on Next Page: J-P Pregnancy Terms