Mamici de Martie-Aprilie 2008 (46)
Raspunsuri - Pagina 12
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Leg Cramps
Cramps in your muscles are common during pregnancy. They may be caused by the weight you are carrying, circulation changes, or calcium deficiency.
Suggestions:
• Regular exercise
• Adequate calcium intake
• When the cramp begins, bring your toes towards you, and massage the muscle
• Dissolve four tablets of Magnesia Phosphorica 6X in a small glass of warm water
Anemia
Anemia is very common during pregnancy. We try and ward it off by prescribing iron tablets, this can be ineffective and actually cause other problems. However, there are times when we check for anemia that aren't appropriate. We tend to want to check for anemia right after an expanse in blood volume. When this occurs it will take a bit for the red blood cells to "catch up" to the rise in volume. This can look like anemia, when it's really not. Here are some other methods of getting the iron you need.
Suggestions:
• Eat lots of iron rich foods (liver, leafy greens, beets, oysters, heart and tongue)
• Avoid caffeine, it prevents absorption of iron
• Avoid excessive bran, alkalinizers and phosphates, they inhibit absorption
• Drink something with vitamins C with your iron supplements (tablets or herbal), Vitamin C aids in the assimilation
• Cook with cast iron
• Good herbal sources of iron: Parsley, Nettles, Amaranth greens, Dandelion root, and Kelp
• Yellow Dock root
• Prevention: 1T of decoction or 25-40 drops of tincture daily
• Presenting with anemia: Same dosage as above but three times a day
Backaches
Backaches can be particularly annoying. They can be caused by poor posture, inappropriate lifting techniques, lack of exercise, or the weight of the baby and the stretching ligaments.
Suggestions:
• Utilize good posture
• Use proper lifting techniques
• Pelvic rocking
• Massage
• Sleep with pillows supporting your legs and back
• Wear flat heeled shoes that offer good support
• Heat (bath, shower, pad, sock)
• Swimming
• Don't move in a jerky fashion
• Stretch daily
• Herbal Liniments may help
• St. John's Wort tincture, 15-25 drops in a glass of water every few hours as needed
• For severe pain add 3-5 drops of Skullcap tincture to the above
• Chiropractic help may be of use as well
Bladder Problems
Cystitis, an infection of the bladder, is not uncommon during pregnancy. This is due to the added stress placed on your bladder because of the increased volume of fluids in your body.
Suggestions:
• Avoid junk food, refined starches, sugar, coffee, tea and foods high in acidic content
• Eat live yogurt daily
• Drink plenty on fluids, especially water
• Wear cotton underwear
• Avoid using soap to wash your genitals or using bubble bath or bath salts
• After intercourse emptying your bladder and washing with water may help reduce the risk of infection
• Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom
• Include garlic, leeks and cabbage in your diet
• Blend unsweetened cranberry juice with parsley three times daily
• Barley water, chamomile, marshmallow and raspberry teas are effective
• Try taking 500g daily of Vitamin C until symptoms improve
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
T his syndrome affects a lot of us. I am assuming since you are probably reading this on a computer that you type quite a bit. This puts you at a higher risk.
Suggestions:
• Use a wrist rest by your computer
• Sleep with your arm on a pillow at night
• Massage: Have a partner massge, using thumbs, from the inside of your wrist outwards and down
• Kneel on hands and knees, lean your body forward stretching your wrists, hold for a few seconds
• Hold your hand above your head and wiggle your fingers
• A splint on your wrist at night may also help
• Acupressure: Locate the point Lung 10 (LU10) in the center of the fleshy mound at the base of your thumb, press firmly, hold 5-7 seconds, repeat 3 times
• Acupuncture
Coughs and Colds
Pregnancy can cause your mucous membranes to swell. This can make it more difficult to get rid of coughs, colds, etc. Prevention is key here. Eat well, and get plenty of rest and exercise. Also avoid people who are contagious if possible.
Suggestions:
• Well balanced diet
• Increase Vitamin C foods
• Eating garlic or onions can help with infections
• Zinc and Vitamin C supplements will help increase your resistance
• B vitamins help if you are under stress
• Use a humidifier
• Use Aconite 6X every two hours for 24 hours at the first sign of a cold
• Allium Cepa 6C three times daily for a streaming head cold
• Eucalyptus, lavender, lemon and tea tree: 2 drops pf each oil into a bowl of water, inhale steam for 10 minutes Do not use in conjunction with homeopathic remedies.
Constipation and Hemorrhoids
Constipation can become a problem in pregnancy due to hormonal changes affecting the digestive system. However, iron tablets can also lead to constipation as well as a lack of fiber in your diet. Hemorrhoids are varicose veins of the rectum which are associated with pregnancy. Preventing constipation is a good start to preventing hemorrhoids.
Suggestions for constipation:
• Regular exercise, especially squatting
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Drink prune juice
• Nux Vomica 6X three times daily
• When you have to go..GO! Do not delay the urge to defecate.
• Avoid straining your bowels (This will also help prevent hemorrhoids.)
Suggestions for Hemorrhoids:
• Avoid straining
• Apply baking soda wet or dry to take away the itch, even add some to your bath water
• Hamamelis 30X
• Witch hazel or lemon juice to reduce swelling or bleeding
• Comfrey or Yellowdock Root ointment
• Herbal sitz baths
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Fainting and Dizziness
Fainting is common during pregnancy. The blood may pool in the lower body and the brain may become temporarily deprived of oxygen, causing fainting or dizziness.
Suggestions:
• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• While standing practice contracting and relaxing your leg and buttocks muscles to help blood return to your head
• When resting lay on your side as opposed to your back
• When sitting return to standing slowly
• Don't get out of a hot bath too quickly
• Keep cool in hot weather
• If you feel faint, sit to avoid injury and place your head lower than your body, kneeling on all fours works too
• Take a few drops of Bach Rescue Remedy as soon as your start to feel faint
• Make sure you blood sugar isn't low, eat small protein rich snacks throughout the day
• Shiatsu points Lung 9 (LU9) and Heart 7 (HT7) together, if done by someone else, or separately if alone, for 5-7 seconds, repeat three times, then do the same to the opposite arm
Headaches
Resulting from hormonal changes or stress, headaches can be familiar during pregnancy.
Suggestions:
• Get plenty of rest
• Exercise regularly
• Excessive caffeine can cause headaches, as can caffeine withdrawal. If you have been totally avoiding caffeine, a cola or cup of caffeinated tea may help
• Try relaxation exercises
• Soak a washcloth in cold water containing a few drops of essential oil of lavender. Apply to forehead and rest in darkened room
• Massaging the neck and spine may help
Heartburn
Hormones released during pregnancy allow the softening of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach. This lets stomach acids back up into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation. This may also occur in the latter months of pregnancy as your baby pushes all of your organs upward.
Suggestions:
• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Remain upright for an hour after eating, lying down can irritate the problem
• Eating yogurt or drinking milk can help
• Avoid spicy or greasy foods
• Try a tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm milk
• Mercurius Solubilis 6C three times daily
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure may be physiological or a reaction to stress or anxiety. Your blood pressure will be checked regularly throughout your pregnancy. There are many things you can do to help maintain a health blood pressure.
Suggestions:
• Exercise regularly
• Maintain a healthy, balanced diet, containing plenty of raw fruits and vegetables
• Protein is very important in preventing high blood pressure and ecclampsia, you need at least 80 grams of protein daily
• Limiting red meat can help you maintain a lower blood pressure, make sure you are getting protein from other sources
• Salt your food to taste, do not eliminate salt from your diet
• Cucumbers help reduce blood pressure
• Avoid stress where possible
• Instead of coffee, tea, or colas, drink: raspberry leaf, nettles, limeflower or dandelion teas
• Juice of half a lemon or lime plus two teaspoons of cream of tartar in a half a cup of water once a day for three days, lowers your blood pressure, if needed, repeat after a break of two days
• 2-4 capsules of Passionflower daily, or 15 drops of the tincture three times a day, continue for several weeks for the most benefit
If you develop pre-ecclampsia:
• Include potassium rich foods into your diet (bananas, and lightly cooked potato peel)
• A minium of 2400 calories a day are required
• Drink Raw beet juice to balance the sodium/potassium ratio in your blood, about 4 ounces daily
• Take a B complex taken daily with 100mg B6 or brewer's yeast
• Young dandelion leaves are excellent sources of calcium and potassium, this will vitalize your kidneys and reduce edema
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Insomnia
Insomnia can be caused by a lot of factors: restlessness, the need to urinate, worry, overstimulation, discomfort, etc.
Suggestions:
• Avoid stimulants
• Eat a few hours before bedtime, making sure your meal is easily digestible
• Try drinking chamomile tea before bed, or limeflower
• Try warm milk or a calcium and magnesium supplement
• Make sure that your room is well ventilated and your bed comfortable
• Use extra pillows as needed
• Do some pelvic rocking before bed, followed by a warm bath
• Massage of the head and neck may relieve tension
• One tablet of Passiflor 6X, Coffea Cruda 6X or Nux Vomica 6X before bed or if you awake in the middle of the night
• A few drops of Bach Rescue remedy in water will help you if your are restless
• Add two or three drops of essential oil of lavender to a base oil and use it with a massage before bed
10 Pregnancy Sleep Tips
Learn how you can get a better night's sleep during pregnancy.
Compiled by Terri Isidro-Cloudas for americanbaby.com
During pregnancy, it's not uncommon to contend with sleep disturbances. Mostly, these are the result of anxiety and stress, hormonal fluctuations, and physical discomfort. As your pregnancy progresses, you may find it more difficult to find a comfortable position, or you may have to get up several times during the night to empty your increasingly cramped bladder.
But take heart! Read our tips to get a better and more comfortable night's sleep, and the critical rest your body and mind need during this time.
1. Drink up! Drink plenty of fluids during the day, but cut down before bedtime to minimize frequent nighttime urination.
2. Keep moving. Exercise regularly for optimum health, and to improve circulation (thus reducing nighttime leg cramps). Avoid exercising late in the day--exercise releases adrenaline into your body which can keep you awake at night.
3. Reduce stress and anxiety. Stress and anxiety are key culprits in preventing a good night's sleep. Remember that worrying won't help you, but talking about your problems will. Find a friend or a professional who can listen and help you if there are issues in your life that are causing you to worry or feel upset.
4. Get into a routine. If you establish a consistent, soothing, and comforting evening routine you'll be able to relax and drift off to sleep with more ease. As bedtime approaches try a few soothing rituals like drinking a cup of caffiene-free tea or hot milk, reading a chapter of a pleasant book, taking a warm shower using fragrant shower gel, getting a shoulder massage, or having your hair gently brushed.
5. Get into position. During the third trimester, sleep on your left side to allow for the best blood flow to the fetus and to your uterus and kidneys. Avoid lying flat on your back for a long period of time.
6. Keep heartburn at bay. To prevent heartburn, don't recline until 1-2 hours after a meal. If heartburn is a problem, sleep with your head elevated on pillows. Also, avoid spicy, acidic (such as tomato products), or fried foods as they may worsen symptoms.
7. Nap during the day. If you're not getting enough rest at night, take a nap to help reduce fatigue. Find a quiet spot, and relax even if only for a half-hour nap.
8. Support your body. Use a special pregnancy body pillow or a regular pillow to support your body. For comfort, try sleeping on your side with one pillow under your knee and another under your belly.
9. Watch your diet. Completely eliminate caffeine and alcohol to prevent insomnia. If nausea is a problem for you, try eating frequent bland snacks (like crackers) throughout the day. Keeping your stomach slightly full helps keep nausea at bay. Eat a well-balanced diet. Not only is this crucial for you and your baby's health, but getting the necessary nutrients will help keep you feeling satisfied and less prone to major nighttime "snack attacks" that may contribute to restlessness and insomnia when you go to sleep.
10. Get help. See your doctor for advice if insomnia persists. Now more than ever it's important to get the rest you need!
Sleeping like a baby
During my first pregnancy, as morning sickness and the reality of of the exhaustion set in, I couldn't stay awake. I would literally get up at 9 AM, work for 2 hours, and come home and go back to sleep until early evening. Eat dinner and hit the hay for the night.
The second trimester brought some relief to both the exhaustion and the morning sickness, but presented new problems, namely aches and pains. However, at this stage it wasn't anything that a few pillows couldn't cure.
At the end of my pregnancy our bed looked like a pillow factory; my husband could rarely fit in our bed with me and the pillows, and I would lie awake at night for long periods of time.
These scenarios aren't very different for pregnant women any where, though there are different types of problems with sleep in pregnancy.
First Trimester
At this point your mind and your body can play a tug of war with your sleep. Your body may be forcing you into naps that you aren't used to or don't want. On the other hand your mind may be whirring at top speed and keeping you awake, or even more likely refusing to let you fall asleep after one of your nightly trips to the bathroom.
Second Trimester
This trimester might be your best chance for sleep! Your body isn't aching too badly yet and your mind has settled down as the pregnancy is accepted.
Three Trimester
Many people will tell you that the lack of sleep in the third trimester is merely a way to prepare for some of the endless nights that lie ahead. Dealing with the aches and pains, your bladder constantly calling and the thoughts that begin to invade your mind about parenting and labor and birth can wreck your sleeping pattern. Sometimes women will also begin snoring during the last trimester. This is normal and will usually go away after the birth.
Finding a comfortable position is probably a big challenge right now. Back and belly sleepers are having a particularly hard time dealing with life at night. While there are commercial products available to aid you in sleeping on your belly, I've not talked to anyone who has used one. There are wedges that are sold as special pillows. Although the best thing I bought was a body length pillow, which you can find at nearly any department or discount department store.
Tips:
• Regular exercise, but not close to bed time, will help you sleep and help with energy levels.
• Avoid meals close to bed, particularly if heartburn is a problem for you.
• Pillows! Use them where ever you need them: between your knees for aching hips, under your belly for support, behind your back, and under your head.
• Nap when you can, though this can be difficult with other children around. I learned to nap on the couch while my daughter played with her blocks quietly. Enlist the help of family if needed.
• Sleep in or head to bed early.
• Try relaxation before bed. A warm bath or a warm glass of milk.
• If you wake up in the middle of the night or have trouble falling asleep don't just lie there. Get up for a bit and read or do something not too stimulating.
• If leg cramps wake you up at night try stretching prior to going to bed to avoid them.
• Doing pelvic tilts before laying down will allow you a few extra minutes between bathroom breaks at night.
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Nausea
This is also known as morning sickness, but can strike at anytime of the day. These symptoms of nausea and vomiting generally go away by the end of the first three months. Things that irritate the condition: low blood sugar, low blood pressure, hormonal changes, emotional ambivalence, deficiency of vitamin B6 and iron, or excessive amounts of grease or certain spices. Vomiting that is excessive needs medical attention.
Suggestions:
• Deep breathing may help, as well as relaxation exercises
• A protein snack before bed will help low blood sugar in the morning
• Get up slowly out of bed
• Take a walk everyday
• Sea bands on both wrists for acupressure points
• Anise, dried peach tree leaves, fennel seed, red raspberry or ginger teas
• A teaspoon of cider vinegar in a cup of warm water
• Infusion of ginger root
• Smelling ground ginger
• Increase iron rich foods in your diet
• Ipecacuana 6X three times daily for 5 days
• Nux Vomica 6X
• Slippery Elm tablets, two before each meal
• Aromatherapy: lavender, rose, or chamomile for a massage oil
Pelvic Pain
As your pregnancy continues, the weight of the baby and your changing form may cause pain when your pubic joint expands in preparation for birth.
Suggestions:
• Regular exercise
• Rest when you need it
• Warm compresses at the site of pain
• May worsen after walking or standing a lot
• May be worse when you are tired
Skin Changes
Skin changes abound during pregnancy. Some are pleasant, others are not. Most of these changes will go away shortly after the birth of your baby. Here are some ideas for the not so pleasant changes that pregnancy can bring.
Suggestions:
Pigmentation:
• Use a sunblock when in the sun
• Never bleach your skin
• Use St. John's Wort oil to help prevent discoloration
• Eat foods rich in PABA and folic acid
Itching:
• Changing laundry detergents to a dye free, perfume free brand
• Wear cotton clothes
• Oatmeal baths help with itching
• Chickweed ointment
• Bach Rescue Remedy Cream
• Lime Flower teas before bed can be soothing
Acne:
Acne may either get better or worsen during pregnancy, try to keep your face dry, and avoid oils
Stretch Marks
Contrary to popular belief, stretch marks cannot be prevented. Your best defense is healthy skin, and good genetics behind you. These marks will fade and turn silvery after the birth.
Suggestions:
• Eat the proper diet to help your skin be healthy
• Drink plenty of fluids (Skin that is well nourished stretches better)
• If you have itching, use a cream to moisturize the area, some people prefer a Vitamin E oil
• Take Calc Fluor 6X 3 times daily for a week starting in early pregnancy, continue alternate weeks for the rest
Recipes:
Stretchmark Oil
dark glass 50 ml bottle
50 ml of wheatgerm oil, or mixture of wheatgerm and almond oil
essential oils of lavender and neroli
Fill the bottle with wheatgerm oil, or the mixture of wheatgerm and almond oils for a thinner solution. Add 15 drops of the essential oil of lavender and 10 drops of the essential oil of neroli. Massage daily after bathing.
Varicosities
Pregnancy causes changes to the blood volume and hormone levels. The increased flow of blood and the relaxation of the muscular walls of the blood vessels leads to a more difficult return of blood from the lower body. They can appear in the legs, vulva, or rectum (see hemorrhoids) The varicose veins that area a result of these changes can be painful, itching, and unsightly. However, heredity does play a part in this process. Here are some ideas to help.
Suggestions:
• Massage may help prevent, but avoid if varicosities develop
• Avoid standing for long periods of time
• Exercise regularly (Swimming, yoga and walking are great)
• Eat well, including plenty of fiber, Vitamins A, C, E and B complex
• Eat raw garlic, onions and parsley to increase the elasticity of your veins
• Never cross your legs
• Avoid tight clothing
• Support stockings may help if you raise your legs up before putting them on
• Raise the foot of your bed 3-4 inches
• Put your legs up whenever you can
• Exercise the pelvic floor and inner thigh muscles
• Horse chestnut, nettle, yarrow, St. John's Wort and Shepard's Purse help improve blood flow
• Ointments of comfrey, yellow dock root, plantain or yarrow may help stop bleeding, reduce pain and ease swelling
• Hammamelis 6X three time daily for up to a week for painful varicose veins (stop when you get symptom relief)
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Stretch Marks
Striae gravidarum, or stretch marks are probably the most discussed of the skin changes during pregnancy. Nearly every woman fears them or thinks about them. They appear in 50 - 90% of all pregnant women, usually showing up in the later half of pregnancy. While the majority will be on the lower abdomen they can also be found on the thighs, hips, buttocks, breasts and arms of women.
These are most commonly seen as small depressions in the skin. They tend to be pinkish in light skinned women, and in dark skinned women they will be lighter than the surrounding skin. They reflect the separation of collagen of the skin. While not painful the stretching of the skin may cause a tingling or itchy sensation.
While many people will swear by certain creams or lotions, the truth is there's not much you can do about stretch marks, you'll either get them or not. There are some factors that you should know contribute to stretch marks:
• Family (If your mom or sister has them, guess what?)
• Weight Gain (Rapid or excessive will make these worse.)
• Nutritional Status (Well hydrated and healthy skin stretches better.)
• Ethnicity (African American women get them less.)
So, what now? Well, eventually they do fade after you have the baby, becoming silver lines. While most women don't think about them much, or consider them badges of motherhood, others want them removed. There are new techniques and surgeries being explored all the time. Talk to your dermatologist or plastic surgeon if you are concerned. Stretch Mark Photos.
Mask of Pregnancy
Melanotropin is secreted in greater quantity during pregnancy, this can cause a pigmentation to occur over the nose, cheeks, and forehead of an expectant mom. While it is not caused by sunlight, this will aggravate the situation. 45 - 70% of women will experience this beginning in the fourth or fifth month of pregnancy. This will fade after the birth. Most women use make up to cover this if it becomes a problem. This is also called chloasma.
Linea Nigra
This is a darker line extending from the pubic bone to the top of the uterus (fundus), usually showing up for first time moms around the third month. Multiparous women (had more than one child) will often see it earlier. While not all women experience this line, don't believe the rumors that it means a boy baby is on the way.
Acne
Thought it was gone for good? Think again, while many women actually find that the hormones of pregnancy relieve their acne and leave them with that "glowing" skin of pregnancy, many women find their skin more oily and susceptible to acne break outs. Here's where the high school remedies come into play... Actually ensure you are drinking plenty of water, wash your face, avoid things that cause you to break out. Basically do what works, but it doesn't have to be fancy.
Spider Veins
These can appear most commonly on the face, neck, chest, arms, and legs. They are caused from increased estrogen level in your body. They are often star shaped and slightly raised. They are slightly blue and do not turn white with pressure. 65% of the Caucasian women and 10% of the African American women will experience these, which do usually fade after the birth.
Palmar Erythema
A mottled or reddening of the palms of the hands. This is caused by increased estrogen levels during pregnancy. About 60% of Caucasian women will experience this, with about 35% of African American women too.
Other Facts
• Some women will have accelerated nail growth.
• Others will notice a thinning of their nails.
• Excessive hair growth may occur in unwanted places, fine or coarse. (Hirsutism)
• Excessive sweating.
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Glossary of ChildbirthTerms
Often, when reading childbirth literature, there may be a word that is new and unfamiliar. Here is a glossary of terms to help make this special time in your life even better!
Abruptio placenta: partial or complete separation of the placenta from the wall of the uterus prior to birth. It may lead to hemorrhaging in the mother and a cesarean delivery is a necessity.
Afterbirth: the placenta and membranes separate from the uterus and are expelled during Stage 3 of labor after the birth of the baby.
Amniocentesis: removal of a small amount of amniotic fluid from the amniotic sac for evaluation to access the health of the baby.
Amniotic fluid: fluid surrounding the baby in the uterus. It serves the following functions for the baby: protection, temperature regulation, freedom of movement, and circulation of fluid in the baby.
Analgesia: relief of pain without loss of consciousness.
Anesthesia: loss of feeling or sensation, with or without loss of consciousness.
Apgar score: numerical evaluation of a newborn at one and five minutes after birth, based on heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. Each category will be ranked 0-2 giving a maximum score of 10.
Areola: dark area of the breast surrounding the nipple.
Birth canal: the passageway from the uterus to the vagina through which the baby must pass during birth.
Braxton Hicks contractions: irregular contractions which are generally painless; however, may become uncomfortable towards the end of pregnancy.
Breech birth: delivery of the baby other than head first. Most breech births are via cesarean delivery-especially for first time mothers.
Cervix: narrow, lower portion, or neck, of the uterus. Dilates and effaces in preparation of the birth of the baby.
Cesarean delivery: delivery of the baby through a surgical incision into the abdominal and uterine walls.
Colostrum: the first fluid produced by the milk gland in the breast. It is high in protein and antibodies.
Contraction: tightening of the uterus in a wavelike rhythm during labor.
Crowning: moment during delivery when the baby's head is visible at the opening of the vagina.
Dilation: the opening of the cervix during labor from zero to ten centimeters at which the woman may begin pushing the baby out.
Electronic fetal monitoring (EFM): recording of the baby's heartbeat and the uterine contractions during labor.
Epidural anethesia: injection of medication into the space surrounding the spinal cord to numb the body from the just below the breasts downward.
Episiotomy: an incision into the perineum as the baby's head crowns, if necessary, to facilitate delivery.
Fetal distress: alteration in the well-being of the baby during labor, indicated by a change in the fetal heart tone pattern and/or meconium staining.
Fontanelle (soft spot): area of the skull not covered by bone in the newborn.
Fundus: the upper portion of the uterus where contractions originate.
Hyperventilation: dizziness caused by an imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood due to rapid breathing.
Induction: artificially starting labor by administering Pitocin or prostaglandin gel.
Involution: return of the uterus to its non-pregnant state after delivery.
Kegels: exercise to strengthen the perineal muscles.
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Let-down reflex: release of milk into the nipple area of the breast often felt as a tingling sensation.
Linea nigra: dark line that sometimes develops down the middle of the abdomen of a pregnant woman.
Lochia: the bloody discharge from the vagina after birth.
Meconium: dark green or black tarry substance that is the baby's first bowel movement. A sign of fetal distress if this occurs while in the uterus.
Nonstress test: assessing the fetal well-being with electronic fetal monitoring by measuring the response of the baby's heart to stimulation.
Oxytocin: hormone that causes the uterus to contract during labor and causes the milk ducts in the breasts to release milk.
Perineum: area between the vagina and the rectum.
Pitocin: a synthetic form of oxytocin which causes contractions. Pitocin is used to start labor or stimulate labor contractions.
Placenta: organ that transfers nutrients and oxygen from the mother to the fetus and waste products from the fetus to the mother.
Placenta Previa: when the placenta is partially or completely covering the cervix. Unless the placenta moves upward, a cesarean birth is necessary.
Preeclampsia: a condition of late pregnancy in which the mother experiences swelling of extremities, high blood pressure, and protein in her urine.
Premature (preterm) labor: regular contractions before 38 weeks of pregnancy.
Prolapsed cord: umbilical cord that precedes the baby out of the uterus; a cesarean birth may be necessary.
Ripening: softening of the cervix near term.
Stripping the Membranes: a procedure whereby the caregiver inserts a finger into the cervix and scrapes away layers of the amniotic sac, but does not break the sac. This may cause contractions to begin within 24-48 hours.
Stress test: test using electronic fetal monitoring to access the well-being of the baby during contractions deliberately stimulated with oxytocin (Pitocin).
Transition: the last part of the labor prior to pushing; cervix dilates from 8-10 cm.
Umbilical cord: contains two arteries and a vein; a thick, cable-like structure that connects the fetus to the placenta.
VBAC: an acronym for Vaginal Birth After Cesarean.
Vernix: a white cheese-like substance that covers the skin of fetus to protect its skin from exposure to the amniotic fluid.
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Pregnancy Glossary
Definitions of the most commonly used pregnancy terms.
Abortion: The termination of a pregnancy through the expulsion of the fetus from the uterus.
Abortion, spontaneous: Miscarriage that has not been induced artificially.
Afterbirth: The placenta and other tissues associated with fetal development that are expelled after the birth of an infant.
Albumin: A protein which if found in the urine of a pregnant woman can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.
Alpha fetoprotein: A substance produced by the fetus. High levels in a mother's blood can indicate a neural tube defect or multiple pregnancy.
Amino acid: A building block of protein which is used by the body to build muscle and other tissue.
Amniocentesis: A prenatal test in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed for analysis.
Amniotic fluid: The fluid that surrounds a developing fetus.
Amniotic sac: The bag in which the fetus and amniotic fluid are contained during pregnancy.
Anencephaly: A severe congenital defect in which the fetus has no brain.
Anesthesia: Medically induced loss of sensation. General anesthesia involves the entire body; local anesthesia involves only a particular area.
Anomaly: Malformation or abnormality of a body part.
Antibiotic: A drug used to combat infection.
Antibody: A protein produced by the immune system to destroy foreign substances.
Apgar scoring system: A method of evaluating a baby's health immediately after birth.
Apnea: A temporary involuntary cessation of breathing.
Areola: The pink or brown area of skin around the nipple of the breast.
Aspirate: To inhale liquid into the lungs, or to remove liquid from the lungs with a suction device.
Bilirubin: Pigment in the blood, urine, and bile that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
Breech presentation: Fetal position in which the feet or buttocks of the baby are closest to the mother's cervix when labor begins.
Cervix: The lower portion of the uterus which extends into the vagina.
Cesarean section: Delivery of an infant through an incision in the abdominal and uterine walls.
Chloasma: Discoloration of the skin, often on the face.
Chorionic villi sampling: A prenatal test that scans for genetic abnormalities.
Chromosomes: The cellular structures that contain the genes.
Circumcision: Surgical removal of the foreskin from the penis.
Colostrum: The milk secreted shortly before and for a few days after childbirth.
Congenital: Present at birth.
Crowning: The point in labor when the head of the baby can be seen at the vagina.
Doppler: A machine that uses ultrasound to detect the fetal heart.
Down syndrome: A congenital birth defect that results in mental handicap.
Eclampsia: A serious complication of pregnancy, characterized by high blood pressure and edema. It is the more severe form of pre-eclampsia.
Ectopic pregnancy: Pregnancy in which the embryo begins to grow outside the uterus, often in one of the fallopian tubes.
Edema: Swelling, retention of fluid in body tissues.
Embryo: The name given to the fertilized ovum until eight weeks after conception.
Endometriosis: A medical condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in another area of the body such as the abdomen.
Epidural: A type of local anesthesia used to relieve pain during delivery.
Episiotomy: An incision made in the tissue around the vagina in order to ease the final stage of delivery.
Erythroblastosis fetalis: A form of anemia that develops in the Rh-positive infants of Rh-negative women.
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Fallopian tubes: Tubes that extend from the ovaries to the uterus.
Fetoscopy: A technique by which a developing fetus can be examined directly for abnormalities.
Fetus: The name given to the baby in the womb from eight weeks until birth.
Fontanels: The soft spots on a baby's skull, present at birth.
Fundus: The upper part of the uterus.
Gestational age: The duration of the pregnancy, measured from the first day of the last menstrual period.
Gynecologist: A physician who specializes in the female reproductive system.
Hemorrhage: Heavy bleeding.
Hormone: A substance released by glands to stimulate certain activity in the body.
Hydrocephalus: A congenital birth defect in which excessive fluid gathers in the baby's skull.
Induction: Artificial starting of labor.
Jaundice: Inability of the body to break down excess red blood cells.
Labia: The skin folds at the opening of the vagina.
Lactation: Production of milk by the breasts.
Lanugo: Fine hairs present on the body of a fetus.
Lightening: The time when the baby descends into the pelvic cavity in preparation for birth. Also known as engagement.
Linea nigra: A dark line that appears on the abdomen during pregnancy.
Lochia: The discharge of blood, mucus, and other fluids from the vagina after childbirth.
Meconium: The bowel contents of a baby at birth.
Miscarriage: Spontaneous ending of the pregnancy prior to 24 weeks' gestation.
Mucus: A sticky substance produced by glands.
Neonatal: Pertaining to a newborn infant.
Neural tube defects: Abnormalities in the spinal cord.
Obstetrician: A doctor who specializes in care of women during pregnancy and childbirth.
Ovulation: Release of the egg from the ovary.
Oxytocin: A hormone secreted during labor to stimulate contractions and milk production. It is sometimes administered in synthetic form to begin or speed labor.
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Pediatrician: A doctor who specializes in the care of children.
Pelvic floor: The sling of muscles that holds the pelvic organs in place.
Perineum: The region between the anus and genitals.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) : An inherited congenital disorder that can lead to mental retardation.
Pitocin: The synthetic form of oxytocin.
Placenta: The structure through which the fetus receives nourishment and oxygen during gestation.
Placental abruption: Premature separation of the placenta from the uterine wall.
Placenta previa: A condition in which the placenta partially or completely covers the cervix, hindering vaginal delivery.
Polyhydramnios: An excessive amount of amniotic fluid.
Postpartum: After birth.
Pre-eclampsia: A disorder of pregnancy characterized by high blood pressure, edema, and kidney malfunction.
Presentation: The position of the fetus in relation to the cervix before labor begins.
Prolapse of the cord: A situation during or before labor in which the umbilical cord passes through the cervix before the fetus.
Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidneys.
Quickening: The first fetal movements felt by the mother.
Rh factor: A group of antigens in the blood.
Rubella: Also called German measles. If contracted by woman during pregnancy, it can result in birth defects.
Show: The blood-stained mucus from the vagina, indicating that labor is about to begin.
Sonography: The use of ultrasound to form an image of the fetus.
Stillbirth: Delivery of a dead fetus after 28 weeks' gestation.
Striae: Streaks or "stretch marks" seen on the abdomen of a pregnant woman.
Toxemia of pregnancy: A serious disorder of pregnancy in which poisonous compounds are present in the bloodstream.
Toxoplasmosis: A disease caused by a parasite. It is carried by cat feces.
Transverse presentation: Position in which the fetus is lying at right angles to the cervix when labor begins.
Trimester: One-third of a pregnancy.
Tubal pregnancy: The most common form of ectopic pregnancy, in which a fertilized egg begins to develop in the fallopian tube.
Umbilical cord: The structure through which the fetus draws blood from the placenta.
Vernix: A white, waxy substance that covers the fetus in the uterus.
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