Key Words
Antenatal Referring to the time before the birth of the baby.
Amniotic Fluid It is a clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac. The fetus floats in the amniotic fluid. During pregnancy the amniotic fluid increases in volume as the fetus grows.
Accelerated Labor Speeding up labor that has slowed down.
Amniocentesis This is a medical procedure used in prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities and fetal infections. A small amount of amniotic fluid, which contains fetal tissues, is extracted from the amniotic sac surrounding a developing fetus, and the fetal DNA is examined for genetic abnormalities.
Birth Plan A written plan on the way you would like to give birth.
Colposcopy A medical diagnostic procedure to examine an illuminated, magnified view of the cervix and the tissues of the vagina and vulva. Many pre malignant lesions and malignant lesions in these areas have discernible characteristics which can be detected thorough the examination.
Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) is a form of prenatal diagnosis to determine chromosomal or genetic disorders in the fetus. It entails getting a sample of the chorionic villus (placental tissue) and testing it.
Home birth When a woman labors and delivers a child at home, rather than the labor and delivery ward of a hospital.
Hormone replacement therapy Medications containing female hormones to replace the ones the body no longer makes after menopause.
Induced Labor There are situations when labor needs to be induced. Some of the reasons are medical conditions like diabetes or pre-eclampsia.
Laparoscopy A surgical procedure performed through very small incisions in the abdomen, using specialized instruments. A pencil-thin instrument called a laparoscope is used, and it gives the surgeon an exceptionally clear view, on a TV monitor, of the inside of the abdominal cavity.
LEEP The loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) uses a thin, low-voltage electrified wire loop to cut out abnormal tissue. It is currently one of the most commonly used approaches to treating high grade cervical dysplasia discovered on colposcopic examination.
Pap smear A sample of cells from the cervix is taken with a small brush. The cells are then prepared on a glass slide for examination under a microscope. In this way, abnormal changes in the cells, which may arise from cervical cancer or pre-cancer, can be detected.
Postnatal blues Sometimes after the birth of a baby the mothers suffer a period of mild depression called the blues. This may last for a few hours or few days. Many mothers feel very emotional and upset when they have the blues and they cry for no particular reason. They may find that it is impossible to cheer up. Some mothers feel very anxious and tense. It is important to talk to your doctor if you feel any of these symptoms. We are here to help.
Pre-eclampsia Also referred to as toxemia, pre-eclampsia is a condition that pregnant women can get. The symptoms are high blood pressure accompanied with a high level of protein in the urine. Women with pre-eclampsia will often also have swelling in the feet, legs, and hands. The exact causes of pre-eclampsia are not known but risk factors include high body fat, diabetes, multiple pregnancies.
Prenatal diagnosis Prenatal diagnosis employs a variety of techniques to determine the health and condition of an unborn fetus.
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean Vaginal delivery after having had a cesarean section previously.
Water birth A method of giving birth which involves immersion in warm water.
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