Edwards' Syndrome
(Trisomy 18) |
Congenital condition stemming from a chromosomal abnormality. Symptoms include severe mental retardation and often numerous defects, such as cleft lip and palate, club feet, and malformation of internal organs. |
Erythema Infectiosum
(Slapped Cheeks Disease or Fifth Disease) |
Last of 5 childhood diseases to be discovered after scarlet fever, measles, rubella, and roseola. Characterized by fever and red cheeks. |
| Eclampsia |
A serious and rare condition affecting women in late pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Usually follows preeclampsia. Symptoms include hypertension, edema, and protein in the urine. May require emergency delivery. |
| Ectopic Pregnancy |
A pregnancy outside of the uterus, usually in the Fallopian tubes. Must be surgically removed to prevent rupture and permanent damage. |
| Edema |
Accumulation of fluid in the body's tissues causing swelling. Very common during pregnancy. Can be a sign of kidney or urological problems. |
| Effacement |
The thinning of the cervix during labor and its merging with the uterus wall in preparation for the delivery of the baby. |
| Egg |
The ovum that unites with sperm. |
| Egg Donation |
An infertility procedure that takes a fertile egg from one woman and implants it into another. May help infertile couples become pregnant. |
| Electronic Fetal Monitor (EFM) |
A device that monitors a fetus' progress and vital signs when a mother-to-be is in labor. Records the fetal heartbeat and a woman's contractions. |
| Embryo |
Medical term for the growing being early on in pregnancy, from the time of implantation through the first 8 weeks of gestation. |
Embryo Biopsy
(Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis.) |
A new and experimental test to determine genetic defects in in-vitro embryos. |
| Embryo Transfer |
The transfer of an embryo into a woman's uterus. |
| Encephalitis |
An infection and inflammation of the brain, caused by a virus or bacteria, often associated with meningitis. |
| Endometriosis |
The presence of uterine lining in other reproductive organs, particularly the ovaries and Fallopian tubes. Characterized by cyst formation, adhesions, and menstrual pain. May require removal with minor surgery. |
| Endoscope |
An optical instrument for examining the interior of a body cavity or a hollow organ. |
| Engagement |
The engagement of the baby's head into the pelvic region. |
| Engorgement |
Occurs between the 2nd-7th postpartum day when breast milk comes in, sometimes making breasts full and tender. |
| Epidural |
Anesthesia administered to a laboring mother into the epidural space at the base of the spine to numb the lower body. It decreases or eliminates pain, enabling her to save her strength for pushing. It can numb the lower body entirely, so she's unable to feel contractions when it is time to push out the baby. |
| Epilepsy |
A disorder of the nervous system, usually characterized by seizures. |
| Episiotomy |
An incision into the perineum the obstetrician or midwife may make to prevent tearing during delivery. |
| Estrogen |
A female hormone that is produced in the ovaries and works with progesterone to regulate the reproductive cycle. |
| External Cephalic Version |
A procedure to move the fetus if it is in a breech position (with its head down in the uterus). |
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips