| HIB Vaccine |
Prevents Hib disease, more formally known as Hemophilus Influenza Type B, a very serious illness caused by a parasitic bacterium, especially threatening to children under 5. Given at 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months of age. |
| Handedness |
Tendency of an individual to use one hand more than the other. |
| Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn |
A severe type of anemia that results in a newborn in cases of Rh incompatibility between the mother and her baby. |
| Hemophilia |
A genetic disorder in males where blood does not clot properly due to an enzyme deficiency. |
| Hemorrhoid |
A common pregnancy-related condition--swollen blood vessel around the anus which may bleed and cause pain, especially after childbirth. |
| Hepatitis B |
A virus which can cause cirrhosis, chronic active hepatitis, and liver cancer. Can be prevented with a vaccine. |
Hepatitis B Vaccine
(HBV) |
A series of 3 immunizations given between birth and 2 weeks, at 2 and at 6 months to prevent hepatitis B. May cause fussiness, a low-grade fever, headache, and soreness at the injection site. |
| Hernia |
Protrusion of part of an organ or an organ into surrounding tissues. |
| High-Risk Babies |
Babies who have an increased likelihood of developing diseases or dying during the first few months of life. These can also be babies born to mothers infected with HIV, drug or alcohol dependency. |
| High-Risk Pregnancy |
Increased likelihood of developing pregnancy-related complications, such as multiple fetuses, Rh incompatibility or if a woman has had problems with previous pregnancies such as miscarriage, pre-term labor or placenta previa. |
| Home Monitor |
An electronic device to monitor a baby's breathing to prevent the likelihood of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or to monitor a woman's contractions if she's at risk for pre-term labor. |
| Hormone |
Any of various internally secreted compounds manufactured in the body to control everything from metabolism to menstruation, from growth to lactation. |
| Hot Line |
A phone number providing direct access to a company or agency for information, advice, and referrals. |
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin
(hCG) |
A hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy that triggers the release of estrogen and progesterone. Excreted in urine, hCG is used in testing to detect pregnancy. |
| Human Growth Hormone (HGH) |
The hormone that regulates growth in an individual. |
| Hydrocephalus |
Excessive cerebrospinal fluid circulating in the brain and spinal cord. Also known as "water on the brain." |
| Hymen |
A membrane that covers the vagina. |
| Hypoglycemia |
Abnormally low blood sugar. Symptoms include jitteriness, rapid breathing, and lethargy. May be a sign of diabetes. |
| Hypospadias |
A birth defect where the urethra in a boy is misplaced, causing urine and semen to pass through the underside of the penis. |
| Hysterectomy |
Surgical removal of the uterus. |
| Hysterosalpingogram |
An x-ray of a woman's uterus and other reproductive organs to determine any blockage or fibroid tumors. Special dye is injected into the reproductive system to give a clearer view. |
| Hysteroscopy |
A procedure to assess the uterus for infertility by inserting an endoscope through the vagina. |
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information: Pregnancy Information & Survival Tips