Palmar Erythema

A common complaint during pregnancy consisting of red palms. It is the result of dilated or burst capilliaries.

Palpation

An examination technique used by doctors that uses the hands to feel the texture, size, consistency and location of certain parts of the body.

Pancreas

The pancreas is a gland that produces a digestive fluid and endocrine secretion. It usually lies between the stomach and the intestine.

It is a long organ consisting of lobes that secrete alkaline fluid, which is led to the alimentary canal through the pancreatic duct, also known as the Canal of Wirsung, and the bile duct. From there it enters the duodenum of the small intestine.

The flow of liquid, which contains the enzymes trypsin, amylase, and lipase, is stimulated by the hormone secretin, which is formed in the duodenum.

Cells that secrete insulin, called the islets of Langerhans are scattered throughout the pancreas, and are responsible for regulating blood sugar levels and the storage of glycogen in the liver.

Pap Smear

A routine test named for the Papanicolaou method of classification that involves taking a specimen of exfoliated epithelial cells and cervical mucus.

Paracervical Block

A form of local anesthetic which is injected into the area of nerves by the cervix in order to promote dilation. The duration of the effect is dependent on the anesthetic used.

PE

Abbreviation for pulmonary embolism, a term used to describe a blockage of the pulmonary artery in the lungs by some foreign matter including fat, air, tumor tissue or a thrombus that has arisen from a peripheral vein.

A pulmonary embolism is more likely when the constituents of the blood have changed increasing coagulation and possible damge to the blood vessel walls. Such conditions can arise with prolonged bed rest such as duing childbirth.

Pulmonary embolism is detected using chest x-rays, pulmonary angiography and radio scanning of the lung fields. Once discovered it is important to act quickly before the onset of pulmonary infarction.

Additional emboli are prevented through the use of anticoagulants, and in some cases streptokinase or urokinase.

Pediatrician

A physician who specializes in the branch of medicine that deals with the development and care of children. Special attention is given to the study of childhood diseases, their treatment and prevention.

Pelvic Floor

The body wall consisting of the levator ani and coccygeus muscles that is stretched across the pelvic cavity, supporting the abdominal contents, the uterus and is pierced by the anal canal, urethra and vagina.

Pelvimetry

A procedure in which the dimensions of the birth canal are measured. There are two kinds of pelvimetry, clinical and x-ray.

Pelvis

The bones through which the birth canal passes, and form the attachment to the hips and spine.

Perinatal

A term used to describe something that is of or pertaining to the time or process of giving birth.

Perinatologist

A physician specializing in the anatomy and physiology of the mother and unborn or newborn child.

A perinatologist will advise mothers of high risk pregnancies or any disorders that may occur during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium.

Perineum

The part of the body between the genitalia and the anus. In the female body it is the area that extends back from the vagina to anus.

PET

Abbreviation of positron emission tomography, a radiographic technique to examine body structures. The patient is given a solution of glucose containing positively charged particles (positrons) which are detected and converted by the computer of the PET device into color coded images. It is used primarily to study blood flow and the biochemical activity in the brain.

Petit Mal Seizure

A form of seizure which is usually brief and often includes a short impairment of consciousness. Symptoms include flickering eyelids and mild twitches around the mouth.

PG

Abbreviation of prostaglandin. One of several unsaturated fatty acids that have strong hormone-like properties. Prostaglandins are produced in small quantities and work on individual organs with significant effects.

Prostaglandins can be targeted to work on vasomotor tone, capillary permeability, smooth-muscle tone, agregation of platelets, endocrine and exocrine functionality and automnomic and central nervous systems. When medicated they are used to terminate pregnancy, treat asthma and gastric hyperacidity.

Phenobarbital

A barbiturate seditive and hypnotic agent. See the Pregnancy Guide Drugs & Pregnancy: Barbiturates for more information about how they affect the body, pregnancy and the development of the fetus.

Phenothiazine

Any one of a group of drugs formed of a three ring structure containing two benzene rings linked by nitrogen and sulfur. They are designed to exert significant influence on multiple organ systems and are not recommended for use during pregnancy.

Phosphatidyl Glycerol

A lipoprotein that is present when the fetal lungs reach maturity. It is used to determine the amount of care the baby will need if born premature.

Phospholipids

A class of naturally occuring compounds consisting of phosphoric acid, fatty acids and a nitrogenous base, which occur in many living cells. Phospholipids include lecithin and sphingomyelin.

Phototherapy

A treatment for neonatal jaundice that involves exposing the skin to intense fluorescent light. The blue range of the light causes the excretion and breakdown of bilirubin rapidly removing the jaundice.

Should the jaundice be a result of hemolytic disease or infection, the underlying cause is treated separately to the phototherapy treatment.

Physiologic Anemia of Pregnancy

The rate that red blood cells and white blood cells are produced during pregnancy cannot match that of the plasma, which doubles in volume to meet the increased demand of the body and the fetus. The result is anemia brought on by relatively reduced amounts of red blood cells in the blood.

Pica

Most common in pregnancy, pica describes a desire to eat substances that are not food such as dirt, clay, chalk, starch or hair.

Pigmentation

An organic coloring material produced in the body such as melanin.

Pitocin

A synthetic oxytocin that is used in obstetrics to accelerate or induce labor.

Pituitary Gland

The gland that is largely responsible for controlling the production of hormones that regulate the body and play an important role during pregnancy.

The gland consists of two parts, the adenohypophysis, whose control functions include growth hormone, somatotropin, follicle stimulating hormone (fsh), luteinizing hormone, and prolactin which stimulates breast milk production.

The other part, the neurohypophysis, stores and regulates oxytocin, responsible for stimulating the uterine muscle during labor, and vasopressin which inhibits diuresis and raises blood pressure.

Placenta

The placenta is a large disk shaped membrane responsible for providing nourishment to the fetus during pregnancy. It consists of three parts, the fetal part made up from the chorion membrane surrounding the fetus, the maternal part, formed from the decidua basalis layer of the uterine lining, and the intervillous space between the two plates. It is connected to the fetus by the umbilical cord and consists of tissue from both the mother and the embryo.

Its function is complex. It has been described as a simple organ that combines the functions of a kidney-dialysis machine, heart and lung machine and intravenous drip. It consists of enormous numbers of blood vessel branches that permit the exchange of nutrition and oxygen, from the mother's bloodstream to the fetus and the removal of wastes to the mother to be excreted. The placenta's remarkable quality is that it does so without the blood of the mother mixing with that of the baby.

It also is responsible for the production of vital hormones including, estrogen, progesterone, and human chorionic gonadotropin. After birth, the placenta is delivered, and is sometimes referred to as the afterbirth.

Placenta Previa

A condition of pregnancy in which the placenta partially or entirely covers the opening to the uterus, thus preventing the normal delivery of the baby. Placenta previa is the most common cause of painless bleeding during the third trimester.

Should a severe hemorrhage require it, immediate steps are taken to perform a cesarean section and deliver the baby regardless of fetal age. Placenta previa may be diagnosed and monitored by ultrasound. Intracervical palpation may be used to determine the exact location and extent the placenta is covering the cervical os.

Types of placenta previa include total placenta previa, marginal placenta previa and partial placenta previa.

Placental Abruption

Premature separation of the placenta from the uterus that occurs twenty weeks or more or during labor prior to delivery of the baby. It occurs in approximately one out of 200 births and can be a serious complication. Sometimes called abruptio placentae, ablatio placentae, or accidental hemorrhage.

Placental Function Tests

Tests which are used to measure the effectiveness of the placenta. They include the oxytocin challenge test, and the measurement of estriol in the bloodstream and urine.

Placental Insufficiency

A condition during pregnancy that impairs or retards fetal developement. It can be one of a number of factors including circulation problems between the mother and the placenta or the fetus and the placenta such that it compromises nutrition and oxygen supplies.

These complications can stem from abnormal implantation to multiple pregnancies, to problems with the umbilical cord. Other causes include systemic diseases, diabetes mellitus or infection.

Placentamegaly

A condition in which the placenta grows abnormally large during pregnancy.

Plasma

The colorless, watery fluid of the blood in which the leukocytes, erythrocytes and platelets are suspended. Plasma contains no cells, instead consisting of water, electrolytes, proteins, glucose, fats, bilirubin and gases.

Plasma is important because it enables the cellular elements of the blood to be flow through the circulatory system carrying nutrients and wastes from the tissues and maintaining the body's acid-base balance.

Plasma is similar to interstitial fluid in content and protein concentration. Because of this, it helps maintain osmotic pressure and the exchange of fluids and electrolytes between the capillaries and the body tissues.

Pneumonitis

A dry cough caused by inflammation of the lung. Causes may be viral or an allergic reaction to chemicals, dusts, bacteria or molds.

Treatment includes determination and removal of the cause and the administration of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Polyhydramnios

A disorder consisting of excess amniotic fluid ocurring in less than 1% of all pregnancies. It is easily diagnosed by palpation, ultrasound, or x-ray. Causes include maternal disorders including toxemia of pregnancy and diabetes mellitus.

Fetal disorders such as anomalies of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract and cardiovascular system may also alter the exchange of amniotic fluid causing polyhydramnios.

There is increased incidence of premature rupturing of the membranes, premature labor and perinatal mortality. Treatment includes periodic amniocentesis.

Postmature Infant

A baby born after the end of the 42nd week of pregnancy. The baby will typically bear the signs of placental insufficiency. It will also have dry skin, and long finger and toe nails.

hypoglycemia and hypoalemia are common and monitored after birth, along with the levels of calcium and potassium in the blood.

Postmaturity

The condition of the baby if it is overdue. Postmaturity often results in dry peeling skin and long fingernails that need to be cut at birth.

Postnatal

A term used to describe things or events that take place after the birth of the baby.

Postpartum

A term used to describe things or events that take place after the delivery of the baby.

Postterm Infant

A baby that is born two weeks or more past its estimated due date.

Postdate Birth

A birth that takes place two weeks or more past the estimated due date.

Posterior Position

A term used to describe the position of the baby in the uterus prior to entering labor. Also known as occipito posterior, it describes the baby when its head is facing backward towards the mother's back.

Postpartum Blues

A psychiatric condition that follows childbirth in one third of mothers. The condition is a mild form of depression that takes place from 3 days to 6 weeks postpartum.

Postpartum Depression

A psychiatric condition that follows childbirth in one third of mothers who experience a variety of emotions from a mild form of depression to an intense, suicidal, depressive psychosis. Symptoms typically occur from 3 days to 6 weeks postpartum.

In one quarter of cases the disorder reoccurs in subsequent pregnancies. Depending on the intensity of the depression treatment ranging from medication to psychiatric hospitalization may be recommended.

Postpartum Distress

A term used to describe various symptoms including baby blues, postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis.

Postpartum Hemorrhage

A term used to describe considerable bleeding of more than 17 ounces (500ml) during delivery. Often abbreviated to PPH.

PP

Abbreviation for presenting part. Used to describe the position of the fetus in the uterus and the part of the infant which is directed or into the birth canal.

There are several kinds of presenting parts including breech presentation, brow presentation, transverse presentation, and vertex presentation. Also called the fetal lie.

PPH

Abbreviation of postpartum hemorrhage, a term used to describe considerable bleeding of more than 17 ounces (500ml) during delivery.

PRL

Abbreviation of prolactin, a hormone responsible for milk production. It is produced by the anterior pituitary and works in concert with estrogen, progesterone, thyroxine, insulin, growth hormone, glucocorticoids to initiate and maintain milk production.

Unknown in males, prolactin synthesis and release from the pituitary is mediated by the central nervous system in response to suckling by the baby. When suckling, or its mechanical equivalent such as expressing, ceases, the secretion of PRL slows ending milk production. Also known as lactogen, lactogenic hormone or luteotropin.

Preeclampsia

An abnormal condition in which the mother experiences extremely high blood pressure, proteinuria and fluid retention after the twenty fourth week.

While the reasons for the disease are still unknown, it is more common in multiple pregnancies, hydatiform mole or hydramnios.

Complications include increase likelihood of placental abruption, cerebral hemorrhage, fetal malnutrition and lowered birth weight. Severe cases risk the onset of eclampsia which can result in maternal and fetal death. If the onset of eclampsia is possible, labor is induced or an emergency cesarean section is performed.

The risk of eclampsia can be reduced by eating a diet high in protein and essential nutrients, and ensuring plenty of rest and exercise. Treatment includes rest, sedation and medication to lower the blood pressure. Also called toxemia of pregnancy.

Pregnancy Diabetes

A form of diabetes occuring in pregnancy characterized by the body's inability to metabolize carbohydrate due to a lack of insulin.

Symptoms usually disappear after delivery, although in some cases may return several years later. Suggested causes include the destruction of insulin by the placenta and placental lactogen play a role.

Treatment includes insulin injections, a high protein diet and supplemental calcium and iron intake. Sometimes called gestational diabetes.

Pregnancy Hormones

Female hormones that play an important role in pregnancy such as estriol, progesterone, and progestogen and progestin.

Premature Delivery

A term used to describe the delivery of a baby before or during week 37.

Premature Infant

A term used to describe any baby born before 37 weeks regardless of weight. In most cases low birth weight is a significant factor in identifying high risk infants that need special attention until their organs develop fully.

Factors that would cause a baby to be born premature would include multiple pregnancy, toxemia, chronic disease, infection, incompatible blood or severe trauma. In most cases the cause is not determined.

Premature infants tend to appear small with a large head in relation to the body. The skin is still translucent with the blood vessels clearly visible. Arms and legs will be outstretched instead of flexed at birth.

Problems include the inability to properly regulate body temperature, apnea, respiratory distress, sepsis, poor sucking and swallowing reflexes, and susceptibility to hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia. The survival rate is directly related to the degree of development of the body's organ systems at the time of birth as well as the quality of postnatal care.

Survival rates are increasing each year as better treatment is provided in specialized neonatal intensive care units. Treatment includes careful regulation of body temperature, respiration, rest, with good nutrition and hydration. Also called a preterm infant.

Premature Labor

Any labor that occurs either before the 37th week, or before the fetus has reached approximately 4.5lbs - 5.5lbs (2,000 - 2,500g) in weight.

The incidence of premature labor is higher in women who are older, heavier, or for those lacking adequate prenatal care, who smoke or who lack sufficient protein and calorific intake in their diets.

Although the cause of premature labor is poorly understood, medical conditions such as maternal infection, insufficient weight gain, uterine bleeding, multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios, incompetent cervix, premature rupture of the membranes and intrauterine fetal growth retardation are all contributary factors.

If it seems like the labor will be premature, doctors try to improve the outcome of the pregnancy by inhibiting the onset of labor. However, making an accurate diagnosis is hard, and the medications used to inhibit labor are not always effective. Also called preterm labor.

Prenatal

A term used to describe an event that occurs or exists prior to the birth. It can be used to describe the mother during pregnancy or the growing fetus. It is sometimes called antenatal.

Prenatal Care

A specialized program of medical care, and possibly training for the mother and growing fetus before labor and delivery.

Prenatal Classes

A series of specialized classes that are designed to prepare the mother and birthpartner for the process of labor, delivery and immediate postpartum.

Prepared Childbirth

Natural childbirth by a mother who has learned what to expect during labor and delivery. Lamaze and Bradley methods are some of the many forms of prepared childbirth. A mother in labor using prepared childbirth techniques may request pain relief if she feels it is necessary.

Prepping Procedures

A term describing procedures performed by the doctors, certified nurse midwife and birthpartner to prepare the mother as she enters labor.

Presentation

A term used to describe the position of the fetus in the uterus and the part of the infant which is first directed or into the birth canal.

There are several kinds of presenting parts including breech presentation, brow presentation, transverse presentation, and vertex presentation. Also called the fetal lie.

Presenting Part

A term used to describe the position of the fetus in the uterus and the part of the infant which is first directed or into the birth canal.

There are several kinds of presenting parts including breech presentation, brow presentation, transverse presentation, and vertex presentation. Sometimes abbreviated to PP and also called the fetal lie.

Preterm Infant

A term used to describe any baby born before 37 weeks regardless of weight. In most cases low birth weight is a significant factor in identifying high risk infants that need special attention until their organs develop fully.

Factors that would cause a baby to be born premature would include multiple pregnancy, toxemia, chronic disease, infection, incompatible blood or severe trauma. In most cases the cause is not determined.

Premature infants teld to appear small with a large head in relation to the body. The skin is still translucent with the blood vessels clearly visible. Arms and legs will be outstretched instead of flexed at birth.

Problems include the inability to properly regulate body temperature, apnea, respiratory distress, sepsis, poor sucking and swallowing reflexes, and susceptibility to hypoglycemia and hypocalcemia. The survival rate is directly related to the degree of development of the body's organ systems at the time of birth as well as the quality of postnatal care.

Survival rates are increasing each year as better treatment is provided in specialized neonatal intensive care units. Treatment includes careful regulation of body temperature, respiration, rest, with good nutrition and hydration. Also called a premature infant.

Preterm Labor

Any labor that occurs either before the 37th week, or before the fetus has reached approximately 4.5lbs - 5.5lbs (2,000 - 2,500g) in weight.

The incidence of preterm labor is higher in women who are older, heavier, or for those lacking adequate prenatal care, who smoke or who lack sufficient protein and calorific intake in their diets.

Although the cause of preterm labor is poorly understood, medical conditions such as maternal infection, insufficient weight gain, uterine bleeding, multiple pregnancy, polyhydramnios, incompetent cervix, premature rupture of the membranes and intrauterine fetal growth retardation are all contributary factors.

If it seems like that the labor will be preterm, doctors try to improve the outcome of the pregnancy by inhibiting the onset of labor. However, making an accurate diagnosis is hard, and the medications used to inhibit labor are not always effective. Preterm labor is also called premature labor.

Primigravida

A term used to describe a mother who is pregnant for the first time. Sometimes called gravida I.

Progesterone

One of the two naturally occuring female hormones (the other is estrogen) used to regulate and maintain the pregnancy. Produced first by the corpus luteum in the ovary, production is subsequently taken over by the placenta as it develops. During pregnancy a mother's production of progesterone ten times the level it was prior to conception. Progesterone and estrogen are responsible for giving many mothers a sense of tranquility, shiny hair and glowing skin.

Progestin

Any of a number of synthetic or naturally occuring hormones that promote gestation. Sometimes called progestogen.

Progestogen

Any of a number of synthetic or naturally occuring hormones that promote gestation. Sometimes called progestin.

Prolactin

A hormone responsible for milk production. It is produced by the anterior pituitary and works in concert with estrogen, progesterone, thyroxine, insulin, growth hormone, glucocorticoids to initiate and maintain milk production.

Unknown in males, prolactin synthesis and release from the pituitary is mediated by the central nervous system in response to suckling by the baby. When suckling, or its mechanical equivalent such as expressing, ceases, the secretion of prolactin slows ending milk production. Also known as lactogen, lactogenic hormone or luteotropin. Abbreviated to PRL.

Propylthiouracil

Medication used to treat thyroids. Technically termed a thyroid hormone antagonist. Also called PTU.

Prostaglandins

One of several unsaturated fatty acids that have strong hormone-like properties. Prostaglandins are produced in small quantities and work on individual organs with significant effects.

Prostaglandins can be targeted to work on vasomotor tone, capilliary permeability, smooth-muscle tone, agregation of platelets, endoncinre and exocrine functionality and automnomic and central nervous system. When medicated they are used to terminate pregnancy, treat asthma and gastric hyperacidity. Sometimes abbreviated to PG.

Proteinuria

Sometimes called albuminuria, proteinuria is is defined as abnormally large quatities of protein in the urine. While it can be the sign of renal disease, it is often a sign of other problems such as hypertension or heart failure. It can also be the result of heavy exercise or heart failure.

Pruritis Gravidarum

A medical term used to describe itching during pregnancy.

Psychoprophylaxis

A system whereby childbirth education classes prepare the mother for natural childbirth using the Lamaze Method.

PTU

Abbreviation for propylthiouracil, medication used to treat thyroids. Technically termed a thyroid hormone antagonist.

Pubis Symphysis

A joint of the pelvis which consists of two pubic bones joined by a disk of cartilage and two ligaments. The resulting joint is slightly flexible. Also called symphysis pubis.

Pudendal Block

A local anesthetic administered prior to the second stage of labor. An injection is administered where the pudendal nerves pass over sacrospinous ligament just below the ischial spine.

The effect anesthesizes the perineum, vulva, clitoris, labia majora and perirectal areas without affecting the contractions of the uterus. When properly administered the risk is minimal.

Puerperium

The six weeks following delivery during with the anatomical and physiological changes brought on by pregnancy are resolved. During the puerperium the mother learns to adjust to her new responsibilities of motherhood and non-pregnant life.

Pulmonary Embolism

A term used to describe a blockage of the pulmonary artery in the lungs by some foreign matter including fat, air, tumor tissue or a thrombus that has arisen from a peripheral vein.

A pulmonary embolism is more likely when the constituents of the blood have changed increasing coagulation and possible damge to the blood vessel walls. Such conditions can arise with prolonged bed rest such as duing childbirth.

Pulmonary embolism is detected using chest x-rays, pulmonary angiography and radio scanning of the lung fields. Once discovered it is important to act quickly before the onset of pulmonary infarction.

Additional emboli are prevented through the use of anticoagulants, and in some cases streptokinase or urokinase.

Purse-string Suture

A surgical procedure in which the cervical canal is closed by a suture embedded in the cervical canal. The procedure, which is called a cerclage, is used to correct an incompetent cervix.

The cerclage may be left in place permanently, in which case subsequent deliveries are made by cesarean section, or it is performed temporarily and removed prior to labor and delivery. Infection and vaginal fistula may occur after the operation. Also known as Shirodkar's Operation.

Pyelitis

Inflammation of the pelvis and kidneys. It is treated with a course of antibiotics.

Pyelonephritis

A serious infection of the kidney that is usually caused when the infection travels up the lower urinary tract. Onset of pyelonephritis is rapid and characterized by fever, chills, pain, nausea and and increased desire to urinate.

Urinalysis is used to detect the presence of bacteria and white blood cells. Antimicrobial treatment is given for 10 days to 2 weeks, although relapse is common. In severe cases renal failure may follow. In this case treatment includes removal of the cause of the obstruction followed by long term antimicrobial therapy.

Pyridoxine

A nontoxic vitamin (B6) that is part of the B-complex group. It works as a coenzyme material that is essential for the breakdown of amino acids, the conversion of tryptophan into niacin, the formation of heme (in hemoglobin), the formation of hormones important to brain function, the proper absorbtion of Vitamin B12, and helps maintain the balance of sodium and potassium both of which regulate body fluids and the functioning of the central nervous system and musculoskeletal system.

Good natural sources of pyridoxine are meats (especially offal), whole grain cereals, soybeans, peanuts, wheat germ, brewer's yeast. Milk and green vegetables also supply the vitamin but in smaller amounts.

Deficiency becomes apparent with signs of seborrheic dermatitis around the eyes, nose and mouth, along with depression, and eventually anemia.

There is an increased need for pyridoxine during pregnancy, lactation, or simply when using oral contraceptives.