PRENATAL GLOSSARY
• Hepatitis – Inflammation of the liver , sometimes caused by a viral infection
• HIV – Either of two related viruses – human immunodeficiency virus 1 ( HIV-1 ) and human immunodeficiency virus 2 ( HIV-2 ) – that progressively destroy the body ’ s immune system and can lead to AIDS
• Inferior vena cava – The large vein that returns blood from the lower extremities and the pelvic and abdominal organs to the heart
• Intraventricular hemorrhage ( IVH ) – A condition in which blood vessels within the brain burst and bleed into the hollow chambers ( ventricles ) that are normally reserved for cerebrospinal fluid and into the tissue surrounding them
• Lanugo – The fine , soft hair that grows on a fetus and is present on a newborn
• Laparoscope – A thin , tube-shaped instrument that may be inserted through a small incision in the abdominal wall to observe inside the body , perform certain procedures , and take tissue samples
• Methotrexate – An antimetabolite and antifolate drug used in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases that can also be used to medically treat ectopic pregnancy in some cases
• Misoprostol – A drug used for various purposes including management of miscarriages
• Necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) – A serious bacterial infection in the intestine , usually occurring in premature newborn infants . It can cause the death ( necrosis ) of intestinal tissue and progress to blood poisoning ( septicemia ).
• Neural tube defect – Any of a group of congenital malformations involving defects in the skull and spinal column that are caused primarily by the failure of the neural tube to close during embryonic development
• Nuchal translucency measurement – A radiologic sign that appears as a translucent spot on a fetal sonogram and indicates subcutaneous fluid in the nuchal region ( back of the neck ) of a fetus . It can be measured in early pregnancy to assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities , especially Down syndrome .
• Oligohydramnios – Low amniotic fluid
• Operative vaginal delivery ( OVD ) – Use of vacuum or forceps to help expedite vaginal delivery
• Oxytocin – A hormone that stimulates contractions during labor and the production of milk
• Pap smear – A screening test meant to detect pre-cancerous and cancerous cells by taking a sample (‘ smear ’) of cells from the cervix
78 My Prenatal Care Book