Pregnancy And Birth Definitions
Pregnancy And Birth Dictionary A
Pregnancy And Birth Definitions - A
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ACIDOSIS
A condition in which the red blood cells in the blood, measured by a hematocrit, or "crit", are lower than normal.
ADJUSTED AGE
Also known as "corrected age." This is your child's chronological age minus the number of weeks he or she was born early and is usually used up until age 3. For example, if your 9-month-old was born 2 months early, you can expect him or her to look and act like a 7-month old.
AFTERBIRTH
The placenta once it has been delivered.
AMINOPHYLLINE
A medication used to stimulate an infant's central nervous system. It is prescribed to reduce the incidence of apneic episodes. This is the intravenous form; the oral form is known as Theophylline.
AMNIOTIC FLUID
The clear straw-colored liquid in the amniotic sac in which the fetus grows.
APGAR SCORE
Assesses five basic indicators of health in a newborn: activity level, pulse, response to stimulation, appearance and respiration.
AMNIOCENTESIS
Diagnostic test used to determine possible genetic abnormalities.
APNEA
Cessation of breathing lasting 20 seconds or longer. Also known as an apneic episodes or apneic spells. It is common for premature infants to stop breathing for a few seconds. They almost always restart on their own, but occasionally they need stimulation or drug therapy to maintain regular breathing. The heart rate often slows with apnea; this is called bradycardia. The combination of apnea and bradycardia is often called an A&B spell.
ASPIRATION
1. The accidental sucking in of food particles or fluids into the lungs.
2. Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle.
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