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written instructions letting others know the type of care you want if you are seriously ill or dying. These include a living will and health care power of attorney.
(Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) — AIDS is a syndrome, or group of diseases, that can be fatal. HIV infection becomes AIDS when a person's T-cell count goes below 200 and she or he becomes ill with one of the health problems common in people with AIDS. HIV/AIDS infection is life-long, there is no cure.
a foreign substance to the body's immune system that may cause an allergic reaction.
disorders that involve an immune response in the body. Allergies are reactions to allergens such as plant pollen, other grasses and weeds, certain foods, rubber latex, insect bites, or certain drugs.
AFP is protein made by the fetus' liver, in the fetal gastrointestinal (GI) tract and the yolk sac. During pregnancy, AFP crosses into the mother's blood. The level of AFP in the mother's blood can be measured to screen for disorders such as neural tube defects and Down syndrome. The mother's AFP levels tend to be high with neural tube defects such as anencephaly and Spina bifida, and low with Down syndrome.
this blood test measures the levels of a substance called alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels can indicate a brain or spinal cord defect, the presence of twins, a miscalculated due date, or an increased risk of Down syndrome.
tiny glands in the breast that produce milk.
if necessary, this test is performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and can indicate chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, or genetic disorders such as Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and others. It also can detect the baby's sex and risk of spina bifida (a condition in which the brain or spine do not develop properly).
clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy. It is contained in the amniotic sac.
during pregnancy, the amniotic sac is formed within the uterus and encloses the fetus. This sac bursts normally during the birthing process, releasing the amniotic fluid. A popular term for the amniotic sac with the amniotic fluid is the bag of waters.
removal of part or all of a body part, except for organs in the body. It usually takes place during surgery in a hospital operating room. It is done because of injury to the body part or problems from diabetes, hardening of the arteries, or any other illness that impairs blood circulation. It is also done to prevent the spread of bone cancer. Many amputees are able to be fitted with an artificial limb.
when the amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin (the substance in the blood that carries oxygen to organs) becomes reduced, causing fatigue that can be severe.
a thin or weak spot in an artery that balloons out and can burst.
a recurring pain or discomfort in the chest that happens when some part of the heart does not receive enough blood. It is a common symptom of coronary heart disease, which occurs when vessels that carry blood to the heart become narrowed and blocked due to atherosclerosis. Angina feels like a pressing or squeezing pain, usually in the chest under the breast bone, but sometimes in the shoulders, arms, neck, jaws, or back. Angina is usually is brought on by exertion, and relieved within a few minutes by resting or by taking prescribed angina medicine.
an eating disorder caused by a person having a distorted body image and not consuming the appropriate calorie intake resulting in severe weight loss.
absence of ovulation.
drugs used to fight many infections caused by bacteria. Some antibiotics are effective against only certain types of bacteria; others can effectively fight a wide range of bacteria. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections.
proteins made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Antibodies neutralize or destroy antigens.
a name for a category of medications used to treat depression.
drugs that are used to prevent or relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies by preventing the action of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and sometimes can make breathing difficult. Some of these drugs are also used to prevent motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Since they may cause drowsiness as a side effect, some of them may be used to help people go to sleep.
anticancer drugs that can stop or slow down biochemical reactions in cells.
drugs that inhibit the ability of HIV or other types of retroviruses to multiply in the body.
serious medical illness that fills people's lives with anxiety and fear. Some anxiety disorders include panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia (or social anxiety disorder), specific phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder.
temporary interruption or cessation of breathing.
the dark-colored skin on the breast that surrounds the nipple.
blood vessels that carry oxygen and blood to the heart, brain and other parts of the body.
disease when fatty deposits clog the walls of the arteries.
a medical condition affecting a joint or joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as your elbow or knee. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is sometimes called "wear and tear" arthritis because it usually comes with age and sometimes follows an injury to a joint. In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's defense system, called the immune system, mistakenly attacks the joints.
technology that involves procedures that handle a woman's eggs and a man's sperm to help infertile couples conceive a child.
a chronic disease of the lungs. Symptoms include cough, wheezing, a tight feeling in the chest, and trouble breathing.
a disease in which fatty material is deposited on the wall of the arteries. This fatty material causes the arteries to become narrow and it eventually restricts blood flow.
dry and itchy skin, caused by certain diseases, irritating substances, allergies, or a person’s genetic
makeup.
an immune response by the body against one of its own tissues, cells, or molecules.
disease caused by an immune response against foreign substances in the tissues of one's own body.
microorganisms that can cause infections.
the most common vaginal infection in women of childbearing age, which happens when the normal bacteria (germs) in the vagina get out of balance, such as from douching or from sexual contact. Symptoms include vaginal discharge that can be white, gray, or thin and have an odor; burning or pain when urinating; or itching around the outside of the vagina. There also may be no symptoms.
noncancerous
a type of medication that reduces nerve impulses to the heart and blood vessels. This makes the heart beat slower and with less force. Blood pressure drops and the heart works less hard.
a brown liquid made by the liver. It contains some substances that break up fat for digestion, while other substances are waste products.
when the hemoglobin in a person's blood breaks down, causing a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It is a temporary condition in newborn infants.
an eating disorder caused by a person being unable to control the need to overeat.
removal of a small piece of tissue for testing or examination under a microscope.
a special place for women to give birth. They have all the required equipment for birthing, but are specially designed for a woman, her partner, and family. Birth centers may be free standing (separate from a hospital) or located within a hospital.
the organ in the human body that stores urine. It is found in the lower part of the abdomen.
fluid in the body made up of plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to and waste materials away from all body tissues. In the breast, blood nourishes the breast tissue and provides nutrients needed for milk production.
the transfer of blood or blood products from one person (donor) into another person's bloodstream (recipient). Most times, it is done to replace blood cells or blood products lost through severe bleeding. Blood can be given from two sources, your own blood (autologous blood) or from someone else (donor blood).
how a person feels about how she or he looks.
a measure of body fat based on a person's height and weight.
also known as the intestine, which is a long tube-like organ in the human body that completes digestion or the breaking down of food. The small bowel is the small intestine and the large bowel is the large intestine.
a round plastic shell that fits around the breast. It is used to correct inverted or flat nipples. Also referred to as breast shield or milk cup.
inflammation of the bronchi, airways in the lungs.
an eating disorder caused by a person consuming an extreme amount of food all at once followed by self-induced vomiting or other purging.
a unit of energy-producing potential in food.
a group of diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer cells can invade nearby tissues and can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body.
a fungus, called Candida albicans, that causes yeast infections like thrush in the mouth and throat, and in intestines and other parts of the body.
compounds such as sugars and starches that occur in food and are broken down to release energy in the body.
disease of the heart and blood vessels.
a sudden loss of motor tone and strength.
cloudy or thick areas in the lens of the eye.
a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the small intestine.
people with this condition cannot eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, or barley, and some nonfood items, such as medicines and envelope glue. If gluten is consumed, the body’s immune system responds by damaging the small intestine. This damage can keep the body from getting the nutrients it needs.
a type of medicine used to treat high blood pressure. Central agonists work by relaxing the blood vessels so that blood can flow more easily through the body.
disease of the blood vessels in the brain.
happens when normal cells in the cervix change into cancer cells. This change normally takes several years to happen, but it can also happen in a very short amount of time. Before the cells turn into cancer, abnormal cells develop on the cervix that can be found by a Pap test. Women generally don't have symptoms of cervical cancer. But when cervical cancer is not found early and spreads deeper into your cervix or to other tissues or organs, you might have pain during sex; bleeding from your vagina after sex, between periods, or after menopause; heavy vaginal discharge that may have a bad odor; heavier bleeding during your period; or a menstrual period that lasts longer than normal. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a group of viruses, can cause abnormal changes on the cervix that can lead to cervical cancer. HPV is very common, and you can get it through sexual contact with another person who has HPV.
the lower, narrow part of the uterus (womb). The cervix forms a canal that opens into the vagina, which leads to the outside of the body.
procedure where the baby is delivered through an abdominal incision.
treatment with anticancer drugs.
a disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus, which results in a blister-like rash, itching, tiredness, and fever.
a common sexually transmitted disease (STD). Most people have no symptoms, but chlamydia can cause serious damage a women's reproductive organs. When a woman does have symptoms, they may include thin vaginal discharge and other symptoms similar to gonorrhea like burning when urinating. Long-term irritation may cause lower abdominal pain, inflammation of the pelvic organs, and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
a fatty substance present in all parts of the body. It is a component of cell membranes and is used to make vitamin D and some hormones. Some cholesterol in the body is produced by the liver and some is derived from food, particularly animal products. A high level of cholesterol in the blood can help cause atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. In the blood, cholesterol is bound to chemicals called lipoproteins. Cholesterol attached to low-density lipoprotein (LDL) harms health and is often called "bad cholesterol." Cholesterol attached to high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is good for health and is often called "good cholesterol."
If necessary this test is performed between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy and can indicate the same chromosomal abnormalities and genetic disorders as amniocentesis can. It also can detect the baby's sex and risk of spina bifida.
long lasting condition.
a complex disorder characterized by extreme fatigue that lasts six months or longer, and does not improve with rest or is worsened by physical or mental activity. Other symptoms can include weakness, muscle pain, impaired memory and/or mental concentration, and insomnia. The cause is unknown.
the result of chronic liver disease, where the liver is scarred and no longer functions properly. This causes many complications, including build up of fluid in the abdomen, bleeding disorders, increased pressure in the blood vessels and brain function disorders.
congenital abnormalities (present at birth) that affect the upper lip and the hard and soft palate of the mouth. Features range from a small notch in the lip to a complete fissure, or groove, extending into the roof of the mouth and nose. These features may occur separately or together.
To force someone to do something that they do not want to do.
cancer in the inner lining of the colon. The colon is the part of the digestive tract that removes water from feces before the feces leaves the body through the anus. Most colon cancers start as noncancerous growths called polyps.
a diagnostic procedure in which a flexible tube with a light source in inserted into the colon (large intestine or large bowel) through the anus to view all sections of the colon for abnormalities.
thick, yellowish fluid secreted from breast during pregnancy, and the first few days after childbirth before the onset of mature breast milk. Also called "first milk," it provides nutrients and protection against infectious diseases.
procedure that uses a special microscope (called a colposcope) to look into the vagina and to look very closely at the cervix.
a barrier method of birth control. There are both male and female condoms. The male condom is a sheath placed over an erect penis before sex that prevents pregnancy by blocking the passage of sperm. A female condom also is a sheath, but is inserted into the vagina to block the passage of sperm.
abnormalities of the heart's structure and function caused by abnormal or disordered heart development before birth.
a type of body tissue that supports other tissues and binds them together. Connective tissue provides support in the breast.
infrequent or hard stools or difficulty passing stools.
transmitted by direct or indirect contact.
also known as a seizure. An uncontrollable contraction of muscles that can result in sudden movement or loss of control.
also called coronary heart disease. It is the most common type of heart disease that results from atherosclerosis — the gradual buildup of plaques in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart. This disease develops slowly and silently, over decades. It can go virtually unnoticed until it produces a heart attack.
usually has a master's degree in Counseling and has completed a supervised internship.
an ongoing condition that causes inflammation of the digestive tract, also called the GI tract. It can affect any part of the GI tract—from the mouth to the anus. It often affects the lower part of the small intestine, causing pain and diarrhea.
one of the most common serious genetic (inherited) diseases. One out of every 400 couples is at risk for having children with CF. CF causes the body to make abnormal secretions leading to mucous build-up. CF mucous build-up can impair organs such as the pancreas, the intestine and the lungs.
impairs the vitality and strength of a person.
medications that treat cough and stuffy nose by shrinking swollen membranes in the nose and making it easier to breath.
excessive loss of body water that the body needs to carry on normal functions at an optimal level. Signs include increasing thirst, dry mouth, weakness or lightheadedness (particularly if worse on standing), and a darkening of the urine or a decrease in urination.
a square, thin piece of latex that can be placed over the anus or the vagina before oral sex.
term used to describe an emotional state involving sadness, lack of energy and low self-esteem.
see atopic dermatitis.
a disease in which blood glucose (blood sugar) levels are above normal. Type 2 diabetes, also known as adult-onset or noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), is the most common form of diabetes.
see diabetes
a treatment used when kidneys fail. It filters the blood to rid the body of harmful wastes, salt, and extra water.
birth control device made of a thin flexible disk, usually made of rubber, that is designed to cover the cervix to prevent the entry of sperm during sexual intercourse.
passing frequent and loose stools that can be watery. Acute diarrhea goes away in a few weeks. Diarrhea becomes chronic when it lasts longer than 4 weeks.
coarse fibrous substances found in grains, fruits, and vegetables. Dietary fiber is generally not digested but helps move food through the digestive tract. Eating dietary fiber helps prevent many long-term illnesses, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and certain gastrointestinal diseases.
tube through which food passes and is digested, and wastes are eliminated. The digestive tract runs from the mouth to the anus and includes the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
a physical or mental impairment that interferes with or prevents "normal" achievement in a particular function.
a type of medication sometimes called "water pills" because they work in the kidney and flush excess water and sodium from the body.
a lab test in which a patient's DNA is tested. DNA is a molecule that has a person's genetic information and is found in every cell in a person's body.
Down syndrome is the most frequent genetic cause for mild to moderate mental retardation and related medical problems. It is caused by a chromosomal abnormality. For an unknown reason, a change in cell growth results in 47 instead of the usual 46 chromosomes. This extra chromosome changes the orderly development of the body and brain.
small milk ducts in the breast leading to the mammary or lactiferous ducts.
eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, and binge-eating disorder, involve serious problems with eating. This could include an extreme decrease of food or severe overeating, as well as feelings of distress and concern about body shape or weight.
a pregnancy that is not in the uterus. It happens when a fertilized egg settles and grows in a place other than the inner lining of the uterus. Most happen in the fallopian tube, but can happen in the ovary, cervix, or abdominal cavity.
a group of conditions in which the skin becomes inflamed, forms blisters, and becomes crusty, thick, and scaly. Eczema causes burning and itching and may occur over a long period
of time. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema.
an external, noninvasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart.
when the amounts of sodium and potassium in the body become too much or too little.
a period during pregnancy where the baby has rapid growth, and the main external features begin to take form.
cancer that develops from the endometrium, or the inner lining of the uterus (womb).
a condition in which tissue that normally lines the uterus grows in other areas of the body, usually inside the abdominal cavity, but acts as if it were inside the uterus. Blood shed monthly from the misplaced tissue has no place to go, and tissues surrounding the area of endometriosis may become inflamed or swollen. This can produce scar tissue. Symptoms include painful menstrual cramps that can be felt in the abdomen or lower back, or pain during or after sexual activity, irregular bleeding, and infertility.
a diagnostic procedure in which a thin, flexible tube is introduced through the mouth or rectum to view parts of the digestive tract.
condition in which breasts become overly full of milk. Engorged breasts may feel swollen, hard, and painful. Engorgement can lead to blocked milk ducts.
During labor a woman may be offered an epidural, where a needle is inserted into the epidural space at the end of the spine, to numb the lower body and reduce pain. This allows a woman to have more energy and strength for the end stage of labor, when it is time to push the baby out of the birth canal.
a physical disorder that involves recurrent seizures. It is caused by sudden changes in how the brain works.
This is a procedure where an incision is made in the perineum (area between the vagina and the anus) to make the vaginal opening larger in order to prevent the area from tearing during delivery.
inability to achieve and keep a penile erection.
tube that connects the throat with the stomach.
a group of female hormones that are responsible for the development of breasts and other secondary sex characteristics in women. Estrogen is produced by the ovaries and other body tissues. Estrogen, along with progesterone, is important in preparing a woman's body for pregnancy.
when someone exposes him/herself in public
part of the female reproductive system, these tubes carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus (or womb).
a federal regulation that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during any 12 month period for the serious health condition of the employee, parent, spouse or child, or for pregnancy or care of a newborn child, or for adoption or foster care of a child.
a rare, inherited blood disorder that leads to bone marrow failure. FA causes your bone marrow to stop making enough new blood cells for your body to work normally. The risk for some cancers is much greater for people with FA.
a feeling of lack of energy, weariness or tiredness.
connective tissue that contains stored fat. Also referred to as adipose tissue. Fatty tissue in the breast protects the breast from injury.
waste eliminated from the bowels.
body temperature is raised above normal and is usually a sign of infection or illness.
a nipple that cannot be compressed outward, does not protrude or become erect when stimulated or cold.
each month, an egg develops inside the ovary in a fluid filled pocket called a follicle. This follicle releases the egg into the fallopian tube.
a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. In women, it helps control the menstrual cycle and the production of eggs by the ovaries.
To make someone have sex for money, against their will.
a condition where the body is not able to process galactose (a sugar), which makes up half of the sugar (called lactose) found in milk. When galactose levels become high, body organs and the central nervous system can be damaged. In newborns, the condition is found when first breastfeeding and can cause jaundice and other problems.
a sac that stores a fluid called bile, which is produced by the liver. After eating, bile is secreted into the small intestine, where it helps digest fats.
a term that refers to the stomach and the intestines or bowels.
also called acid reflux, a condition where the contents of the stomach regurgitates (or backs up) into the esophagus (food pipe), causing discomfort.
body tissue that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body. Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs. Others produce hormones or participate in blood production. In the breast, glandular tissue is involved in the production of milk.
enlargement of the thyroid gland that is not associated with inflammation or cancer.
a sexually transmitted disease that often has no symptoms. However, some women have pain or burning when urinating; yellowish and sometimes bloody vaginal discharge; bleeding between menstrual periods; heavy bleeding with periods; or pain when having sex. Untreated gonorrhea can cause serious and permanent health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).
a number of abnormal conditions affecting the heart and the blood vessels in the heart. The most common type of heart disease is coronary artery disease, which is the gradual buildup of plaques in the coronary arteries, the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart. This disease develops slowly and silently, over decades. It can go virtually unnoticed until it produces a heart attack.
a condition in which too much iron builds up in the body over time. Without treatment, this extra iron can damage the organs, mainly the liver, heart, and pancreas, and cause organ failure. Hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic diseases in the United States. But iron overload also can happen due to other diseases or from years of taking too much iron or from repeated blood transfusions or dialysis for kidney disease.
The most common treatment to remove extra iron is to remove some blood.
veins around the anus or lower rectum that are swollen and inflamed.
a serious disease caused by a virus that attacks the liver. The virus, which is called hepatitis B virus (HBV), can cause lifelong infection, cirrhosis (scarring) of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and death. You get hepatitis B by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person; for instance, you can become infected by having sex or sharing needles with an infected person. A baby can get hepatitis B from an infected mother during childbirth.
a liver disease, caused by a virus, that makes the liver swells and stops it from working correctly.
also known as hypertension. Blood pressure is considered high when greater than 140 over 90 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury). Long-term high blood pressure can damage blood vessels and organs, including the heart, kidneys, eyes, and brain. Fewer than 10 percent of long-term high blood pressure cases are due to another medical condition, such as kidney disease or certain tumors. The remainder are caused by disruptions in the factors that regulate blood pressure. These include hormones, nervous system control of blood vessel constriction, and kidney control of salt and water levels in the blood.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV infection can produce no symptoms for many years. When certain symptoms develop, a person has AIDS. HIV infection is life-long, there is no cure.
red and sometimes itchy bumps on the skin, usually caused by an allergic
reaction to a drug or a food.
substance produced by one tissue and conveyed by the bloodstream to another to effect a function of the body, such as growth or metabolism.
See menopausal hormone therapy.
viruses that infect T cells, a type of white blood cell, and can cause leukemia and lymphoma.
HTLV 1-2 is spread by sharing
syringes or needles, through blood transfusions or sexual contact, and from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.
see high blood pressure.
surgery to remove the uterus.
a complex system in the body that recognizes and responds to potentially harmful substances, like infections, in order to protect the body.
also called vaccination, a shot that contains germs that have been killed or weakened. When given to a healthy person, it triggers the immune system to respond and build immunity to a disease.
sexual intercourse between persons so closely related that they are forbidden by law to marry; also: the statutory crime of such a relationship.
also called dyspepsia. Indigestion is a common problem that causes a vague feeling of abdominal discomfort after meals. Symptoms also can include an uncomfortable fullness, belching, bloating, and nausea. It may be triggered by eating particular foods, after drinking wine or carbonated drinks, or by eating too fast or overeating.
A condition in which a couple has problems conceiving, or getting pregnant, after one year of regular sexual intercourse without using any birth control methods. Infertility can be caused by a problem with the man or the woman, or both.
used to describe an area on the body that is swollen, red, hot, and in pain.
long-lasting problems that cause irritation and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract. The most common disorders are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
administered by having the user breath in the substance.
chemicals used to control or kill insects.
not being able to sleep.
one of many hormones that helps the body turn the food we eat into energy and helps store energy to be used later. People with diabetes mellitus, a condition in which the body does not make enough insulin, might need to inject themselves with insulin to help their bodies' cells work properly.
a group of proteins with a carbohydrate component, which is produced by different cell types in response to an exposure of a virus, bacterium, or parasite, that prevents replication (of the virus, bacterium, or parasite) in newly infected cells.
a long-lasting condition also known as painful bladder syndrome or frequency-urgency-dysuria syndrome. The wall of the bladder becomes inflamed or irritated, which affects the amount of urine the bladder can hold and causes scarring, stiffening, and bleeding in the bladder.
also known as the bowels, or the long, tube-like organ in the human body that completes digestion or the breaking down of food. They consist of the small intestine and the large intestine.
To make someone fearful in order to make them do what another person wants them to do.
a small device that is placed inside a woman's uterus by a health care provider, which prevents pregnancy by changing the environment of the uterus (or womb).
An analgesic is a drug that relieves pain. During labor, a woman can be given pain-relieving drugs intravenously (through a tube inserted into her vein).
a nipple that retracts, rather than protrudes when the areola is compressed.
an important mineral involved in creating and using energy, including moving oxygen throughout the body.
decrease in the blood supply to a an organ, tissue, or other part caused by the narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels.
a yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes, caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. While not a disease, jaundice can signal a liver or gallbladder problem. Newborns can develop jaundice, which is only temporary and goes away.
a number of conditions that can cause your kidneys not to work as well as they should or even shut down. People with kidney disease often have no symptoms and do not know there is a problem until their kidneys shut down. If your kidneys fail, you will have to have regular dialysis (a treatment that removes waste from your blood) or a kidney transplant.
hard mass developed from crystals that separate from the urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney.
breastfeeding, or the secretion of breast milk.
a form of birth control based on a period of natural infertility that occurs for a few months after pregnancy in breastfeeding mothers whose menstrual cycle has not yet returned.
enlarged portion of the mammary or milk duct where breast milk pools during breastfeeding. The sinuses are behind the areola and connect to the nipple.
a sugar found in milk and milk products like cheese, cream, and butter.
a philosophy of giving birth developed by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze. The goal of Lamaze classes is to increase women's confidence in their ability to give birth. Lamaze classes teach women simple coping strategies for labor, including focused breathing. But Lamaze also teaches that breathing techniques are just one of the many things that help women in labor. Movement, positioning, labor support, massage, relaxation, hydrotherapy and the use of heat and cold are some others.
medicines that will make you have a bowel movement.
a metal that can make infants and young children sick.
an infected or diseased area of skin.
A conditioned reflex ejecting milk from the alveoli through the ducts to the sinuses of the breast and the nipple.
sexual drive.
An analgesic is a drug that relieves pain. Pain-relieving drugs can be given to a woman during labor and delivery locally through a needle inserted into a muscle (intra-muscular) or under the skin (subcutaneous).
problems with the uterine lining that can affect a woman's ability to get pregnant and have a successful pregnancy.
a hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum (empty follicle) to make progesterone.
a bacterial illness caused by a bacterium called a "spirochete" that is transmitted to humans from the bite of a deer tick. It can cause abnormalities in the skin, joints, heart and nervous system.
the almost colorless fluid that travels through the lymphatic system and carries cells that help fight infection and disease. Lymph tissue in the breast helps remove waste.
cancerous
ducts in the breast that carry milk to the lactiferous sinuses and the nipple.
a condition that occurs mostly in breastfeeding women, causing a hard spot on the breast that can be sore or uncomfortable. It is caused by infection from bacteria that enters the breast through a break or crack in the skin on the nipple or by a plugged milk duct.
a highly contagious disease marked by fever, cough, and raised red spots on the skin. It is caused by a virus that usually affects children and is spread by coughing or contact with fluid from the nose or mouth of someone who has been infected.
infection which causes inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
replaces the hormones that a woman's ovaries stop making at the time of menopause, easing symptoms like hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It involves using man-made estrogen alone or estrogen with a progestin, often in the form of a pill or skin patch. MHT used to be called hormone replacement therapy, or HRT. [A recent, large study found that use of MHT poses some serious risks, such as increasing some women's risk for breast cancer, heart disease, stroke, and pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lung). Women who choose to use MHT should use the lowest dose that helps for the shortest time needed. Talk with your doctor to find out if MHT is right for you and discuss other ways to relieve menopause symptoms.]
the transition in a woman's life when production of the hormone estrogen in her body falls permanently to very low levels, the ovaries stop producing eggs, and menstrual periods stop for good.
a recurring cycle in which the lining of the uterus thickens in preparation for pregnancy and then is shed if pregnancy does not occur.
The blood flow from the uterus that happens about every 4 weeks in a woman.
see mammary ducts.
see lactiferous sinuses.
see let-down reflex.
an element (such as calcium, iron, sodium, or potassium) that is obtained from food and is needed by the body.
an unplanned loss of a pregnancy. Also called a spontaneous abortion.
a type of unsaturated fat.
also called Montgomery's glands or areolar glands. These small glands enlarge during pregnancy and breastfeeding and look somewhat like pimples on the areola. They secrete oils that lubricate the nipple.
also called MS, a disorder of the brain and spinal cord that causes decreased nerve function associated with the formation of scars on the covering of nerve cells. Symptoms range from numbness to paralysis and blindness. A person with MS slowly loses control over his or her body.
a sudden illness caused by the virus paramyxovirus. It is spread by direct contact as well as by airborne droplets and saliva. Since 1967 the mumps vaccine (MMR, or measles, mumps and rubella) has helped cases decline in the United States. Symptoms include inflamed salivary glands (causing a child to have full cheeks like a chipmunk), inflamed tissues of the central nervous system (brain and spine), and an inflamed pancreas. Mumps in a child who has gone through adolescence tends to affect the ovary and the testes, which can lead to infertility.
cells in the human body that are the building blocks of the nervous system (the system that records and transmits information chemically and electrically within a person). Nerve cells, or neurons, are made up of a nerve cell body and various extensions from the cell body that receive and transmit impulses from and to other nerves and muscles. Nerve tissue in the breast makes breasts sensitive to touch, allowing the baby's sucking to stimulate the let-down or milk-ejection reflex and milk production.
A major birth defect caused by abnormal development of the neural tube, or the structure in an embryo which develops into the brain and spinal cord. Neural tube defects are among the most common birth defects that cause infant death and serious disability. The most common neural tube defects are anencephaly, spina bifida, and encephalocele. In anencephaly the skull and most or all of the brain does not develop. Encephalocele is a hernia of part of the brain and of the membranes covering it. Spina bifida is an opening in the column encasing the spinal cord.
the protruding part of the breast that extends and becomes firmer upon stimulation. In breastfeeding, milk travels from the | |
