The word “viable” is used in the pregnancy and birthing industry to describe a fetus or embryo that has a chance of surviving outside the womb. This term is often used interchangeably with “live birth,” but there is a big difference between the two. A live birth is when a baby is born alive, while a viable pregnancy is one in which the baby has a chance of surviving. There are a few factors that play into whether or not […]
A postdural puncture headache (PDPH) is a type of headache that can occur after a spinal or lumbar puncture due to the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF leakage occurs after the dura, a strong membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and brain is punctured. This can happen when a needle is inserted into the spine for a variety of reasons, including during a lumbar puncture (also called a spinal tap) or epidural. As a result of the hole made […]
Corpus luteum is a term used in the pregnancy and birthing industry to refer to a mass of yellowish tissue that forms in the ovary following ovulation. The corpus luteum secretes progesterone, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum will degenerate and be reabsorbed by the ovary. Corpus luteum cysts are a type of ovarian cyst that can occur during pregnancy. These cysts are usually benign and do not require treatment. However, in […]
Leukorrhea is a medical term used to describe a whitish or yellowish vaginal discharge that can occur during pregnancy. It is caused by an increase in the amount of cervical mucus produced by the body during pregnancy. Leukorrhea is usually harmless and does not require treatment. However, in some cases, it can be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a bacterial infection. Risk Factors and Complications Risk factors for leukorrhea include: Being pregnant Having multiple sexual partners […]
A speculum is a medical device that is inserted into the vagina to allow the doctor to see the inside of the vagina and the cervix. It is a metal or plastic instrument that has a handle and a blade. The blade is inserted into the vagina and then opened up so that the doctor can see inside. The handle is used to hold the speculum in place and to control the opening and closing of the blade. There are […]
A pudendal block is a medical procedure used in pregnancy and childbirth whereby an anesthetic is injected into the pudendal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the perineum (the area between the vagina and anus). The pudendal nerve is a mixed nerve that arises from the sacral plexus. It is composed of both motor and sensory fibers. The motor fibers innervate the muscles of the perineum, while the sensory fibers innervate the skin and mucous membranes of the perineum. […]
Danger Signs Danger signs during pregnancy are symptoms that indicate a possibility that may arise during pregnancy, delivery, or postdelivery. They may be warning signs of a complication such as preterm labor or infection. Danger signs can also indicate a problem with the mother’s health. Danger signs should be reported to a healthcare provider immediately. Some danger signs, such as vaginal bleeding, can be a sign of a serious problem. Other danger signs, such as fatigue, may not be as […]
Fetoscopy is a medical procedure performed during pregnancy (12-20 weeks gestation) to gain access to the fetus in order to obtain diagnostic information or to perform therapeutic interventions. It can be used to diagnose certain conditions such as chromosomal abnormalities, congenital heart defects, and twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. It can also be used to treat conditions such as Twin Reversed Arterial Perfusion (TRAP) sequence. In this procedure, the fetus is accessed through a small incision in the mother’s abdomen and uterus. This […]
Lanugo is the soft, downy hair that covers the body of a fetus during the last few months of pregnancy. Derived from the word lana which means wool, it is made up of downy unpigmented hair that covers the body of a fetus during the last few months of pregnancy. It is thought to provide insulation and help protect the delicate skin of the fetus from amniotic fluid. Lanugo starts to form around 3 months of gestation and is shed […]
Inverted nipples (also called inverted nipples, nipple inversion, or invaginated nipples) are a condition where the nipple is pulled inwards into the breast instead of pointing outwards. Inverted nipples can be a result of several different things. They may be caused by an infection, a cyst, or even just genetics. In some cases, the inversion is only temporary and will resolve itself after pregnancy or breastfeeding. In other cases, the inversion is permanent and may require surgery to correct. However, […]