This alphabetical list contains explanations of medical words you may come across on the RCOG website. The RCOG tries to use as little medical jargon as possible in its information for the public. This list was developed by the Patient Information Committee, with input from the RCOG Consumers' Forum.
We will add more terms to this list whenever we publish new information for the public. We aim to continually expand and improve this information, and welcome your feedback.
The explanations in this list are based upon information available on the RCOG website and on the following websites:
- Cochrane Collaboration Pregnancy and Childbirth Group
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination
- Family Planning Association
- NHS Direct online
- National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE)
- Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z
A
|
The part of the body between the lower ribs and the pelvis (tummy area) . |
|
|
Abdominal |
Of the abdomen. |
|
A way of ending a pregnancy using either medicines (medical abortion) or a surgical operation (surgical abortion). |
|
|
Acute |
Sudden and severe. |
| Adenomyosis | When endometriosis occurs deep within the muscle wall of the uterus. |
|
Adhesions |
Scar tissue that connects two or more body structures together. |
|
Amniocentesis |
A procedure to take a sample of the fluid surrounding a baby in the womb. It can be carried out after the 15th week of pregnancy, by inserting a needle through the abdomen into the womb. It can be used to detect the presence of conditions such as Down syndrome. |
| Amniotic fluid | The watery liquid surrounding and protecting the growing fetus in the uterus. |
|
Anaemia |
Anaemia is when the level of healthy haemoglobin in your blood is lower than normal; it can be mild or severe. Anaemia can cause tiredness, breathlessness, fainting, headaches and your heart to beat faster. |
|
Anaesthesia |
A form of pain relief. |
| Anaesthetist | A doctor trained to administer anaesthetics. |
| Anal sphincter | The muscle around the anus that is squeezed to prevent passing wind or opening the bowels involuntarily. |
| Antenatal (prenatal) |
Before birth. |
|
Antibiotics |
Medicines to combat a bacterial infection. |
|
Antibody |
A protein in the blood which acts against an antigen in a response of the immune system. |
| Anti-coagulant medication | Medication that reduces the clotting of the blood in blood vessels. |
|
Anti-D |
See RhD antigen. |
|
A substance in the blood that stimulates a response of the immune system. See blood group. |
|
| Anti-inflammatory drugs | Medication that prevents or reduces swelling. |
|
Medicines used to block the action of retroviruses (such as the HIV / AIDS virus) and the progress of infection. See also HAART, HIV and retrovirus. |
|
|
Antispasmodic drugs |
Drugs which relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines, and bladder and womb (uterus). |
| Anus | The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. |
| Assisted birth (instrumental birth / operative vaginal delivery) |
When an obstetrician or midwife uses special instruments to help deliver the baby during the last part of labour when the cervix is fully dilated. |
|
Treatments that enable people to conceive by means other than sexual intercourse. See also: intrauterine insemination, in vitro fertilisation, intracytoplasmic sperm injection, donor insemination. |
|
|
Autoimmune response |
A response that produces antibodies which reacts against the body's own tissues. |
B
|
Bacteria |
Organisms (so small that they are can only be seen through a microscope) that may cause certain kinds of infection. |
|
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) |
A very common vaginal infection which is caused by an imbalance in the types of bacteria in the vagina. It causes discharge and soreness. BV is not sexually transmitted. It does not affect men. |
|
Bias |
Any aspect of the way the clinical study is conducted which may adversely influence the results, independently of the treatments or procedures being studied. |
| Bicornuate uterus (womb) | A uterus resembling a heart-shape (rather than the usual pear-shape). |
|
Biopsy |
A procedure to take a small sample of tissue from some part of the body for examination. |
| Birth asphyxia | When a baby has experienced a reduced level of oxygen around the time of birth. Such babies do not breath normally or cry after birth and may have a low heart rate. |
|
The organ in the pelvis which expands to store urine and contracts to pass it out through the urethra. |
|
|
Your blood group is determined by the presence of chemical markers (known as antigens or proteins), on the surface of your red blood cells. Group A blood has A antigens, Group B blood has B antigens, Group AB blood has both A and B antigens and Group O blood has no antigens on the red blood cells. |
|
|
Body mass index (BMI) |
The measurement used to define the range of healthy weight in relation to height. The BMI is calculated by dividing your weight (in kilograms) by your height (in metres squared - that is, your height in metres multiplied by itself). The healthy range of BMI is between 19 and 25. |
| Brachial plexus injury | Damage to the nerves in baby's neck. |
|
Breech position |
When the baby is lying bottom first in the womb. |
C
| Caesarean delivery | An operation to deliver the baby by cutting through the wall of the abdomen and the uterus. It may be done as a planned (elective) or an emergency procedure. |
| Cancer | The organs and tissues of the body are made up of tiny building blocks called cells. Cancer is a disease of these cells. |
|
See vaginal thrush. |
|
| Cardiotocography (CTG) | A machine which traces the baby's heart rate and the woman's contractions before and during birth to assess the baby's wellbeing. |
|
Catheter |
A small tube that can be passed through a part of the body; for example, through the urethra (to empty the bladder). |
| Cephalhaematoma | A bruise on the newborn's head caused by a suction cup being used to help deliver the baby. |
|
A viral infection (also called (herpes zoster), varicella or varicella-zoster). If a pregnant woman catches chickenpox, it may cause problems for her baby. |
|
| Chignon | A mark or swelling on the baby's head. |
|
A sexually transmitted bacterial infection which can damage a man or woman's reproductive system if it is not diagnosed and treated promptly. Chlamydia is treated with antibiotics. Both partners require treatment. |
|
| Cholesterol | Cholesterol is the name for a group of blood fats. It includes LDL, or low density lipoprotein, which is "bad" cholesterol; HDL, or high density lipoprotein which is "good" cholesterol and triglycerides (TG). A high level of cholesterol in the blood is a major risk factor for heart attack and indirectly increases your risk of stroke. |
| Chocolate cysts | Cysts which form on the ovaries in some women who have endometriosis. |
| Chorioamnioitis | An infection inside the uterus affecting the membranes (called the chorion and amnion) which surround the amniotic fluid. |
| Chromosomal abnormality | When there is a different number or arrangement of chromosomal material from the usual pattern in your cells. |
|
Chromosomes |
The genetic structures within cells which contain our DNA (the material that carries genetic information). A normal cell contains 46 chromosomes. See also gene. |
|
Chronic |
Something that persists or continues for at least six months. |
| Clinical guidelines | Systematically developed statements providing evidence-based research and practice to support health care professionals and patients to make decisions about medical care and treatments. |
|
A small organ under a fold of skin at the top of the vulva. The external part is about the size of a pea. When a woman is sexually aroused it swells with blood and produces feelings of sexual pleasure when stimulated. |
|
| Complementary therapy | Treatments and therapies that are not part of conventional medicine. Examples include acupuncture, homeopathy and herbal medicine. |
| Complete miscarriage | When all the pregnancy tissue has been passed and the uterus is empty. |
|
Complications |
Problems that develop after an operation, treatment or illness. |
|
Conception |
A process which begins with fertilisation of an egg by sperm and ends with successful implantation of the embryo. |
| Condition | A state of being, for example; the state of being healthy or fit, or having a problem, such as a heart problem |
|
Continence |
Having full control of the bladder and/or bowel. See also stress incontinence. |
|
Contraception |
Prevention of pregnancy. |
|
A group of hormones which may be used to suppress the body's immune response or to reduce inflammation. See also steroids. |
|
| Counsellor | A trained professional who helps people to make sense of feelings and issues, so that they can make changes in their lives if they wish to. |
D
|
Dilatation and curettage (D&C) |
A small operation which opens the entrance of the womb (the cervix) in order to remove tissue from the lining of the womb (the endometrium). |
|
A type of surgical abortion using surgical instruments to end the pregnancy. |
|
| Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) | A blood clot that forms in a deep vein. |
| Delayed miscarriage/missed miscarriage/silent miscarriage | The pregnancy has stopped developing but is still inside the uterus. |
|
Delivery |
Birth of a baby and its afterbirth (see placenta). A baby may be delivered through the vagina or by Caesarean section. |
|
Diabetes |
A condition caused by high levels of glucose (a form of sugar) in the blood. The amount of glucose in your blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin. |
| Diagnosis | The process needed to find out or recognise a condition or disease. |
|
A surgical procedure which heats and destroys body tissue or stops bleeding. Also known as electrocoagulation. |
|
| Discharge letter | A letter a hospital doctor writes to a woman's GP (after a consultation) to inform the GP about her treatment. The woman should have a copy of this letter. |
| Disease | An abnormal condition in the body causing harm. |
|
The placing of donor sperm into a woman's vagina, cervix or womb in order to get pregnant. |
|
|
Doppler |
A method for measuring the flow of blood; for example, through the umbilical cord during pregnancy. |
| Dysmenorrhoea | Painful periods. |
| Dyspareunia | Pain during or after sexual intercourse. |
E
|
Ectopic pregnancy |
A pregnancy where a fertilised egg (embryo) implants outside the womb (usually in one of the fallopian tubes). |
| Early miscarriage | When a woman loses her pregnancy in the first three months. |
| Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit | A clinic that specialises in problems in early pregnancy. (under 12 weeks). It is a place where a woman receives medical care, counselling and treatment in early pregnancy. |
| Eclampsia | A serious and life-threatening complication of pre-eclampsia. The main problem associated with eclampsia is fits (seizures/convulsions). |
|
Electrocoagulation |
See diathermy. |
|
A fertilised egg. |
|
| Emergency caesarean delivery | A caesarean delivery is not done as a planned event at the time agreed during the pregnancy. The commonest reasons for an emergency delivery are because labour is not progressing normally or when the baby is unable to cope with labour and becomes distressed. |
|
Endometriosis |
A condition where cells of the lining of the womb (the endometrium) are found elsewhere, usually around the pelvis and near the womb. |
|
Endometritis |
Inflammation of the lining of the womb, causing discomfort or pain. |
|
The lining of the womb (uterus). |
|
| Enzyme | A protein found in cells that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. |
| Epidural | A regional anaesthetic injection given into the space around the nerves in your back to numb the lower body. |
| Episiotomy | A cut made through the vaginal wall and perineum to make more space to deliver the baby. |
| Erb's palsy | Reduction in the movement and feeling of the baby's arm from damage to the nerves in the baby's neck. |
|
Estrogen (previously oestrogen) |
A female sex hormone produced by the ovaries as part of the menstrual cycle. It encourages an egg to mature and stimulates thickening of the lining of the womb in preparation for pregnancy. Levels vary during the menstrual cycle. |
|
Evidence-based medicine |
A way of using reliable, objective, up-to-date evidence about how well different treatments or interventions work and/or how best to diagnose or predict the course of specific conditions. Evidence-based medicine looks at the best available research information in order to help identify the most appropriate option. |
| Extended or frank breech | The baby is bottom first, with the thighs against the chest and feet up by the ears. Most breech babies are in this position. |
| External cephalic version (ECV) | When the obstetrician or midwife applies gentle pressure to the abdomen during pregnancy to help the baby turn a somersault in the uterus to lie head first. |
F
|
The pair of hollow tubular organs that extend from the womb and end in fimbriae near the ovaries. Each month one ovary releases an egg which moves down the fallopian tube into the womb. The fallopian tube is where the egg is fertilised by sperm in the natural conception process. |
|
|
Fecundity |
The state of being fertile. |
|
Female genital mutilation |
The partial or total removal of a woman's external genitals or other injury to her genital organs. It is illegal in the UK and should be discontinued elsewhere. |
|
Fertilisation |
When a sperm penetrates an egg and forms an embryo. Natural fertilisation takes place in a woman's fallopian tubes , but can be achieved outside the body by assisted conception techniques such as IVF. See IVF and ART. |
|
Fertility |
The ability to conceive a baby and, for a woman, to become pregnant. |
| Fertility drugs | Medication to stimulate the ovaries used during treatment for infertility. |
|
When you have not been able to conceive a baby. Fertility problems can affect men and women. |
|
|
An unborn baby. |
|
|
The fern-like ends of the fallopian tubes, nearest the ovaries. |
|
| First degree tear | A small skin-deep tear of the perineum during childbirth which usually heals naturally. |
| Flexed breech position | The baby is bottom first, with the thighs against the chest and the knees bent. |
| Folic acid | A B vitamin necessary to reduce the risk of a baby being born with a neural tube defect (spina bifida). A woman should take folic acid (400 micrograms) 3 months before she conceives and for 12 weeks after she becomes pregnant. |
|
A small sac in the ovary, in which the egg develops. |
|
|
A gonadotrophin hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the development of follicles in a woman's menstrual cycle and regulates sperm and hormone function in men. |
|
| Footling breech | The baby's foot or feet are below the bottom. |
| Forceps delivery | Smooth metal instruments that look like large spoons or tongs to help deliver the baby. |
| Fourth degree tear | A tear during childbirth which extends to the anal canal as well as the rectum (further into the anus). |
G
|
Gamma globulin (IgG) |
A natural substance in the blood that protects against disease and infection. Used as a drug to boost immunity. |
|
Gastroenteritis |
Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually resulting in diarrhoea or vomiting. |
|
Gastrointestinal |
Relating to the stomach and intestine. |
|
The basic biological unit of information through which features or characteristics are passed from parent to child. It determines, among other things, how the body functions and how well it fights infection. |
|
|
Relating to, caused or controlled by genes. |
|
|
Genetic counselling |
Information and discussion with a qualified specialist to help you decide what to do if you, your partner or a close relative is found to carry an inheritable disease. |
|
Genitals |
The sexual organs: in a woman, the vagina and vulva and in a man, the penis and testicles. |
|
An infection caused by the virus Herpes simplex (the virus that also causes cold sores). It is passed from one person to another by skin-to-skin contact. See also herpes. |
|
|
Gestation |
The period between conception and birth, when the fetus grows and develops inside the mother's womb. |
|
Gestational age |
The age of the baby in the womb, measured in weeks from the first day of the woman's last menstrual period. A normal pregnancy lasts between 37 and 41 completed weeks, so a baby's gestation is usually around 40 weeks. |
|
Gestational diabetes |
A form of diabetes triggered during pregnancy. |
|
Gonadotrophin-releasing hormone agonist |
A synthetic hormone-like drug which suppresses ovulation. |
|
Hormones, produced by the pituitary gland and other organs, that stimulate ovulation in women and the production of sperm in men. See also follicle stimulating hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin and luteinising hormone. |
|
| Graduated elastic compression stocking | An elasticated stocking which helps reduce swelling from a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and is worn on the affected leg. |
|
Group B streptococcus (GBS) |
A bacterium that can cause a serious infection in a baby. It can be present on healthy skin. Often causes no infection in the mother, it can cause infection (cystitis), womb infection (endometritis) and infection in the skin (cellulites). |
|
Guideline |
Recommendations for good medical practice that exist to help patients and their healthcare teams make shared decisions about care. Guidelines (such as those produced by the RCOG) are developed by teams of healthcare professionals, patients and scientists who look at the best research evidence available about care or treatment for a particular condition. |
|
Gynaecologist |
A doctor who specialises in women's health care. |
H
|
Short for highly active antiretroviral therapy, a combination of three or more types of antiretroviral drugs. Used to treat people with HIV, it works by blocking the action of the virus and the progress of the infection. |
|
| Haematologist | A medically qualified doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the blood. |
| Haemolysis | Breaking down of red blood cells in the body. |
|
Haemorrhage |
Bleed very heavily.
|
| HELLP syndrome | A combined liver and blood clotting disorder which is a complication of pre-eclampsia. |
| Heparin | A type of anti-coagulant medication that is given by injection. |
|
A family of viruses which cause a range of infections including chickenpox (Herpes zoster, or varicella), cold sores and genital herpes (Herpes simplex). |
|
| High Dependency Unit | A ward or area in a hospital to provide care for people who need intensive observation or treatment. |
| Hormone treatment | Hormones are produced naturally in the body. They control the activity of normal cells. Hormones can be given as treatment for disease or to replace hormones no longer produced by the body. |
|
Naturally occurring substances, made by specialised cells in the body, which affect the metabolism and other body functions. They can also be used as drug treatment. Naturally occurring hormones include: follicle stimulating hormone, gonadotrophins, human chorionic gonadotrophin, luteinising hormone, oestrogen, progesterone, prostaglandin. Synthetic hormones include some corticosteroids, progestogen. |
|
|
A hormone, made by the placenta, which shows up in a woman's blood or urine if she is pregnant. May be used as part of assisted conception to help eggs to mature and to help an embryo attach to the womb. |
|
|
HIV is short for human immunodeficiency virus. It is a viral infection which attacks the body's immune system, making it hard to fight off other infections. HIV is passed through contact with body fluids (blood, semen, breast milk). |
|
|
Hyperprolac-tinaemia |
A disorder of the pituitary gland which produces higher levels than usual of the hormone prolactin. It can cause irregular periods and fertility problems. |
| Hypertension | Raised blood pressure. |
| Hypotension | Low blood pressure. |
|
Hypothalamus |
A small structure at the base of the brain which regulates functions such as body temperature and appetite. |
|
Hysterectomy |
An operation to remove the cervix and womb, carried out through a cut on the abdomen (abdominal hysterectomy) or the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy) . The ovaries can be removed at the same time, if necessary. |
|
Hysterosalpingo-contrast-sonography |
An ultrasound test of the fallopian tubes or the womb, using fluid injected through the cervix (the entrance of the womb). |
|
Hysterosalpin-gogram (HSG) |
An x-ray of the fallopian tubes or the womb, using fluid injected through the cervix (the entrance of the womb). |
|
Hysteroscopy |
A procedure to examine the womb through a small telescopic microscope (called a hysteroscope) which is passed through the vagina and cervix. |
I
|
The system in the body that defends against infection, disease and outside substances. |
|
|
Immunity |
Protection against infectious diseases through the action of the immune system. You can become immune to a disease through previous infection or by being vaccinated against it. |
|
Immunotherapy |
Treatment to prevent or change the response of the immune system. |
|
Implantation |
The process through which an embryo attaches to the lining of the womb. |
|
A technique by which eggs are collected from a woman and fertilised with a man's sperm outside the body. Usually one or two resulting embryos are then transferred to the womb. If one or more of them implants successfully in the womb it results in a pregnancy. |
|
| Incomplete miscarriage | A miscarriage has started, but there is still some pregnancy tissue left inside the uterus. |
|
Incontinence |
When an individual does not have full control over the bladder and/or bowel. Problems with incontinence can range from slight to severe. See also stress incontinence. |
| Induction of labour | When labour is started artificially. |
|
Infectious |
Infectious conditions are those which can be passed from person to person by micro-organisms such as viruses or bacteria. |
| Infertility | When a couple fail to conceive after having regular (defined as two to three times a week) sexual intercourse for more than a year. |
| Informed decision/choice | The provision of objective and up to date evidence-based information to enable a person to provide valid consent to a treatment or procedure. |
|
Infusion |
A method of delivering a drug or fluid into the bloodstream through a needle, at a steady rate over a period of time. |
| Intensive Care Unit | A specialist unit within a hospital that provides intensive care medicine. |
|
Interstitial cystitis |
Inflammation of the bladder wall. |
|
A form of assisted conception in which a single sperm is injected into an egg. |
|
| Intrapartum | During birth. |
|
Intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) |
A small contraceptive device that is fitted into the womb. Made of plastic and copper, it has one or two soft threads at the end which hang through the cervix into the top of the vagina. |
|
A form of assisted conception which places sperm into a woman's womb through the cervix. |
|
|
Intrauterine system (IUS) |
A small T-shaped contraceptive device that is fitted into the womb. Made of plastic, it slowly releases the hormone progestogen. |
| Intravenous drip (IV drip) | A drip to replace the fluids to the body. The fluid helps the body to be hydrated and may contain sugar and carbohydrates (for energy), minerals and chemical elements (for regulating and maintaining the organs in your body). |
|
Invasive |
Used to describe a procedure which involves entry into the body (through a cut, for example, or by inserting an instrument). |
| Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | A chronic disorder featuring abdominal pain, bloating and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhoea, which are due to an over-stimulated or over-active bowel. |
K
|
Karyotype |
A record of the complete set of your chromosomes. |
|
Karyotyping |
A procedure to produce a karyotype using a blood or tissue sample. It is used to check for abnormalities in the number, form or structure of the chromosomes. These abnormalities may cause disease or dysfunction. |
| Kidney | Human beings have two kidneys. They are responsible for maintaining the balance of body fluids by filtering and secreting metabolites and minerals from the blood and excreting them as urine. |
| Klumpe's paralysis | Reduction in the movement and weakness in the baby's arm from damage to nerves in the baby's neck. |
L
|
Laparoscopic ovarian drilling/ |
A treatment used to regulate irregular periods in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. A surgical procedure where the surgeon makes small cuts in the abdomen to reach a woman's ovaries, and then applies an electrical current (a process known as diathermy) to heat and destroy a tiny part of the ovaries. |
| Labour | The stages of childbirth. Labour is divided into three stages; first, second and third. |
|
A procedure in which a surgeon uses a small telescopic microscope (called a laparoscope) to look at or operate on part of the abdomen or pelvis. |
|
|
Laparotomy |
A surgical procedure through an opening (which is larger than that used for laparoscopy) into the abdomen. |
| Laxatives | Medication to open bowels. |
| Libido | Sexual desire. |
|
A gonadotrophin hormone produced by the pituitary gland. It is released as part of the menstrual cycle and helps to stimulate ovulation. |
M
|
A low lying placenta covering the entrance to the womb (cervix) entirely. See also placenta praevia. |
|
|
A way of ending a pregnancy by using medicines. See also abortion and surgical abortion. |
|
| Meningitis | Inflammation in the brain caused by a virus or bacteria. |
|
Menopause |
The time when a woman's periods cease, usually around 50 years of age. See also menstrual cycle. |
|
The process by which an egg develops each month and the lining of the womb is prepared for possible pregnancy. If the egg is not fertilised, it is reabsorbed back into the body and the lining of the womb (the endometrium) is shed (this is what is known as a period or menstruation) and the cycle begins again. The cycle is controlled by hormones. On average a cycle lasts 28 days. Some women have shorter cycles, some have longer ones. |
|
|
Meta-analysis |
A method of analysis which provides a statistical summary of the results of a number of studies in order to investigate a common underlying process. |
|
Miscarriage |
Loss of a pregnancy before 23 completed weeks. |
|
Midtrimester |
The middle stage of pregnancy, between 13 and 26 weeks. |
| Molar pregnancy | A rare condition in pregnancy in which the placenta does not form or function normally inside the uterus. |
|
Multiple pregnancy |
When a woman is pregnant with more than one baby at a time eg twins, triplets. |
|
Musculoskeletal |
The supporting structures of the body, made up of bones, ligaments, joints and muscles. |
N
| Neonatalologist | A doctor who specialises in caring for newborn babies. |
O
|
Obstetrician |
A doctor who specialises in the care of pregnant women. |
| Oedema | Swelling in any part of the body predominantly due to 'leaked' fluids. |
|
A female sex hormone produced by the ovaries as part of the menstrual cycle. It encourages an egg to mature and stimulates thickening of the lining of the womb in preparation for pregnancy. Levels vary during the menstrual cycle. |
|
| Oligohydramnios | Too little fluid (amniotic fluid) surrounding the baby in the uterus. |
| Oocyte donation | Eggs donated by another woman for a pregnancy. |
| Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) | A potentially serious complication of fertility treatment, particularly of in vitro fertility (IVF) treatment. The symptoms are abdominal swelling or bloating due to enlarged ovaries, nausea and as the condition gets worse vomiting. |
|
A pair of organs (each about the size of an almond) in a woman's pelvis. They produce follicles from which eggs develop. |
|
|
The process by which the ovaries produce and release an egg each month. Ovulation usually takes place around 10-16 days before a period. |
|
|
Oxytocics |
Drugs that stimulate the womb to contract. |
P
|
Peer review |
An assessment of the content and quality of a report or body of research by a group of individuals who possess a range of expertise in a particular field. |
| Paediatrician | A doctor who specialises in the care of infants, children and adolescents. |
|
Pelvic |
Of the pelvis. |
|
Pelvic congestion |
Swollen pelvic veins. |
|
Pelvic examination |
A check to feel the size and position of the womb and other reproductive organs to exclude any abnormality or problem. |
|
Pelvic floor muscles |
Layers of muscle which support the bladder and other organs in the pelvis. |
|
Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) |
An infection in the womb, fallopian tubes and/or pelvis caused by infections such as chlamydia and gonorrhoea . It can cause scarring or blockage of the fallopian tubes and fertility problems. |
|
Pelvic pain |
Pain in the lower abdomen or pelvis. |
|
The area within the bony structure that includes the hip bones, in the lower part of the abdomen. |
|
|
Perineum |
The area of skin between the vagina and the anus. |
|
A bleed from the vagina between every 3 to 5 weeks which forms part of the menstrual cycle. (see menstrual cycle). |
|
| Peritoneum | The tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers most of the organs in the abdomen. |
| Pessaries | A medication or device which is placed in the vagina. |
|
Physiotherapy |
Special exercises and physical activities to improve body function. |
|
Pituitary gland |
A gland in the brain that produces hormones. |
|
An organ which develops from the embryo in the womb during pregnancy. It links the baby with the mother's system and provides it with nourishment. It is delivered after the baby, when it is also known as the afterbirth. |
|
|
When the placenta lies low in the womb in the second half of pregnancy and is abnormally adherent to the womb. |
|
|
Placenta praevia |
A condition in pregnancy where the placenta is too low in the womb and covers all or part of the entrance (the cervix). In most women, the placenta usually moves out of the way, as the womb stretches around the growing baby, and does not cause a problem. |
| Platelets | Specialised cells necessary for blood clotting. |
|
Polycystic ovaries |
Ovaries which have at least twice as many developing follicles as normal ovaries in the early part of the menstrual cycle. |
|
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) |
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition which can affect a woman’s menstrual cycle, fertility, hormones and aspects of her appearance. It can also affect long-term health. A diagnosis is usually made when a woman has any two of the following:
|
| Polyhydramnios | Too much fluid (amniotic fluid) surrounding the baby in the uterus. |
| Postnatal | After birth. |
|
Postpartum |
After childbirth. |
| Postpartum haemorrhage | Heavy blood loss after the delivery of the baby. |
| Pre-eclampsia (also known as toxaemia) | A condition that occurs in pregnancy, usually associated with high blood pressure and protein in the urine. |
| Pregnancy test | A test on a sample of urine or blood to confirm whether a woman is pregnant. A positive result is when a woman is pregnant. The test works by detecting the presence of a certain pregnancy hormone known as human chorionic gonadotrophin (hGC). |
|
Preterm labour |
Labour that happens more than two weeks before the baby is due to be born. Usually only a serious problem if it happens before 33 completed weeks of pregnancy. |
| Preterm premature rupture of membranes | When a pregnant woman's waters break before 37 weeks of pregnancy. |
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A hormone produced as a result of ovulation. It prepares the lining of the womb to enable a fertilised egg to implant there. |
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A synthetic hormone, similar to progesterone. It thickens the mucus around the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to get into the womb or for a fertilised egg to implant in the womb. |
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Prolactin |
A hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, which enables a woman to produce breast milk. |
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Prolapse |
A hernia where the bladder, womb or bowel pushes through the wall of the vagina. |
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A hormone that stimulates the contraction of the womb during labour. Synthetic prostaglandins can be used to induce labour or in medical abortion to end a pregnancy. |
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| Proteinuria | Protein in the urine. |
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Pubic, pubis |
The area around the bone at the front of the pelvis. |
| Pudendal block | A local anaesthetic injection inside the vagina. |
| Pulmonary embolus | Part of a blood clot (DVT) which breaks off and travels in the blood stream and becomes stuck in the lung. |
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Randomised controlled trial (RCT) |
A study which tests the effectiveness and safety of healthcare interventions (that is, treatments or procedures) as fairly and objectively as possible. RCTs ensure that, as far as possible, the results of tests or trials are not due to bias. To do this, participants are randomly assigned to one of two, or more, treatment groups. In other words, it is a matter of chance which treatment group a participant is in. |
| Rectum | The part of the large intestine which stores solid waste until it leaves the body through the anus. |
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Recurrent miscarriage |
When a woman loses three or more pregnancies before 23 completed weeks. |
| Reproductive organs | Organs in the male and female body designed to help reproduction. |
| Reproductive years | The time from the onset of menstrual periods (menarche) in women to the menopause, when periods stop. |
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A type of virus. HIV is a retrovirus. See also HAART and antiretroviral therapy. |
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A protein found on the red blood cells of 85 out of every 100 people in the UK. These people are known as RhD positive. If you have no rhesus factor in the blood, you are what is known as RhD negative. See also blood group. |
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| Risk | The chance that an activity or hazard will give rise to harm. Risk is generally given in terms of numerical odds (1 in 10) or percentages (10%). |
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The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists - the professional body which oversees medical education, training and examination of obstetricians and gynaecologists in the UK. It produces guidelines for healthcare professionals on treatment and care in this area. |
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Rupture of membranes |
The medical term for the breaking of waters in pregnancy. |
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Screening |
A test or set of tests to check for a condition in a person who shows no symptoms, but who may be at risk (perhaps because of their age or sexual behaviour, for example). |
| Sanitary pad | A disposable pad of absorbent material worn by women during menstruation to collect the blood. |
| Scientific evidence | Evidence obtained in a systematic way (by scientific method) to confirm or refute a particular scientific theory or hypothesis. There are different levels of scientific evidence and as new evidence becomes available, current knowledge may be challenged resulting in a new understanding of the facts. |
| Second degree tear | A tear during childbirth which affects the muscle of the perineum as well as the skin, usually requiring stitches. |
| Second stage of labour | The period when the cervix is fully dilated to birth. |
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Semen |
The fluid that contains sperm. |
| Severe pre-eclampsia | When pre-eclampsia has progressed and treatment is required or the baby needs to be delivered. |
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Sexually transmitted infection (STI) |
An infection that is passed on through the close physical contact during sex. With some STIs you have no symptoms, so it is important to be tested if you think you have been at risk. See also chlamydia, genital herpes and HIV. |
| Shoulder dystocia | A situation during birth when the baby's head has been born but one of the shoulder's becomes stuck behind the mother's pelvic bone, preventing the birth of the baby's body. |
| Special Care Baby Unit | A specialist unit in a hospital to care for premature babies. |
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A plastic or metal instrument used to separate the walls of the vagina to show or reach the cervix. |
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The male reproductive cell which fertilises a woman's eggs. Men usually have millions of sperm in their semen. |
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| Spina bifida | A condition which affects the unborn baby in the early stages of pregnancy. Spina bifida causes damage to the spinal cord and nerves. |
| Spontaneous vaginal birth | The birth of a baby through the vaginal canal without assistance. |
| Sporadic | A 'one-off' event. |
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A term for methods of permanent contraception for women (see tubal occlusion) and men (see vasectomy). |
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A group of natural or synthetic hormones. See also corticosteroids. |
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Stillbirth |
When a baby is born dead after the 23 rd completed week of pregnancy. |
| Stool (or faeces) | The waste matter discharged in a bowel movement. |
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A condition which means you leak urine during normal everyday activities (for instance if you cough, sneeze, laugh, exercise or change position). Usually happens because the muscles that support the bladder are too weak. |
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A type of abortion using suction instruments or D&E to remove a pregnancy. See also abortion and medical abortion. |
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| Sutures | Stitches. |
| Symptom | A specific medical sign of a condition, illness or disease. |
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Syndrome |
A collection of different signs and symptoms that are all part of the same underlying medical condition. |
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Systematic review |
A review of evidence from a number of studies on a particular topic or question. The review uses standardised and predefined methods to find all relevant studies, analyse the results and assessing the conclusions. |
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Thrombophilia |
A blood clotting abnormality which tends to run in families, whereby the blood is more likely to clot than usual. |
| Tachycardia | A rapid heart beat, usually defined as greater than 100 beats. |
| Tampon | A tube of absorbent material, such as cotton, that fits into the vagina to absorb the menstrual blood. |
| Temperature | The degree of hotness or coldness of a body or an environment. |
| Term | Between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. |
| Third degree tear | The tear during childbirth which extends downwards from the vaginal wall and perineum to the anal sphincter , the muscle that controls the anus. |
| Threatened miscarriage | Bleeding or cramping in a continuing pregnancy. |
| Thrombosis | A blood clot in a blood vessel. |
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Thrush |
See vaginal thrush. |
| To open bowels | To go to the toilet to pass solid waste. |
| Tocolysis | Treatments used to delay pr prevent labour. |
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See pre-eclampsia. |
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Transabdominal scan |
A scan. The scan probe is moved across the abdomen. |
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Transvaginal scan |
An ultrasound scan where the probe is placed inside the vagina. |
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Transverse position |
When the baby is lying across the womb. |
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A three-month period of time. Pregnancy is divided into three trimesters: First trimester – up to around 13 weeks Second trimester – to around 13 to 26 weeks Third trimester – around 27 to 40 weeks. |
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A permanent method of contraception for women through an operation which blocks, seals or cuts the fallopian tubes. Also known as sterilisation. |
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Ultrasound |
High frequency sound waves used to provide images of the body, tissues and internal organs. |
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Umbilical cord (umbilicus) |
The cord that connects a mother's blood system with a baby's (through its navel) and is cut after the birth. |
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The tube through which urine empties out of the bladder. |
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| Urine | Excreted fluids containing waste products of the body. |
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Urodynamics |
Tests to assess how the bladder is working. |
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Uterus (also known as womb) |
The organ where a baby develops during pregnancy. Made of muscle, it is hollow, stretchy and about the size and shape of an upside-down pear. It sits between the bladder and the rectum in a woman's pelvis. |
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| Vaginal bleeding during pregnancy | Vaginal bleeding in pregnancy is bleeding coming through the vagina during pregnancy, for any reason. |
| Vaginal discharge | Any vaginal secretion apart from menstrual bleeding. |
| Normal vaginal discharge | a clear or whitish fluid that comes from the vagina or cervix. |
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Abnormal vaginal discharge |
abnormal smelling, yellow or green discharge. This should be assessed by a doctor. |
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Vaginal examination - Internal |
A check to feel the size, position of the vagina and cervix to exclude any abnormality or problem. This may be carried out by use a speculum. |
| Vaginal swab | A vaginal swab looks like a cotton bud, but it is smaller and rounder. Some have a small plastic loop at the end instead of a cotton tip. It is wiped over the vagina to pick of samples of fluid to check for infection. |
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An infection caused by a yeast known as Candida albicans. Symptoms include redness and itching around the genital area and unusual vaginal discharge. |
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Varicella |
The medical name for chickenpox. See chickenpox. |
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The tube which carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. |
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A permanent method of contraception for men. It blocks, seals or cuts the tube (the vas deferens) which carries sperm from the testicles to the penis. Also known as sterilisation. |
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| Vein | A blood vessel that takes blood towards the heart. |
| Venous thrombosis | A blood clot that forms in a vein. |
| Ventouse delivery | An instrument (ventouse) that uses suction to attach a soft or hard plastic or metal cup on the baby's head to help deliver the baby. |
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Virus |
A micro-organism which invades living cells in order to grow or reproduce. Viruses cause many infections, from the common cold, chickenpox and measles to HIV. |
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The area surrounding the opening of the vagina. It includes the inner and outer vaginal lips (the labia) and the clitoris. |
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Weak cervix |
When the cervix (the neck of the womb) opens too early in pregnancy, in the second trimester, and without contractions. Used to be known as ‘incompetent cervix'. |
| White cell | Known as leucocytes they are the cells in the lymphatic and blood systems of the body. The are designed to fight infection. They are part of the body's immune system. |
| White cell count | A count to measure the number of white blood cells. |
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see uterus. |