A Terms

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Albumin
Albumin—A protein found in the fluid part of the blood. It is a component of plasma given to the infant to help maintain blood volume and ... Read More
Allopathic
Medicine practiced by those with a doctor of medicine degree, sometimes called Western or traditional medicine. Allopathic medical care is ... Read More
Alopecia
Hair loss. It is normal for infants to lose hair in the first 4 to 6 months of life, or not to have much in the first year at all! A bald patch along the ... Read More
Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)
This is a plasma protein normally produced by the fetus' liver. AFP eventually finds its way into the mother's blood and the amniotic fluid. ... Read More
Amenorrhea
The absence of menstruation. Primary amenorrhea is the absence of the onset of the first menses in an adolescent, with or without pubertal ... Read More
Aminophylline
Medication used to treat apnea and bradycardia spells. It affects the breathing center of the brain. It may also increase the muscle activity ... Read More
Amniocentesis
Amniocentesis—Sometimes called an "amnio", is usually given to mothers between 15--20 weeks to women 35+, or to those with a family history ... Read More
Amnion
The thin, transparent inner membrane that, along with the chorion constitute the amniotic membranes. These membranes contain the amniotic ... Read More
Amniotic Fluid
Amniotic fluid—Fluid inside the membrane that forms a sac around the embryo and later the fetus. The fetus and the placenta produce the ... Read More
Amniotic Sac
See Bag of Waters.
Amniotomy
Amniotomy—Intentional rupturing of the amniotic sac to hasten or induce labor. This procedure is also done to check for meconium or to allow ... Read More
Ampulla
The portion of the fallopian tube between the isthmus and the fimbria.
Analgesic
Refers to any medication that relieves pain while allowing the patient to remain conscious and still able to feel.
Androgens
Steroid-derived hormones, found in higher concentrations in the male than the female that regulate male sexual secondary characteristics ... Read More
Anemia
Condition in which the number (concentration) of red blood cells in the blood is abnormally low. Red blood cells contain the iron-rich ... Read More
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