E Terms

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Epidural
The epidural is situated over the dura matter. The dura is a tough, fibrous, whitish membrane; the outermost of the 3 membranes covering the ... Read More
Epidural block
An anesthetic technique that reduces pain during childbirth without altering the mother's level of consciousness. This type of regional ... Read More
Episiotomy
A minor surgical procedure which widens the birth canal by cutting the introitus (vaginal opening). Episiotomy is performed to prevent the ... Read More
Erectile dysfunction (ED)
The chronic inability to achieve or maintain an erection before or during sexual intercourse. Also known as impotence.
Ergotamine
An alkaloid medication that has in the past been used to treat migraine headaches. It is contraindicated during breastfeeding since it can ... Read More
Erythrocyte
Red blood cell. The hemoglobin-containing and oxygen carrying cells of the blood.
Esophageal atresia
Developmental obstruction in the esophagus. Sometimes the esophagus does not run all the way from the back of the throat to the stomach. ... Read More
Estradiol
The principle estrogen produced by the cells surrounding the egg within the ovary.
Estrogen
A very important hormone produced by the ovary. Estrogen regulates changes in the uterine wall, breasts, and other tissues. It is a key ... Read More
Exchange Transfusion
Replacing the baby’s blood with blood from a blood bank. This special transfusion takes a small amount of the baby's blood out and replaces it ... Read More
Expectorant
Promoting secretion from the mucous membrane of the air passages or facilitating its expulsion (as in "expectorant qualities"). An ... Read More
Expressive Language
In young children, expressive language is used to describe how they communicate verbally. A child’s ability to communicate often exceeds ... Read More
External cephalic version
Turning the baby so that the head is pointed down toward the pelvic inlet. In most pregnancies, babies orient themselves with the head down ... Read More
External Fetal Monitoring (EFM)
External Fetal Monitoring (EFM) is a non-invasive test performed on occasion during pregnancy. If you are given an EFM, you'll sit in a ... Read More
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
A technologically complicated and somewhat risky procedure performed on patients with extremely serious respiratory problems. ... Read More
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