F Terms

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Fetal presentation
The part of the fetus that enters the birth canal first. When the head enters the birth canal it is called a vertex presentation. When the ... Read More
Fetoscopy
Use of a special, fiber optic, tubular telescope to look at the fetus while it is still in the mother's uterus. Use of this scope requires a tiny ... Read More
Fetus
The name given to the embryo after the 8th week. Technically this name should be used until the baby is completely outside of the mother's body. ... Read More
Fibroid
A benign muscle growth within the uterus.
Fifth Disease
Fifth disease (also known as erythema infectiosum) is caused by a virus called parvovirus B19. (In the pre-vaccination era, "fifth disease" ... Read More
Fimbria
The finger-like projections on the end of the fallopian tube responsible for egg pick-up
Fine motor
Refers to development of a child's physical abilities relating to small muscles (hands, fingers, thumbs, toes, etc.). Fine motor ... Read More
Floppy infant syndrome
Hypotonia in an infant. Passive resistance to movement of the extremities is called tone. Normally infants give only a moderate amount of ... Read More
Folic acid
A vitamin critical to the normal development of the fetus. Inadequate folic acid intake can lead to neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina ... Read More
Follicle
The fluid-filled sac in which the egg develops.
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
In women, this pituitary hormone, also called folitropin, stimulates follicle growth in the ovaries and helps mature the follicle and ... Read More
Follicular
The part of the menstrual cycle from the time of the onset of menses phase until egg release (ovulation).
Follow-up Clinic
Outpatient clinic operated for the specific purpose of evaluating babies' progress afterpremature delivery and NICU care. Some of these ... Read More
Fontanelle
Soft spots found between the cranial bones of the newborn’s skull. There are two fontanelles that are usually examined in the newborn period, ... Read More
Footling presentation
Presentation with the feet entering the birth canal ahead of any other part of the body. This may occur with two feet (double footling) or a ... Read More
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