M Terms

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Molding
The creation of shape, or fashioning of an object. Usually refers to the newborn's head that is molded by passage through the birth canal ... Read More
Mongolian Spot
Large, flat area on the back, buttocks, and less commonly the legs or shoulders, that contains extra pigment and looks similar to a bruise. ... Read More
Monitor
Machine that displays and often records the heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen saturation of the infant. An alarm ... Read More
Montgomery's Tubercle
One of the sebaceous glands on the areolae of the breast that lubricates the breast during breastfeeding.
Morning sickness
Nausea and vomiting associated with pregnancy and occurring most often in the morning. About half of pregnant women experience morning ... Read More
Moro reflex
A newborn reflex. This reflex begins by extention of the baby's arms, fingers, and legs while arching their back and throwing their head back, ... Read More
Motility
The power to move spontaneously. In reference to sperm, it indicates they are not just present and even alive, but able to swim. ... Read More
MRI
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet and radio waves to look at organs and structures inside the body. Healthcare ... Read More
Mucus Plug
A plug of mucus that fills the cervical canal during pregnancy.
Multigravida
The name given to a woman who is pregnant for the third or more time.
Multipara
The name given to a woman who has had two or more pregnancies ending in birth regardless if the babies were alive at birth. ... Read More
Multiple birth
Delivery of more than one infant (twins, triplets, etc.).
Multiple gestation
Pregnancy with two or more fetuses.
Mumps
This common viral infection causes fever, headache, and swollen glands under the neck. For many it is a mild infection, but for others, ... Read More
Muscular dystrophy (MD)
MD is a group of inherited muscle diseases in which muscle fibers become susceptible to damage and weaken. In its late stages, fat and ... Read More
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