P Terms

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Perinatologist
An obstetrician who has subspecialized in the care of pregnant women and unborn babies. If you have a complicated pregnancy or one at high risk ... Read More
Period
See menstruation.
Periodic Breathing
Irregular breathing pattern marked by pauses for as long as 10 to 20 seconds. This is common in premature and full-term babies and does not ... Read More
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Within our brains are two small fluid-filled areas called ventricles. Cerebrospinal fluid is manufactured within these ventricles. Just ... Read More
Persistent fetal circulation
The circulation of blood in the fetus is somewhat different from that of the baby after birth. This transition from fetal to neonatal ... Read More
Pertussis
Highly contagious infection of the respiratory tract and lungs caused by Bordetella pertussis. Pertussis produces a cough that is ... Read More
Phenylketonuria (PKU)
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a genetic disorder in which the body can't process part of a protein called phenylalanine (Phe). Phe is in almost all ... Read More
Phimosis
Narrowness of the opening of the prepuce, or foreskin, preventing its being drawn back over the glans (the "head" of the penis). The term can be ... Read More
Phototherapy
Treatment of infants with bright lights to lower the blood bilirubin level and decrease jaundice. Phototherapy works by chemically ... Read More
Phthalates
Phthalates are oily, colorless, odorless liquids that do not evaporate readily. Made from alcohols and phthalic anhydride, phthalates are ... Read More
Pica
Pica is the name for a disorder where people, often children or pregnant women, are compelled to eat non-food substances. Clay, dirt, ice, ... Read More
Pincer grasp
The ability to pick up an object between one's thumb and forefinger. This is a developmental milestone that occurs typically in the latter ... Read More
Pitocin®
Synthetic formulation of a hormone, oxytocin, that stimulates uterine contractions and is used to induce labor or delivery. Pitocin® is a ... Read More
Pituitary gland
A hormone producing gland at the base of the skull. It produces hormones that regulate many aspects of body function. One of the areas that it ... Read More
Placenta
Organ within the uterus that provides communication between mother and fetus through the umbilical cord. The placenta enables oxygen and ... Read More
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