P Terms

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Post-coital test (PCT)
A test to evaluate the interaction of the sperm and the cervical mucus.
Postnatal care
Care given to a mother after she has given birth. Usually this refers to the care given before she is released from the hospital, but can extend ... Read More
Postpartum depression
Depression that occurs after delivery.
Preeclampsia
One of the most common causes of premature delivery and decreased intrauterine growth of the fetus, preeclampsia is a condition of ... Read More
Pregnancy-Associated Plasma Protein A (PAPPA)
A large, zinc-binding protein that acts as an enzyme, specifically a metallopeptidase (the gene for PAPPA is in chromosome band 9q33.1). ... Read More
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension (PIH)
High blood pressure brought on by pregnancy, especially in the last three months. See pre-eclampsia.
Premature infant
Baby born three or more weeks before the due date. The length of a pregnancy is measured by gestational age. Gestational age equals the amount ... Read More
Premature labor
Onset of labor before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Tocolytic agents (medications used to inhibit labor) are widely used today to treat ... Read More
Premature Rupture of the Membranes
Rupture of the amniotic sac before labor begins. Bursting of the amniotic sac causes a woman to lose her amniotic fluid (bag of water). Labor ... Read More
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a condition marked by severe depression, irritability, and tension before menstruation. These ... Read More
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
PMS is defined by a group of symptoms that occur one or two weeks before getting a period. Most women have at least some symptoms of PMS, and the ... Read More
Prenatal care
Care given to a woman during pregnancy to help ensure the best possible outcome for both mother and baby. Prenatal care should begin as soon as ... Read More
Prenatal tests
Tests done before birth to monitor the pregnancy and health of the fetus. Examples are ultrasonography, amniocentisis, and routine blood ... Read More
Prepuce
Also known as the foreskin, it is the free fold of skin that almost completely covers the glans penis. As an infant grows, the prepuce is ... Read More
Preterm labor
Onset of labor before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Tocolytic agents (medications used to inhibit labor) are widely used today to treat ... Read More
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