S Terms

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Solids
Refers to solid foods. Most babies can start on solid foods at about 4-6 months regardless of whether they are bottle or breastfed. Introduce ... Read More
Sonogram
Another name for an ultrasound examination. See ultrasound
Speculum
The instrument inserted in the vagina which allows the cervix to be seen
Sperm
The common term for a spermatozoon, the mature male reproductive cell or gamete, produced in the testicles. Sperm are relased through ... Read More
Sperm count
A measure of the number of sperm in a sample of ejaculate. Usually given as a number per millimeter, it is also sometimes referred to as sperm ... Read More
Sperm function tests
Sperm function tests include a number of laboratory procedures to assess the health, speed, and stamina of a man's sperm. Some of the specific ... Read More
Spina bifida
Developmental abnormality characterized by a defect in the bones and other tissue surrounding the spinal cord. As a consequence, the nerves ... Read More
Spinal tap
A spinal tap, often called a lumbar puncture (LP), is a procedure in which a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, ... Read More
Spontaneous Abortion (SAB)
See miscarriage.
Stable
Not varying beyond acceptable limits. Stable is a somewhat vague term whose meaning varies from one doctor or nurse to another. It usually ... Read More
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus is group of bacteria, more commonly known as Staph. It can cause many diseases and can infect various tissues of the body. ... Read More
STD
See sexually transmitted disease.
Step-down unit
Patients go to this unit to continue their recovery after they are no longer acutely ill. There are other names for a step-down unit: level II ... Read More
Stepping reflex
A reflexive movement of the leg seen in newborn infants. This lasts until about two months of age. It can be demonstrated by holding the baby in ... Read More
Stillbirth (fetal death)
Death of a fetus while it is still in the uterus after the 20th week of pregnany. When this fetus is born, it has no signs of life (breathing, heart ... Read More
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