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BABY MIRACLES, INC.
Office
2173 Salk Avenue, Suite 250
Carlsbad, CA 92008-7383
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 2772
San Marcos, CA 92079
Phone
(760) 743.0601
Facsimile
(760) 743.0695
E-mail
Surrogacy:
Egg Donation:
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The following terminology relates to infertility, pregnancy and childbirth.
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Abandoned cycle
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An IVF cycle cancelled after drug administration has begun and before egg collection.
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Abruptio placenta
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The premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterus. Severity of this condition varies. Symptoms of placental abruption include bleeding, cramping, and abdominal/uterine tenderness.
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AI
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Artificial Insemination.
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Amenorrhoea
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Absence of menstrual cycles for six months or longer.
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Amniocentesis
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A procedure that is usually carried out at approximately 15-16 weeks of pregnancy. It involves aspirating a small amount of amniotic fluid (fluid that surrounds the baby in the womb). This fluid contains cells from the baby that can be tested to analyze the baby's chromosomes. The procedure is usually performed under ultrasound scan using a fine needle. The risk of causing miscarriage by this procedure is between 0.5 - 1%. The results often take two to three weeks.
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Amniotic fluid
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A colorless liquid that surrounds and cushions the fetus in its mother's womb, protecting the baby from outside pressure and providing a clean environment for growth.
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Amniotic sac
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Also called the "bag of waters" or "membranes," the amniotic sac the membrane surrounding the baby, and is otherwise filled with amniotic fluid.
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Analgesia
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One of various medications that alleviates pain, but does not offer a total loss of sensation. (See also Analgesia)
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Androgens
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Male sex hormones that are present in both men and women but in different quantities and producing different effects.
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Andrologist
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A specialist in male infertility.
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Anemia
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Low blood iron; hemoglobin level of less than 10.0 g/dL during pregnancy or a hematocrit of less than 30 percent during pregnancy.
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Anencephaly
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Anencephaly is a neural tube defect: a disorder involving incomplete development of the brain, spinal cord, and/or their protective coverings. The neural tube is a narrow sheath that folds and closes between the 3rd and 4th weeks of pregnancy to form the brain and spinal cord of the embryo. Anencephaly occurs when the "cephalic" or head end of the neural tube fails to close, resulting in the absence of a major portion of the brain, skull, and scalp. Infants with this disorder are born without both a forebrain (the front part of the brain) and a cerebrum (the thinking and coordinating area of the brain). The remaining brain tissue is often exposed -- not covered by bone or skin.
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Anesthesia
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One of various medications that provide a total loss of sensation to a particular area of the body, or renders a patient unconscious, in order to alleviate pain. (See also Analgesia)
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Anomaly
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Malformation or abnormality in any part of the baby.
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Anovulation
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Absence of ovulation (failure to ovulate).
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Antibody
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A protein found in the blood that is produced in response to foreign substances (e.g. bacteria or viruses) invading the body. Antibodies protect the body from disease by binding to these organisms and destroying them.
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Antisperm antibodies
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Antibodies produced by the immune system against sperm. It adversely affects sperm function by inhibiting movement of sperm and fertilization. It can be present in males and females.
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APGAR score
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The APGAR score is a measurement of a newborn's response to birth and life outside the womb. Ratings are based on the following factors: Appearance (color); Pulse, Grimace (reflex), Activity and Respiration. A high score is 10 and the low end is 1.
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ART
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Assisted Reproductive Technology. All treatments or procedures that involve the handling of human eggs and sperm for the purpose of establishing a pregnancy. Types of ART include IVF, GIFT, ZIFT, embryo cryopreservation, egg or embryo donation, and surrogate birth.
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Artificial insemination
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Is placing sperm into the female reproductive tract.
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Assisted hatching
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Hatching: Cutting a "hole" in the "zona pellucida", from which the embryo will hatch after being transferred to the uterus. This procedure is considered for embryos with thick "zonas", or for patients around 40 years of age.
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Azoospermia
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The complete absence of sperm in the ejaculate, is present in about 1% of all men and in 10-15% of infertile men.
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Back labor
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Intense back pain during labor, caused by a baby in a posterior presentation. (See Posterior presentation.)
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Basal body temperature
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A woman's base body temperature, measured at the same time each day, upon first waking up in the morning, before getting out of bed. Used in fertility charting.
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Beta hCG test
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A blood test used to detect very early pregnancy and evaluate development.
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Bicornate uterus
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A heart shaped uterus, a condition called uterine didelphys or bicornate uterus, depending on some other factors. Patients with this condition are at risk for preterm labor and delivery, because the uterine cavity does not expand in the same manner to permit enlargement of the term-sized fetus, possibly resulting in preterm contractions.
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Biochemical pregnancy
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When the patient’s pregnancy test is positive but no pregnancy is visible on ultrasound scan.
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Biopsy
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The removal of a piece of tissue for microscopic examination.
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Blastocyst
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An advanced stage of embryo development, the embryo consists of an outer thin layer of cells, which later develops to placenta and an inner cell mass later develops to fetus.
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Blastocyst transfer
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The transfer of one or more embryos at the blastocyst stage into the uterine cavity.
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Blighted ovum
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A fertilized egg that develops into a gestational sac, but no embryo is formed. The cause may be chromosomal or due to the quality of the egg or fertilizing sperm itself.
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Bloody show
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A thick plug of mucus in the cervix that starts to come out as you near labor. Sometimes the loss of the plug is accompanied by some streaks of blood, or bloody show. Also see mucus plug.
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BPM
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"Beats per minute," referring to the fetal heart. A normal fetal heart rate ranges from 120 to 160 BPM. There is no correlation between fetal heart rate and the baby's gender, despite common myths.
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Braxton-hicks contractions
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A usually painless tightening of the uterus. Occasional uterine contractions occur throughout pregnancy, but have no effect on the cervix. Contractions during the ninth month still tend to be brief, irregular, and imperceptible to the mother, but they are more frequent and coordinated than earlier ones. An English doctor named John Braxton Hicks in 1872 first described these contractions.
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Breech presentation
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At birth, the presentation of the fetal buttocks rather than the head, or other malpresentation. The breech presentation occurs in about 3 to 4% of pregnancies at term (37 weeks and beyond). There are three main types of breech presentation: Frank breech: Buttocks presenting, thighs flexed, with feet extended up toward the body; Full breech: Buttocks presenting, thighs flexed, with lower legs on thighs; Footling breech: One or both feet presenting.
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Cephalic
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Pertaining to the baby's head. A cephalic presentation means the baby is head-down. This is the desired presentation, and happens in approximately 97% of all births.
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Cerclage
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A surgical stitch of the cervix, intended to help keep the cervix closed for the duration of the pregnancy. Used to prevent miscarriage and/ore preterm labor.
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Cervical fluid/mucus
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A vaginal discharge that appears throughout the various stages of the menstrual cycle, sometimes thick and whitish, sometimes sticky, and, close to ovulation, clear and stretchy (looking much like raw egg white, and coined "egg white cervical mucus," or EWCM).
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Cervical mucus
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The secretion in the cervical canal. The amount and texture changes during the menstrual cycle.
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Cervical smear (PAP)
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A screening test for cancer of the neck of the womb.
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Cervicitis
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Inflammation of the cervix.
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Cervix
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The neck, or opening of the uterus, from which the baby emerges. During dilation, the opening of the cervix enlarges enough for the baby to emerge.
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Cesarean Section delivery
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Also known as a "c-section"; the delivery of a baby via an abdominal surgical incision. Most common is a transverse (or "bikini") incision that is performed along the top of the pubic hairline. Vertical ("classical") incisions are less common but may be required in certain circumstances.
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Chemical pregnancy
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Pregnancy documented by a blood or urine test that shows a rise in the level of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone without the presence of a fetus.
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Chloasma
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A patchy brownish discoloration of the skin on the face, caused by pregnancy hormones causing an increased production of the pigment melanin. It's also called "the mask of pregnancy." Chloasma usually disappears after delivery.
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Chocolate cyst
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A cyst inside the ovary filled with old blood. It occurs in endometriosis.
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Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
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A procedure that involves taking a biopsy from the placenta to test the fetus for genetic abnormalities. It is usually carried out under ultrasound scan at about eleven weeks of pregnancy. The placenta has the same genetic make-up as the baby. There is a 2-3% risk of the procedure causing a miscarriage.
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Chromosomes
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Thread like structures that lie inside the nucleus of a cell. A human cell contains 23 pairs of chromosomes. Chromosomes are packed up with genes which carry all the information needed for the human body. The 23 pairs of chromosomes include a pair of sex chromosomes that determine the sex of the embryo. There are two types of sex chromosomes, X and Y - the Y is smaller than the X and contain all the essential genes for sex determination. The presence of a Y chromosome ensures a male (XY), its absence ensures a female (XX).
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Clinical pregnancy
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A pregnancy confirmed by increasing levels of hCG and the presence of a gestational sac detected by ultrasound scan but no fetus is present.
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Clomiphene (clomid)
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A fertility drug (anti estrogen tablet) used to stimulate ovulation.
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Colostrum
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Early breastmilk, rich in nutrients and antibodies. Colostrum may be apparent even as early as the second trimester of pregnancy. It is replaced by milk a few days after birth.
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Contractions
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A tightening of the uterus. During labor, contractions become stronger, longer and rhythmic, and help the baby progress down the birth canal. Not all contractions cause cervical change - see Braxton Hicks contractions.
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Cord prolapse
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Premature expulsion of the umbilical cord in labor before the fetus is delivered.
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Cryopreservation
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The storage of the sperm, embryos or eggs by freezing at a low temperature (-196°C), also known as “freezing”.
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Crowning
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When the baby's head appears at the vaginal opening, shortly before delivery.
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Cyst
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Sac filled with fluid.
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Cystic Fibrosis
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A common genetic disease. If both partners carry the gene, there is a 25% chance that the child will have the disease. This is unpleasant and currently there is no cure. It affects the lungs, bowels, pancreas, sweat glands etc.
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Cytomegalovirus infection (“CMV”)
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Infection caused by the cytomegalovirus. Primary infection of the mother during pregnancy may result in the death of the fetus or serious generalized disease of the newborn. More commonly, congenital infection follows a benign course though about 10% of affected children may subsequently be mentally retarded.
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D & C
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Dilatation and Curettage. It is the dilatation of the cervical canal followed by the scrapping of the uterine lining.
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Down-regulation
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Suppression of the natural secretion of gonadotropins by using GnRh analogues.
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Down's syndrome
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A genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21.
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Ectopic pregnancy
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A pregnancy outside the uterine cavity.
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Egg collection/retrieval
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The procedure by which eggs are collected from the woman's ovaries.
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Egg Donor
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A woman who donates her eggs.
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Egg Recipient
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A woman who receives embryos created with donor eggs.
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Ejaculate (semen)
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The sperm and the seminal fluid that comes out of the urethra when a man has an orgasm.
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Embryo
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A fertilized egg up to eight weeks of development.
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Embryo transfer
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The replacement of one or more embryos into the uterine cavity.
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Endometrium
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The lining of the womb, it undergoes cyclical changes during the menstrual cycle.
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Endometriosis
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The presence of small implants of endometrial tissue outside the uterus in abnormal locations.
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Estradiol
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The most potent naturally occurring estrogens in humans.
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Estrogens (Oestrogens)
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Female sex hormones, a group of hormones that are produced mainly by the ovaries. They are essential for normal sexual development (the breasts, vagina, womb, broad hips and rounded figure etc.) and for the reproductive system (make the cervical mucus amenable to the entry of sperm, prepare the endometrium and regulate the production of FSH and LH).
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Fallopian tubes
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A pair of tubes between the uterus and ovaries, where the sperm and egg meet in normal conception.
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Fertilization
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The penetration of an egg by sperm to initiate embryo development.
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Fetus
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The term used for an embryo after the eighth week of development until birth.
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Fibroids
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Benign tumor made of uterine muscle and connective tissue.
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Flow cytometry
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A method of sperm sorting used for sex selection. X and Y chromosome bearing sperm are stained with different flourescent dyes and then can be sorted by colour.
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Follicle
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A fluid filled cyst in the ovary in which the egg develops.
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Follicular phase
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The first half of the menstrual cycle before ovulation.
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FSH
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Follicle Stimulating Hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland. It stimulates the growth of follicles in the female, and sperm production in the male.
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Fundus
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The upper region of the uterus. The Fallopian tube open into the opposite corners of the fundus.
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Galactorrhoea
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Abnormal milk secretion from the breasts.
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Gamete
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A reproductive cell, either a sperm or an egg.
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Gamete intrafallopian transfer (GIFT)
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A procedure that involves removing eggs from the woman's ovary, combining them with sperm, and using a laparoscope to place the unfertilized eggs and the sperm into the woman's fallopian tubes through a small incision in her abdomen.
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Gastroschisis (birth defect)
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In gastroschisis, the abdominal viscera (intestines, etc.) protrude through an abdominal wall defect, usually on the right side of the umbilical cord insertion (aka the belly button).
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Gene
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The unit of inheritence. Everyone inherits two copies of each gene. One from the father, and one from the mother.
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Genital herpes
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Infection of the skin of the genital area by herpes simplex virus. If you have an active herpes infection when it is time to deliver, your baby will probably be delivered by cesarean section.
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Genome
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The basic sets of genes in a chromosome.
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Gestational age
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The age of the embryo/fetus since time of conception. When using gestational age (versus menstrual age), a term pregnancy lasts 266 days, or 38 weeks.
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Gestational diabetes
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A temporary type of diabetes known as gestational diabetes develops in some pregnant women; the condition disappears when the pregnancy is over. GD occurs in 2 to 5 percent of pregnancies. Some of the factors associated with women who have an increased risk are obesity; a family history of diabetes; having given birth previously to a very large infant, a stillbirth, or a child with a birth defect; or having too much amniotic fluid (polyhydramnios). Also, women who are older than 25 are at greater risk than younger individuals.
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Gestational sac
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A fluid-filled structure that develops within the uterus early in pregnancy.
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Gestational Surrogate
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A woman who carries a baby that is not biologically related to her for a person or couple. Pregnancy is achieved via In Vitro Fertilization, whereby embryos created from egg s of the “Intended Mother” or an egg donor and the sperm of the “Intended Father” or sperm donor.
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Gestation period
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The period of development of the embryo/fetus from the time of conception until birth.
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Glucose screening test
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A screening test for gestational diabetes. The test is performed by giving 50 grams of a glucose drink and then measuring the blood sugar level one hour later. A woman with a blood sugar level of less than 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) at one ¡hour is presumed not to have gestational diabetes and requires no further testing. If the blood sugar level is greater than 140 mg/dl the test is considered abnormal or "positive."
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Gonads
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Sex organs, the ovaries in the females and the testes in the males.
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Gonal-F
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A recombinant (genetically engineered) human follicular stimulating hormone, known as a 'fertility drug'.
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Gonorrhoea
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A sexually transmitted disease that can cause pelvic infection and subsequent pelvic damage and infertility.
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GnRh
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Gonadotropin-releasing hormone, is a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus. It stimulates the pituitary gland to release FSH and LH. GnRh preparation are produced synthetically.
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GnRh analogues
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A synthetic hormone similar to the natural gonadotropin releasing hormone. Two types are available: agonists and antagonists.
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Gonadotropins
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Fertility drugs given by injection to stimulate the sex glands to produce many follicles. They are similar in composition to the natural FSH and LH produced by the pituitary gland
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Goodell's sign
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The softening of the cervix at 6-8 weeks, an early indicator of pregnancy.
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Group b strep
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Group B streptococcus (GBS) is a type of bacterium that causes illness in newborn babies, pregnant women, the elderly, and adults with other illnesses, such as diabetes or liver disease. GBS is the most common cause of sepsis (blood infection) and meningitis (infection of the fluid and lining surrounding the brain) in newborns.
GBS carriage can be detected during pregnancy by taking a swab of both the vagina and rectum for special culture. Physicians who culture for GBS carriage during prenatal
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Growth plate
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The growth plate, also known as the physis, is the area of developing tissue near the end of the long bones in children and adolescents. Each long bone has at least two growth plates: one at each end. The growth plate determines the future length and shape of the mature bone. When growth is complete -- sometime during adolescence -- the growth plates are replaced by solid bone.
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Hepatitis B and C
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Viruses that may be transmitted sexually or by blood and can cause infection of the liver which can lead to jaundice or liver failure.
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hCG
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Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone (hCG) is produced in early pregnancy to stimulate the corpus luteum to produce the hormone progesterone and estrogen, and is excreted in the urine (the substance detected in pregnancy tests). Also, hCG may be given by injection to induce ovulation and to support the luteal phase in females. It stimulates the production of the male hormone testosterone in males.
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High-risk pregnancy
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Pregnancy complications, due to maternal or fetal factors, or a combination thereof. High-risk pregnancies require more frequent prenatal checkups and may necessitate additional monitoring, testing and treatment.
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HIV
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The Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that causes Acquired Immuno Deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
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hMG
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Human Menopausal Gonadotropin, which consists of FSH and LH.
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Hormones
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Chemical substances (chemical messengers) secreted by endocrine glands, to regulate activities of certain cells and organs.
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Humegon
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A fertility drug which is given by injection. It is consists of FSH and LH.
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Huntington's disease
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An inherited sex-linked nervous disease that develops in adulthood and leads to a state of deteriorated mentality.
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Hydramnios
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Any noticeable excess of amniotic fluid.
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Hydrocephalus
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A condition in which the primary characteristic is excessive accumulation of fluid in the brain. Although hydrocephalus was once known as "water on the brain," the "water" is actually cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) a clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The excessive accumulation of CSF results in an abnormal dilation of the spaces in the brain called ventricles. This dilation causes potentially harmful pressure on the tissues of the brain.
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Hydrosalpinx
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A blocked, dilated and fluid filled Fallopian tube.
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Hyperemesis
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Severe pregnancy
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Hypertension
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Blood pressure persistently greater than 140/90, diagnosed prior to onset of pregnancy or before the 20th week of gestation. Pregnancy-induced hypertension is an increase in blood pressure of at least 30 mm Hg systolic or 15 mm Hg diastolic on two measurements taken six hours apart after the 20th week of gestation.
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Hypoglycemia
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The condition of having low blood sugar, which occurs when blood levels of glucose drop too low to fuel the body's activity.
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Hypothalamus
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A small gland in the base of the brain and above the pituitary gland. It controls many body functions such as temperature and appetite, and regulates the secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland.
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Hyperprolactinemia
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This is the name given to the excess production of the hormone prolactin in both males or females. It may cause ovulation and menstrual disorders in females and sexual dysfunction in males. There are many causes including hypothyroidism, side effects of certain drugs and pituitary tumor.
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Hyperthyroidism
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Over production of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
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Hypothyroidism
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Under production of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.
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Hysterectomy
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Surgical removal of the uterus.
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Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
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An X-ray of the uterus and womb in which a radio opaque dye is injected through the cervix into the uterus and tubes.
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Hysteroscope
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A thin fibre optic telescope that is inserted through the cervix to inspect the inside of the uterus.
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Hysteroscopy
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A simple diagnostic procedure performed in the doctor’s office whereby a thin telescope (hysteroscope) is inserted through the cervix into the uterus, which is filled with saline solution or carbon dioxide, and the uterus is examined for fibroids, polyps, or other anomalies.
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ICSI
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Intra Cytoplasmic Sperm Injection is a variation of IVF treatment, where a single sperm is injected into the cytoplasm of an egg.
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Idiopathic
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No causes found.
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Implantation
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The bedding of the embryo into the lining of the womb.
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Incompetent cervix
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A painless dilation of the cervix in the second trimester or early in the third trimester of pregnancy, with prolapse of membranes through the cervix and ballooning of the membranes into the vagina, followed by rupture of membranes and subsequent expulsion of the fetus.
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Induced labor/Induction
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The use of drugs and/or procedures in an attempt to attempt to start labor.
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Infertility
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Inability of a couple to achieve a pregnancy after one year of unprotected intercourse.
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Intended Parents
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A couple who choose to have a baby with the assistance of an egg donor and/or surrogate mother.
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Intrauterine insemination (IUI)
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Insemination of washed and prepared sperm directly into the uterus.
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Intrauterine pressure monitor
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A device designed to detect and measure intrauterine and amniotic fluid pressure with a catheter placed transcervically into the uterine cavity. The device is used to monitor intensity, duration, and frequency of uterine contractions during labor.
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IVF
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In Vitro Fertilization. A procedure that involves removing eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilizing them in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman's (or surrogate’s) uterus through the cervix.
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Jaundice
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A relatively common condition in newborn babies, marked by a yellowing of the skin and caused by the immature liver's inability to process excess red blood cells. Treatment for mild cases will include allowing your baby to spend time in sunlight, though in more severe cases, the baby will be admitted to the hospital and placed under special "bili[rubin] lights," which synthesize the sun's rays.
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Karyotype
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Chromosome analysis of a person.
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Labor
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The onset of regular, progressive contractions until the birth of a baby.
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Laparoscope
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A fibre optic telescope that is inserted through the abdomen to examine the inside of the abdomen and pelvis.
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Laparotomy
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A major abdominal surgery through a cut in the abdomen.
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Leukorrhea
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A common whitish vaginal discharge that often increases during pregnancy.
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LH
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Luteinizing (luteinising) hormone, a pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum to secrete progesterone. In males, LH stimulates the Leydig's cells to produce testosterone.
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LH surge
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The rapid rise of luteinizing hormone that usually occur in the middle of the cycle. It causes the follicle to release a mature egg.
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Linea nigra
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A brownish line appearing on the abdomen - starting at the belly button and continuing down to the pubic hair. This discoloration is caused by pregnancy hormones causing an increased production of the pigment melanin.
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Lochia
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A bloody vaginal discharge occurring after delivery. Lochia is often compared to a long and heavy menstrual period.
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Luteal phase
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The second half of the menstrual cycle after ovulation.
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Luteal phase defect
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A condition in which the endometrium (lining of the womb) do not develop adequately for implantation, mainly because of inadequate progesterone levels or due to inability of the endometrium to respond to progesterone.
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Male factor
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Deficiencies in sperm quantity, function, or motility (ability to move) that make it difficult for a sperm to fertilize an egg under normal conditions.
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MAR
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Mixed Agglutination Reaction, a test to check for the presence or absence of antisperm antibodies.
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Meconium
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The fetal stool - baby's first bowel movement. Meconium is usually black or dark green, and is comprised of amniotic fluid, mucus, lanugo, bile and discarded cells.
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Meiosis
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Process of cell division that results in the formation of gametes, consisting of two nuclear divisions in rapid succession that result in the formation of four gametocytes each containing half the number of chromosomes found in somatic cells.
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Melasma
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A patchy brownish discoloration of the skin on the face, caused by pregnancy hormones causing an increased production of the pigment melanin. Also called "the mask of pregnancy" or melasma, it usually disappears after delivery.
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Menogon
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A fertility drug given by injection and consists of FSH and LH.
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Menopause
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A condition when the ovaries ran out of eggs. It usually characterized by absence of periods, hot flushes, sweating and mood changes. The usual age for menopause is about 52 years.
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Menses
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Menstrual period
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Menstruation
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The monthly bleed which takes place if no pregnancy occurs.
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Menstrual cycle
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A series of cyclical changes that occur in the female genital system each month.
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MESA
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Micro Epididymal Sperm Aspiration. A procedure to aspirate sperm from the epididymis.
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Metrodine HP
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A fertility drug given by injection and consists of a highly purified FSH.
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Micromanipulation
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The performance of surgery, injection, dissection, laser etc. under the microscope using specialized instruments (micromanipulators).
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Miscarriage
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Loss of pregnancy from the womb before it is viable (capable of surviving independently outside the womb). Doctors usually use the term abortion instead of miscarriage. However, this is confusing to the layman who understands abortion as meaning the deliberate termination of pregnancy rather than accidental loss of a pregnancy.
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Monozygotic
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Means single. In monozygotic twins one fertilized egg seperates into two identical zygotes.
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Natural childbirth
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Generally refers to childbirth without pain relief (anesthesia or analgesia); may alternatively be used to indicate a vaginal delivery rather than a cesarean birth.
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Necrozoospermia
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All sperm in the ejaculate are dead.
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Neonatal
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Relating to or affecting the first four weeks after birth.
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Normegon
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A fertility drug given by injection. It consists of FSH and LH.
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Nucleus
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The part of the cell that contains the genetic material DNA.
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OATS
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Oligoasthenoteratozoospermia (OATS) means low sperm count, low sperm motility and a high proportion of abnormal sperm.
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Obstetrician
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A medical doctor (M.D.) who has completed an additional three to four years of specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology.
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Oestrogens (Estrogens)
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Female sex hormones, a group of hormones that are produced mainly by the ovaries. They are essential for normal sexual development (the breasts, vagina, womb, broad hips and rounded figure etc.) and for the reproductive system (make the cervical mucus amenable to the entry of sperm, prepare the endometrium and regulate the production of FSH and LH).
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OHSS
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Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. A possible side effect with some fertility drugs. It is characterized by swollen, painful ovaries and, in some cases, the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and chest.
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Oligohydramnios
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Any noticeable lack of amniotic fluid.
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Oligomennorhoea
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Infrequent periods.
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Oligozoospermia
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Low sperm count.
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Oligoovulation
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Infrequent ovulation.
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Oocyte
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The female reproductive cell, also called an egg or ovum.
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Oophorectomy
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The surgical removal of one or both ovaries.
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Orgafol
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A fertility drug given by injection. It consists of highly purified FSH.
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Os
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External and internal openings at each end of the cervical canal.
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Ovarian factor
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A cause of infertility related to problems with egg production by the ovaries.
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Ovaries
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The two female sex glands which produce eggs and hormones.
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Ovarian cyst
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A fluid-filled cavity inside the ovary.
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Ovum (oocyte)
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The use of ultrasound and/or blood or urine tests to monitor the development of ovarian follicles.
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Oxytocin
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The release of a mature egg from its follicle.
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Ovarian stimulation
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The use of drugs to stimulate the ovaries to develop follicles and eggs.
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Ovulatory cycle
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A series of cyclical changes that occur within the ovary each month and result in the release of an egg.
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Ovulation induction
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The use of fertility drugs to stimulate ovulation if the woman is not producing eggs regularly.
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Ovum (oocyte)
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An egg.
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Oxytocin
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A hormone released by the pituitary gland that causes uterine contractions contractions. Synthetic oxytocin (Pitocin) may be administered to induce labor.
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PCOS
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Polycystic ovarian syndrome, an abnormal condition in which the ovaries have many minute cysts and there is excess androgen (male hormone) production.
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Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
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Infection involving pelvic organs especially the tubes and ovaries. It may result in damage or blockage of the Fallopian tubes.
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Perinatal
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Of or pertaining to the time during labor and birth, and immediately following delivery.
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Pergonal (hMG)
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A fertility drug given by injection. It consists of equal amounts of FSH and LH. It is recovered from the urine of post-menopausal women.
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Perinatal death rate
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The number of stillbirths and first week deaths per 1000 delivered (livebirths and stillbirths).
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Perinatologist
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An Obstetrician who has received further education in the area of high-risk pregnancies and complications.
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PESA
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Percutaneous Epididymal Sperm Aspiration, this involves retrieving sperm directly from the epididymis using a needle.
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Pituitary gland
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A small gland located in the base of the brain and just beneath the hypothalamus, it secretes many hormones including FSH and LH.
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PGD
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Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis, the techniques by which embryos fertilized in vitro is tested for specific genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and hemophilia before being transferred into the uterus.
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PGS
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Preimplantation Genetic Screening is technique used to examine the embryo for aneuploidy (wrong number of chromosomes), and only transfer normal embryos.
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Placenta
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The afterbirth organ to which the developing embryo and fetus is connected by the umbilical cord.
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Placental abruption
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The premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterus. Severity of this condition varies. Symptoms of placental abruption include bleeding, cramping, and abdominal/uterine tenderness.
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Placenta previa
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Implantation of the placenta over or near the internal opening of the cervix.
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Polyp
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A small growth, usually benign protruding from the endometrium and dangle into the cavity of the womb. It may interfere with embryo implantation by acting like a coil. Polyps are usually removed surgically.
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Pre-eclampsia
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High blood pressure during pregnancy is part of a complicated condition that arises rather suddenly 5 to 10 percent of the time in the latter half of pregnancy. The condition may also include protein in the urine and/or swelling of the face, hands and feet. (Commonly referred to as pregnancy-induced hypertension [PIH].)
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Pregnancy test
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A blood or urine test that determines the level of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone. Elevated levels of this hormone are chemical evidence of a pregnancy.
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Pregnyl
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A fertility drug given by injection and consists of Human chorionic gonadotropin.
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Preterm delivery
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The delivery before completion of 37 weeks of pregnancy
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Premature menopause
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A condition in which menopause occurs before the age of 40. It affects approximately 1% of women. In most cases there is no identifiable cause. The only effective treatment for infertility is IVF with donated eggs.
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Premature rupture of membranes
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This means that the amniotic sac has broken or developed a hole at any time during pregnancy, before 36 weeks of pregnancy.
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Presentation
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The part of the fetus that enters the birth canal first. Some presentations include variations of cephalic (head), breech (bottom, legs or feet) or shoulder.
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Preterm/Premature
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Labor occurring after 20 weeks and before 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Estimates suggest that 6 percent to 10 percent of all births in the United States occur between the 20th and the 37th week of pregnancy.
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Profasi
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A fertility drug given by injection and consists of Human chorionic gonadotropin.
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Progesterone
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A hormone secreted by the corpus luteum in the second half of the menstrual cycle to stimulate the endometrium and prepare it for implantation and maintains it should pregnancy occur, progesterone is produced in large quantities by the placenta.
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Prostap
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A long-acting GnRh agonist drug used to induce pituitary down-regulation.
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Proteinuria
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Protein in the urine, this is often considered a warning sign of preeclampsia. Protein found in the urine very early in pregnancy increases the risk of such adverse outcomes as giving birth prematurely, having a child who is small for gestational age, or having an infant who would need to be admitted to a newborn intensive care unit. (The New England Journal of Medicine; 9/3/98)
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Puregon
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A recombinant Follicle stimulating hormone 'fertility drug'.
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PZD
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Partial Zona Dissection, a micromanipulation procedure to help sperm penetrate the zona pellucida.
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Prolactin
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A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland to stimulate milk production after childbirth.
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Pronucleate stage
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An early stage of fertilization, when the sperm and egg pronuclei are visible under the microscope.
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Prostap
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A long acting GnRh agonist drug used to induce pituitary down-regulation.
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Prostatitis
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Inflammation of the prostate gland usually as a result of infection.
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Quickening
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Fetal movement felt by the mother that may resemble the feeling of gas bubbles, or feel like a light tapping or butterfly movement coming from within. Quickening is usually recognizable around week 20, but may be felt sooner.
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Rubella
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Also called 'German measles', it is caused by an infectious virus and is characterized by general rashes and swollen glands. If infection occurs during the first few months of pregnancy it may cause severe congenital abnormalities.
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Relaxin
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A hormone released by the placenta that serves to loosen ligaments and joints throughout the body. The purpose is to relax the pelvis, increasing the size of the pelvic diameters to allow passage of the baby at birth.
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Retroverted (“tipped”) uterus
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A uterus that is tilted, either up toward the bladder or toward the small of the back. Retroversion occurs in 15%-20% of women, and this condition should not cause problems in achieving a pregnancy or in carrying a baby to term. It may, however, be more difficult to hear fetal heart tones via Doppler early in pregnancy due to the fact that the uterus is deeper in the abdomen (and further away from the listening device).
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Salpingectomy
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Surgical removal of the Fallopian tube.
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Salpingitis
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Inflammation of the Fallopian tubes caused by infection.
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Salpingostomy
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An operation to open up a blocked Fallopian tube, where the blockage is at the fimbria end.
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Semen analysis
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Laboratory examination of semen to check the quality and quantity of sperm.
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Selective reduction
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A procedure in which the number of gestational sacs is reduced.
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Seminal fluid (semen)
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The milky fluid that is ejaculated at orgasm. It contains fluid from the seminal vesicles, the prostate and the bulbourethral glands, in addition to sperm.
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Seminal plasma
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Fluid in which the sperm is ejaculated.
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Sexually transmitted disease (STD)
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Also known as 'Venereal disease', is any disease transmitted by sexual intercourse such as gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
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Sonohysterogram (SHG)
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A diagnostic test that involves injecting sterile saline through a thin catheter through the cervix into the uterus. The saline flows into the uterus and outlines the endometrial cavity, allowing the doctor to clearly see if there are any localized abnormalities
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Spermatid
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An immature sperm cell.
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Spermatogenesis
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The production of sperm.
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Spermatozoa
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Sperm.
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Sperm capacitation
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The chemical changes in the sperm that increase its ability to penetrate and fertilize an egg.
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Spontaneous abortion
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Also known as a miscarriage, this is the clinical term for a pregnancy ending in the spontaneous loss of the embryo or fetus before 20 weeks of gestation.
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Sterilization
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A surgical procedure designed to produce infertility such as tubal ligation and vasectomy.
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Stillbirth
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An infant delivered without signs of life after 20 or more weeks of gestation.
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Stimulated cycle
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A treatment cycle in which fertility drugs are used to produce more eggs than usual in the woman's monthly cycle.
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Subfertility
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Term used to describe any impairment of fertility without implying permanent infertility.
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Superovulation
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The use of fertility drugs to promote the growth of multiple follicles.
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Surgical sperm retrieval
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The retrieval of sperm from the epididymis or testis, this technique must be used in conjunction with ICSI, as the sperm retrieved by this technique are incapable of fertilization by themselves.
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Surrogate Mother
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A woman who bears a child for another person or couple. Pregnancy is achieved either through artificial insemination (Traditional Surrogacy) or by carrying until birth another woman's implanted fertilized egg (Gestational Surrogacy).
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SUZI
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Subzonal insemination, where a single sperm is injected under the Zona of the egg.
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Swim up
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The technique for separating sperm based on their ability to swim through a culture medium.
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Syphilis
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A venereal disease caused by spirochete. Acquired infection is transmitted by sexual contact. Congenital infection comes from a mother who has been infected during or shortly before pregnancy.
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TESE
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Testicular Sperm Extraction, involves retrieving sperm directly from the testis.
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Testis (testicle)
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Male gonad which produces both sperm and male hormones.
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Threatened miscarriage
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Threatened, but not definite, loss of baby before 20 weeks. May manifest in bleeding, spotting or cramping.
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Thyroid gland
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A large gland in the neck. It lies in front and on either side of the windpipe, it secretes thyroxin hormone which regulates growth and metabolism.
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Testosterone
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The principle and most potent male sex hormone. It is essential for normal sexual development (muscular body, broad shoulders, hair on the face, chest and limbs and deep voice etc.). It also plays a key role in the maturation of sperm within the testes.
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Tokodynamometer
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An external uterine contraction monitor used to monitor the progress of labor. It measures the duration, frequency, and relative pressure of uterine contractions with a transducer strapped to the mother's abdomen.
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Toxemia
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The condition resulting from the spread of bacterial products (toxins) by the blood stream. During pregnancy, this may be used interchangeably with "eclampsia."
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Toxoplasmosis
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An infection caused by a microscopic parasite that can live inside the cells of humans and animals, especially cats and farm animals. Toxoplasmosis infection of the fetus can occur if a woman develops acute toxoplasmosis during pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women not change the cat's litter box during pregnancy.
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Traditional Surrogate
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A woman who carries a baby for another person or couple. Pregnancy is achieved through artificial insemination; the surrogate is the biological mother of the child.
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Transition
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Transition is the phase of labor just before the pushing stage. At about 6 or 7 centimeters of dilation, some of the symptoms of transition appear. During transition, contractions become very strong, and often their duration and frequency are less predictable.
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Trimester
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Three separate terms of pregnancy, each lasting approximately three months:
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Triptorelin
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A long-acting GnRh agonist drug to induce pituitary down-regulation.
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Trisomy
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The presence of three chromosomes of one type instead of the normal two.
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Tubal factor
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A cause of infertility related to structural or functional damage to one or both fallopian tubes.
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Tuboplasty
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Surgical repair of damaged Fallopian tube.
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Twins, identical
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Identical (monozygotic) twins are formed when a single egg (ovum), fertilized by a single sperm, divides (often after implantation in the uterus).
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Twins, fraternal
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Fraternal (dizygotic) twins are the result when two different eggs (ova) are fertilized by two different sperm.
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Ultrasound scans
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A technique used for visualizing internal organs, assessing their sizes and shapes by using high-frequency sound waves.
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Umbilical cord
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The lifeline for your baby, it is the connection between the fetus at its abdomen and the placenta, giving passage to the umbilical blood vessels. The placenta transports oxygen and nutrients from the placenta to the baby. There are normally three vessels in the umbilical cord, two arteries and one vein.
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Urethra
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The muscular tube leading from the bladder to the end of the penis and carries urine and semen.
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Urinary tract infection
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The lining of the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys become irritated with a urinary tract infection (frequently abbreviated as UTI). Urinary tract infections have been known to bring on premature labor.
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Uterine bleeding
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Any clinically significant bleeding during the pregnancy, taking into consideration the stage of pregnancy; any second or third trimester bleeding of the uterus prior to the onset of labor.
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Uterus
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The womb; a hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ in which the fetus develops.
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Uterine septum
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A band of tissue in the midsection of the uterus that divide the normal uterine cavity.
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Vagina
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The female organ of sexual intercourse; the birth canal.
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Vaginal delivery
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Birth of a child through the vagina, as opposed to a surgical delivery (cesarean section).
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Vaginitis
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Inflammation of the vagina.
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Varicocele
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An abnormality where varicose veins (dilated veins) lie above one or both testicles; they are present in about 15% of men in the general population, and up to 40% of men attending infertility clinics. It usually causes no discomfort, but can cause infertility in some men. This may be due to an abnormally high temperature within the testicles.
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Vas deferens (sperm duct)
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The muscular tube that carries the sperm from the epididymis to the urethra (pleural is vasa defrentia).
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Vasectomy
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The operation to sterilize a man, in which the vasa deferentia are cut and tied back. It is usually performed under a local anesthetic.
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Vasogram
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An X-ray of the vas deferens.
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Vernix
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Thick, greasy whitish substance covering the newborn baby's skin.
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Viscosity
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Thickening of the semen.
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Washing the sperm
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A procedure to remove the seminal fluid from the sperm.
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ZIFT
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Zygote Intra-Fallopian Transfer.
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Zona pellucida
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The protective coating surrounding the egg.
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Zoladex
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A long acting GnRh agonist drug used to induce 'down regulation' of the pituitary gland.
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Zygote
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A fertilized egg before cell division begins.
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Zygote intrafallopian transfer (ZIFT)
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A procedure in which eggs are collected from a woman's ovary and fertilized in the laboratory. A laparoscope is then used to place the resulting zygote (fertilized egg) into the woman's fallopian tubes through a small incision in her abdomen
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