Placenta, Post Partum Depression and More

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Pelvimetry

The evaluation and measurement of the birth canal or pelvis, occasionally performed by x-ray. This is done when there is doubt that the baby's head can pass safely through the pelvis during delivery.

Perineum

The area between the vaginal and anal opening in women. The perineum is cut when an episiotomy is performed during delivery of a baby.

Pethidine

A pain-relief medication usually given by injection in the thigh or buttocks and is widely used for relief of pain during childbirth. It is similar to morphine and causes dizziness, drowsiness and an altered level of perception. Pethidine inhibit's the pain signals that are sent to the brain and can actually increase the amount of pain a woman can tolerate.

Pica

Pica is an uncommon craving during pregnancy to eat non-food items such as laundry starch, dirt and clay. It is sometimes caused by an iron deficiency.

Placenta

Also known as afterbirth, the placenta is a circular, flat organ that resembles a pancake, which connects the unborn baby to the uterus for oxygen, nutrients and elimination of waste products.

Placenta Previa

An abnormal location of the placenta in which it lies low in the uterus and partially or completely covers the cervix. Painless vaginal bleeding may be a warning sign. Placenta previa can cause excessive bleeding that can harm the mother and the baby.

Post-Mature Pregnancy

A pregnancy that lasts more than 42 weeks, which can lead to complications, such as a larger baby that is less able to pass through the birth canal.

Posterior presentation

A baby's presentation in the womb, in which the back of the baby's head lies toward the back of a woman's pelvis and may cause back labor.

Postpartum

The period after delivery, until the uterus returns to normal size, which is usually about 6 weeks.

Preeclampsia

Also known as Toxemia, preeclampsia is a serious condition occurring during pregnancy, characterized by hypertension, protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy and swelling.

Premature / Pre-Term Birth

When a baby is delivered before 37 weeks of gestation. Babies born this early often have low birth weight, less than 5 pounds. Their low weight, along with various other problems related to early birth, puts these babies at risk for numerous health problems.

Primigravida

A woman that is pregnant for the first time.

Primipara

A woman who has given birth to one healthy infant, shown by the term "para 1" on the woman's medical files.

Prolapsed Cord

When the umbilical cord slips through the cervix beside or before the first part of the baby. It can be a serious complication because blood flow to the baby can be cut off when the uterus contracts.