ΕΙΜΑΣΤΕ η FERRING

Accelerated labour

When labour is speeded up after it's begun, usually with a hormone drip.

Afterbirth

Another word for the placenta.

Amniotic fluid

A protective liquid, consisting mostly of water, filling the sac surrounding the foetus in the uterus.

Amniotic sac

The sac that holds the protective liquid called amniotic fluid that surrounds the foetus inside the uterus.

Amniotomy

This is the 'puncturing' of the amniotic sac, which will release the amniotic fluid, and help start labour.  Also known as ARM, artificial rupture of the membranes.

Antenatal

Before the birth.

APH

Acronym stands for ante-partum haemorrhage – any serious bleeding from the vagina before the birth.

ARM

Acronym stands for artificial rupture of the membranes.  Also known as amniotomy, see above definition.

ART

Acronym stands for 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 IUI, IVF, GIFT, ZIFT, embryo cryopreservation, egg or embryo donation, and surrogate birth.

ART cycle

A process in which an ART procedure is carried out, a woman has undergone ovarian stimulation or monitoring with the intent of having an ART procedure, or in the case of frozen embryos, embryos have been thawed with the intent of transferring them to a woman. A cycle starts when a woman begins taking fertility drugs or starts ovarian monitoring.

Atosiban (Brand name Tractocile)

An oxytocin antagonist used to delay imminent pre-term (premature) labour.

Caesarean

An operation using a cut in the abdominal wall (via an incision made in the mother's abdomen and uterus) to deliver the baby when it is not safe to deliver it through the vagina (-section, -birth, -delivery, c-section).

Carbetocin

A long-acting, oxytocin analogue that is used to prevent uterine atony and post partum haemorrhage following caesarean section.

Cervical canal

The passage through the cervix connecting the body of the uterus and vagina.

Cervical mucus

The secretion from the cells lining the cervix, which changes under the influence of the female sex hormones.

Cervix

The entrance to the uterus, or neck of the womb.

Conception

Fusion of the sperm and the egg cell.

Contraction

The regular tightening of the uterus, working to dilate and efface the cervix and to push the baby down the birth canal.

Corpus luteum

This literally means 'Yellow Body'. The structure formed in the ruptured follicle after ovulation, which produces progesterone. If the ovum (egg cell) is fertilised, the corpus luteum continues to produce hormones to support the early pregnancy. If fertilisation does not occur, the corpus luteum degenerates within 12-16 days.

Curettage

A minor surgical procedure used to scrape out the surface of the uterus (endometrium) with an instrument called a curette.

Dilatation and curettage (D and C)

See Curettage.

Dilation/dilatation

The amount the cervix has opened in preparation for childbirth, dilation is measured in centimetres. “Fully dilated” means you're at 10 centimetres and are ready to push.

Dinoprostone (Brand name ‘Propess’)

A vaginal prostaglandin formulation for initiation and continuation of cervical ‘ripening’ at term.

Donor embryo

An embryo formed from the egg of a woman who has donated it for transfer to a woman who is unable to conceive with her own eggs (the recipient).

Duratocin (carbetocin)

A long-acting, oxytocin analogue that is used to prevent uterine atony and post partum haemorrhage following caesarean section.

Dysfunctional labour

Also called ‘failure to progress’.  Diagnosis given to a woman whose labour does not follow a “normal” pattern and is severely prolonged.

Early labour

Usually when regular contractions have occurred for two hours or more, as frequent as every five minutes to every twenty minutes.  The cervix dilates up to three or four centimetres during this stage.

Eclampsia

A dangerous, pregnancy-induced condition affecting mother and baby during pregnancy. Symptoms may include elevated maternal blood pressure, fluid retention, swelling of ankles and hands, sudden weight gain, protein in the urine and fits.

Egg retrieval - also called oocyte retrieval

A procedure to collect the eggs contained in the ovarian follicles.

Egg transfer - also called oocyte transfer

The transfer of retrieved eggs into a woman's fallopian tubes through laparoscopy. This procedure is used only in GIFT (see definition).

Egg

A female reproductive cell - also called an oocyte or ovum.

Embryo transfer

Placement of embryos into a woman's uterus through the cervix after IVF (see definition) or, in the case of ZIFT (see definition), into her fallopian tubes.

Embryo

An egg that has been fertilised by a sperm and that has undergone one or more divisions.  Refers to the initial stages of development up to around eight weeks after conception.

Endometriosis

The presence of tissue similar to the uterine lining in locations outside the uterus, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and abdominal cavity.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus which is shed during menstruation.

Failure to Progress

Also called dysfunctional labour. Diagnosis given to a woman whose labour does not follow a “normal” pattern and is severely prolonged.

Fertilisation

The penetration of the egg by the sperm and the resulting fusion of genetic material that develops into an embryo.

Foetus

The unborn child from around eight weeks after conception
(when all major organs are formed and it begins to resemble a human being)
to the time of birth. (Before then, it's considered an embryo.) The word foetus means “young one.”

Follicle

A small fluid-filled structure in the ovary which contains the ovum or egg cell.

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, which initiates the development of one or more ovarian follicles.

Follicular phase

The part of the menstrual cycle which precedes ovulation.

Fresh eggs, sperm, or embryos

Eggs, sperm, or embryos that have not been frozen. However, fresh embryos may have been conceived using either fresh or frozen sperm.

Gamete

A reproductive cell, either a sperm or an egg.

GIFT

Acronym stands for gamete intrafallopian transfer. An ART procedure that involves removing eggs from the woman's ovary, combining them with sperm, and using a laparoscope to place the unfertilised eggs and the sperm into the woman's fallopian tubes through a small incision in her abdomen.

Gynaecologist

A doctor who specialises in disorders of the female reproductive system and includes the treatment of infertility.

Heamorrhage

Bleeding, either internally or externally.

Hormone

A chemical messenger that is made in one part of the body and affects the functions of cells in various parts of the body.

Human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG)

The hormone pregnancy tests look for, secreted by the placenta. This hormone prolongs the life span of the corpus luteum as well as stimulating the production of progesterone, thereby creating the ideal environment for the embryo. hCG also has important effects outside the ovary.

Hypertension

High blood pressure.

Hyperprolactinaemia

A relatively common condition where excess levels of the hormone prolactin are found in the blood resulting in irregular or absent menstrual cycles, infertility or increased production of breast milk.

ICSI

Acronym stands for intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection. A procedure in which a single sperm is injected directly into an egg. This procedure is most commonly used to overcome male infertility problems.

Implantation

The process by which the fertilised egg embeds in the endometrium.

Incompetent cervix

A cervix that does not function properly during pregnancy and is likely to dilate prematurely and cause a miscarriage.

Induced labour

When labour is started or accelerated through intervention, including the use of an IV drip of the hormone oxytocin, placing a prostaglandin formulation on the cervix (such as Propress), or by rupturing the membranes.

IUGR

Acronym stands for Intrauterine growth retardation. The growth of the foetus is abnormally slow. After the birth, the baby appears smaller than the dates say he or she should be.

IVF

Acronym stands for in-vitro fertilisation. An ART procedure that involves removing eggs from a woman's ovaries and fertilising them in the laboratory. The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman's uterus through the cervix.

Labour

Regular contractions of the uterus that result in dilation of the cervix.

Laparoscopy

A surgical procedure in which an fibreoptic instrument (a laparoscope) is inserted into the pelvic area through a small incision in the abdomen.

Live birth

Any infant delivered with signs of life after 28 or more weeks of gestation.

Luteal phase

The post-ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle characterised by the growth and development of the corpus luteum.

Luteinising hormone (LH)

A hormone from the pituitary gland that stimulates ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum. The increased release of this hormone on about day 12 to 13 of a normal menstrual cycle causes ovulation to occur approximately 24 hours later.

Membranes

The fibrous layers around the baby and fluid, forming the amniotic sac.

Menstruation, menses, menstrual period

The cyclic shedding of the endometrium, consisting of blood, mucus and cellular debris. Menstruation normally occurs about two weeks after ovulation.

Mucous Plug

Pinkish mucous discharge - which blocks the cervix during pregnancy.

Multiple birth

A pregnancy that results in the birth of more than one infant.

Neonatal

Referring to the newborn period (the first four weeks of life).

NORPROLAC

A selective D 2 dopamine agonist that is used for the treatment of elevated levels of prolactin.

Obstetrician

A doctor who specialises in pregnancy, labour and delivery.

Oestrogen

A hormone, produced mainly by the ovaries, responsible for female sexual development and female secondary sex characteristics. Increasing oestrogen levels in the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle (pre-ovulatory phase) stimulates significant changes in the cervix, cervical mucus, and the endometrium.

Oocyte

A matured female reproductive cell - also called an egg or ovum.

Ovarian monitoring

The use of ultrasound and/or blood or urine tests to monitor the development of ovarian follicles.

Ovarian stimulation

The use of gonadotropins to stimulate the ovaries to develop follicles and eggs.

Ovary

One of a pair of female sex glands which produce ova and the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone. These hormones control the menstrual cycle and female secondary sex characteristics.

Ovulation

The release of a mature ovum or egg cell from the ovarian follicle.

Ovulatory cycle

A cycle in which ovulation occurs, characterised by a bi-phasic temperature chart. 

Ovum: ova (plural)

An egg (female reproductive cell).

Oxytocin

The hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates contractions and the milk-eject reflex (let-down).

PIH

Acronym stands for pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure).

PABAL

Ferring’s innovative, long-acting oxytocin analogue that is used to prevent uterine atony and post partum haemorrhage following caesarean section. Other brand names: Duratocin and Lonactene.

Pituitary gland

The 'master' endocrine (ductless) gland at the base of the brain which produces many important hormones, some of which trigger other glands into making their own hormones. The pituitary functions include hormonal control of the sex glands (ovaries and testes).

Placenta (afterbirth)

The structure attaching the umbilical cord and the foetus to the wall of the uterus, through which the foetus obtains its nutrients and oxygen and through which its excretory products are transferred to the mother. The placenta also makes several hormones.

Post term:

When pregnancy lasts beyond 42 weeks.

Postnatal

The period after the birth.

Postpartum

The period of time after a baby's birth.

Pre-eclampsia

The precursor to eclampsia, a condition involving high blood pressure, swelling due to fluid retention, and abnormal kidney function and is, in itself, risky to mother and baby.

Pre-embryo

A fertilised egg in the early stage of development prior to cell division.

Pregnancy test

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.

Pregnancy

The condition of nurturing the embryo or foetus within the woman's body, lasting from conception to birth.

Pregnancy, Chemical

Pregnancy documented by a blood or urine test that shows a rise in the level of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) hormone.

Pregnancy, Clinical

Pregnancy documented by the presence of a gestational sac on ultrasound.

Premature

Pre-term, before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Pre-term

Before the 37th week of pregnancy.

Progesterone

A hormone which is produced in increasing quantities by the ovary after ovulation and by the placenta during pregnancy.

Progestogen

Progesterone and progesterone-like drugs.

PROM

Acronym stands for premature rupture of membranes and means a woman's water has broken early.

Propess (dinoprostone)

A vaginal formulation of dinoprostone (prostaglandin) used to control induction of labour and the ‘ripening’ of the cervix.

Sperm

The male reproductive cell.

Stimulated cycle

An ART cycle in which a woman receives drugs to stimulate her ovaries to produce more follicles.

“Swim-up” technique

A technique that selects and concentrates sperm that are most capable of fertilising the egg.

Term

Referring to a ‘full’ 40 week pregnancy.

Tractocile (atosiban)

An oxytocin antagonist used to delay imminent pre-term (premature) labour

Trimester

Each three-month period during the nine months of pregnancy.

Tubal factor

A cause of infertility related to structural or functional damage to one or both fallopian tubes.

Ultrasound

High frequency sound waves. A non-invasive technique for visualising the follicles in the ovaries and the gestational sac or fetus in the uterus. Can be performed either transabdominal or transvaginal.

Umbilical Cord

The cord that carries blood, oxygen and nutrients to the baby from the placenta during pregnancy.

Unexplained cause of infertility

Infertility for which no cause has been determined despite a comprehensive evaluation.

Unstimulated cycle

An ART cycle in which the woman does not receive drugs to stimulate her ovaries to produce more follicles. Instead, follicles develop naturally.

Uterine factor

A cause of infertility related to defects in the uterus.

Uterus (womb)

The pear-shaped muscular organ in which the fertilised ovum implants and grows for the duration of pregnancy.

Vagina

The muscular canal extending from the cervix to the opening at the vulva.

Washed sperm

Sperm which is washed to reduce the risk of infection (because the cervical mucus is by-passed).

Waters breaking

The waters or amniotic sac bursts during early labour, generally when the baby is ready to be delivered.

Womb

Uterus – see above.

ZIFT (zygote intrafallopian transfer)

An ART procedure in which eggs are collected from a woman's ovary and fertilised in the laboratory. A laparoscope is then used to place the resulting zygote (fertilised egg) into the woman's fallopian tubes through a small incision in her abdomen.