• Abruptio placenta

    Placental abruption (aka Abruptio placenta) is a complication of pregnancy, wherein the placental lining has separated from the uterus of the mother prior to delivery. It is the most common pathological cause of late pregnancy bleeding.

     
  • Afterbirth (Placental expulsion)

    The placenta and other tissues associated with fetal development that are expelled after the birth of an infant.

     
  • Afterpains

    Afterpains are the contractions felt by a breastfeeding mother.

     
  • Albumin

    Albumin is a protein which if found in the urine of a pregnant woman can be a sign of pre-eclampsia.

     
  • Alpha fetoprotein

    Alpha fetoprotein is a substance produced by the fetus. High levels in a mother's blood can indicate a neural tube defect or multiple pregnancy.

     
  • Alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP)

    Alpha-fetoprotein screening (AFP) is a blood test measures the levels of a substance called alpha-fetoprotein in the mother’s blood.

     
  • Amenorrhea

    Amenorrhea is an abnormal absence or stoppage of a woman’s period, seen most commonly, during pregnancy and lactation (breastfeeding).

     
  • Amino acid

    Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins which are used by the body to build muscle and other tissue.

     
  • Amniocentesis

    Amniocentesis is a prenatal test in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is removed for analysis. This test is performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy and can indicate chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome, or genetic disorders such as Tay Sachs disease, sickle cell disease, cystic fibrosis, and others. It can also detect the baby’s sex and risk of spina bifida (a condition in which the brain or spine do no not develop properly).

     
  • Amniotic fluid

    Amniotic fluid is the clear, slightly yellowish liquid that surrounds the unborn baby (fetus) during pregnancy.