Nutri Sci Ch.13 pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Infant Feeding

conception

the joining of the sperm and the egg to form an embryo, and the beginning of pregnancy.

fertility

production of babies.

embryo

The fertilized egg resulting from conception, and developing into a fetus.

congenital anomaly

a change from normal due to genetic damage or changes in gene expression: a birth defect.

birth defect

congenital anomaly.

fetus

an unborn human infant of more than eight weeks age.

miscarriage

spontaneous abortion of the fetus, often caused by a congenital anomaly, and occurring less than 20 weeks into the pregnancy.

teratogen

an agent that damages genetic material or otherwise causes a congenital anomaly.

infertility

lack of production of babies

amenorrhea

a lack of regular menstrual cycles.

oligomenorrhea

literally, few, or irregular, menstrual cycles.

ovulation

the release of eggs from the ovaries.

ovaries

the source of eggs in the female reproductive system.

hypogonadism

delayed or reduced development of sexual organs and secondary sex characteristics.

trimester

a third of a pregnancy.

Spina bifida

a failure of the spinal column to form properly, leading to difficulties in gait or mental retardation.

placenta

organ that transfers nutrients and oxygen to the fetus, removes wastes, and produces hormones.

hyperplasia

growth by an increase in the number of cells.

hypertrophy

growth by an increase in the size of cells.

edema

abnormal accumulation of extracellular fluid.

pre-eclampsia

a condition that potentially can lead up to eclampsia.

anabolism

metabolism of synthesis.

catabolism

metabolism of breakdown

Proteinuria

protein in the urine. An abnormal event.

eclampsia

a condition of later pregnancy involving high blood pressure that may lead to convulsions, kidney damage, stillbirth, and even death.

gestational diabetes

diabetes beginning in, and usually ending after, pregnancy.

ketone bodies

products of fat metabolism harmful to the fetus in high concentrations.

pathogens

bacteria that cause disease.

anovulation

the state of not ovulating, that is, not releasing eggs.

letdown

the reflex that releases milk from the milk gland into the milk duct.

prolactin

hormone that stimulates milk production.

Oxytocin

hormone that stimulates letdown.

Contraindications

a medical reason against some action.