Complications: Diseases or conditions that happen as a result of another disease or condition. An example is pneumonia that occurs as a result of the flu. A complication also can occur as a result of a condition, such as pregnancy. An example of a pregnancy complication is preterm labor.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): A condition in which a blood clot forms in veins in the leg or other areas of the body.
Diabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high.
Fetus: The stage of human development beyond 8 completed weeks after fertilization.
Hepatitis A: An infection caused by a virus that can be spread by contaminated food or water.
Listeriosis: A type of illness you can get from bacteria found in unpasteurized milk, hot dogs, luncheon meats, and smoked seafood.
Malaria: A disease caused by a parasite that is spread through mosquito bites.
Microcephaly: A birth defect in which a baby’s head and brain are smaller than normal. Babies with microcephaly may have seizures, developmental delays, mental disability, vision and hearing problems, and problems with balance and movement.
Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women’s health.
Oxygen: An element that we breathe in to sustain life.
Preeclampsia: A disorder that can occur during pregnancy or after childbirth in which there is high blood pressure and other signs of organ injury. These signs include an abnormal amount of protein in the urine, a low number of platelets, abnormal kidney or liver function, pain over the upper abdomen, fluid in the lungs, or a severe headache or changes in vision.
Prelabor Rupture of Membranes (PROM): Rupture of the amniotic membranes that happens before labor begins. Also called premature rupture of membranes.
Preterm: Less than 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Radiation: A type of energy that is transmitted in the form of rays, waves, or particles.
Trimesters: The 3-month periods of time in pregnancy. They are referred to as first, second, or third.
Zika: A disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread through mosquito bites.