Amniotic Fluid: Fluid in the sac that holds the fetus.
Amniotic Sac: Fluid-filled sac in a woman’s uterus. The fetus develops in this sac.
Birth Defects: Physical problems that are present at birth.
Cells: The smallest units of a structure in the body. Cells are the building blocks for all parts of the body.
Cesarean Birth: Birth of a fetus from the uterus through an incision (cut) made in the woman’s abdomen.
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.
Diabetes Mellitus: A condition in which the levels of sugar in the blood are too high.
Glucose: A sugar in the blood that is the body’s main source of fuel.
Hemoglobin: The protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body and returns carbon dioxide from the body to lungs.
High Blood Pressure: Blood pressure above the normal level. Also called hypertension.
Hydramnios: A condition in which there is an excess amount of amniotic fluid in the sac surrounding the fetus.
Insulin: A hormone that lowers the levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
Intravenous (IV) Line: A tube inserted into a vein and used to deliver medication or fluids.
Jaundice: A buildup of bilirubin (a brownish yellow substance formed from the breakdown of red cells in the blood) that causes the skin to have a yellowish appearance.
Kidney Disease: A general term for any disease that affects how the kidneys function.
Macrosomia: A condition in which a fetus weighs 8 pounds and 13 ounces (4,000 grams) or more.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): A special part of a hospital in which sick newborns receive medical care.
Pregestational Diabetes Mellitus: Diabetes that existed before pregnancy.
Preterm: Less than 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Uterus: A muscular organ in the female pelvis. During pregnancy, this organ holds and nourishes the fetus.