Family health A-Z - C

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Major abdominal surgery performed to deliver a baby. Most sections are carried out under spinal or epidural anaesthesia, or a combination of the two, so that the mother can remain awake for the birth. (See also ‘elective Caesarean’ and ‘emergency Caesarean’.)

Also known as: Thrush

Infection which can occur in babies’ mouths (oral thrush) due to an overgrowth of the naturally-occurring yeast Candida albicans. Symptoms are white spots in the mouth and on the tongue, which may become sore. Treatment is with an anti-thrush drug in gel form.

A venous cannula is a narrow, flexible tube inserted into a vein, primarily for the administration of intravenous fluids and medications.

Also known as: Motion sickness

Also known as ‘car sickness’ or ‘travel sickness’, motion sickness is nausea, sometimes accompanied by dizziness, induced by the motion of travelling by air, car or boat.

Occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist, as is common in pregnancy. The median nerve controls sensations to the palm side of the thumb and fingers (although not the little finger). Symptoms include burning, tingling, or itching numbness in the palm of the hand and the fingers, and general weakness in the hand. Depending on severity, the condition can be treated with physiotherapy, drugs or surgery.

A tube inserted into the urethra to drain urine directly from the bladder. This is used routinely when an epidural is in place, as sensation is lost throughout the pelvic region whilst the anaesthetic is effective.

The large blind pouch forming the beginning of the large intestine. Also called ‘blind gut’.

A disorder characterised by lack of muscle coordination and sometimes accompanied by speech defects. It is caused by brain damage present at birth or experienced during birth or infancy.

Centile charts, also known as percentile charts or Child Growth Charts, are used to monitor a child's growth regularly, and are usually contained in a child’s Personal Child Health Record (red book).

The most desirable positioning of a baby in readiness for birth – in a head-first, face-to-back position.

When a baby’s head is too large to pass through the mother’s pelvis. In cases of CPD, a planned Caesarean will be performed.

Also known as: Cervical stitch

A stitch to the cervix to help prevent miscarriage. Also known as ‘cervical cerclage’.

A change in the cells of the cervix, caused by pregnancy hormones, which can result in slight bleeding, especially after sex.

A stitch to the cervix to help prevent miscarriage. Also known as ‘cervical cerclage’.

When a midwife performs a cervical sweep, he or she simply ‘sweeps’ a finger around the cervix, to separate it from the membranes around the baby. This releases hormones called prostaglandins, which may kick-start labour. A cervical sweep is also known as a membrane sweep.

The neck of the uterus.

Also known as: Cervical erosion

A change in the cells of the cervix, caused by pregnancy hormones, which can result in slight bleeding, especially after sex.

Also known as: Incompetent cervix

A cervix that is damaged or malformed sufficiently that it cannot remain closed for the duration of pregnancy. An incompetent cervix may result in spontaneous miscarriage.

A highly contagious disease of childhood caused by the varicella-zoster virus, featuring itchy spots which turn into blisters before scabbing over and dispersing. Transmitted by contact with the blisters, or by ingesting droplets of saliva from an infected person (from a sneeze or cough, for example). Uncommon in adults, as childhood infection usually confers lifelong immunity, but if contracted in adulthood the symptoms are more severe.

Also known as: Centile chart

Centile charts, also known as percentile charts or Child Growth Charts, are used to monitor a child's growth regularly, and are usually contained in a child’s Personal Child Health Record (red book).

Also known as: Personal Child Health Record

Also known as the red book, the Personal Child Health Record is given to all new parents and is used to chart growth and development and immunisations, as well as offering advice on health and development matters.

Also known as: Daycare

Childcare offered throughout the working day, either by registered or non-registered carers.

A registered private childcarer who looks after children in her own home.

A temporary discoloration of the skin, usually on the face, which sometimes affects pregnant women. Also known as the ‘mask of pregnancy’. The patches are dark in women with light skin and light in women with dark skin.

Also known as: Obstetric cholestasis

An uncommon condition of pregnancy characterised by very itchy skin caused by a build up of bile acids in the bloodstream. Symptoms usually manifest in the third trimester and disappear after delivery.

A diagnostic test offered early in pregnancy (at around 10 weeks) to women at higher risk of having a baby with an abnormality. It involves taking a sample of placental tissue from inside the uterus, either through the abdomen or via the cervix.

Chromosomal abnormality

A chromosomal abnormality (such as Down’s syndrome) is the result either of extra chromosomes or missing chromosomes in the cell nucleus and is present from the moment of conception. These abnormalities are the result of a defective egg or sperm.

A structure in all living cells that consists of a single molecule of DNA bonded to various proteins, and that carries the genes determining heredity.

A structure in all living cells that consists of a single molecule of DNA bonded to various proteins, and that carries the genes determining heredity.

Surgical removal of the foreskin, performed either on clinical or religious grounds. Clinical grounds include a condition known as phimosis, where the foreskin is too tight to allow for effective hygiene.

A developmental problem in babies where the upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) is not joined correctly, leaving a gap in either the palate or lip and palate. A cleft lip is sometimes referred to as a ‘hare lip’. Corrective surgery is required to correct both cleft lip and palate.

Also known as: Cleft lip and palate

A developmental problem in babies where the upper lip or palate (roof of the mouth) is not joined correctly, leaving a gap in either the palate or lip and palate. A cleft lip is sometimes referred to as a ‘hare lip’. Corrective surgery is required to correct both cleft lip and palate.

Also known as: Separation anxiety

A normal development stage in babies aged from around seven to nine months, during which time a baby will assume that the disappearance of his mother (or other close guardian), even if it is only for a few seconds, is permanent. This stage usually ends by around a baby’s first birthday.

Also known as Clomiphene, Serophene, Milophene, many women with fertility problems are prescribed this drug which can stimulate ovulation.

A lifelong condition of the small intestine, in which gluten causes the immune system to produce antibodies that attack the delicate lining of the bowel. This, in turn, causes malabsorption of nutrients. Often diagnosed in newly weaned babies, symptoms can include diarrhoea accompanied by poor weight gain or weight loss. Sometimes known as ‘gluten intolerance’.

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus, which also causes genital herpes. The strain that causes cold sores around the mouth and nose is called Type 1 (or HSV-1). Herpes simplex infections are highly contagious and may be treated with an antiviral preparation such acyclovir.

A condition in around 20 per cent of otherwise healthy babies who cry excessively in the first four months of life. Some professionals think it is related to gut pain; others to birth trauma – but the actual cause is unproven, making treatment difficult.

Also known as Clomiphene, Serophene, Milophene, many women with fertility problems are prescribed this drug which can stimulate ovulation.

Any object which is of special comfort to a baby or child, and which he or she keeps close at hand. Dummies (or soothers) are sometimes referred to as comforters.

A crawling technique where a baby, lying on his tummy, drags his whole body along using only the lower arms. It is a perfectly normal stage of development.

Also known as: Full blood count

A blood test to check for anaemia and infections, as well as checking on the performance of certain vital organs. Also known as ‘complete blood count’.

The moment when an ovum is fertilised by a sperm.

Injury to the brain caused by a blow to the head, often resulting in temporary loss of consciousness.

An abnormality, disease or defect that is present in a baby at birth.

Twins that are connected at some point by the head or torso. (Formerly known as ‘Siamese’ twins.)

Inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the membrane covering the eyeball. Most often caused by viral or bacterial infection (when it can be very contagious), or by a foreign body, injury or chemical or allergic reaction. The eye or eyes become weepy and crusty, painful, itchy and/or highly sensitive to light. Most commonly treated with eyedrops or ointment.

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard, dry and difficult to pass.

Constipation occurs when the colon absorbs too much water or if the colon’s muscle contractions are slow or sluggish, causing the stool to move through the colon too slowly. As a result, stools can become hard, dry and difficult to pass. Pregnancy hormones can cause constipation.

Continuous monitoring keeps track of your baby’s heartbeat for the duration of labour, and is carried out using a piece of equipment called an electronic fetal heart rate monitor.

If a non-stress test (see ‘non-stress test’) indicates a problem with an unborn baby, an artificial hormone called pitocin can be given to the mother to ensure that the baby’s heart rate will remain stable during contractions. This is called a contraction stress test (CST).

Tightenings of the muscles of the womb. They are stronger during labour when they open the neck of the womb and help to push the baby out.

This test is also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) or cordocentesis. A blood sample is extracted from the umbilical cord via a needle passed into the mother’s abdomen. The sample is used for prenatal diagnosis and possible prenatal treatment in high-risk pregnancies.

Also known as: Cord blood sampling

This test is also known as percutaneous umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) or cordocentesis. A blood sample is extracted from the umbilical cord via a needle passed into the mother’s abdomen. The sample is used for prenatal diagnosis and possible prenatal treatment in high-risk pregnancies.

Glandular tissue formed in the ovary after ovulation, comprising a group of cells which secrete the hormone progesterone in anticipation of pregnancy. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum continues to secrete progesterone until the fourth month; if not, it breaks down.

Sharing a bed with your baby or child.

A padded cot liner which protects a baby’s head from bumping against the cot rails. These are no longer thought by most health professionals to present any risk of suffocation, but ties should be kept short in order to prevent strangulation.

Also known as: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

The sudden and unexpected death of an infant under the age of two, althouh most incidences occur in the first six months of life. Also known as ‘cot death’.

A condition, linked to seborrhoeic dermatitis, occurring in infants and characterised by greasy, yellowish scales covering the scalp. Usually resolves without medical treatment, although emollients may help to loosen the scales and improve the appearance of the scalp in the meantime.

Painful muscle spasms. Leg cramps are common during pregnancy and are a response to the strain of bearing the extra weight. They’re commonest in the second and third trimesters and often occur at night.

Common name for the inflammation and narrowing of the voice box (larynx), the main air tube to the lungs (trachea), and the larger branching air tubes (the bronchi). Caused by a viral infection, it results in a distinctive ‘barking’ cough and is most often seen in under-threes. Usually resolves without medical treatment, although a vaporiser or warm, moist environment, such as a steamy bathroom, can ease the condition. Medical help must be sought if breathing difficulties occur.

When the widest part of a baby’s head passes through the vagina during birth.

A measurement taken in utero from the top of a baby’s head (crown) to the base of the spine (rump).

The stage of beginning to walk when a baby uses furniture as a lever to stand up and as a prop to ‘walking’ around a room.

A blueness of the skin, caused by lack of oxygen, sometimes seen in newborns.

The commonest inherited disorder in the UK, cystic fibrosis is caused by a single faulty gene that controls the movement of salt in the body. As a result, the internal organs become clogged with thick, sticky mucus resulting in infections and inflammation, making it hard to breathe and digest food.

A urinary tract infection which is common in both pregnant and non-pregnant women, but can be triggered by the hormonal changes of pregnancy. Typical symptoms are pain on passing urine, and the urge to pass urine frequently, often with no result on trying. Other symptoms may include pain in the lower abdomen, blood in the urine, and fever (high temperature).