Family health A-Z - F

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The two tubes which connect the ovaries to the uterus and conduct the egg to the uterus.

Non-progressive early labour accompanied by painful contractions.

Also known as: Fetal alcohol syndrome

Babies born to mothers who drink in pregnancy, even in relatively small amounts, may be born with this syndrome, which is characterised by irreversible growth retardation, distorted facial features and/or mental retardation.

Also known as: Essential fatty acids (EFAs)

Long-chain organic acid molecules that must be obtained from the diet and are especially important in pregnancy because of the role they play in a baby’s development. Omega 3 & Omega 6 are two widely-recognised EFAs needed for many bodily functions and processes.

Fits brought on in young children by a rapid increase in body temperature, and caused, for example, by fever. They affect up to five per cent of children between the ages of one and four but can be seen in children between six months and about five years old.

Babies born to mothers who drink in pregnancy, even in relatively small amounts, may be born with this syndrome, which is characterised by irreversible growth retardation, distorted facial features and/or mental retardation.

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.

A slowed hearbeat or lack of fetal movement can be signs of fetal distress, and will be looked for throughout labour. If a baby’s life is threatened by distress, it’s usually because of a lack of oxygen, and an emergency Caesarean will be performed.

When an unborn baby’s heartbeat is tracked, or the baby’s heartbeat and a mother’s contractions are measured simulataneously in labour.

The term for a baby from the third month of pregnancy until birth.

A body temperature that is higher than normal, often accompanying a bacterial or viral infection.

The period from when the mucous plug is lost or the waters break until full dilation and readiness for the second (pushing) stage.

Also known as: Epilepsy

Disorder of the central nervous system characterised by episodes of loss of consciousness and convulsions, varying in severity and frequency.

Also known as: Influenza

Commonly called the flu, influenza is an acute, infectious, viral disease of the respiratory system. Symptoms are debilitating and include fever, muscle pain, headache and inflammation of the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. Treatment is with simple painkillers and anti-inflammatories unless a bacterial infection occurs, in which case antibiotics may be helpful.

The addition, by individual water authorities, of fluoride to drinking water in order to improve and maintain dental health.

A B vitamin that is essential for cell growth and reproduction. Folate deficiency can result in anaemia.

A water-soluble form of folate that’s important for red cell growth and healthy embryonic development. It’s available in tablet form, and pregnant women are advised to take 400mcg of it daily for six months prior to conception as well as for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

A powdered milk formula, modified to supplement babies who have been weaned on to a balanced diet of solid foods.

Fontanelles are soft spots on a baby’s head which enable the soft bony plates of the skull to flex during the second stage of labour, allowing the head to pass through the birth canal. Fontanelles are usually completely hardened by a child's second birthday.

An instrument for grasping the fetal head or other part and rotating the baby, in order to facilitate a difficult labour and birth.

A powdered preparation of cow’s milk fortified with other specific nutrients, formulated to mimic breastmilk for babies who are not breastfed.

Fragile-X is a family of genetic conditions which can impact on individuals and families in various ways, including inherited mental impairment. The genetic conditions are related in that they are all caused by changes in the same gene.

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’.

A pregnancy that lasts between the 38 and 42 weeks.

The point at which the aperture to the cervix has opened to a diameter of around 10cm, at which point the mother can begin to push the baby out.

The top of the uterus