Prolapsed cord - A condition in which the umbilical cord slips down in front of the fetus and into the vaginal canal during birth. When the cord is compressed, it may cut off the baby's oxygen and blood supply.
PKU (phenylketonuria) - PKU is a rare hereditary condition involving the inability to metabolize the amino acid phenylalanine (Phe). Affected individuals must adhere to a diet low in Phe during childhood or Phe levels rise and become toxic, causing central nervous system injury. Women with PKU must also adhere to a low Phe diet before and during pregnancy to avoid fetal damage. Newborns are routinely screened for PKU, which can cause mental retardation if not detected early.
Pitocin - The synthetic form of the hormone oxytocin, given intravenously to induce labor artificially. Contractions usually begin about 30 minutes after pitocin has been started. Some women find the sudden onset of labor unpleasant.
Perineal tear - A painful rip in the skin and muscles between the vagina and the rectum. If a woman appears to be at risk for a perineal tear during delivery, an episiotomy is often performed.
Pica - The urge to eat nonfood items such as dirt or chalk during pregnancy. While experts are not quite sure why, according to the Journal of American Dietetic Association there may be a connection to iron-deficiency.
Pap smear - A routine test in which cells are taken from the cervix and vagina and are examined under a microscope for the presence of cervical cancer.
Paracervical block - The injection of a local anesthetic into the tissues of the cervix to relieve pain during childbirth.
Progesterone - A female hormone produced in the ovaries that matures the lining of the uterus. When its level falls, menstruation occurs.
Prolactin - The hormone that helps to start and maintain the production of breast milk. As a baby nurses, prolactin is released into the mother's blood stream, causing the milk glands to produce more milk.
Pudendal block - Local anesthesia injected through the wall of the vagina into the pudendal nerve to block pain in the perineum during labor. Severe side effects are rare.
Pelvic tilt - An exercise to strengthen the abdominal muscles and relieve pressure in the lower back.
Perineal massage - The gentle massage of the vaginal opening and perinium to help increase the elasticity of the vagina in preparation for childbirth, thereby reducing the risk of tearing during delivery, or the need for an episiotomy.
Placenta - Organ inside the uterus that is attached to the fetus by the umbilical cord. It provides nourishment to the fetus and takes waste from the fetus.
Perineum - The triangular area of skin and underlying muscles between the vagina and the rectum.
Postpartum blues - Mild depression lasting for several days to several weeks after delivery.
Postpartum depression - It affects about 10% of all new mothers. It can occur from two weeks to one year after the birth. A new mother may have feelings of anger, confusion, panic, and hopelessness. She may experience changes in her eating & sleeping patterns. She may fear she'll hurt her baby or she is going crazy . Some women feel worthless, cannot eat or sleep, they are sad, anxious and cry a lot. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately.
Pregnancy Discrimination Act - A federal law prohibiting employers from discrimination on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.