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Pelvic Floor
Describes the area of the vulva, perineum, and anus. The pelvic floor muscles are the muscles a woman tries to loosen while giving birth.
Perineum
The muscle and tissue between the vagina and the rectum.
Phenergan
A drug used as a sedative and also to control nausea and vomiting.
PIH
Pregnancy Induced Hypertension. See Eclampsia and Pre-eclampsia.
Pitocin
Synthetic oxytocin (a hormone that stimulates contractions, among other things) given through intravenous drip (IV) to stimulate labor.
Placenta
This is the tissue which connects the mother and fetus that transports nourishment and takes away waste.
Placenta Previa
This condition is usually discovered in late pregnancy. The placenta lies very low in the uterus, so that the opening of the uterus is partially or completely covered.
Post Term
When pregnancy lasts beyond 42 weeks.
Posterior
Describing the baby's face-up position during delivery. Normal presentation is anterior (face down). Posterior deliveries generally cause back labor (back pain).
Postpartum
The period of time after a baby's birth.
Pre-eclampsia
The precursor to eclampsia, this a condition involving high blood pressure, swelling due to fluid retention, and abnormal kidney function.
Preterm
Babies born earlier than 37 weeks.
PROM
Acronym stands for premature rupture of membranes and means a woman's water has broken early.
Prostaglandin Cream or Gel
Medication used to ripen the cervix before induction.
Pubic Symphysis
The joint between the pubic bones at the front of the pelvis.
PUBS
Percutaneous umbilical blood sampling: Similar to amniocentesis. A needle is inserted into the mother's abdominal wall and through the uterus, but is also inserted into the umbilical cord at the base of the placenta. Blood is drawn for diagnostic purposes.
Pudendal Block
A term used to describe a procedure that gives regional pain relief in the perineum area during birth. Also used when repairing an episiotomy.
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