Posts Tagged ‘headache’

TINNITUS
6 Test drive a hearing aid/masking device    ***
•    Take melatonin at bedtime    **
•    Ask your doctor about misoprostol (Cytotec)
Can you imagine anything more annoying than hearing a mosquito buzzing around your head and not being able to catch it? A dentist’s drill might be a close match. Now imagine what it would be like to have crickets chirping in your ear 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Experts estimate that more than 30 million Americans hear a constant noise in their ears.807′Roughly one in eight men between the ages of 65 and 74 experiences some form of tinnitus (pronounced TIN-a-tus or tin-EYE-tus).808 Women and children are not spared the unwanted sound effects, which some describe as hissing, humming, chirping, whooshing, whistling, squeaking, or roaring.
Many tinnitus sufferers hear a high-pitched ringing, while others say it sounds more like steam escaping. Others complain of radio static or an electronic whine inside their head. One person described it this way: “I have aff ocean between my ears every day, 24-7.” Whatever the sound, it never lets up—but nobody else can hear it, either.
My husband has a constant buzz in his ears andalso hears a sound he likens to a dishwasher running. This particular sound bothers him most when he goes to bed or wakes up at night, and it wakes him frequently. The doctor says lots of people have tinnitus and the problem isn’t serious, but it has my husband on the ropes.
According to the medical establishment, “Many patients with tinnitus believe that they have a serious medical prob- lem. This is rarely the case.” 8(3) We beg to differ. People with tinnitus look normal, but the affliction can be as crippling as arthritis. Some individuals are so distressed by the sounds they hear that they become severely depressed and contemplate suicide. A study has found that even moderate tinnitus can interfere with cognitive ability, making it harder to focus and achieve peak performance while working on demanding tasks-810
Tinnitus can be caused by many things, including very loud noises. More than 15 years ago, Joe was preparing to cohost a radio show when a student engineer made an error and created a feedback loop through Joe’s headphones (the kind of screech you sometimes hear through speakers in an auditorium). The sound was so loud and so close to his ears that from that day to this, Joe has heard a ringing and hissing sound. Some days the noise is so overpowering that it is hard for him to concentrate. For people who cannot imagine what you are going through, it is difficult to describe how disconcerting it is to have a fieldful of crickets inside your head all the time.
We fear that millions of teenagers and young adults may be setting themselves up for tinnitus and other forms of hearing loss by exposing themselves to high volume levels while listening to iPods and other music devices. There are so many loud noises in our environment that the cumulative effect can damage our ears and increase our risk of tinnitus. We’re talking about everyday things in our lives like blenders, vacuum cleaners, motorcycles, leaf blowers, and lawn mowers. All of them are loud and can contribute to hearing problems.
G. I have just developed a hissing sound in my ears. The onset was very rapid!
The doctor diagnosed it as tinnitus but would give me no reason for the problem. He said there wasn’t anything I could do. I’ve noticed some days it is less disturbing than others, but some nights it awakens me because it has become so loud.
I was drinking large quantities of tonic water, which contains quinine, when this started. Do you have any suggestions to help me?
A. Stop the tonic water! Quinine gives tonic its distinctive bitter flavor, but it can cause tinnitus, especially at high doses. Hopefully the hissing sound will gradually go away once the quinine is out of your system.
Drugs are another common cause of tinnitus. An amazing number of prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause ringing in the ears. Aspirin is one of the most common culprits, but many other arthritis drugs can also contribute to the problem. If you suspect that a medicine is causing ringing, hissing, or whooshing, please discuss this with your physician promptly.
Drug-Induced Tinnitus
A. 1 am desperate to find some way to alleviate my arthritis pain without experiencing unbearable tinnitus. I have taken aspirin for some time, and it has been quite effective. If a joint flares up, l increase the dose for a few days. Then I heard your radio show where you mentioned that aspirin can contribute to tinnitus.
The noises in my head had been getting worse. I was resigned to this, but after listening to your program I stopped the aspirin. The result for my ears was dramatic! But then the joint pain came back. I feel I am walking a very thin line between arthritis and tinnitus.
A. Sadly, you are caught between a rock and a hard place. Aspirin and other arthritis drugs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, like naproxen and ibuprofen) can cause ringing in the ears. Some people are susceptible to even low doses. You may need to investigate other options for arthritis pain. (See page 102 for some nondrug approaches.)
In addition to sound-induced injury (like Joe experienced) and drugs, many other things can cause tinnitus. Impacted earwax is probably the most benign and easiest to correct. Some other contributors include head injury, multiple sclerosis, hypertension, infections (otitis media, Lyme disease), and tumors (acoustic neuroma). That’s why it is important-to be seen by a specialist (an otorhinolaryngologist, or ear, nose, and throat doctor) to rule out any treatable condition. Sometimes there is no obvious reason for the ringing or whooshing.
A few months ago I suddenly developed a case of tinnitus in my left ear It sounds like the high-pitched noise the computer makes when logging onto the Internet I am 36 years old and in extremely good health. I have not experienced any head trauma and am not exposed to loud noises.
I had an MRI to rule out a brain tumor Neither my family physician nor an ear, nose, and throat doctor could find anything wrong
DRUGS THAT CAN CAUSE TINNITUS*
GENERIC    BRAND NAME
Aspirin    Alka Seltzer, Ascriptin, Bayer
Bleomycin    Blenoxane
Bumetanide    Bumex
Bupropion    Wellbutrin SR and XL
Cetirizine    Zyrtec
Chloroquine    Aralen
Cisplatin    Platinol
Diclofenac    Cataflam, Voltdren
Erythromycin    E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Eryc
Furosemide    Lasix
Ibuprofen    Advil, Motrin
Meloxicam    Mobic
Methotrexate    Rheumatrex
Nabumetone    Relafen
Naproxen    Aleve, Anaprox, Naprosyn
Quinine    Quinamm, Quinerva, QM-260
Risedronate    Actonel
Tetracycline    Sumycin
Valproic acid    DepakeRe,
Vancomycin    Vancocin
Vincristine    Oncovir
*This is just a partial list. Hundreds of drugs can contribute to tinnitus.
with me and they have not suggested any remedies. I currentlyiust barely manage it with white noise (a fan) at night
Treatments for Tinnitus
When everything else has been ruled out and you are left with ringing in the ears, what can be done? First and foremost, do not expose yourself to noise pollution. Chances are good you already have some hearing loss. Be cautious around all appliances (blenders and vacuum cleaners, for example) and power tools. When flying, take along hearing protectors (you can buy earplugs that fit in your ears unobtrusively) to block out some of the jet engine sounds at airports or on loud commuter airplanes. Do the same when attending concerts or sports events. Protect your ears from any further damage.
The official word from the medical establishment is that “most treatments [for tinnitus] are unsuccessful.”811 A review of 69 randomized clinical trials published in 1999 concluded that there was no proof that any therapy provides long-term improvement.812 Investigators have experimented with powerful medications that control irregular heart rhythms (intravenous lidocaine, and oral flecainide and tocainide), but the results were disappointing and the side effects scary. Anti-anxiety agents (benzodiazepines) such as alprazolam (Xanax) may help ease the psychological impact of tinnitus, but when the drug is discontinued, the problem can return with a vengeance. The antidepressant nortriptyline has shown more promise than many other approaches, but the benefits still are not overwhelming.813 Acupuncture, biofeedback, hypnosis, and “tinnitus retraining therapy” have all been disappointing and do not make the ringing go away.
Most physicians will say that the primary goal of treatment for tinnitus is “management.” Usually this means things like masking devices. In its crudest and cheapest form, a masking device is an FM radio tuned so that you do not get a signal, just static. The theory is that this “white noise” will mask the sound of the tinnitus. Some people find this helpful, whereas others report that it just intensifies the annoying sounds.
There are also white noise generators or masking devices that can be “tuned” to an individual’s general noise frequency. There are also sophisticated new hearing aids that both amplify sound in the hearing range that is impaired and  Hearing Aid/Masking Device
High-tech hearing aids that combine frequency-specific amplification and masking in one device may be worth consideration. Some folks report both improved hearing and reduced tinnitus with such equipment. Sometimes the tinnitus relief lasts for some time after the device is turned off or removed .814
Downside: These special hearing aids are pricey, costing several thousand dollars. Insurance is not likely to cover the cost. They require professional fitting. Do not expect them to solve the problem, but they may make it more tolerable.
Cost: Approximately $1,000 to $3,000 per ear. Try to work out a “test drive” to make sure they work well and adequately relieve your tinnitus discomfort. Another option: Lease with an option to buy. If they do not solve your problem, you can at least give them back when the lease is up.
use a masking signal that is adjusted to the specific range of the patient.
My husband has suffered for years from tinnitus and hearing loss (due to his time in Vietnam). He recently found great relief with the new technology in hearing aids. Since getting his hearing aids, the ringing, buzzing, etc., has completely gone away and his hearing is now very acute.
Many folks have tried hearing aids in the past without success. know my husband did. He said they just made the ringing louder! He is thrilled with this new technology. I believe this might help many who haven’t tried the devices.
No one should buy these pricey instruments unless they ac-
tually work. That means you should be able to either test the device for a short while or lease it for somewhat longer before shelling out thousands of dollars to purchase it.
Ginkgo Biloba
There has been some interesting research on this ancient Chinese herbal medicine. From the more than 100 clinical
trials that have been published, there seems to be a reasonable amount of data suggesting that standardized ginkgo extracts (Ginkgold, Ginkoba, and Ginkai) improve circulation throughout the body, in general, and may modestly improve symptoms of dementia.’”‘ A 1999 review of clinical studies of ginkgo concluded that “overall, the results of these trials are favorable to ginkgo biloba as a treatment for tinnitus, but a firm conclusion about efficacy is not possible … the body of evidence is small.„816
Since then, there have been two studies that have not found ginkgo to be an better than placebo for relieving symptoms of tinnitus.”11,81′ At this time it would be fair to say that the evidence is mixed at best and probably not very promising. On the other hand, ginkgo does seem to improve circulation and may be worth a try. Do not expect any miracles, though.
Adding a little zinc to the mix (50 milligrams) might be worth consideration since a small study suggested that this mineral produced some modest clinical improvement.”’ If after several weeks there is no improvement, we would give up on this approach.
Melatonin
One of the least studied but most promising new approaches for the treatment of tinnitus may be melatonin. This natural compound is inexpensive and safe. Melatonin is a hormone that is made primarily by the pineal gland in the brain in response to darkness. During the daytime, the blood level is low, but at night melatonin climbs until it reaches its peak between
** Melatonin
Melatonin is natural, safe, and not very expensive. Although there is some controversy about its effectiveness for insornni8, two preliminary studies suggest that it may help people with tinnitus and sleeping problems associated with ear ringing. The dose that has been tested is 3 milligrams.
Downside: The data are not yet strong enough to elicit a ringing endorsement.
Cost: Approximately $2 to $4 per month when purchased in bulk
2:00 and 4:00 a.m. It is crucial for regulating sleep and wake
cycles.
Some extraordinary claims have been made for melatonin. Some proponents say that it can reverse aging, improve immune function, reduce the risk of cancer, control blood pressure, and lower cholesterol. The best-known use of melatonin is as a sleep aid. An extensive review of the existing studies published in the Cochrane Database concluded, “Melatonin is remarkably effective in preventing or reducing jet lag, and occasional short-term use appears to be safe. It should be recommended to adult travelers flying across five or more time zones, particularly in an easterly direction, and especially if they have experienced jet lag on previous journeys
Despite this good news, two reviews of melatonin’s use for easing insomnia were less glowing. They concluded that melatonin does not work for sleep disorders’ 1,822 Nevertheless, a small preliminary study carried out by the Ear Research Foundation in Sarasota, Florida, in 1998 revealed that a dose of 3 milligrams of melatonin was helpful for patients with tinnitus that interfered with their sleep. 823 Following up on this research, investigators at Washington University in St. Louis also found that a dose of 3 milligrams was beneficial for people with tinnitus: “In summary, our study demonstrates that melatonin use is associated with improvement of tinnitus and Sleep.”824 Although the research to date is preliminary, melatonin seems to be worth a try because of its safety and affordability.
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
Sometimes doctors teach old drugs new tricks.’Tbat might be the case with misoprostol (Cytotec), a medication approved more than a decade ago to help prevent stomach ulcers. It was hoped that Cytotec would be especially beneficial for people taking aspirin or other NSAVDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. This medication has become controversial in recent years because some obstetricians have used it to induce labor. Others have combined misoprostol with mifepristone to induce abortion.
An entirely different use for misoprostol is treating tinnitus. We first stumbled across a pilot study that was published in 1993 in the Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery.wL’ One of the most prestigious ear clinics in the world (House Ear Institute in Los Angeles) enrolled 24 subjects. These volunteers were given either misoprostol or placebo. Not surprisingly, the placebo did not work. Misoprostol, on the other hand, provided improvement for eight (33 percent) of the subjects. According to the investigators, “Responders reported improvement in tinnitus severity, sleep, and concentration:
More than a decade later, Turkish investigators noted that 13 of 28 patients (46 percent) who were given misoprostol reported a decline in the volume of their tinnitus, compared to only 2 of 14 subjects (14 percent) in the control group. 827 A
Misoprostol (Cytotec)
This prescription medication has FDA approval for the prevention of stomach ulcers. An “off-label” use may ultimately turn out to be for tinnitus. Preliminary studies have found that misoprostol may help roughly one-third to two-thirds ofrr tinnitus sufferers, with those who experienced a sudden onset of tinnitus or who had a history of acoustic trauma getting the most benefit. The dose used by the researchers was “200 micrograms per day for the first week, increased by 200 micrograms every 5 days” to reach a maintenance dose of 800 micrograms per day. This latter amount is also the dosage commonly used in gastroenterology.”828
Downside: Very expensive! Misoprostol must never be taken by a woman who is pregnant or might become pregnant. It can induce premature labor and cause other serious complications. Patients with heart or inflammatory bowel problems should also avoid misoprostol.
Side effects: Common adverse reactions include abdominal pain, indigestion, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, constipation, headache, and menstrual changes. Rare but potentially serious side effects include allergic reaction, irregular heart rhythm, heart attack, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, breathing difficulty, and blood clots.
Cost: Approximately $160 to $300 for a 2-month supply (depending on whether you purchase from a Canadian or US pharmacy)
follow-up study found that 18 of 28 patients “showed improvement in tinnitus loudness, representing an improvement rate of 64 percent. These are all small studies, and larger, more comprehensive, and longer follow-up research is required to prove that misoprostol represents a true advance in the treatment of tinnitus.
Conclusions
Compared to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, tinnitus seems like a trivial complaint. But ask anyone who suffers from it and you will discover that it can have devastating consequences on the person’s quality of life. The constant ringing or hissing not only affects concentration, it also can interfere with sleep. Many people with tinnitus are depressed, and some even contemplate suicide. There is no cure and no perfect treatment. Nevertheless, there are some options worth considering.
•    Avoid loud noise, including common household appliances like blenders, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, and power tools. Concerts, sporting events, and airports call for ear protection. Noise can make tinnitus worse.
•    Beware of prescription medicines and over-the-counter remedies that can trigger tinnitus or make it worsee. Even the quinine in tonic water can be a problem for some people.
•    Some people benefit from antianxiety agents like alprazolam (Xanax) or antidepressants such as nortriptyline. These drugs are not without side effects, however.
•    Seek professional advice about new technology that combines a hearing aid with a masking device. This equipment may help improve hearing and reduce the ringing. Try to negotiate for a trial period to test the hearing aid so you can make sure you are satisfied before shelling out thousands of dollars to purchase it.
•    Give ginkgo biloba a try. Although the research is not very supportive, ginkgo may help and it is relatively inexpensive. Make sure that it won’t interact with any other medicine you are taking.
•    Consider melatonin. This natural compound appears to be quite safe and may help tinnitus sufferers get some much-needed sleep.
•    If all else fails, your physician might prescribe misoprostol. A few small studies have found it useful for about one-third to two-thirds of tinnitus patients. Its price and side effects are daunting, however.

In the development of the teeth, the relationship between magnesium and fluoride plays an important role hatachi lithium ion and charge time . Naturally, the proportion of magnesium is 32 times greater than fluoride in the teeth, which indicates how unbelievably powerful the effect of fluoride is, and explains why too much fluoride is unnatural and therefore not required penicillin for treatment of lymes disease .
These days, attention is paid above all to the hardening substance which inhibits life, fluoride simvastatin or crestor . Because of concern regarding caries, it is understandable that all children are advised to have fluoride wellbutrin long term effectiveness . Fluoride certainly does prevent the appearance of caries, but what else does it do?
On the basis of the relationship described above between enamel (fluoride) and dentine (magnesium), it is understandable that too much flouride in the dentine can actually have a harmful effect because the magnesium should predominate propranolol generic . In fact, one of the side-effects of taking fluoride for years can be damage to the dentine atenolol aternative .
However, fluoride also has an effect on the subtle link between the forces which form and harden the teeth and the development of the thought processes penicillin vk 250mg . By giving fluoride to young children the hardening processes are strengthened and accelerated throughout the whole body side effects of drug altace . This reinforcement of physical hardening also leads to an ac
celeration in the psychological development of the child; it encourages a premature development in the thoughts and feelings low cost ranitidine hcl . One of the consequences of this is that the child is ‘awake’ to the world at an earlier age cleocin topical acne treatment .
With a good diet, fluoride supplementation is unneccessary coumadin food list . Moreover, fluoride influences the movements of the gut in a negative way femara fertility bleeding cd 10 . So we do not recommend supplementing fluoride in toothpaste or otherwise cilostazol for intermittent claudication .
What can you do to prevent caries if you do not want to give fluoride?
Obviously diet (wholemeal products and small quantities of sweet products), learning to chew well, and oral hygiene all play a role the danger of caffeine . When the first teeth appear, it is a good idea to brush them with a soft toothbrush zoloft and heart . Shortly after drinking fruit juice you should not brush your teeth, but clean them with a sip of water lithium crazy facts . In our view, toothpaste is not really necessary (see also p side effects of stop taking cytoxan .78) prilosec otc used for illegal drugs . From the age of two and a half it is advisable to go to the dentist regularly rupture and tendon and cipro xl .
It is important to be aware of the relationship between magnesium and fluoride processes contraindicatons in use of salmeterol . For example, who are generally wide awake and alert, have their small teeth sooner under the influence of fluoride, while children who are rather dreamy often have large teeth as a result of the effect of the magnesium cleocin class of antibiotics . In fact, both types of children can develop caries penicillin a revolution . It may be useful to support the development of the teeth with the help of anthroposophical medication on the advice of an anthroposophical doctor or dentist estradiol norethindrone acetate . The magnesium processes can be reinforced in the diet by giving green vegetables no more than twice a week (because of the nitrate content, see pp losartan and hydrochilorothiazide .74f) strattera dialated pupils .
In summary, it can be said that the development of the teeth is an expression of the whole of the child’s development, and that fluoride plays a role in this, though not the only role cost of methotrexate . Brushing with fluoride toothpaste accelerates the hardening processes sulfur dexamethasone wikpediea .
Vaccinations
As the parent of a newborn child, you will inevitably be confronted with the issue of vaccinations sine off pseudoephedrine . It is possible to vaccinate against a whole range of contagious or infectious diseases vardenafil female . Some of these infectious diseases are also known as the traditional childhood diseases aricept clinical studies . Every parent has a free choice with regard to vaccination aha guideline 2006 warfarin therapy .
The infectious diseases for which there are vaccinations are listed below with a description of the advantages and disadvantages of vaccinating, and what the possible alternatives might be trimethoprim brand names . Because of a lack of space, the information provided here cannot be complete actos risks . However, we hope that a considered choice can be made in consultation
VACCINATIONS 87
with the doctor with regard to vaccinations, oil the basis of the information and the vision given here, and with the recommended additional information estradiol normal level . If your child should catch an infectious disease, always contact your doctor effexor xr and rash . Supportive treatment for different infectious diseases exists in anthroposophical medicine wellbutrin is a tiny pill .
Infectious diseases
In most countries, the immunization programme is comprised of vaccines against the following diseases: diptheria, tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), polio, haemophilus influenza type B (Hib), as well as maningitis and later measles, mumps and German measles (rubella) nebivolol introduction marketing . The programme varies in different countries and is regularly revised same day viagra . There is an overview on p buy generic soma online .90 lithium evanescence .
Whooping cough, mumps, measles and German measles are known as the traditional childhood diseases diflucan on yeast . We will briefly mention the cause of the disease, the symptoms, the possible complications (which may appear but do not appear in all cases), the possible treatments and the protection provided by the vaccine cheap viagra online at .
Diphtheria
Diphtheria is a bacterial infection transmitted by coughing prednisone for cats . The disease mainly affects the area around the nose, throat and larynx, and can result in loss of breath and even suffocation keflex children . The disease can cause permanent damage to the heart, kidneys and nervous system, and the death rate is very high adalat cc . The diphtheria vaccine provides total protection against this disease carisoprodol bioequivalence study . The vaccination is usually given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age as part of a combined DTP or 5-in- l inoculation proper clomiphene dosing .
Whooping cough (pertussis) Whooping cough is an extremely contagious, bacterial, infectious disease, which is transmitted by coughing singulair pros and cons . The coughing fits usually occur at night and continue for about six weeks viagra sales online . After a coughing fit, the child usually goes back to sleep straightaway arimidex weight gain . and may be lively and cheerful during the daytime effexor xr no prescription . However, it can be a very tiring period, particularly for parents childrens motrin case .
In children under the age of one, there may be complications with periods when the child stops breathing, resulting in brain damage effexor xr wiki . The long and forceful coughing can also damage the lungs, an(> lead to middle ear infections enerdel lithium power system . Complications rarely occur in children over the age of one is celecoxib come in a liquid . At an early stage, whooping cough can be treated with antibiotics levaquin generic name . However, at that stage, it is not easy to tell whether the illness is a case of whooping cough or simply a bad cold natural testosterone research results .
The vaccination is usually given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age as part of a combined DTP or 5-in-I inoculation discogram metformin . After being vaccinated, some children still get whooping cough, though usually in a milder form zofran patient assistance program applications .
Tetanus (lockjaw)
It is possible to be infected with tetanus as a result of all sorts of injuries, as the tetanus bacteria are found in many places, indoors and outdoors nifedipine er . This disease is characterized by vehement muscular cramps including cramp in the respiratory muscles lithium ion battery development . The disease is difficult to treat and the death rate is very high depakote er migraine market research .
The tetanus vaccine provides complete protection against the disease synthroid retaining water . The vaccination is usually given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age as part of a combined DTP or 5-in- I inoculation 10 min viagra .
Polio (infantile paralysis)
Polio is caused by a virus, and is passed on through the faeces of an infected person intravenous terbutaline drip for preterm labor . In general, the disease is fairly harmless, accompanied only by diarrhea, but in a small percentage of people it causes permanent damage to the nervous and motor systems dilantin 1000 . As in the case of other viral infections, there is no regular medication, such as an antibiotic, for polio diltiazem diabetes . The vaccination is usually given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, sometimes as part of a combined 5-in-1 inoculation rivastigmine tartrate .
Hib diseases
These concern serious, fairly common, bacterial infectious diseases, which are particularly prevalent amongst young children paroxetine and thyroid . The Hib bacteria are transmitted by coughing and sneezing and can result in a type of meningitis, swelling of the epiglottis and inflammation of the joints evista fossamax . The disease has acute symptoms and sometimes results in permanent damage, such as deafness, epilepsy and brain damage, though rarely resulting in death spironolactone libido women . The disease can be treated with antibiotics, but as it usually develops very rapidly it is not always possible to treat it adequately why is caffeine used .
The vaccine protects the child against all Hib diseases, but not against other forms of meningitis such as meningitis C (see below) barbara schmidt caffeine american . The vaccination is usually given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age, sometimes as part of a combined 5-in-1 inoculation atenolol and slow hearbeat .
Pneuynococci
As with Hib, this type of meningitis apperars most frequently in the first few months of life clomid infertility drug . As well as meningitis, pneumococci can also cause middle ear infections and pneumonia lithiums 2 natural state . The strain of pneumoccocus often varies from country to country and so vaccines tend to be country-specific cheap soma 32 . The vaccination is usually given at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age effects of paxil on pregnancy .
Meningitis C
Many people carry this bacteria without any ill effects does cymbalta cause sore eyes . In rare cases it may lead to meningitis and septicaemia alternative health caffeine . First indications are similar to symptoms of flu but it quickly develops into a serious illness with high fever, and can lead to disorientation and lethargy side affects of diltiazem . Other symptoms
VACCINATIONS 89
include headaches, stiffness of the neck, severe headache at the front of the head and possibly a small, pimply rash amitriptyline hcl side effects . If symptoms appear, seek immediate medical advice tizanidine brand name .
The vaccination is usually given at 12 and 16 weeks of age bupropion qoclick .
Mumps
Mumps is a viral disease and is transmitted by coughing lithium and voltage delay . Mumps is accompanied by an inflammation of the salivary gland, located below each ear history of bayer asprin . Some rare and, in general, harmless complications include meningitis and inflammation of the pancreas withdrawing cymbalta . If this disease occurs after puberty, this occasionally has an effect on the testicles in boys, and the ovaries in girls, leading to problems with fertility in very rare cases drunk erection viagra . Deafness is another fairly rare complication paroxetine par .
The mumps vaccine provides almost complete protection against the mumps, and is often given from the age of 12 months onwards as part of the 3-in- I MMR vaccine allopurinol substitute .
Measles
Measles is a viral disease and is transmitted by coughing and sneezing tenta gel minocycline . In the initial stages, the disease is like a sort of flu with coughing and the symptoms of a cold wellbutrin sexual side effect . After that the measles really take hold and the child will feel very ill how much caffeine in chocolate . Some of the complications that can be treated include middle ear infection and pneumonia tadalafil cipla german . A low level of resistance, and giving fever suppressants, can increase the chance of these complications physiological response to intake of caffeine . The complication of encephalitis can cause serious permanent damage or even be fatal, although this is extremely rare lithium battery protector . The vaccine provides complete protection against the disease, and is often given from the age of 12 months onwards as part of the 3-in-1 MMR vaccine alcohol increase testosterone .
German measles (rubella)
German measles is a viral disease, which is fairly harmless in children pseudophedrine products . The symptoms include a red rash, swollen glands in the neck and a raised temperature drug study of diclofenac . German measles can cause defects in an unborn child, especially during the first few months of pregnancy pravachol intolerance .
The vaccine provides virtually complete protection against the disease, and is often given from the age of 12 months onwards as part of the 3-in-1 MMR vaccine neurontin libido .
Other vaccinations
There are also a number of vaccinations which are only given in special cases; for example, to specific at-risk groups owing to family history, country of origin or in instances of chronic disease lithium sources . These include vaccinations against tuberculosis and flu male menopause testosterone .
In time, the general range of vaccinations will probably be extended even further buy tramadol online cod cash . At the moment, research is being carried out into the possibilities of vaccinating against
VACCINATIONS 91
certain types of meningitis (other than those caused by the Hib bacteria) prolab caffeine .
Most countries do not vaccinate against illnesses such as chicken pox (apart from the USA and Canada), because they are very mild and there are few complications estrace breasts sore .
Most vaccination programmes include vaccines against diseases which hardy occur anymore in the developed world low dose cialis . The reason for keeping these vaccines in use is the belief that they will certainly return if no vaccinations are given against these diseases a drug called celebrex .
The principle of inoculation
The vaccines used to inoculate children contain traces of the disease concerned esomeprazole drugs . However, these traces have been altered in a laboratory, and have either been killed or weakened so that they can no longer give rise to all the symptoms of the disease ibuprofen gels . Therefore, the inoculated child receives the disease in a very weak, almost unnoticed form lithium production in nevada . This encourages the immune system to create antibodies against the disease for which the child was inoculated clemastine fumarate tablets .
If the child then comes into contact with the disease at a later date, the immune system can deal with the infection straightaway so that the child will not catch the natural form of the disease generics for buspar .
Are the vaccinations compulsory?
Although many people think vaccinations are compulsory for children, this is not the case prescription for macrobid . However, some childcare centres for children require vaccinations as a condition for enrolment why does caffeine dehydrate you . It is advisable to ask for information about this in good time accutane usage with other medications .
Side effects of vaccination
Just as there are complications with the infectious diseases described here, there can also be side effects resulting from the different vaccines cefuroxime pi . In the first place, there are harmless side effects, such as a slightly raised temperature, feeling unwell and redness in the place where the child was inoculated rimonabant has anyone lost weight . In addition, some vaccines can lead to more violent reactions lasix eye surgery in ocala florida . There may be a high temperature, vomiting, long periods of crying, listlessness, irritability, fainting and convulsions chewable zyrtec . However, these symptoms are not considered to be a reason not to vaccinate the child concerned again, since the damage is not permanent celexa change .
However, some parents have also told stories about children who were never ill until they were vaccinated, and who then struggled with constant fevers and colds levitra qu es . An association which has carried out some critical research into vaccinations, particularly the side effects, has come to some different conclusions than the officials do, but is difficult
to prove scientifically sumatriptan 85 mg rt . Ultimately, it is about parental choice pharmacy tech resume buy tramadol now .
If you want to make a considered choice with regard to vaccinations, we advise parents to read the vaccination booklets which are available from any health centre, as well as reading as widely as possible new mesalamine drug . The book, Vaccination: A Guide for Making Personal Choices, by Studer and Douch contains further information on this subject ribavirin respiratory tract infection . A Guide to Child Health by Glockler and Goebel has a thorough discussion on the pros and cons of each vaccine (see bibliography on p when should tricor be taken .117) dexamethasone acetate injection .
Practical tips
You should not let your child be inoculated if he has a fever or if you suspect that he is sickening for something accutane lawyer jacksonville . In principle, the common cold is not a reason not to have an inoculation air condition with lithium bromide .
From the day of the inoculation, and for a few days afterwards, the child may cry a lot, be unwell or ill and have a fever up to 40°C (104°F) lexapro side effects geriatric . The body has to assimilate the inoculation what is mirtazapine . Any extra rushing about, excitement, watching TV, going on a visit or on a trip etc, is not advisable during the days after a vaccination, nor is playing in bright sunlight actonel bad side effects . All this can be too much for the child testosterone cypionate vs testosterone enanthanate forum .
If the place around the inoculation is red and painful, a piece of cloth soaked in cold water or with some curds can provide some re-lief exelon address . It is also possible to put some arnica 20% (Weleda) in the water to reduce swelling study of adhd wellbutrin adult .
Immunity
When a child suffers from a number of the diseases described here he usually builds up a lifelong immunity feedback on use of testosterone gel . This applies particularly for the traditional childhood diseases, such as whooping cough, mumps, measles and German measles amitriptyline research .
As a result of a vaccination, the child is given immunity against the disease for which he was inoculated diltiazem intraveneous to oral . The question is whether there is a significant difference between the immunity acquired as a result of having the disease, and the immunity acquired as result of a vaccination seroquel drug interaction . In our opinion, this question deserves attention and further research glucophage fertility .
The question of the effects which inoculations have on the child’s health in the longer term, is also raised increasingly frequently vicodin motrin . There are indications that inoculating weakens, rather than strengthens, natural immunity, and it is not inconceivable that nature will create new manifestations of the disease if childhood diseases are otherwise eradicated ultram . The many unidentified rashes and allergies which a large number of children suffer from nowadays point in this direction i ranitidine hcl . The new variations may be worse than the original illness testosterone contraindicated . It is possible to see the emergence of the
many new allergic diseases in this light and possibly also the auto-immune diseases in which the body forms antibodies against parts of its own body can caffeine kill sperm .
The consequences of not vaccinating
When they progress normally, the diseases mentioned here are acute infectious diseases with a beginning, a peak and an end, which usually leave the child with lifelong immunity oral methotrexate . With all childhood diseases, some children will be very ill, while others are hardly ill at all teenager taking viagra . It is also possible to acquire immunity without appearing to have the illness hypoglycemia and celexa . It can happen that all the children in the family get a particular childhood disease, except for one child who does not catch it afrin compared to pseudoephedrine .
With all the diseases mentioned here, there can be complications, which mean that they do not progress in the normal way topamax for mood stabilization . The chances of this vary a great deal between the various childhood diseases zocor medication . It is not possible to predict which child will suffer these abnormalities warfarin atherosclerosis . This is what makes the decision about vaccinating so difficult cymbalta withdrawal causing arthritis symptoms .
Children who are not vaccinated still have a fairly high chance of catching certain childhood diseases clindamycin phosphate topical solution usp . It is only when the child has caught one of these diseases that the consequences of not vaccinating become apparent claritin d low back pain . This brings a confrontation between feelings of guilt and the re-marks and prejudices of other people flomax ocas . The consequences can be far-reaching; for example, the child can infect an adult, whose vaccination is no longer effective finasteride use in teen boys . It is impossible to anticipate all the consequences in advance plantar warts valtrex . Is this then a reason to vaccinate? Or is it a reason not to vaccinate? There are not many situations in which you take decisions without being able to oversee all the consequences clindamycin inhalation . On the basis of the information available at the moment, the examples you have seen around you, the practical considerations or the fear which you feel, you will make a decision and you cannot know how this will feel a month or a year later prograf hair loss .
Perhaps it helps to know that a decision which has been taken with a great deal of thought gives support and confidence, and contributes to the future of the child in a positive way mexico prozac without prescription . And a decision taken consciously makes it more possible to deal with any disappointments resulting from that decision drug interaction xanex and zoloft .
Alternative vaccination schedules
If you wish to change the time/age at which your child is vaccinated, there are other possibilities prozac being over presribed .
The chance of complications with whooping cough are greatest in the first year, and very slight afterwards canine testosterone after neutering . If you wish to vaccinate against whooping cough, it is thus advisable to do so in accordance
with the usual schedule nexium prevent ulcers gastric bypass . The same applies for the Hib vaccination, as this relatively rare disease is most common during the first year drinking alcohol and norvasc .
If you choose not to vaccinate against whooping cough, it may be possible to start with individual vaccinations against diptheria, tetanus and polio later led with lithium light . In this case, the fist vaccinations would be given at 12 months, the second 4-6 weeks later, and a third one six months after that, at around 19 to 20 months soma center new jersey . Altogether there would be one less booster because the immune system has developed much further spironolactone breasts .
It is also quite possible not to vaccinate against certain illnesses until after the childhood diseases, that is, between the ages of 12 and 14 for measles, mumps and German measles wechselwirkung cialis und propecia . This is because the possible complications of measles are more serious after the age of ten years cialis side effects eye .
Whatever you decide, it is important to discuss it thoroughly with your doctor lo ndose naltrexone . He or she will have to monitor your child when he is ill leg cramps and prednisone .
The purpose of illness and fever
The childhood diseases mentioned here are all accompanied by fever hyzaar sideeffects . A fever is the natural weapon of the organism to fight against germs amoxycillin plus clavulanic acid . It is well known that viruses and bacteria cannot multiply very easily at temperatures over 39°C (102°F) cat amoxicillin dosage . A fever activates the immune system so that it will also be able to respond to germs appropriately in the future naltrexone lupus . In this sense, a fever helps the organism to develop a good immune system dr cohen avelox .
People are afraid of fever and often try to find ways to bring the fever down as quickly as possible lexapro adhd . In our view, this fear of fever is unjustified, and by suppressing the fever, you prevent the organism from having a chance to build up a healthy resistance cymbalta for ptsd treatment . Thus we see fever as a friend, rather than as a foe reglan antidote . On p acs mi perindopril .97, we look at practical ways of dealing with fever cv side effects ibuprofen .
In general, it may be said that there are two sides to being ill can boniva cause tooth pain . On the one hand, illness is a disturbing factor; it interrupts the normal course of events in life, causes pain, discomfort, SOITOW, suffering, pressure on others, absenteeism and incurs costs iv amiodarone protocols and australia .
On the other hand, you can also say that illness leads somewhere clonidine otc . Looking back at an illness, you often see that it did not appear out of nowhere, but that this was a decisive moment in life gemfibrozil uric acid . In small ways, this can occur when you are exhausted, or in bigger ways, for example, when you have to make an important decision about your life desyrel overdose . Sometimes, the actual illness can help to reveal a new path effexor paxil .
Does this also apply to the infectious diseases in childhood’? From an anthroposophical point of view,
VACCINATIONS 95
these diseases are essential helpers in the development of the child lipitor europe . How can this be explained?
Every child inherits certain physical characteristics from his parents lotensin vs anapril in animals . This is like a sort of home in which he will live throughout his life information on prescription drug meloxicam . During the first years of childhood, it is important to move into this ‘home’ fully, and make it his own, as it were viagra burnout .
Sometimes, certain aspects of this physicality do not appear to fit very well mp flomax 10 . The child can make use of the infectious diseases to transform or rebuild these aspects can you lose weight using flomax . They help him to transform his physicality in such a way that he ‘fits’ better bleeding on clomid . Obviously, this is a better starting position for exploring the world from one’s own ‘house’ later on alcoholism naltrexone treatment naltrexone . In this way every infectious disease during childhood makes it possible to carry out a particular aspect of the ‘conversion prilosec and dizzy .’ Parents often observe that after having had one of the childhood diseases, their children really have become ‘better’ and have not really returned to their old selves escitalopram lexapro for depression .
Therefore, an infectious disease gives a child the opportunity of conquering a particular developmental barrier at the physical level diltiazem 240mg . Barriers which are not conquered have to be crossed in a different way after childhood, for example, through a process of self-education, and that is by no means always easy sustained release forms of clopidogrel .

Taking Medicines in Pregnancy

What is safe to take?
The advice to pregnant women is to avoid taking any medicines in pregnancy if at all possible. If you do need to take medication, check with your midwife or doctor first, or ask your pharmacist for information on over-the-counter drugs. The list below offers some guidance
Antiemetics: For women with severe morning sickness, an antiemetic drug may be suggested Your doctor will recommend one that is safe to take in pregnancy
Antihistamines: Most of these should be avoided in pregnancy. If you have hay fever, try to avoid known triggers and allergens or talk to your doctor about safe medications in pregnancy
Painkillers: If natural remedies, such as a head massage to relieve a headache, or a warm bath to ease backache, don’t work, then paracetamol is generally considered safe for short-term use in pregnancy although it should be avoided if possible. Ibuprofen should be avoided altogether. as should aspirin (unless specifically prescribed by your doctor)
Antibiotics: There are antibiotics that are safe for use in pregnancy. Penicillin-based ones are usually prescribed, or if you are allergic to these there are other safe alternatives The following ones should be avoided in pregnancy!
* Tetracylines can affect the development of a baby’s bones and teeth and may cause discolouration of the teeth.
* Streptomycin can cause damage to the ears of the growing fetus and result in hearing loss and so should be avoided in pregnancy
* Sulphonamides: These cause jaundice in the baby and should not be given in pregnancy
Laxatives: If you are suffering with constipation, try natural dietary remedies first, such as eating lots of fibre and drinking plenty of fluids If these don’t work, then over-the-counter laxatives are
safe to take in pregnancy. Ones that contain bulking agents are the best.
Antacids: Heartburn is a common problem in late pregnancy due to the pressure of the baby on the stomach. Antacids are generally safe to take, but avoid sodium bicarbonate as the sodium is absorbed into the bloodstream.
Diuretics: These should be avoided If you experience sudden swelling in the face, hands, or feet, you should talk to your doctor or midwife, as this is one of the signs of pre-eclampsia (see p 89)
Cold and flu remedies: As these remedies often contain a variety of ingredients, which can include antihistamines and other decongestants that are best avoided in pregnancy it’s important to check the label carefully and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these Try natural remedies, such as steam inhalations, before resorting to medicines, or simply take paracetamol for a short time.
Steroids: Anabolic steroids should not be used in pregnancy. It’s safe to use mild steroid creams short term for eczema, although avoid using these over a large surface area. Steroid asthma inhalers are safe, as are steroids prescribed for other conditions if your doctor knows you are pregnant.

Glossary
Abruption The detachment of part of the placenta from the wall of the uterus during late pregnancy, which may result in bleeding. Accelerated labour The artificial augmentation of contractions, after the cervix has started to dilate, by the injection of oxytocin through an intravenous drip Often used to speed up a long labour. Active birth An approach to childbirth that involves upright positions and movements during labour.
Active management of labour The constant monitoring and technical control of labour to monitor its duration
Alphafetoprotein (AFP) A substance produced by the embryonic yolk sac, and later by the fetal liver, which enters the mother’s bloodstream during pregnancy Alveoli Milk glands in the breasts, which produce a flow of milk when they are stimulated by prolactin and the baby’s sucking.
Amniocentesis The surgical extraction of a small amount of amniotic fluid through the pregnant woman’s abdomen. This procedure is usually carried out as a test for fetal abnormalities.
Amniotic fluid The fluid that surrounds the fetus in the uterus. Ultrasound scans may be done in late pregnancy to ensure that enough is present
Ammotomy The surgical rupture of the amniotic sac, often done to speed up labour This is referred to as ARM (artificial rupture of the membranes).
Anaemia A condition in which there is an abnormally low percentage of haemoglobin in the red blood cells, it is treated by iron supplements
Anaesthetic Medication that produces partial or complete insensibility to pain Anaesthetic, general Anaesthetic that affects the whole body, with temporary loss of consciousness.
Anaesthetic, local Anaesthetic that affects a limited part of the body
Analgesics Painkilling agents not inducing unconsciousness
Antenatal Before the birth
Anterior position See Occipital anterior Antibiotics Substances capable of
destroying or limiting the growth of micro-organisms, especially bacteria Antibodies Protein produced naturally
by the body to combat any foreign bodies, germs or bacteria
Anti-D An injection of antibodies given to women who have a Rhesus negative blood group if it is thought they may have been exposed to Rhesus positive fetal blood cells
Antihistamines Tranquillizers that are used in the treatment of nausea vomiting and certain allergies.
Apgar scale A general test of the baby’s wellbeing given shortly after the birth to assess the heart rate and tone respiration blood circulation, and nerve responses. Areola The pigmented circle of skin surrounding the nipple.
ARM See Ammotorny
Bile pigment See Bilirubin.
Bilirubin Broken-down haemoglobin, normally converted to nontoxic substances by the liver. Some newborn babies have levels of bilirubin too high for their livers to cope with See also Jaundice, neonatal. Birth canal See Vagina
Blastocyst An early stage of the developing egg when it has divided into a group of cells. Braxton Hicks contractions Practise contractions of the uterus that occur throughout pregnancy, but which may not be noticed until towards the end. Breast pump A device for drawing milk from the breasts.
Breech presentation When the position of the baby in the uterus is bottom down rather than head down
Caesarean section The delivery of the baby through an incision in the abdominal and uterine walls
Candida See Thrush,
Cardiotocograph (CTG) An electronic monitor that is used to measure the progress of the mother’s contractions and the baby’s heartbeat during labour.
Carpal tunnel syndrome Numbness and tingling of the hands arising from pressure on the nerves of the wrist In pregnancy it is caused by the body’s accumulation of fluids
Catheter A thin plastic tube that is inserted into the body through a natural channel to withdraw fluid from, or introduce fluid into, a particular part of the body This can be used to draw off urine from the bladder after an operation, or to maintain a constant input of fluids into a vein, or to introduce anaesthetic into the epidural space.
Cephalic presentation (Vertex presentation) The position of a baby who is head down in the uterus The most common presentation. Cephalopelvic disproportion A state in which the head of the fetus is larger than the cavity of the mother’s pelvis Delivery must therefore be by Caesarean section
Cervical dilatation See Dilatation.
Cervical incompetence A disorder of the cervix, usually arising after a previous mid-pregnancy termination or damage to the cervix during a previous labour, in which the cervix opens up too soon, resulting in repeated mid-pregnancy miscarriages. It is sometimes treated by suturing to hold the cervix closed. Cervix The lower entrance to the uterus, or neck of the womb
Chloasma Skin discolouration during pregnancy, often facial.
Chorion The outer membranous tissue that envelops the fetus and placenta
Chorionic gonadotrophin See Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG).
Chorionic villus sampling A method of screening for genetic handicap by analysis of tissue from the small protrusions on the outer membrane enveloping the embryo that later form the placenta.
Chromosomes Rod-like structures containing genes occurring in pairs within the nucleus of every cell. Human cells each contain 23 pairs. See also Gene
Cleft palate A congenital abnormality of the roof of the mouth
Club foot A congenital abnormality in which the foot is painlessly twisted out of shape. Colostrum A kind of milk, rich in proteins, formed and secreted by the breasts in late pregnancy and gradually changing to mature milk some days after delivery
Conception The fertilization of the ripened egg by the sperm and its implantation in the uterine wall.

Congenital abnormality An abnormality or deformity existing from birth, usually arising from a damaged gene, the adverse effect of certain drugs or the effect of some diseases during pregnancy
Contractions The regular tightening of the uterine muscles as they work to dilate the cervix in labour and press the baby down e birth canal
Cordocentesis A fine needle is passed trough the mother’s abdomen into the fetal –vein in the umbilical cord. The technique allows fetal blood to be tested, facilitates intra-urine blood transfusions, and enables drugs to be injected directly into the baby Corpus lutuem A glandular mass that forms n- the ovary after fertilization It produces progesterone. which helps to form the placenta, and is active for the first 14 weeks of pregnancy
Crowning The moment when the baby’s head appears in the vagina and does not slip back again.
CVS See Chorionic villus sampling.
D and C The surgical dilatation (opening) of the cervix, and curettage (removal of the contents) of the uterus
Dehydration A physical condition caused by the loss of an excessive amount of water from the body, often resulting from severe vomiting or diarrohea
Depression, respiratory Breathing difficulties in the newborn baby
Diabetes Failure of the system to metabolize glucose, traced by excess sugar in the blood and urine.
Diamorphine A narcotic opium derivative used as an analgesic.
Dilatation The progressive opening of the cervix caused by uterine contractions during labour.
Distress See Fetal distress
Dizygotic See Twins
Domino scheme A scheme operated by some hospitals in which community midwives provide antenatal care and are present at hospital for the delivery.
Doppler A method of using ultrasound vibrations to listen to the fetal heart
Doula A supportive woman helper who provides physical and emotional support during childbirth
Down’s syndrome A severe congenital abnormality caused by an incorrect number
of chromosomes that produces physical abnormalities and reduced intelligence. Drip See Intravenous drip.
Eclampsia The severe form of pre-eclampsia, which is characterized by extremely high blood pressure, headaches, visual distortion, flashes, convulsions and, in the worst cases. coma and death The condition is now rare since the symptoms of pre-eclampsia are treated immediately See also Pre-eclampsia.
Ectopic (Tubal pregnancy) A pregnancy that develops outside the uterus, usually in one of the Fallopian tubes. The mother has severe pain low down on one side in her
abdomen at any time from the 6th to 12th week of pregnancy. The pregnancy must be surgically terminated.
EDD The estimated date of delivery Electrode A small electrical conductor used obstetrically for monitoring the fetal heartbeat during labour.
Electronic fetal monitoring The continuous monitoring of the fetal heart by a transducer placed on the mother’s abdomen over the area of the fetal heart, or by an electrode inserted through the cervix and clipped to the baby’s scalp
Embryo The developing organism in pregnancy from about the 10th day after fertilization until about the 12th week of pregnancy, when it is termed a fetus Endometrium The inner lining of the uterus. Engaged (Eng/E) The baby is engaged when it has settled with its presenting part deep in the pelvic cavity. This often happens in the last month of pregnancy
Engorgement The over congestion of the breasts with milk. If long periods are left between feeds, or the baby is not well latched on painful engorgement can occur. This can be relieved by putting the baby to the breast or expressing the excess milk Entonox A mixture of 50 per cent oxygen and 50 per cent nitrous oxygen, breathed in through a mask during tabour, that gives pain relief as contractions peak
Epidural (Lumbar epidural block) Regional anaesthesia used during labour and for Caesarean sections, in which an anaesthetic is injected through a catheter into the epidural space in the lower spine. Episiotomy A surgical cut in the perineum to enlarge the entrance to the vagina.
External version (External cephalic
version, or ECV) The manipulation by gentle pressure of the fetus into the cephalic position This may be done by an obstetrician at the end of pregnancy if the baby is breech or transverse
Fallopian tube The tube into which a ripe egg (ovum) is wafted along after its expulsion from the ovary along which it travels on its way to the uterus
False labour Braxton Hicks (rehearsal) contractions, which are so strong and regular that they are mistaken for the contractions of the first stage of labour,
Fertilization The meeting of the sperm with the ovum or egg to form a new life See also
Conception.
Fetal distress A shortage in the flow of oxygen to the fetus, which can arise from numerous causes
Fetus The developing child in the uterus, from the end of the embryonic stage at about the 12th week of pregnancy until birth FH Fetal heart.
Fibroid A benign (non-cancerous) muscle growth in the uterus.
Forceps Metal tong-like instruments placed either side of the baby’s head during labour to help deliver the baby
Hormone A chemical messenger in
the blood that stimulates various organs to action.
Human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCC) A hormone released into the woman’s bloodstream by the developing placenta from about six days after the last period was due. Its presence in the urine means that she is pregnant
Hyperemesis gravidarum Almost continuous vomiting during pregnancy Hypertension (High blood pressure) During pregnancy this can reduce the fetal blood supply.
Hypnosis A state of mental passivity with a special susceptibility to suggestion. This can be used as an anaesthetic, and can be self-induced.
Hypotension Low blood pressure.
Identical twins See Twins
Implantation The embedding of the fertilized ovum or egg within the wall of the uterus
Induction The process of artificially starting off labour and keeping it going.

Insulin A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates the level of carbohydrates and amino acids in the system. It may be used as a means of controlling the effects of diabetes.
See also Diabetes.
Internal monitoring See Electronic fetal monitoring
Intravenous drip The infusion of fluids directly into the bloodstream by means of a fine catheter introduced into a vein Intravenous injection An injection into a vein
Invasive techniques Any medical technique that intrudes into the body
In vitro fertilization (IVT) A type of assisted conception where fertilization occurs outside of the womb and fertilized embryos are tranferred back into the womb.
Jaundice, neonatal A common complaint in newborn babies which is caused by the inability of the liver to break down successfully an excess of red blood cells See also Bilirubin
Lanugo The fine soft body hair of the fetus Lateral position Transverse lie or horizontal position of a fetus in the uterus (sometimes occurring if the mother has a large pelvis), where the presenting part is either a shoulder or the side of the head
Let-down reflex The flow of breast milk into the nipple.
Lie The position of the fetus within the uterus Linea nigra A line of dark skin that appears down the centre of the abdomen over the rectus muscle in some women during pregnancy
Lochia Postnatal vaginal discharge Longitudinal lie The position of the fetus in the uterus in which the spines of the fetus and the mother are parallel
Low-birthweight baby A baby who weighs below 2,5 kg (57 lb) at birth.
Meconium The first contents of the bowel, present in the fetus before birth and passed during the first few days after birth The presence of meconium in the amniotic fluid before delivery is usually taken as a sign of fetal distress
Miscarriage The spontaneous loss of a baby before 24 weeks of pregnancy
Monitoring See Electronic fetal monitoring Monozygotic See Twins.
Morula A stage in the growth of the fertilized
egg when it has developed into 32 cells. Moulding The shaping of the bones of the baby’s skull, which overlap to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
Mucus A sticky secretion.
Multigravida A woman in her second or subsequent pregnancy
Multiple pregnancy The development of two or more babies, See also Twins Mutation A damaged genetic cell. This can occur naturally or more commonly as an effect of outside agents, such as radiation. Neural tube defects Abnormalities of the central nervous system See also
Anencephaly, Hydrocephalus Spina bifida. Nicotine A highly poisonous substance that is present in tobacco During pregnancy this can enter the bloodstream of a woman who smokes and may affect the efficiency of the placenta, which often results in a lowbirthweight baby
Nucleus The central part or core of a cell, containing genetic information.
Occipital anterior The position of the baby in the uterus when the back of its head (the crown or occiput) is towards the mother’s front (anterior)
Occipital posterior The position of the baby in the uterus when the back of its head (the crown or occiput) is towards the mother’s back (posterior)
Oedema Fluid retention, which causes the body tissues to be puffed out.
Oestriol A form of oestrogen.
Oestrogen A hormone produced by the ovary
Opioids (Narcotics) Painkilling drugs that induce drowsiness and stupor,
Ovary One of the two female glands, set at the entrance of the Fallopian tubes, which regularly produce eggs until the menopause Ovulation The production of a ripe ovum or egg by the ovary
Oxytocin A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates uterine contractions during labour and stimulates milk glands in the breasts to produce milk Palpation Feeling the parts of the baby through the mother’s abdominal wall. Pelvic floor The springy muscular
structure set within the pelvis that
supports the bladder and the uterus, and through which the baby descends during tabour,
Pelvis The pelvis is a solid ring of bone at the base of the abdomen: it shields the bladder and portions of the genital tract. Perinatal The period from the 24th week of gestation to one week following delivery Perineum The area of soft tissues surrounding the vagina and between the vagina and the rectum.
Pethidine See Analgesics
Phototherapy Treatment by exposure
to light, which may he used when a baby has jaundice
Pituitary gland A gland set just below the brain that among other functions, secretes various hormones controlling the menstrual cycle. In late pregnancy it releases a hormone, oxytocin, into the bloodstream, which stimulates uterine contractions and also the milk glands.
Placenta The organ that develops on the inner wall of the uterus and supplies the fetus with all its life-supporting requirements and carries waste products to the mother’s system.
Placental insufficiency A condition in which the placenta provides inadequate life support for the fetus, often after 40 weeks, resulting in a baby at special risk.
Placenta praevia A condition in
which the placenta lies over the cervix at the end of pregnancy. This part of the uterus stretches in the last few weeks of pregnancy, but the placenta cannot stretch, so it may separate, the result is bleeding during late pregnancy, A woman with a complete placenta praevia is delivered by Caesarean section
Posterior See Occipito posterior
Postnatal After the birth.
Postpartum After delivery.
Post-traumatic stress disorder Panic and anxiety experienced by some women after traumatic and disempowering childbirth Pre-eclampsia (Pre-eclamptic toxaemia or PET) An illness in which a woman has high blood pressure, oedema, protein in the urine, and often sudden excessive weight gain See also Eclampsia.
Premature A baby born before the 37th week of pregnancy and weighing less than 2.5 Ing (5 lb)
Presentation The position of the fetus in the uterus before and during labour,

lying directly over the cervix
Preterm See Premature
Primigravida A woman having her first pregnancy.
Progesterone A hormone produced by the corpus luteum and then by the placenta Progestogen A synthetic variety of the hormone progesterone used in oral contraceptives.
Prolactin A hormone that stimulates milk production for breastfeeding Prostaglandins Natural substances that stimulate the onset of labour contractions. Prostaglandin gel may be used to soften the cervix and induce labour
Proteinuria The presence of protein in the urine, which may be a sign of pre-eclampsia. See also Pre-eclampsia
PTSD See Post-traumatic stress disorder Pubis The bones forming the front of the lower pelvis.
Quickening The first noticeable movements of the fetus felt by the mother.
Respiratory depression See Depression, respiratory.
Rhesus factor A distinguishing characteristic of the red blood corpuscles. All human beings have either Rhesus positive or Rhesus negative blood If the mother is Rhesus negative and the fetus Rhesus positive, severe complications and Rhesus disease (the destruction of the red corpuscles by antibodies) may occur, unless prevented by anti-D gamma globulin.
Rooting The baby’s instinctive searching for the breast
Rubella (German measles) A mild virus that may cause congenital abnormalities in the fetus if it is contracted by a woman during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy
Scan (Screen) A way of building up a picture of an object by bouncing high-frequency soundwaves off it. The sonar or ultrasound scan is used during pregnancy to show the development of the fetus in the uterus. See also Transducer.
Show A vaginal discharge of bloodstained mucus occurring before labour, resulting from the onset of cervical dilatation. A sign that labour is starting
Small-for-dates Babies who are born at the right time but who for a range of reasons have not flourished in the uterus. See also
Placental insufficiency
Sperm (Spermatozoon) The male reproductive cell that fertilizes the female ovum or egg.
Spina bifida A congenital neural tube defect in which the fetal spinal cord forms incorrectly, outside the spinal column Spinal anaesthesia An injection of local anaesthetic around the spinal cord.
Steroids Drugs used in the treatment of skin disorders, asthma, hay fever, rheumatism, and arthritis. Because they alter the chemical balance of the metabolism they may very rarely cause fetal abnormalities if used extensively during pregnancy
Stillbirth The delivery of a dead baby after the 24th week of pregnancy
Streptomycin A broad-spectrum antibiotic that should not be taken in pregnancy See also Antibiotics
Stretch marks Silvery lines that sometimes appear on the skin after it has been stretched during pregnancy
Supplementary feeding Additional bottles given to a breastfed baby.
Surfactant A creamy fluid that reduces the surface tension of the lungs so that they do not stick together when deflated. Preterm babies may have breathing difficulties if surfactant has not developed sufficiently Suture The stitching together of a tear or a surgical incision.
Syntocinon A synthetic form of
oxytocin, which is used to induce or accelerate labour.
TENS machine See Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation
Term The end of pregnancy this is measured at 38-42 weeks from the first day of the last menstrual period. Tetracycline A wide-spectrum class of antibiotic that should be avoided during pregnancy. because it can affect the development of the fetal teeth and hones See also Antibiotics.
Thrombosis A blood clot in the heart or blood vessels.
Thrush A yeast infection that can form in the mucous membranes of the month, genitals, or nipples.
Toxoplasmosis, congenital A parasitic disease that is spread by cat faeces. If it crosses the placenta during pregnancy, it can cause eye or central nervous system damage in the baby
Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation A method of pain relief that uses electrical impulses to block pain messages to the brain.
Transducer An instrument that translates echoes of very high-frequency soundwaves bounced off the developing fetus in the uterus to build up an ultrasound image on a monitor. See also Scan.
Transition A phase between the first and second stages of labour when the cervix is dilating to between 7 and 10 cm
Trial of labour A situation in which, although a Caesarean section may be necessary, the mother labours in order to see if a vaginal delivery is possible
Twins The simultaneous development of two babies in the uterus, either after two eggs are fertilized independently by two sperm - dizygotic or fraternal twins - or, more rarely, after one fertilized egg divides to produce monozygotic or identical twins.
Ultrasound See Scan, Transducer.
Umbilical cord The cord connecting the fetus to the placenta
Uterus (Womb) The hollow muscular organ in which the fertilized egg becomes embedded, where it develops into the embryo and then the fetus
Vacuum extractor An instrument, used as an alternative to forceps which adheres to the baby’s scalp by suction and with the help of the mother’s bearing down, can be used to guide the baby out of the vagina
Vagina The canal between the uterus and the external genitals It receives the penis during intercourse and is the passage through which the baby is delivered
VE Vaginal examination.
Vernix A creamy substance that often covers the fetus in the uterus
Vertex presentation (VX) See Cephalic presentation.
Vulva The external part of the female reproductive organs, that includes the labia and the clitoris
Water birth Birth of a baby under water.