Word/Term
|
Full Terminology
|
Meaning/Explanation
|
| Abortion |
|
Miscarriage/Termination of pregnancy |
| Assay or RIA |
RadioImmunoAssay |
The term assay is used by scientists when they measure something in a body fluid. hCG is assayed using a Radioimmunoassay which is very sensitive and accurate. |
| Conceptus |
|
The fertilised ovum |
| Curettage |
|
A scrape of the womb lining to remove retained products |
| Cyst |
|
Fluid filled sac |
| D&C |
Dilatation & Curettage |
A minor operation under general anaesthetic where the opening to the uterus (womb) is dilated (enlarged) and the lining of the uterus is scraped using a sharp instrument called a curette. If used in early pregnancy it will be called ‘Evacuation of Retain” |
| Embryo |
|
A baby in the early stages of pregnancy |
| Fetus |
|
Unborn child |
| Foetus |
|
Unborn child |
| hCG |
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin |
The major pregnancy hormone, which is produced by the Trophoblastic cells (the thin layer which separates the mother from the fetus). The function of hCG is to maintain the pregnancy. The level of hCG is monitored during follow-up after molar pregnancy |
| Hydatid |
|
Containing vesicles |
| Hydropic Abortion |
|
Cystic products of conception which may resemble hydatidiform mole |
| Metastasis |
Plural=metastases |
Abnormal cells sometimes find their way, via the blood stream to other parts of the body and grow there – this is called a metastasis. |
| Mole |
|
A mass: in this context a mass of cells originating from the conceptus. |
| Ovum |
|
The egg cell |
| Placenta |
|
The organ through which the foetus is nourished. It also removes waste products. |
| Tumour |
|
Any mass of cells can be called a tumour. A tumour is not necessarily malignant (cancerous),it can be non-malignant or benign. |
| Uterus |
|
Womb |
| Vesicle |
|
Fluid filled sac |