Dictionary

preauricular pit See ear pit.

precancerous Pertaining to something that is not yet cancerous but has the potential to develop into a cancer. See also premalignant.

preclinical study A study to test a drug, a procedure, or another medical treatment in animals. The aim of a preclinical study is to collect data in support of the safety of the new treatment. Preclinical studies are required before clinical trials in humans can be started.

precocious Unusually early development of intellectual powers, speech, physical traits, and so on.

precocious puberty The onset of secondary sexual characteristics, such as breast buds in girls, growth of the penis and thinning of the scrotum in boys, and the appearance of pubic hair in both sexes, before the normal age of puberty.

preconceptual Referring to before conception. For example, preconceptual counseling is the interchange of information prior to pregnancy.

preconceptual counseling The interchange of information prior to pregnancy. Preconceptual counseling usually occurs for pregnancy planning and care, but sometimes it takes the form of genetic counseling. See also genetic counseling.

prediabetes A state in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not elevated enough to warrant a diagnosis of diabetes. Many people have prediabetes before they develop type 2 diabetes. People with prediabetes can prevent the development of diabetes in many cases by losing weight, following good nutritional practices, and getting regular exercise.

preeclampsia A condition that is characterized by a sharp rise in blood pressure during the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypertension may be accompanied by swollen ankles, irritability, and kidney problems, as evidenced by protein in the urine. Although preeclampsia is relatively common, occurring in about 5 percent of all pregnancies and more frequently in first…

preemie See premature baby.

pregnancy The state of carrying a developing embryo or fetus within the female body. Pregnancy can be indicated by positive results on an over-thecounter urine test and confirmed through a blood test, an ultrasound, or detection of a fetal heartbeat. Pregnancy lasts for about 40 weeks, measured from the date of the woman’s last menstrual…

pregnancy, drugs during See teratogen.