Dictionary

fetal hemoglobin See hemoglobin F.

fetal dystocia See dystocia, fetal.

fetal distress Compromise of a fetus during the antepartum period (before labor) or intrapartum period (during the birth process). The term fetal distress is commonly used to describe fetal hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the fetus), which can result in fetal damage or death if it is not reversed or if the fetus is not…

fetal development See prenatal development.

fetal circulation See circulation, fetal.

fetal alcohol syndrome A syndrome of damage that occurs to a child before birth as a result of the mother drinking alcohol during pregnancy. Abbreviated FAS. FAS always involves brain damage, impaired growth, and head and face abnormalities. FAS is one of the leading causes of mental retardation in the US. FAS is the extreme…

fetal alcohol spectrum disorders Conditions reflecting the possible effects of prenatal exposure to alcohol. Abbreviated FASDs. The FASDs include fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), alcohol-related birth defects (ARBDs), and alcohol-related neurodevelopmental disabilities (ARNDs). See also fetal alcohol syndrome.

fetal alcohol effect A condition in which a child has some signs of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) but does not meet all of the necessary criteria for FAS and there is a history of alcohol exposure before birth. Abbreviated FAE. The Institute of Medicine (IOM) has replaced the term FAE with the terms alcohol-related birth…

fertilization The process of combining the male gamete, or sperm, with the female gamete, or ovum. The product of fertilization is a cell called a zygote.

fertility The ability to conceive and bear children, the ability to become pregnant through normal sexual activity.

fertile Able to conceive and bear offspring. Also known as fecund.

ferritin The major protein concerned with iron storage. The blood ferritin level serves as an indicator of the amount of iron stored in the body, and it can become elevated due to the presence of conditions featuring significant inflammation.