Birth Injury Glossary - E
Understanding Birth Injury Terms and Definitions
The material contained in medical records and research materials usually contains words that are unfamiliar and new. The Cerebral Palsy Glossary contains definitions of terms and acronyms that are commonly associated with cerebral palsy.
Eclampsia
- The most serious form of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Eclampsia is characterized by seizures, coma and edema (a condition of abnormally large fluid volume in the circulatory system). It usually occurs very late in pregnancy, or immediately following labor.
Effacement
- Shortening of the uterine cervix as it’s dilated during labor. Also could mean thinning of the uterine walls.
EFM - Electronic Fetal Monitoring
- A method of fetal heart monitoring that is non-invasive, and is done through the skin. The mother sits with her knees and back partially elevated, with a cushion under her right hip so that her uterus is shifted to the left. Electrodes placed on the skin can detect the fetal heart rate, as well as the presence and duration of uterine contractions. EFM allows the health care provider to see if the baby is experiencing fetal distress, and how the baby’s tolerating contractions.
Encephalopathy
- A degeneration of brain function.
Endometrium
- The mucous membrane that lines the uterus. In order to develop into an embryo, a fertilized egg must first embed itself in the endometrium.
Ependyma
- The membrane lining the ventricles of the brain, as well as the central canal of the spinal cord.
Epidural Analgesia
Episiotomy
- Surgical incision of the perineum during late stages of childbirth, in order to facilitate delivery. Can result in serious tearing and/or sexual dysfunction.
Epithelium
- Membranous tissue covering internal organs and other internal surfaces of the body.
External Fetal Monitoring; see also “EFM”
- An electronic method of fetal monitoring that’s designed to detect a baby’s heart rate, as well as trace uterine contractoins. External fetal monitoring uses a small ultrasound disc, held in place by a stretchable band..