Body Mass Index (BMI)
The Body Mass Index is commonly used to asses whether a person’s body weight is within the normal range, or whether it is too high or to low. The BMI is calculated by taking body weight in kilogramms [kg] and dividing it by the square of the body height in meters [m]. The unit of the BMI therefore is [kg/m2]. The formula is
BMI = (body weight in kg) / (body height in m)2. The easiest way to calculate your BMI is to use our BMI calculator.
Cephalic presentation
Usual head down position of the baby in the uterus during the final phase of pregnancy, leading to head first presentation during birth.
DHA
DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) is a member of the omega-3 family of fatty acids. This fatty acid is found in cold-water fish and in some types of algae.
Embryo
Unborn child at an early stage of development between fertilisation and third month of pregnancy.
Fallopian tubes
Ducts through which the ova are led from the ovaries to the uterus after ovulation.
Fertilisation
The union of sperm and ovum that starts off the development of an embryo.
Fetus
Developing child between the third month of pregnancy and delivery.
Folate/Folic acid
Folate belongs to the group of B-vitamins and plays a key role in vital processes of our bodies. Folate is needed for all growth and development processes because it is essential for the production of nucleic acids (the information carriers in the cells).
Hormone
Substance produced by gland that via the bloodstream reaches the predestined organ where it has a specific effect.
Iron
During pregnancy iron demand is increased. The required daily uptake is not covered by the usual diet. Taking Pharmaton® Matruelle® helps to prevent iron deficiency.
Labour pains
Contractions of the uterine musculature before and during birth. Irregular early contractions can occur days or weeks before delivery.
Lanugo hair
Fine downy hair on the child’s body during mid-term pregnancy.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients, so called because they are needed by the body only in minute amounts, play leading roles in the production of enzymes, hormones and other substances, helping to regulate growth, activity, development and the physiological functioning, e.g. of the immune and reproductive systems. Adequate intake is especially crucial during early childhood and other periods of rapid growth, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Nausea
A feeling of sickness in the stomach marked by an urge to vomit, often occurring in the morning during the first months of pregnancy.
Nidation
The process whereby a fertilised ovum becomes implanted in the lining of the uterus, starting off pregnancy. Nidation takes place five to ten days after ovulation (or embryo transfer in the case of in-vitro fertilisation).
Oedema
Painless swelling, often in the limbs, caused by an excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue spaces or a body cavity. Oedema often occur during pregnancy.
Omega-3 fatty acids (incl. DHA, docosahexaenoic acid)
Omega-3 fatty acids containing DHA have been shown to be beneficial for the development of the nervous system of the foetus, for an optimal brain development and a better visual acuity in infants. Women at risk of developing postpartum depression may benefit from a prophylactic treatment with omega-3 fatty acids containing DHA. They further help therefore in strengthening the nervous system, thus preventing depression, improving mood, maintaining in this way a positive mental state. Omega-3 fatty acids play also an important role in the cardiovascular system, by helping to regulate blood fat levels, and promote appropriate heart health. Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids are fatty fish, seafood and nuts.
Ovary (plural: Ovaries)
Paired female reproductive organs that produce ova and certain sex hormones, including estrogen.
Ovum (plural: Ova)
The female reproductive cell, also called ovocyte or oocyte.
Oxytocin
A hormon that causes the labour pains during delivery. Therefore it is substituted if labour is insufficient (powerless labour, uterine inertia). Oxytocin also plays an important role for the production of milk.
Placenta
A membranous vascular organ that develops during pregnancy, lining the uterine wall and partially enveloping the fetus, to which it is attached by the umbilical cord. The placenta permits the absorption of oxygen and nutritive materials into the fetal blood and the transfer of wastes from it, without the direct mixing of maternal and fetal blood. The placenta also produces hormones that are needed for pregnancy. Following birth, the placenta is expelled.
Polyunsaturated fats
Polyunsaturated fats are healthier than saturated fats. The fat is found in vegetable oils like olive, soyabean, corn, sunflower and safflower. They also occur in oily fish in form of omega-3 fatty acids. Polyunsaturated fats remain liquid at room temperature. The good news: polyunsaturated fat provides essential fatty acids for healthy skin and the development of body cells.
Pre-eclampsia
Development of hypertension (high blood pressure) with albuminuria (lost of blood proteins through urine) and oedema (local liquid retention in body) between the 20th week of pregnancy and the end of the 1st week post-partum with several severe consequences of mother and foetus/baby. Uterus A hollow muscular organ, also called womb, located in the pelvic cavity, in which the unborn child develops up to birth.
