Contraction, uterine
Contraction, uterine: The tightening and shortening of the uterine muscles. During labor, contractions cause the cervix to thin and dilate, and they aid the baby in its entry into the birth canal and then its progress through the birth canal.
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- Contractions, Braxton Hicks
Contractions, Braxton Hicks: Irregular contractions of the womb (the uterus) occurring towards the middle of pregnancy in the first pregnancy and, earlier and more intensely, in subsequent pregnancies. These contractions tend to occur during physical activity. The uterus tightens for 30 to 60 seconds beginning at the top of the uterus; and the contraction gradually […]
- Contraindicate
Contraindicate: To make a treatment or procedure inadvisable because of a particular condition or circumstance. For examples, certain medications are contraindicated during pregnancy because of the danger they pose to the fetus and the use of aspirin is clearly contraindicated in small children because of the danger of Reye syndrome.
- Contraindication
Contraindication: A condition which makes a particular treatment or procedure potentially inadvisable. A contraindication may be absolute or relative. An absolute contraindication is a situation which makes a particular treatment or procedure absolutely inadvisable. In children, for example, aspirin is almost always contraindicated because of the danger that aspirin will cause Reye syndrome. A relative […]
- Contralateral
Contralateral: Of or pertaining to the other side. The opposite of iposilateral (the same side). For example, a stroke involving the right side of the brain may cause contralateral paralysis of the left leg.
- Contrast
Contrast: Short for “contrast media.” Contrast media are X-ray dyes used to provide contrast, for example, between blood vessels and other tissue.