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.
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- Preconceptual counselling
The interchange of information prior to pregnancy. Usually for pregnancy planning and care, but sometimes in the form of genetic counseling. See also genetic counseling.
- Precursor
Forerunner. That which precedes or is derived from an available source. The term “precursor” is applied to an inactive substance converted to an active one (such as an enzyme, vitamin, or hormone). The term “precursor” applies to any chemical that is transformed into another. From the Latin “praecursor,” composed of “prae-” (or pre-), before + […]
- Predispose
To make more likely or render susceptible. Smoking predisposes to a number of diseases, including esophageal cancer.
- Preeclampsia
A condition in pregnancy characterized by abrupt hypertension (a sharp rise in blood pressure), albuminuria (leakage of large amounts of the protein albumin into the urine) and edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, and face. Preeclampsia is the most common complication of pregnancy. It affects about 5% of pregnancies. It occurs in the third trimester […]
- Preemie
Short slang for a premature baby. A preterm infant. Also spelled premie.