Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS)

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is the term for severe birth defects caused by alcohol use during pregnancy. Children who have FAS may have: Distinctive facial features, which include a small head, a flat face, narrow eye openings, a short upturned nose, a flattened groove between the nose and the upper lip (philtrum), and...

Fetal and Pregnancy Dates

Fetal and pregnancy dates are not the same—when a woman is 24 weeks pregnant, her growing baby (fetus) is about 22 weeks old. This is because the start of the pregnancy is counted from the first day of her last menstrual period (LMP), but the embryo doesn't start growing until about 2 weeks later.

Fetal Blood Sampling (FBS) During Pregnancy

Fetal blood sampling (FBS) is the collecting of fetal blood directly from the umbilical cord or fetus. The fetal blood is tested for signs of anemia and other blood problems. FBS is also known as cordocentesis or percutaneous umbilical cord blood sampling. FBS is usually used when a Doppler ultrasound and/or a series of...

Fetal Fibronectin Test

Fetal fibronectin is a protein that helps keep the amniotic sac attached to the wall of the uterus during pregnancy. If there is a problem with the amniotic sac staying attached to the uterus, high amounts of fetal fibronectin can end up in the vaginal fluid. This can mean there is an increased chance of having a...

Fetal Monitoring During Labor

What is fetal monitoring during labor? Fetal heart monitoring is a way to check the heart rate of your baby (fetus) during labor. The heart rate is a good way to find out if your baby is doing well. It can show if there is a problem. Monitoring may be done all the time during labor (continuous) or at set times...

Fetal Ultrasound

Fetal ultrasound is a test done during pregnancy that uses reflected sound waves. It produces a picture of the baby (fetus), the organ that supports the fetus ( placenta), and the liquid that surrounds the fetus ( amniotic fluid). The picture is displayed on a TV screen. It may be in black and white or in color. The...

Fetal ultrasound

Fetal ultrasound uses reflected sound waves to provide an image of the fetus and placenta. Fetal ultrasound is the safest way to obtain information about the fetus, such as its size, position, age, and condition. During a fetal ultrasound, a small handheld instrument called a transducer is used to direct sound waves...

Fetal Ultrasound Images

A normal fetal ultrasound shows that the fetus does not have any birth defects and is the correct size for its age.

Fetus

A baby growing in the uterus is called a fetus at 9 weeks after conception (11 weeks from the last menstrual period) until birth.

Fever

Fever is the body's normal response to infection and other conditions, both minor and serious. Most fevers help the body fight infection. The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C) orally. It can change during the day from a low of 97.4°F (36.3°C) in the morning to a high of 99.6°F (37.6°C) in the late...

Fever During Pregnancy

It is not unusual to develop a viral illness that causes a fever during pregnancy or after your delivery. Mild fevers that last only a short time usually are not a concern. An ongoing fever that does not get better with home treatment, such as taking acetaminophen, or that does not improve after several days may mean...

Fever Estimates, 11 and Younger

If you're not sure if a child's fever is high, moderate, or mild, think about these issues: With a high fever : The child feels very hot. It is likely one of the highest fevers the child has ever had. With a moderate fever : The child feels warm or hot. You are sure the child has a fever. With a mild fever : The child...

Fever Estimates, 12 and Older

If you're not sure if a fever is high, moderate, or mild, think about these issues: With a high fever : You feel very hot. It is likely one of the highest fevers you've ever had. High fevers are not that common, especially in adults. With a moderate fever : You feel warm or hot. You know you have a fever. With a mild...

Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger

Briefly discusses fevers in children age 11 and younger. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, and high fever. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older

Briefly discusses fevers in those age 12 and older. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, and high fever. Covers causes of fever. Offers interactive tool to help decide when to seek care. Also offers home treatment tips.

Fever Ranges, 11 and Younger

Temperature varies a little depending on how you measure it. For children up to 11 years old, here are the ranges for high, moderate, and mild according to how you took the temperature. Oral (by mouth), ear, or rectal temperature High: 104° F (40° C) and higher Moderate: 100.4° F (38° C) to 103.9° F (39.9° C) Mild...

Fever Ranges, 12 and Older

Temperature varies a little depending on how you measure it. For adults and children age 12 and older, these are the ranges for high, moderate, and mild, according to how you took the temperature. Oral (by mouth) temperature High: 104°F (40°C) and higher Moderate: 100.4°F (38°C) to 103.9°F (39.9°C) Mild: 100.3°F...

Fever seizures

Fever seizures (febrile seizures) are uncontrolled muscle spasms and unresponsiveness in a child. They usually last 1 to 3 minutes and are seldom serious. Fever seizures are not a form of epilepsy. A seizure is likely to be fever-related if: There is one seizure in a 24-hour period. The seizure lasted less than 15...

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