|
Terminology |
Explanation |
| Bacteria |
Microscopic single-celled organisms |
| Barrier
methods |
Any method
of contraception which uses a physical barrier to prevent
sperm from reaching the ovum, for example the condom or
diaphragm used in conjunction with spermicide |
| Bartholins
glands |
Small
glands which produce the colourless lubricative arousal
fluid around the vaginal opening in response to sexual
stimulation. |
| Basal body
temperature (BBT) |
The
temperature of the body at rest, taken immediately on
waking, before any activity. |
| Biphasic
chart |
The
two-phase temperature chart which shows a pattern of
relatively low temperatures in the pre-ovulatory phase of
the cycle, an upward shift of about 0.2°C confirming
ovulation, and a sustained higher level until the next
menstruation |
| Birth
Certificate |
A legal
requirement for all children born, which sets out the legal
parents. |
| Birth
Mother |
the term
for a woman who gives birth to a baby (not necessarily
conceived or genetically related to herself) |
| Blastocyst |
An embryo
that has developed for five to six days after fertilisation |
| Blastomere |
One of the
cells resulting from cleavage or division of a fertilised
ovum; one of these cells taken
(by biopsy) from a blastocyst
for genetic testing. |
| BMA |
British
Medical Association |
| Blood
Group |
the
different groups of blood are AB, A, B, O and rhesus, the
matching of which are essential for the transfusion of blood
from donor to receiver. |
|
Breast-feeding |
The
process by which the baby is nourished from the mother's
breasts. This may take the form of full or nearly full
breast feeding where the baby is nourished solely from the
breasts, partial breastfeeding where supplementary feeds or
solids are given and token breast feeding where the breast
is used at irregular intervals, primarily for comfort rather
than nourishment. Adoptive and surrogate children
can be breast fed by their ‘mother’ refer to our Links pages |
| Buserelin |
is a
hormone suppressant which is given by nasal spray or a daily
injection. Buserelin suppresses the activity of a small
gland in the brain called the pituitary gland which normally
stimulates the ovaries to produce eggs. The ovaries can then
be stimulated artificially |
