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Incompetent Cervix
A cervix that does not function properly during pregnancy and is likely to dilate prematurely and cause a miscarriage.
Incontinence
Inability to control excretions. During pregnancy, urinary incontinence can occur as the baby becomes heavy on the bladder.
Induced Labor
When labor is started or accelerated through intervention, such as by using an IV drip of the hormone oxytocin (Pitocin), placing prostaglandin gel on the cervix, or by rupturing the membranes.
Internal Monitoring
During labor, internal monitoring may be needed and is usually in the form of an electrode placed under the baby's scalp. See Fetal Scalp Electrode.
Intramuscular Narcotics
Pain relievers that are administered by injection into the muscle.
Intrathecal
This procedure involves administering medicine into the fluid around the spinal cord.
Intubate
Meaning "to put a tube in," refers to procedure where a tube is placed down the person's throat to assist breathing or for other medical reasons.
IUGR
Intrauterine growth retardation: The growth of the fetus is abnormally slow. After the birth, the baby appears smaller than the dates say he or she should be.
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