Health Library

Maternal and Fetal Infections

In pregnancy, infections are a common complication—but women may not have obvious symptoms, or they may show different symptoms of an infection.

Maternal and Fetal Infections Overview

During pregnancy, certain infections may cause problems for you and your baby. So it's important to treat and prevent infections when you're pregnant.

Maternal and Fetal Testing

Women with high-risk pregnancies often need a close watch for potential problems or complications. Many tests and procedures are available to monitor the health of both mother and baby.

Maternal and Fetal Testing Overview

There are tests and procedures that can help keep track of your health and your baby's health during pregnancy. Understand what questions to ask about these tests and procedures, and know which health problems may need testing.

Maternity Leave

The length of time given for a paid maternity leave of absence varies among companies. Some women extend their maternity leaves by taking additional weeks of unpaid leave.

Meal Planning for Children with Diabetes

It's important to learn about correct meal planning when your child has diabetes. The type and amount of food your child eats affects their blood sugar levels.

Measles (Rubeola) in Children

Measles (rubeola) is a respiratory illness caused by a virus. It causes a red, blotchy rash. It’s a very contagious illness.

Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

The MMR vaccine is given in 2 doses--at 12 to 15 months and at 4 to 6 years, or at least 1 month after the first dose.

Meckel Diverticulum

Meckel diverticulum is a small pouch in the wall of the intestine. It’s near where the small and large intestines meet. This condition is the most common birth defect of the digestive system. It happens to about 1 in 50 babies.

Meconium Aspiration

Meconium aspiration happens when a newborn breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb. Meconium is the baby's first stool, or poop, which is sticky, thick, and dark green.

Medical Genetics: Chromosome Studies

When a chromosome is abnormal, it can cause health problems in the body. Tests called studies can look at chromosomes to see what type of problem a person has.

Medical Genetics: DNA Studies for Single Gene Defects

To look for single gene defects, healthcare providers look at the DNA to see if it has any errors in it. Errors are known as mutations.