Glossary

placenta – the placenta is a temporary organ that develops in pregnancy and joins the mother and foetus. The placenta acts as a filter. It transfers oxygen and nutrients from the mother to the foetus, and takes away carbon dioxide and waste products. The placenta is full of blood vessels.

The placenta is expelled from the mother’s body after the baby is born and it is no longer needed. It is sometimes called the afterbirth.

protozoa – a single-celled animals that are larger and more complex than bacteria.

percutaneous – umbilical cord sampling see cordocentis.

STI (sexually transmitted infection) – other STIs include herpes, gonorrhoea and syphilis etc.

Fibroscan – a non-invasive ultrasound scan that measures the ‘elasticity’ or stiffness of the liver.

i-Base video of a FibroScan on YouTube.