When you’re trying to conceive, or TTC, you may find yourself reading up on the latest fertility blogs and forums. But, times have changed and many blogs and forums have developed their own lingo, abbreviating or creating acronyms for pregnancy, fertility, and infertility terms.
You probably feel lost and confused while doing your research. To help make things easier, we’ve compiled a list of common terms and abbreviations used on forums like The Bump and Baby Center to keep you in the loop. Download our full list of terms. ART = Assisted Reproductive Technology AF = Aunt Flo — Menstruation Amenorrhea =This is the medical term for a missed menstrual cycle for more than three months in a row.
BBT = Basal Body Temperature – A basal thermometer chart is a way to track temperature increases after the release of an egg, allowing you to know when you’ll be the most fertile. BD = Big Deed/Baby Dance — AKA sex BFN = Big Fat Negative – A negative result on a pregnancy test BFP = Big Fat Positive – A positive result on a pregnancy test CD = Cycle Day – The first day of your period CF = Cervical Fluid or CM for Cervical Mucus – Women can check their discharge to indicate ovulation periods.
- For example, when discharge changes from sticky and thick too thin and wet, that’s typically a sign you are ovulating.
- DE = Donor Eggs/Embryos – Donor eggs are taken from a fertile woman and transplanted into an infertile woman during an ART procedure.
- DPO = Days Post Ovulation EDD = Estimated Due Date ET = Embryo Transfer— After the IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) period, the embryo is transferred into the uterus.
Endometrium = The endometrium is the mucus membrane that surrounds the uterus and gets thicker during a menstrual cycle. If a woman does not conceive, part of the endometrium will shed. FMU = First Morning Urine – Your first-morning urine is known to have the highest amounts of HCG (a hormone that is created during a woman’s pregnancy) and allows for pregnancy tests to detect pregnancy sooner and more accurately versus after your first-morning pee.
- Folic Acid = This vitamin is essential in pregnancy.
- Folic acid helps prevent babies from developing Spina Bifida and other issues during early development.
- ICI = Intracervical Insemination – Similar to intrauterine insemination(IUI), it involves placing sperm directly into the woman’s reproductive tract to improve the chances of pregnancy.
Infertility = If a woman is under the age of 34, she and her partner are considered infertile if they haven’t conceived after having 12 months of unprotected sex. If over the age of 35, they’re considered infertile after six months of trying. IUI = Intrauterine Insemination – This is when sperm are placed directly into a woman’s uterus right around the time she is ovulating in the hopes of boosting her odds of conceiving.
- IVF = In Vitro Fertilization – This ART procedure involves removing eggs from a woman’s ovaries and fertilizing them outside her body in a laboratory setting.
- The resulting embryos are then transferred into the woman’s uterus through the cervix.
- MC = Miscarriage NTNP = Not Trying Not Preventing – This term is for couples who are not using a form of birth control to prevent pregnancy from happening.
OV = Ovulation OB = Obstetrician OB/GYN = Obstetrician/Gynecologist OPK = Ovulation Predictor Kit PCOS = Polycystic Ovary Syndrome – A hormonal imbalance causing symptoms like overproduction of androgens (male hormones), irregular menstrual cycles, and/or an ultrasound demonstrating polycystic-appearing ovaries.
This makes it more difficult to get pregnant. Progesterone = This is a hormone made by the ovaries. Progesterone levels may contribute to irregular periods. However, it is essential for the implantation of a fertilized egg and helps support pregnancy. RE = Reproductive Endocrinologist SA = Sperm/Semen Analysis TTC = Trying To Conceive TTCAL = Trying To Conceive After Loss TWW/2WW = Two Week Wait – This is the two-week waiting period after taking a pregnancy test.
WTO = Waiting To Ovulate
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Contents
What is AF in pregnancy test?
What is an Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) Test? – An AFP test is a test that is mainly used to measure the level of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the blood of a pregnant person. The test checks the baby’s risk for having certain genetic problems and birth defects,
- The baby has a high risk of having a genetic disorder, such as:
- A neural tube defect, which is a serious condition that causes abnormal development of a developing baby’s brain and/or spine.
- Down syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes intellectual disabilities and other health problems.
- Your estimated due date is wrong. AFP levels normally rise and fall at set times during pregnancy, so an abnormal AFP may mean that your baby is due earlier or later than estimated. This is the most common reason for abnormal AFP levels.
- You’re pregnant with more than one baby, Each baby makes AFP, so your AFP blood levels will be higher with two or more babies.
Other names: AFP Maternal; Maternal Serum AFP; msAFP screen
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What is af in menstrual?
ACOG to BW – ACOG: American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACA: Anti-Cardiolipin Antibodies. AF: Aunt Flow or Flo, also known as your period. (Outside of infertility circles, AF stands for “as f#%k”, which really is just as appropriate from a trying to conceive context!) AFNW: Aunt Flo Not Wanted.
- AFSA: Aunt Flo Stay Away.
- AH, or AZH: Assisted Hatching, an IVF technology,
- AI: Artificial Insemination,
- ANA: Antinuclear Antibodies.
- AO: Anovulatory,
- APA: Antiphospholipid Antibodies,
- ART: Assisted Reproductive Technology,
- ASRM: American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
- ATA: Antithyroid Antibodies.
- AWOL: A Woman on Lupron, referring to the mood swings that sometimes accompany this fertility drug.
BA: Baby Aspirin, BBT: Body Basal Temperature Charting, BCP: Birth Control Pills, BD: Baby Dance, a reference to having sexual intercourse during on your most fertile days; OR, Baby Dust, a sort of good wishes or good luck phrase meant to hope you get pregnant.
Beta: A pregnancy test that measures the levels of hCG (pregnancy hormone) via blood work. BFN: Big Fat Negative, refers to a negative pregnancy test, BFP: Big Fat Positive, refers to a positive pregnancy test, BMS: Baby Making Sex, BOB: Baby on the Brain, or thinking about having a baby all the time.
BV: Baby Vibes, same thing as Baby Dust, something you “give” to someone in hopes they’ll get pregnant. B/W or BW: Blood Work.
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What does AF stand for with womens health?
General –
AF: Aunt Flow (aka your period)BC: birth control IF: infertility PCOS : polycystic ovary syndrome (a condition in which the female sex hormones are out of balance, which can prevent ovulation from occurring regularly and make it more difficult for a woman to get pregnant)
What does BD mean pregnancy?
BD – Baby Dance – A reference to having sexual intercourse during your most fertile days. BD can also mean Baby Dust – a good luck phrase meaning “I hope you get pregnant”.
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What is normal AF?
Symptoms of atrial fibrillation A normal heart rate, when you are resting, should be between 60 and 100 beats a minute. In atrial fibrillation, it may be over 140 beats a minute. If you notice an irregular heartbeat and/or have chest pain, see your doctor immediately.
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How do you confirm AF?
Electrocardiogram (ECG) – An ECG is a test that records your heart’s rhythm and electrical activity. It’s usually carried out in a hospital or GP surgery, takes about 5 minutes, and is painless. During an ECG, small stickers called electrodes are attached to your arms, legs and chest, and connected by wires to an ECG machine.
Every time your heart beats, it produces tiny electrical signals. An ECG machine traces these signals onto paper. During an episode of atrial fibrillation, your heart rate will be irregular and over 100 beats per minute. If you have an episode of atrial fibrillation during an ECG, your abnormal heart rate will be recorded.
This will confirm the diagnosis of atrial fibrillation and rule out other conditions. But often it can be difficult to capture an episode of atrial fibrillation, so you may be asked to wear a small portable ECG recorder. The recorder will either trace your heart rate continuously over 24 hours or when you switch it on at the start of an episode.
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Why is period called AF?
What Does Aunt Flo (AF) Mean? – Aunt Flo (AF) is another way to say menstrual period. The term was coined in reference to unwelcome family members who show up unexpectedly for a visit. In the fertility community, sometimes AF is positive as it can be required to initiate infertility treatment and other times AF starting is devastating as it means treatment has not been successful.
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Is it easy to get pregnant after miscarriage?
How long will it take to get pregnant again after a miscarriage? – There is no simple answer to this. Some people get pregnant immediately after a miscarriage. Other couples take a bit longer. Try not to worry if you’ve conceived quickly in the past and it’s taking longer this time, it may just be your hormones and body need time to readjust. Find out more about how long it takes to get pregnant,
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What does DD mean baby?
Related: DD (Dear Daughter) / DS (Dear Son) / SO (Significant Other) 7.
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What is AF full form in medical?
Listen to pronunciation. (AY-tree-ul fih-bruh-LAY-shun) An irregular heartbeat that occurs when the electrical signals in the atria (the two upper chambers of the heart) fire rapidly at the same time. This causes the heart to beat faster than normal.
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What’s the two week wait?
What is the Two Week Wait? The two week wait is a term used to describe the length of time a woman should wait before using a pregnancy test, after she has undergone IVF. The wait is necessary for an accurate test because the hormones used during the procedure can interfere with results.
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When do you ovulate?
What ovulation signs can I look out for if I’m trying to conceive? – Answer From Mary Marnach, M.D. Understanding when you’re ovulating — and having sex regularly five days before and on the day of ovulation — can improve the odds of conceiving. Ovulation is the process in which a mature egg is released from the ovary.
- After it’s released, the egg moves down the fallopian tube and stays there for 12 to 24 hours, where it can be fertilized.
- Sperm can live inside the female reproductive tract as long as five days after sexual intercourse under the right conditions.
- Your chance of getting pregnant is highest when live sperm are present in the fallopian tubes during ovulation.
In an average 28-day menstrual cycle, ovulation typically occurs about 14 days before the start of the next menstrual period. However, each person’s cycle length may be different, and the time between ovulation and the start of the next menstrual period may vary.
- Change in vaginal secretions (cervical mucus). Just before ovulation, you might notice an increase in clear, wet and stretchy vaginal secretions. Just after ovulation, cervical mucus decreases and becomes thicker, cloudy and less noticeable.
- Change in basal body temperature. Your body’s temperature at rest (basal body temperature) increases slightly during ovulation. Using a thermometer specifically designed to measure basal body temperature, take your temperature every morning before you get out of bed. Record the results and look for a pattern to emerge. You’ll be most fertile during the 2 to 3 days before your temperature rises.
You also might want to try an over-the-counter ovulation kit, which can help you identify when you’re most likely to ovulate. These kits test your urine for the surge in hormones that takes place before ovulation. Ovulation occurs about 36 hours after a positive result.
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Can pregnancy cause AF?
Introduction – Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common cardiac arrhythmias. Haemodynamic abnormalities and thromboembolic events related to AF result in significant morbidity and mortality, Normal pregnancy is associated with increased plasma volume, increased heart rate and increased cardiac output.
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What is B2 in pregnancy?
Why you need riboflavin during pregnancy – Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is an essential vitamin that helps your body produce energy. During pregnancy, it supports your baby’s growth, good vision, and healthy skin. Riboflavin is also essential for your baby’s bone, muscle, and nerve development.
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What is BFP and AF?
BFP = big fat positive (as in pregnancy test) BFN = big fat negative. AF = aunty flo as in your period.
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Should I be worried about AF?
6. Is atrial fibrillation dangerous? – AF increases the risk of a blood clot forming inside the heart, which can be dangerous. If a clot travels to the brain, it can lead to a stroke. However, with the right treatment, you can work to reduce your risk. Anticoagulant drugs and a newer class of drugs called NOACs are the most effective treatments to reduce the risk of stroke in people with AF.
- Eat healthily : you could start by swapping to lower fat options and going for lean meats instead of fattier options.
- Be physically active : try a brisk half hour walk every day and take the stairs when you can.
- Quit smoking : did you know 20 minutes after you quit smoking, your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal?
- Cut down on alcohol : try halving your units or mixing juice with sparkling water as an alternative
- Control high blood pressure : by cutting down on salt and managing stress.
- Work on your cholesterol levels : by eating more fibre and swapping saturated fats (butter, takeaway meals) for unsaturated fats (olive oil, oily fish).
- Be mindful of your blood sugar levels (especially if you have diabetes). Swap sugary snacks for fruits and choose sugar free drinks.
Research shows you might be more at risk of AF if you’re overweight. Visit our weight management hub for our quick tips on losing weight, written by BHF experts.
Read Kim’s story to see how he took simple steps to reduce his risk of a stroke following an AF diagnosis.
What is the most common cause of AF?
Causes of atrial fibrillation – Problems with the heart’s structure are the most common cause of atrial fibrillation. Possible causes of atrial fibrillation include:
Coronary artery disease Heart attack Heart defect that you’re born with (congenital heart defect) Heart valve problems High blood pressure Lung diseases Physical stress due to surgery, pneumonia or other illnesses Previous heart surgery Problem with the heart’s natural pacemaker (sick sinus syndrome) Sleep apnea Thyroid disease such as an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) and other metabolic imbalances Use of stimulants, including certain medications, caffeine, tobacco and alcohol Viral infections
Some people who have atrial fibrillation have no known heart problems or heart damage.
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Is walking good for AF?
Benefits Of Walking When Living With Atrial Fibrillation — AlterG, Inc. September is National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month, the perfect time to explore this serious, sometimes life-threatening heart condition that affects over 200,000 people a year in the United States alone.
- Atrial Fibrillation (AFib, as it’s sometimes called) is a form of abnormal heart rhythm caused by lack of coordination between the heart’s upper (atrial) and lower (ventricular) chambers.
- Symptoms may include palpitations, shortness of breath, sweating, or even fatigue—”drums pounding, thunder rumbling, or fish flopping” in the chest, as the Heart Rhythm Society so eloquently describes it.
AFib also carries an inherent risk for stroke and pulmonary embolism. This makes exercising with AFib a complicated matter. Strenuous exercise can cause the heart to race, precipitate drops in blood pressure, and make one feel dizzy or faint. But that doesn’t mean lower impact exercise, such as walking, is out of the question.
In fact, walking can prove quite beneficial to the health and longevity of a person living with AFib. Why? Aside from its long-term health benefits, such as lower blood pressure and resting heart rate and improved mental well-being, walking can help reduce the onset of AFib symptoms. And it’s great for AFib sufferers because you can start slow while gradually improving their conditioning at a rate that is comfortable and safe.
The first step is to determine your fitness for exercise—a determination that should be made with the help of a physician. From there, it’s all about developing a routine that works. Here’s a good benchmark: an easy walk around the block, once a day, three times a week, can make a drastic impact on your life.
Try this for two weeks, then build on it. As conditioning improves and the heart adjusts to exercise, power walking and hiking are other options that can help keep the routine fun and engaging. Of course, it’s always a good idea to monitor heart rate when exercising with AFib. Should you experience a sudden onset of symptoms, you should stop exercising and, if necessary, seek medical attention.
From the perspective of a physical therapist, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ is particularly well suited for sufferers of atrial fibrillation, especially those that experience shortness of breath and other symptoms during even light exercise. The AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill lowers body weight and impact, meaning less stress on the patient’s heart and optimal conditions for low-risk exercise.
- In addition, the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill can monitor heart rate, making it a useful tool in cardiac rehabilitation, so that patients can establish solid footing on which to build a lifelong walking routine.
- National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month is important for many reasons.
- Some people don’t know this condition exists at all.
Others suffer from this condition and don’t know how to approach exercise. No matter what, AFib is manageable, and healthy, goal-driven exercise can play a key role in the journey. A focused walking routine is a wonderful place to start. : Benefits Of Walking When Living With Atrial Fibrillation — AlterG, Inc.
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What triggers an AF episode?
Triggers – Certain situations can trigger an episode of atrial fibrillation, including:
drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, particularly binge drinkingbeing overweight (read about how to lose weight )drinking lots of caffeine, such as tea, coffee or energy drinkstaking illegal drugs, particularly amphetamines or cocaine smoking
Page last reviewed: 17 May 2021 Next review due: 17 May 2024
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Can you feel sick with AF?
For Jeni, palpitations could be uncomfortable and painful. – Age at interview: 41 Sex: Female Age at diagnosis: 40 HIDE TEXT PRINT TRANSCRIPT It feels like your heart is going to jump out of your chest. They can be uncomfortable. They can be painful. I can imagine most people get quite scared because, to some people, that they’ll think, “Oh, I’m having a heart attack.” You can get breathless.
If it’s a small palpitation attack it’ll just be, “Oop.” And it’ll just sort of beat for up to ten minutes quite hard and quite quick and it feels out of synch, your pulse will race and you might feel a bit dizzy and light headed but if you’re having a major attack, it really does feel like it’s coming out of your chest.
You can feel sick. You can feel sweaty, very dizzy and you can get chest pain, which is why sometimes it presents like it’s a heart attack. Yet while palpitations were part of the experience for many people we interviewed, this was not always the case.
- Dave, who was diagnosed with AF after feeling unwell while scuba diving, explained that he had never – as far as he was aware – ‘had palpitations, or pain or anything’.
- Paul reported just one symptom, a pain in his back, when he was experiencing an episode of AF.
- His doctor and his cardiologist dismissed this as being unrelated to his AF.
Tiredness and exhaustion were particularly common symptoms. People spoke of feeling tired, ‘drained’, dizzy and light-headed. Brendan wondered whether his tiredness was ‘a function of age or a function of the disease’, as did Richard. (For more see ‘ First signs and symptoms of atrial fibrillation ‘).
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Can AF correct itself?
Can atrial fibrillation go away? – Rarely, atrial fibrillation can go away on its own. Atrial fibrillation may be brief, with symptoms that come and go. It is possible to have an atrial fibrillation episode that resolves on its own or the condition may be persistent and require treatment.
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What is AF a risk factor for?
Overview – Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm (arrhythmia) that can lead to blood clots in the heart. A-fib increases the risk of stroke, heart failure and other heart-related complications. During atrial fibrillation, the heart’s upper chambers (the atria) beat chaotically and irregularly — out of sync with the lower chambers (the ventricles) of the heart.
- For many people, A-fib may have no symptoms.
- However, A-fib may cause a fast, pounding heartbeat (palpitations), shortness of breath or weakness.
- Episodes of atrial fibrillation may come and go, or they may be persistent.
- Although A-fib itself usually isn’t life-threatening, it’s a serious medical condition that requires proper treatment to prevent stroke.
Treatment for atrial fibrillation may include medications, therapy to reset the heart rhythm and catheter procedures to block faulty heart signals. A person with atrial fibrillation may also have a related heart rhythm problem called atrial flutter. Although atrial flutter is a different arrhythmia, the treatment is quite similar to atrial fibrillation.
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Can AF be serious?
Treating atrial fibrillation – Atrial fibrillation is not usually life threatening, but it can be uncomfortable and often requires treatment. Treatment may involve:
medicines to prevent a stroke (people with atrial fibrillation are more at risk of having a stroke)medicines to control the heart rate or rhythmcardioversion – where the heart is given a controlled electric shock to restore normal rhythmcatheter ablation – where the area inside the heart that’s causing the abnormal heart rhythm is destroyed using radiofrequency energy; afterwards you may then need to have a pacemaker fitted to help your heart beat regularly
What is AF in Echo?
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is most common arrhythmia and its prevalence appears to be increasing as the population ages. Echocardiography can play a key role in risk stratification and management of patients with AF.
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