ferning

ferning
A term used to describe the pattern of arborization produced by cervical mucus, secreted at midcycle, upon crystallization, which resembles somewhat a fern or a palm leaf.

* * *

n.
a test to determine if the amniotic membrane surrounding the fetus has ruptured in late pregnancy. A typical pattern of amniotic fluid crystallization occurs when the amniotic fluid dries.

* * *

fern·ing (furnґing) the appearance of a fernlike pattern in a dried specimen, due to the presence of sodium chloride and other electrolytes. In a specimen of cervical mucus this indicates the presence of estrogen that is not being counteracted by progesterone. In a specimen of vaginal fluid not contaminated by cervical mucus, it indicates the presence of amniotic fluid.

Ferning of postovulation cervical mucus.


Medical dictionary. 2011.

Look at other dictionaries:

  • ferning — n. a test to determine if the amniotic membrane surrounding the fetus has ruptured in late pregnancy. A typical pattern of amniotic fluid crystallization occurs when the amniotic fluid dries …   The new mediacal dictionary

  • ferning — fernˈing noun (medicine) (of cervical mucus, etc) a tendency to develop a feathery or fern like appearance • • • Main Entry: ↑fern …   Useful english dictionary

  • Fertility awareness — Background Birth control type Behavioral First use 1950s (mucus) mid 1930s (BBT) 1930 (Knaus Ogino) Ancient (ad hoc) Failure rates (first year) Perfect use Symptoms based: 1 3% Calendar based: 5 9% …   Wikipedia

  • Fertility monitor — A fertility monitor is an electronic device which may utilize various methods to assist the user with fertility awareness. A fertility monitor may analyze changes in hormone levels in urine, basal body temperature, electrical resistance of saliva …   Wikipedia

  • Cervix — Schematic frontal view of female anatomy …   Wikipedia

  • Преждевременное излитие околоплодных вод — Преждевременный разрыв плодных оболочек (ПРПО) – это осложнение беременности, характеризующееся нарушением целостности оболочек плодного пузыря и излитием околоплодных вод (до начала родовой деятельности) на любом сроке беременности. Часто воды… …   Википедия

  • Conception device — A conception device is a medical device which is used to assist in the achievement of a pregnancy, often, but not always, by means other than sexual intercourse or NI. This article deals exclusively with conception devices for human reproduction …   Wikipedia

  • fern test — see ferning …   Medical dictionary

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”