Bma Illustrated Medical Dictionary

retention of part of the placenta. If the

baby lies in the breech position (see

breech delivery), caesarean section may

be necessary. Multiple pregnancies (see

pregnancy, multiple) carry an increased

risk of premature labour and of prob-

lems during delivery. If the mother’s

pelvis is too small in proportion to the

head of her baby, delivery by caesarean

section is necessary.

childbirth, naturalThe use of relaxation

and other techniques to help cope with

pain and minimize the use of drugs and

medical intervention during childbirth.

child developmentThe acquisition of

physical, mental, and social skills in chil-

dren. Although there is wide variation in

individual rates of progress, most children

develop certain skills within predictable

age ranges. For example, most infants

start to walk at 12–18 months. Capability

for new skills is linked to the maturity of

the child’s nervous system. Individual rates

of maturity are determined genetically

and modified by environmental factors

in theuterusand after birth. Develop-

ment is assessed in early childhood by

looking at abilities in 4 main areas: loco-

motion; hearing and speech; vision and

fine movement; and social behaviour

and play. (See also developmental delay.)

child guidanceA multidisciplinary diag-

nosis and advice team service for children

suffering from emotional or behavioural

problems in children. Indications of prob-

lems include poor performance at school,

disruptive or withdrawn behaviour, law-

breaking, and drug abuse.

Child guidance professionals include

psychiatrists, psychologists, and psychi-

atricsocial workers. For young children,

play therapymay be used for diagnosis.

Older children may be offered coun-

selling, psychotherapy,or group therapy.

Family therapymay be used in cases

where there are difficulties between the

child and 1 or both parents.

chillA shivering attack accompanied by

chattering teeth, pale skin, goose pim-

ples, and feeling cold. Chill frequently

precedes a fever. Repeated or severe

shivering suggests serious illness.

Chinese medicineTraditional Chinese

medicine is generally based on the the-

ory that a universal life-force, called chi,

manifests itself in the body as 2 com-

plementary qualities that are known as

yin and yang. According to this belief,

vigorous yang and restraining yin must be

in balance, and the chi must flow evenly

for good health. Treatments for illness

aim to restore the yin-yang balance and

normalize the flow of chi using tech-

niques such as Chinese herbal medicine,

acupressure, acupuncture, and t’ai chi.

chiropodyThe examination, diagnosis,

treatment, and prevention of diseases

and malfunctions of the foot and its

related structures.

chiropracticA complementary treatment

for a range of disorders, including back

pain, based on manipulation of the spine.

chlamydial infectionsInfectious dis-

eases caused by chlamydiae, a group

of microorganisms. Two main species of

chlamydiae cause disease in humans.

The first, CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIS, has a

number of strains. In men, it is a major

cause of nongonococcal urethritis, which

may cause a discharge from the penis.

In women, the infectionis usually symp-

tomless, but it can lead to salpingitis. A

baby born to a woman with chlamydial

infection may acquire an acute eye con-

dition called neonatal ophthalmia. In

parts of Africa and Asia, certain strains

of CHLAMYDIA TRACHOMATIScause tra-

choma, a serious eye disease.

CHILDBIRTH, NATURAL CHLAMYDIAL INFECTIONS

C

Precise hand

movements

realign the

vertebrae

Adjustable

bed

Chiropractor

CHIROPRACTIC