Term
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Definition
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| Abdominal Pregnancy |
Occurs when the embryo embeds itself outside the uterus, perhaps on the intestinal wall, and may grow to term. |
| ABO incompatibility |
Haemolytic disease of newborn, also known as HDN or Erthrblastosis fetalis. This can occur when the maternal blood group is O, containing both anti-A and anti-B antibodies, and the fetus is group A, group B, or group AB. Transplacental crossing of maternal antibodies may lead to jaundice in the early newborn period. It will affect the baby while in the uterus and persist after birth. |
| Abort |
To end the pregnancy before the 20th completed week. If induced, the preferred term is termination of pregnancy, and if spontaneous it is referred to as miscarriage |
| Abrachia |
Congenital absence of arms. |
| Abruptio Placentae |
Accidental and premature separation of part or all of a normally situated placenta prior to birth which results in bleeding that may be revealed, concealed or a combition of both. |
| Acardia |
Absence of a heart. This congenital condition is rarely seen now except in conjoined twins. |
| Achondrogenesis |
A type of dwarfism in which limbs and trunk are particularly shortened. |
| Achondroplasia |
A genetically acquired disorder of bone growth, characterised by arrested growth of the long bones resulting in short stature or dwarfism. The head is large, the trunk is of normal size and intellect is normal. |
| Acne neonatorum |
Small white spots seen on infants skin. |
| Acromegaly |
A hormonal disorder that results from too much growth hormone (GH) in the body. |
| Acute circulatory failure |
Inadequacy of the cardiovascular system to meet the tissue needs for gaseous, nutritive and other substances. May be due to loss of blood pressure from haemorrage, loss of tension in the arteries or a slow heart beat. |
| Acute fatty liver disease |
A rare complication seen in pregnancy, in which there is fatty loss of tissue, degeneration of cells or destruction of the liver. Jaundice and itching will be the first symptoms. |
| Acute renal failure |
A condition in which the kidneys are unable to secrete urine and maintain normal functioning due to inadequate blood flow or severe infection. |
| Adactylia |
Congenital absence of fingers or toes. |
| Adherent Placenta |
A placenta that does not separate from the walls of the uterus during the third stage of labour. It is unlikely to bleed, and while it can be left where it is, it may become infected. Surgical removal can be performed. |
| Afterbirth |
Colloquial name given to placenta and membranes expelled from uterus after the birth of a baby |
| Agalactia |
A lack of breast milk. |
| Air embolism |
The abnormal presence of air in the vascular system or heart causing an obstruction to blood flow. Can be fatal. |
| Amelia |
The congenital absence of a limb or limbs. |
| Amenorrhoea |
Absence of monthly menstrual bleed. |
| Amniohook |
an implement used to rupture the fetal membranes lining the uterus. Amniotic fluid drains and the pattern of labour may be changed. |
| Amnionitis |
inflammation of the amniotic membrane due to infection. |
| Amniotic Band Syndrome |
A disorder present in the newborn infant in which constriction rings or bands, causing soft tissue depressions, encircle digits, extremities, or limbs and sometimes the neck, thorax, or abdomen. They may be associated with intrauterine amputations. |
| Amniotic Fluid |
The almost colourless fluid surrounding the embryo and fetus in the uterus. |
| Amniotic Fluid Embolism |
Entry of amniotic fluid into the maternal circulatory system. It is a rare and serious condition leading to shock and maternal collapse which can be fatal. |
| Anaemia |
Too few red blood cells. Anemic babies may need blood transfusions. |
| Anencephalia |
Congenital absence of the bones forming the vault of the skull together with the cerebral hemispheres and cerebellum. |
| Angiotensin |
A protein which causes vasicontriction thereby raising the blood pressure. |
| Ankyloglossia - "tongue tie" |
A congenital abnormality in which the frenulum of the tongue is shortened prohibiting movement and speech. |
| Anoxaemia |
Low level of oxygen in the blood. |
| Antenatal |
Occuring before birth, during pregnancy. |
| Antenatal Haemorrhage |
Bleeding from the vagina during pregnancy. |
| Anuria |
No urine is being formed. |
| Aortocaval compression |
Inability of the vena cava to return blood to the heart and the aorta to pump it to the lower limbs due to restricted space caused by the weight of the pregnant uterus. |
| Apgar Score |
A quantitative scoring mechanism used for determining the condition of the infant from 1 and 10 minutes of birth. It assess five features with a maximum score of 2 being assigned to each; heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, response to stimuli and colour. |
| Aplasia |
A lack of development of an organ or tissue or of the cellular products from an organ or tissue. |
| Apnoea |
No breathing movement, absence of cessation of respiration. |
| Apyrexia |
No fever present. |
| Arterial Blood Gas |
The levels and pressures of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood of an artery. Measured in blood of umbilical artery in high risk cases. |
| Aspiration |
The drawing in of foreign matter or other material in the upper respiratory tract into the lungs. Aspiration also refers to a medical procedure in which fluids are sucked out of the lungs, nose, or mouth using a suction device. |
| Atrial Septal Defect |
An inherited condition where there is nonclosure of the foramen ovale at birth, resulting in congenital heart disease. Usually asymptomatic until the third or fourth decades of life. |
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| Bagging |
Helping the baby to breathe by connecting a special rubber bag either to a mask over the mouth or to a tube in the trachea and lung. |
| Bilirubin |
A chemical created by the breakdown of the red blood cells. A large amount of this bilirubin in the body causes yellow coloring of the skin and eyes (jaundice). Nearly all babies have some jaundice, including healthy full-term babies. |
| Bilirubin lights - "bili lights" |
Fluorescent lights that reduce jaundice; help break down the bilirubin in the skin. Baby is undressed to expose as much skin surface as possible; the baby’s eyes are covered with patches or a mask. Also called phototherapy. |
| Blood Gases |
The concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide and bicarbonate in the blood. Measured in fetal or cord blood in the delivery suite of babies at risk of having suffered asphyxia. |
| Brachydactyly |
Abnormal shortness of the fingers. |
| Bradycardia |
(Brady) An abnormally slow heart rate - below 60 beats/min in adult, of below 90 beats/min in a fetus |
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| Cardio respiratory Monitor |
This measures a babies breathing and heart rate. 3 self adhesive disks with leads attached are placed on baby’s chest to read babies respiratory and heart rate. These readings can be viewed on a screen or monitor and if either measurement read above or below an acceptable limit, an alarm sounds to alert medical staff. |
| Catheter |
A hollow tube made from various material which may be introduced to a cavity to achieve drainage i.e. Urethral catheter for bladder drainage |
| Cervix |
Lowest part of the uterus which protrudes into the vagina - generally it is tightly closed. It will open slightly during ovulation to permit entry of sperm and at the end of the month to allow mestrual bleeding. |
| Chest tube |
A tube inserted through the chest wall; used to suction air and/or fluids from the chest. |
| Chromosomes |
One of the number of microscopic structures contained in a cells nucleus which carry hereditary factors (genes). There are 46 in each cell, except sperm and ovum where the number is halved. |
| Cleidocranial dysostosis |
Cleidocranial dysostosis is a disorder involving the abnormal development of bones in the skull and collar (clavicle) area. The condition is passed down through families (inherited). |
| Congenital |
Present at birth. |
| Congenital Abnormality |
A defect present at birth. |
| Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) |
Non-invasive ventilation in which the flow of air is delivered at a constant pressure preventing complete collapse of the lungs after each expiration. Delivered through tubes in babies nose. |
| Contraction |
Temporary shortening of muscles - usually periods of relaxation then retraction throughout labour. |
| Culture |
Taking a sample of blood or body fluids to test for germs which may cause an infection. |
| Cyanosis |
A bluish coloring of the skin and lips (mucous membranes) caused by a low level of oxygen in the blood. |
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| Depression |
A lowering of mood or state resulting in extreme sadness or dejection in which the person may not be able to carry out daily functions. |
| Doppler Ultrasound Scanning |
Used to asses flow of blood through vessels. Used to visualise flow of fetal blood through umbilical cord. |
| Dysmelia |
Congenital abnormality characterised by missing or foreshortened limbs, sometimes with associated spine abnormalities; caused by metabolic disturbance at the time of primordial limb development. |
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| Eclampsia |
Seizure or convulsion. |
| Ectrodactyly |
Congenital absence of all or part of one or more fingers or toes. Known also as split-hand/foot deformity, lobster claw. There are several varieties and the pattern of inheritance, which though lasting through multiple generations, is usually somewhat irregular; may be autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, or X-linked. |
| Ectopic Pregnancy |
Pregnancy developing outside the uterine cavity, usually in the falopian tube but sometimes in the abdominal cavity. The pregnancy outgrows the blood supply by 10 weeks and erods blood vessels which bleed creating an obstetric emergency |
| Edema |
The collection of extra fluid in body tissues, causing swelling or puffiness of skin. |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) |
A measurement of the electrical activity in the heart during its beating - and is recorded in graph form. |
| Electrode |
A sensor which sends heartbeat and breathing information to the monitor. They can be placed on the chest, arms, or legs. Also called leads. |
| Electrolytes |
Sodium, potassium, and chloride levels in the blood. Correct levels of these chemicals must be present so that the body organs can function properly. |
| Embryo |
The term used to describe the early stages of fetal growth, from conception to the eighth week of pregnancy. |
| Endotracheal tube (ET tube) |
A plastic tube inserted through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe) to help breathing during anaesthesia; usually connected to a breathing machine (ventilator). A cuff around its base is inflated to ensure a good fit and prevent material or fluid passing down beside the tube into the lungs |
| Epidural Analgesia |
Pain relief achieved by introduction of local analgesia into the epidural space. |
| Expressing |
Expressing breast milk is when you use your hands or a breast pump to get the milk from your breasts. |
| Extubation |
Removal of Endotracheal tube. |
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| Failure to Thrive |
Defecit in the expected development of the infant. The baby does not gain weight or meet the expected milestones. |
| Fetus |
Term applied to baby from 9th week after fertilisation until birth. |
| Fetal Movement |
Motion of the fetus perceived by the mother and felt by palpation of the abdomen. |
| Foramen Ovale |
The communication between the two atria of the foetal heart. If it remains open (atrial septal defect), then blood will shunt from left to right. |
| Fusion |
Joining together i.e. Of organs, cavities or tubes. |
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| Gavage feeding |
Feeding a baby through a gastric tube inserted into the stomach. |
| Gestation |
Process of being carried or carrying in the womb. |
| Gestational Age |
The duration of pregnancy in completed weeks from the date of the first day of the womans last menstrual period and her baby's date of birth, or via ultrasound. |
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| High frequency ventilation (HFV) |
A type of ventilator which gives very small breathes at a very fast rate; the baby’s chest will actually vibrate. HFV works differently from “conventional” ventilation to treat specific breathing or lung problems. |
| HOM |
Higher oder multiples |
| Hyaline membrane disease (HMD) |
A breathing problem that causes the tiny air sacs in the lungs to collapse; usually due to lung immaturity and lack of a natural lung chemical (surfactant). Also called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). |
| Hydrocephalus |
Excess spinal fluid causing enlargement of the ventricles in the brain. |
| Hydronephrosis |
Abnormal enlargement of a kidney, may occur secondary to acute ureteral obstruction (kidney stone) or chronic kidney disease. |
| Hypertension |
High blood pressure, defined as a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg -- a systolic pressure above 140 with a diastolic pressure above 90. |
| Hypoxia |
A low level of oxygen in the body tissue. If very low, tissue damage can occur. |
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| Incubator/Humidicrib/Isolette |
This is a special bed where your baby may be kept. Premature babies lack the ability to maintain their body temperature so keeping them in this special enclosed bed keeps them warm until they gain some fat and the ability to hold their own body temperature. |
| Intensive care |
The specialized care of patients whose conditions are life-threatening and who require comprehensive care and constant monitoring, usually in intensive care units. |
| Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) |
Bleeding within the brain’s ventricles (spaces in the brain which contain spinal fluid). Also called intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in or around the brain). |
| Intravenous Fluid, Lines and Pump |
Your baby may require intravenous medication, fluid or feeding. In this case lines are inserted into a vein or artery in baby’s leg, arm, scalp or what remains of the umbilical cord. A special pump regulates the amount of fluid transfused at any one time. |
| Intravenous line (IV) |
A hollow needle or plastic tube inserted into a vein; used to give fluids, blood, and or medications. |
| Intrauterine |
In the uterus (the womb). As opposed to extrauterine: outside the uterus. |
| Intubation |
Placing a tube through the nose or mouth into the trachea (windpipe). |
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| Jaundice |
The yellow discoloration of a baby’s skin and eyes caused by too much bilirubin in the blood. |
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| Kangaroo Care |
Skin-to-skin contact where baby is positioned on mum or dad’s bare chest to promote bonding and healing. Has been found to be phsiologically beneficial. |
| Karotype |
A standard arrangement of the chromosome complement done for chromosome analysis. For example, a normal human female karyotype would have 22 pairs of autosomes (non-sex chromosomes) arranged in numerical order together with two X chromosomes. |
| Kick Count |
Fetal movement counting which includes kicks, turns, twists, swishes, rolls, and jabs but not hiccups. |
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| Lactation |
The process of milk production. Human milk is secreted by the mammary glands, which are located within the fatty tissue of the breast. The hormone oxytocin is produced in response to the birth of a new baby, and it both stimulates uterine contractions and begins the lactation process. For the first few hours of nursing, a special fluid called colostrum is delivered, which is especially high in nutrients, fats, and antibodies to protect the newborn from infection. Thereafter the amount of milk produced is controlled primarily by the hormone prolactin, which is produced in response to the length of time the infant nurses at the breast. |
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| Meconium |
The first bowel movement/stool passed by a newborn, usually dark green and sticky. |
| Meconium Aspiration Syndrome |
A type of pneumonia caused by stool being passed by the baby while still in the womb. The stool can be inhaled into the baby’s lungs and can partially or completely block the baby’s air passage. This makes it difficult for the baby to breathe. |
| Miscarriage |
The spontaneous loss from the uterus of a baby before the 20th week of gestation. It may be loss all together (complete) or in part (incomplete) of the fetus may die and be retained (missed) |
| MRI |
Magnetic resonance imaging: A special radiology technique designed to image internal structures of the body using magnetism, radio waves, and a computer to produce the images of body structures. |
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| Nasal Canula |
A small, half-moon shaped plastic tube, the ends of which fit into the nostrils of an individual. |
| Nasogastric tube (NG tube) |
A tube inserted through the nose or mouth (orogastric or OG) and into the stomach. The tube delivers nutrients and medications, and removes undigested food and fluids from the stomach. |
| Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) |
A bowel condition caused by lack of blood supply. A section of the bowel may become severely inflamed or infected. |
| Neonatal Death |
Death of an infant during the neonatal period - birth until 28 days old. |
| Neonatal Period |
The time from birth until 28 days when the infant is at greatest risk of infection and failure to thrive. |
| Neonatologist |
A physician who specializes in the care of critically ill newborn infants. |
| NICU |
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. |
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| Oligodactyly |
Presence of fewer than five digits on one or more limbs. |
| Oligohydramnios |
Low amniotic fluid. |
| Oscillator |
A type of high frequency ventilator. |
| Oxygen saturation |
The level of oxygen in a baby’s blood. Oxygen level is measured by a small probe on the baby’s hand or foot, also by blood samples. This level tells at-a-glance how well oxygen is being carried through the body. |
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| Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) |
A small vessel (ductus) between the major arteries of the heart and the lungs. Before birth, this vessel is open and allows blood to bypass the lungs (not yet in use). When this opening fails to close after birth, it can cause problems with oxygen rich blood getting to the body. |
| Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) |
A flexible, thin IV tube put into a vein in the arm, foot, or leg and then routed up into, or near, the heart. |
| Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of Newborns (PPHN) |
A serious condition that causes the baby to return to its prebirth route of blood circulation. The baby’s blood is only partially oxygenated through the lungs. This results in very low oxygen levels, plus a higher blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs. Treatment includes, oxygen, ventilator therapy, medications and/or ECMO. Also called persistent fetal circulation (PFC). |
| Phocomelia |
A congenital malformation (birth defect) in which the hands and feet are attached to abbreviated arms and legs. The word phocomelia combines phoco- (seal) and melia (limb) to designate a limb like a seal's flipper, one consequence of exposure of the developing foetus to thalidomide. |
| Phototherapy |
see Bilirubin lights |
| Placenta |
The large glandular organ approximately 18cm in diametre and 2.5cm thick which grows in the upper segment of the uterus during pregnancy and is attached to the baby by the umbilical cord. It shares circulation with the baby and its functions are to provide the baby with the essentials for survival. |
| Pneumothorax (pneumo) |
Air escapes from the lung into the chest cavity, creating a pocket of air in the wrong place. This pocket of air then presses on the lungs or heart. A chest tube or catheter can be inserted to remove the pocket of air, which lets the lungs re-expand. |
| Polyhydramnios |
Too much amniotic fluid. |
| Polymelia |
A developmental defect in which there are supernumerary limbs or parts of limbs. |
| Polysyndactyly |
Syndactyly of several fingers or toes. There are several forms: a simple one and one with skull defects. There is also a recessive kind associated with cardiac defects . |
| Post-mortem |
Examination after death to determine the cause of death. |
| Pre-eclampsia |
The development of high blood pressure > 140/90 after the 20th week of pregnancy. It is usually detected by the measurement of high blood pressure but features other than hypertension are what makes it a diagnosis. It is a disorder which affects other organ systems including the feto-placental unit. Protein in the urine is the most common feature of PE but not mandatory to make a diagnosis. |
| Pregnancy |
The state lasting 280 days during which the female nourishes in her body a fetus from conception until birth. |
| Premature |
An infant born before 37 weeks gestation. |
| Pulse Oximetre |
A probe is taped, usually to baby’s foot, which measures the amount of oxygen carried in his/her blood. This probe is regularly moved from foot to foot to prevent false readings and ensure no damage is done to the skin. |
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| Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) |
See hyaline membrane. |
| Retinopathy Of Prematurity (ROP) |
An eye disorder, involving the retina that can occur in premature infants. |
| Room air |
The ordinary air we breathe which contains 21% oxygen. Oxygen therapy can deliver from 22 – 100% oxygen. |
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| SCN |
Special Care Nursery |
| Sepsis |
An infection caused by bacteria. |
| Spinal tap – Lumbar Puncture |
The removal of a small amount of fluid from the spinal canal. The fluid is then analyzed for infection, bleeding, and other disorders. |
| Stillbirth |
The complete explusion or extraction from its mother of a baby of at least 20 weeks gestation or 400 grams birth weight who did not, at any time after delivery, breathe, or show any evidence of life, such as a heartbeat. |
| Surfactant |
A substance in the lungs that helps keep the tiny air sacs from collapsing and sticking together. A lack of this substance contributes to Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). |
| Syndactyly |
Webbing between the digits of the hands or feet. |
| Syndrome |
A group of signs and symptoms which occur together in more than one individual and are distinctive to a particular disease. |
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| Talipes |
Clubfoot. The Latin word talipes was compounded from talus (ankle) + pes (foot) since, with the common ("classic") type of clubfoot (talipes equinovarus), the foot is turned in sharply and the person seems to be walking on their ankle. Talipes equinovalgus: Malformation of the foot evident at birth in which the heel is elevated like a horse's hoof (equino-) and the heel is turned outward (valgus). |
| Tetralogy of Fallot |
A congenital heart anomaly which consists of pulmonary stenosis, ventricular septal defect, dextroposition of the aorta (aorta is on the right side instead of the left) and hypertrophy of the right ventricle. This condition results in a blue baby at birth due to inadequate oxygenation. Surgical correction is emergent. |
| Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) |
A condition when a baby breathes with quick, shallow breathes (usually over 80 breaths per minute). It is often caused by fluid in the lungs and will improve as this fluid is absorbed. Some babies need oxygen as this resolves. TTN is often associated with cesarean delivery. |
| Twin-to-twin transfusion |
Transfer of blood from on fetus to the other resulting in one twin being large and well-nourished, whilst the other is small and often anemic. Both babies are at risk of cardiac failure. |
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| Ultrasound |
Sometimes referred to as a sonogram. Uses sound waves to detect and watch the unborn baby. Usually an ultrasound can give an accurate answer to the gestation of the baby. |
| Umbilical Catheter, Arterial or Venous (UAC, UVC) |
A tube inserted through the belly button (umbilical cord) into the arterial or venous blood vessels. Either tube is used to give the baby fluids and to draw blood samples. The UAC is used to monitor the baby’s blood . |
| Uterus |
The uterus (womb) is a hollow, pear-shaped organ located in a woman's lower abdomen between the bladder and the rectum. The narrow, lower portion of the uterus is the cervix; the broader, upper part is the corpus. The corpus is made up of two layers of tissue. |
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| Ventilator |
This is a machine that helps your baby breathe. Oxygen is supplied through a tube, in baby’s nose or mouth that leads into the windpipe. |
| Ventricular Septal Defect |
A congenital heart defect where an abnormal opening exists in the ventricular septum. Blood flows from the higher pressure left ventricle (through the defect) into the right ventricle. |
