ACIDOSIS
A condition in which the red blood cells in the blood, measured by a hematocrit, or "crit", are lower than normal.
ADJUSTED AGE
Also known as "corrected age." This is your child's chronological age minus the number of weeks he or she was born early and is usually used up until age 3. For example, if your 9-month-old was born 2 months early, you can expect him or her to look and act like a 7-month old.
AFTERBIRTH
The placenta once it has been delivered.
AMINOPHYLLINE
A medication used to stimulate an infant's central nervous system. It is prescribed to reduce the incidence of apneic episodes. This is the intravenous form; the oral form is known as Theophylline.
AMNIOTIC FLUID
The clear straw-colored liquid in the amniotic sac in which the fetus grows.
APGAR SCORE
Assesses five basic indicators of health in a newborn: activity level, pulse, response to stimulation, appearance and respiration.
AMNIOCENTESIS
Diagnostic test used to determine possible genetic abnormalities.
APNEA
Cessation of breathing lasting 20 seconds or longer. Also known as an apneic episodes or apneic spells. It is common for premature infants to stop breathing for a few seconds. They almost always restart on their own, but occasionally they need stimulation or drug therapy to maintain regular breathing. The heart rate often slows with apnea; this is called bradycardia. The combination of apnea and bradycardia is often called an A&B spell.
ASPIRATION
1. The accidental sucking in of food particles or fluids into the lungs.
2. Removal of a sample of fluid and cells through a needle.
BETHAMETHASONE
A steroid medication given to the mother before birth to help the baby's lungs mature more quickly.
BIRTH CANAL
The passage between the cervix and the vaginal opening through which the baby travels in the last stage of labor.
BLASTOCYST
The fertilised egg in the stage of conception when it enters the uterus.
BLOOD UREA NITROGEN(BUN)
A blood test that measures how well the kidneys are functioning.
BLOODY SHOW
The discharge of mucus tinged with blood that results from the mucus plug dislodging from the cervix as labor approaches.
BRADYCARDIA (Brady)
An abnormally low heart rate. Bradys are usually associated with apnea in premature infants. During these spells the infant will stop breathing for at least 15 seconds and the heart rate will start to slow, also referred to as an "A&B spell." Gentle touching or other stimulation almost always restarts the breathing and increases the heart rate. Medications (theophylline or caffeine) are often used to treat these spells in newborn babies.
Pregnancy And Birth Definitions
Pregnancy And Birth Dictionary A to C
BRAINSTEM AUDITORY EVOKED RESPONSE TEST
A hearing test where a tiny earphone is placed in the baby's ear to deliver sound. Small sensors, taped to the baby's head, send information to a machine that measures the electrical activity in their brain in response to the sound. Premature babies are at increased risk of hearing problems, but early detection can prevent speech and language problems.
BREECH POSITION
When the baby it in "bottom down" position rather than "head down" position in the uterus just before birth.
BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA(BPD)
A chronic lung disease of babies. It is often diagnosed when a premature baby with respiratory problems continues to need additional oxygen after reaching 36 weeks gestational age. Also referred to as Chronic Lung Disease (CLD), it is most common in babies who are born before 34 weeks gestation. Doctors think babies get BPD because their lungs are sensitive to something damaging in the environment, such as oxygen, a breathing machine, or an infection.
BROVIAC CATHETER
Type of intravenous tube used to give fluids and medications to infants or children. The catheter is placed in a major vein of the body during surgery. The BROVIAC catheter is designed to stay in place over many months, if needed. There are other types of catheters with different names, all of which serve the same function.
CAFFEINE CITRATE (CAFCIT)
A central nervous system stimulant that's used to treat certain breathing problems in some preemies. This medication is given intravenously.
CAESAREAN BIRTH (OR C-SECTION)
A caesarean is when the baby is delivered through an incision in the mother's abdomen and uterus when a mother cannot give birth vaginally for a number of reasons or if the baby is in danger or distress.
CENTRAL VENOUS LINE(CVL)
The central venous line (CVL), also called the central venous catheter (CVD), is a type of intravenous tube used to give fluids and medications. The catheter is placed in a major vein of the body during surgery or by insertion through a vein in the arm, leg or head.
CEPHALOPELVIC DISPROPORTION
This is when a baby's head is too large to pass through the mother's pelvic opening. This usually results in a caesarean birth.
CEREBROSPINAL FLUID (CSF)
Fluid (produced by the ventricles of the brain) that circulates around the spinal column and brain.
CERVICAL INCOMPETENCE
This is a condition in which the cervix is under pressure from the growing uterusand it painlessly opens before a pregnancy has reached full term.
CIRCUMCISION
The surgical removal of the foreskin which covers the head of a boy's penis. It the parents choice whether they would like to have this procedure done.
COLIC
The name given to long, unexplained bouts of crying in a baby.
