An ultrasonographic method of recording a picture of the heart as it is produced by the echo of sound waves

A tracing of the heart’s electrical activity

Small patches taped to the baby’s chest, arms or legs connected to a monitor to measure the heart and breathing rates

A tracing of the electrical impulses of the brain

The removal of the endotracheal tube

The “soft spot” on the top of the baby’s head between the un-joined sections of the skull

Twins formed when two eggs are simultaneously released and fertilized

This is a condition in which food in the stomach comes back up into the esophagus and sometimes all the way out of the mouth. It is similar to heartburn in adults.

A surgically created opening in the abdominal wall to provide nutrition directly to the stomach when the esophagus is blocked or injured, or to provide drainage after abdominal surgery

A disorder arising from abnormalities in the chromosomes of each cell that may or may not be hereditary or passed on in a family

Advice and information provided by trained professional counselors on the detection and risk of occurrence of genetic disorders

A lack of sufficient oxygen

Abnormally low body temperature; a frequent problem with low-birth weight premature babies

Abnormally rapid breathing

Abnormally high body temperature

High blood pressure

Excess amounts of potassium in the blood

Abnormally high sugar levels in the blood

An abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles (fluid-filled spaces) of the brain

A weakness in the abdominal wall that causes a portion of the intestines to protrude into the umbilical or inguinal area

A test done to measure the concentration of red blood cells in the blood to check for anemia

A transparent plastic box that has a heating system to keep babies warm

The placement of a tube through the mouth or nose into the windpipe (trachea) to help a baby breathe.

A machine that delivers precise amounts of fluids, medications, or nutrition through an IV over a set period of time.

An injury or disease caused by medical treatment

A common condition in newborns where the skin and eyes look yellow because of high levels of bilirubin in the blood.

Skin-to-skin contact where the baby is placed directly on the parent’s bare chest to promote bonding, regulate temperature, and support development.

A medical instrument used to look into the throat and help place a breathing tube during intubation.

Fine, soft hair that covers the body of a premature or newborn baby, which usually disappears within a few weeks after birth.

A normal newborn reflex where the baby suddenly throws out their arms and legs and then pulls them back in, often in response to a loud sound or movement.

When a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium (the baby’s first stool) and amniotic fluid into the lungs, which can cause breathing problems.

A medical abbreviation meaning “nothing by mouth”." no food or fluids are given orally for a period of time.

A device that turns liquid medication into a fine mist so it can be inhaled into the lungs.

A soft tube passed through the nose into the stomach, used to deliver nutrition, fluids, or medications directly, or to remove stomach contents.

A thin, flexible tube with small prongs placed in the nostrils to deliver oxygen or airflow to help with breathing.

A device, often used on a finger, toe, or foot, that measures the level of oxygen in the blood and monitors heart rate.

A type of mechanical ventilator that delivers very rapid, small breaths to support lung function while minimizing lung injury.

A birth defect where some of the baby’s abdominal organs develop outside the body, covered by a thin sac at the belly button.

A condition during pregnancy where there is too little amniotic fluid surrounding the baby in the womb.

Abnormally high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, which can interfere with blood flow and oxygenation.

Medications that mimic natural hormone-like substances to keep the ductus arteriosus (a blood vessel in the heart) open in newborns with certain congenital heart conditions.

The partial pressure of oxygen in the blood, a measure of how much oxygen is available in the bloodstream.

A condition where air collects in the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse partially or completely.

A lung condition in which air leaks into the spaces between the tiny air sacs (alveoli), making it harder for the lungs to work properly.

Treatment with special light to lower bilirubin levels in babies with jaundice by helping the body break down excess bilirubin.

A type of brain injury in premature infants where the white matter near the ventricles of the brain is damaged, which may affect muscle control and development.

Small intravenous (IV) catheters placed in a vein in the baby’s arm, leg, hand, or foot to deliver fluids, medications, or nutrition.

The partial pressure of carbon dioxide in the blood, a measure of how well the body is getting rid of carbon dioxide through breathing.

A common virus that infects the lungs and airways, which can cause serious respiratory illness in premature babies and infants with lung or heart problems.

An eye condition in premature infants where abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina can lead to scarring and, in severe cases, vision problems.

A breathing disorder caused by immature lungs and insufficient surfactant, leading to difficulty keeping the air sacs in the lungs open.

A condition seen in premature infants caused by underdeveloped lungs and lack of surfactant, leading to difficulty breathing.

An open bed with an overhead heating unit that keeps a baby warm while allowing easy access for medical care.

A natural substance that lines the alveoli (tiny air sacs) in the lungs, reducing surface tension and helping the lungs stay open for effective breathing.

A broad term describing any sudden and unexpected death of an infant, including SIDS, accidental suffocation, or other causes.

The unexpected and unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant, usually during sleep.

Bleeding into the space between the brain and the thin tissues that cover it, which can put pressure on the brain and affect its function.

A type of medication used to reduce inflammation, improve lung development, or support other organ functions in premature or critically ill infants.

A serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by the body’s overwhelming response to an infection, leading to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction.

A sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which may cause jerking movements, changes in breathing, or altered awareness.

Mucus, fluids, or other substances produced in the airways or lungs that may need to be cleared to maintain proper breathing.

The administration of donor blood or blood components (such as red blood cells or platelets) into a vein to replace or supplement the baby’s blood.

A surgical procedure in which an opening (stoma) is created in the trachea (windpipe) through the neck to provide a direct airway.

A fungal (yeast) infection in the mouth, presenting as white patches on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks.

A lower-than-normal platelet count in the blood, which may increase the risk of bleeding.

A higher-than-normal respiratory rate, indicating rapid breathing.

An abnormally elevated heart rate, faster than what is considered normal for the baby’s age.

An infection involving the urinary system, including the bladder, urethra, or kidneys.

A diagnostic imaging test that uses high-frequency sound waves to create real-time images of internal organs and structures.

Thin catheters inserted into the umbilical artery or vein to allow for blood sampling, monitoring, or delivery of fluids and medications.

A surgically placed tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain’s ventricles to the abdominal cavity, relieving pressure from hydrocephalus.

Cells of the immune system that circulate in the blood and help protect the body against infections.

A chromosomal abnormality, sometimes referred to as mongolism, characterized by physical malformations and varying degrees of mental retardation; often caused by an extra number 21 chromosome

A medication that increases the amount of water that passes out of the body through the urine

A condition in which the platelets and clotting factors of the blood are consumed because of infection, hypoxia, acidosis or other diseases or injuries

A type of virus that may infect a baby either before or after birth

Bluish color of the skin caused by poor circulation or low oxygen concentration in the bloodstream

Pressurized air, sometimes with additional oxygen, that is delivered to the baby’s lungs to keep them from collapsing as the baby inhales and exhales; usually delivered by nasal prongs or face mask

Failure of the heart to perform efficiently because of a circulatory imbalance (This condition can occur in patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA.)

A type of birth defect in which a hole in the diaphragm (membrane that separates the chest from the abdomen) allows abdominal organs to come into the chest, causing poor development of the lung on one or both sides

Chronic lung disease (CLD) is injury or scarring in a preemie or sick infant’s lungs. It is thought to be caused by the action of oxygen and ventilator use on immature or very ill lungs over time. It is also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

An infection of the amniotic fluid and sac

Fluid produced in the ventricles of the brain that circulates around the brain and spinal column

Permanent brain damage that can result in difficulty with coordinated movements (Intelligence may be normal in those with CP.)

A narrow, flexible tube used to give fluids to the body or to drain fluid from the body

Temporary discoloration of a baby’s toes due to decreased blood flow to the toes, sometimes due to an umbilical artery catheter

This is sometimes referred to as a heart monitor or C-R monitor. Three adhesive patches with wires connected to them are placed on the baby’s chest, abdomen, arms or legs. The wires travel to a machine that displays the baby’s heart rate, heartbeat patterns, breathing rate and breathing pattern.

A method of reviving a person whose heartbeat and breathing has stopped or slowed abnormally

A procedure that involves looking inside a baby’s trachea and bronchi (the large airways of the lungs) with a fiber optic scope, to see whether there is a problem that is making breathing more difficult

Drugs given to relax or widen the airways to the lungs to improve the flow of air in and out of the lungsDrugs given to relax or widen the airways to the lungs to improve the flow of air in and out of the lungs

A method of detecting hearing loss in infants in which the baby’s brain wave responses to various sounds are measured

A heart rate that is slower than normal

A substance produced when red blood cells break down (When excessive amounts are present in the bloodstream, jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, can occur. When very high levels are present, brain damage can result.)

Tests given to infants and toddlers to assess their level of development

Pumping air and/or oxygen into the baby’s lungs by compressing a bag attached to a mask that covers the baby’s nose and mouth or attached to the baby’s endotracheal (ET) tube

A collapsed condition in a part of the lungs

Any part of the body that is out of the ordinary

A blood condition that may occur when the mother’s blood type is O and the baby’s blood type is either A or B

A very low number of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues (In preemies, anemia can cause breathing problems, low energy and poor growth.)

Medication that stops or reduces seizures