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Learning about a medical condition - for yourself or your baby - can be a challenge. There may be many words that most people do not know and certainly do not use every day. This section of our site tries to help by giving some definitions you may hear frequently at UNC.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V
A
Acidosis Too much acid in the body. Anemia Too few red blood cells in the blood. Anesthesia Medicine given to relieve pain. Anesthesiologist A doctor who is specially trained to give anesthesia. Anomaly Malformation or abnormality. Antibiotics Medications that kill bacteria or slow their growth; they are used for infections caused by bacteria. Apgar Score A score given to all newborn babies when they are one minute and five minutes old. It gives doctors information about the baby’s breathing, heart rate, activity level, muscle tone, and skin color. Apnea Absence of breathing. Arthrogryposis A problem with movement at multiple joints due to contractures (stiffened joints) in the baby. For more information, see the Factsheet on Arthrogryposis. Aspiration Inhalation of material, formula, stomach juice or meconium [see definition below] into the trachea (windpipe) or lungs. Atrioventricular Septal Defect (AVSD) A heart defect causing a hole in the center of the baby’s heart between the two largest chambers (ventricles) and involving the valves (separations) between all four chambers of the heart. For more information, see the Factsheet on AVSD.
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B
Bagging Pumping air or oxygen into a baby's lungs by squeezing a bag attached to a mask placed over the baby's mouth or into a tube in the baby’s windpipe. Bililights (Phototherapy) Special lights placed over the baby to help break down bilirubin and decrease jaundice [see definition below]. Bilirubin A yellowish pigment (color) in the blood that results from the normal breakdown of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. Bladder Outlet Obstruction A blockage between the baby’s bladder and the outside world causing the baby to retain urine (fail to urinate.) For more information, see the Factsheet on Bladder Outlet Obstruction. Blood Gas A lab test used to measure the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the baby's blood. Blood Pressure The pressure of the blood in the arteries that makes the blood flow through the body. Bradycardia A slower than normal heartbeat, usually less than 60 beats per minute. Breastpump an electric machine that removes milk from a mother's breast in order to maintain her milk supply, provide milk for her infant, or to relieve engorgement. This milk can be fed to her baby until the baby is able to breastfeed directly from mother. For more information, visit the UNC Women’s Health Website on Breastfeeding.
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C
Cardiologist A doctor who specializes in the treatment of the heart. Carrier A person who shows no signs of a particular disorder but could pass the gene down to his or her children. Catheter A tube for putting fluids into or removing fluids from the body. Cerebrospinal Fluid Fluid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord. Cesarean Section (C-Section) A procedure used to remove the baby from the womb through the belly wall. For more information, please visit the Women’s Hospital Website on Preparing for Your Baby's Cesarean Birth. Chest Film An X-ray picture of the chest showing the heart and lungs. Chest Physiotherapy (CPT) Vibration by hand or a small machine used on the chest and back to loosen fluids from the lungs so they can be removed by coughing or a suction tube. Chest Tube A small plastic tube that is placed into the chest. This is used when a baby with breathing problems has a pneumothorax (air escaping the lungs into the chest cavity and pushing on the lungs). The tube removes the unwanted air and lets the lungs expand. Choroid Plexus Cyst A fluid-filled pocket that forms in the brain where the spinal fluid is made which can block the movement of the spinal fluid. For more information, please see the Women’s Hospital Website on Choroid Plexus Cysts. Chromosomal Abnormalities A problem with the chromosomes either inherited or caused by a new mutation. About half of all miscarriages early in pregnancy are due to chromosomal abnormalities too severe for the fetus to live. Chromosome Analysis A test of cells for genetic and/or congenital problems. Chromosomes The structures in cells that contain the genes. Circumcision Removal of the foreskin of the penis. For more information, please see the Women’s Hospital Website on Circumcision. Cleft Lip An opening in the lip of the baby’s mouth. For more information see the Factsheet on Cleft Lip. Cleft Palate An opening in the roof of the baby’s mouth. For more information see the Factsheet on Cleft palate. Coarctation of the Aorta A heart defect causing narrowing of the main artery (aorta) that leaves the heart to carry blood the baby’s body. For more information see the Factsheet on Coarctation of the Aorta. Colostrum The first milk a mother makes. It is the perfect first food for the newborn with its small volume, rich proteins and antibodies for infection protection. Computerized Tomography (CT Scan) A test that uses computers and x-rays to make a 3-dimensional image of an organ or part of the body. It uses many x-ray images taken in a series. Congenital A condition with which a baby is born. Congenital Cystic Adenomatous Malformation (CCAM) A fluid-filled mass in the baby’s lung which can push against the baby’s heart making it difficult for the heart to pump blood. For more information see the Factsheet on CCAM. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) The use of small prongs placed in the baby's nose that keeps a small amount of air in the baby's lungs at the end of each breath. This keeps the tiny air sacs in the lungs from collapsing. Corticosteroids Hormones given to help mature fetal lungs. Craniosynostosis A defect in the joints of the baby’s skull where connections of the bony plates which normally remain open are fused early, preventing expansion of the brain. For more information see the Factsheet on Craniosynostosis. Culture A test done in the laboratory to find an infection. Cultures may be taken from skin, spinal fluid, blood, urine or secretions. Cyanosis A bluish color of the skin and lips caused by a low amount of oxygen in the blood.
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D
Dandy Walker Malformation A brain defect causing too much spinal fluid to collect near the cerebellum (back of the brain) which may press on the baby’s brain as well as cause hydrocephalus [see definition below]. For more information see the Factsheet on Dandy Walker Malformation. Dandy Walker Variant Malformation A brain defect in the cerebellar vermis (back of the brain) which causes a communication between two spaces in the brain, but does not cause pressure or swelling in the brain. For more information see the Factsheet on Dandy Walker Variant. Dextrostix A test to measure how much glucose [see definition below] is in the blood. Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) The material present in living cells that makes up the genes and chromosomes. DNA is responsible for the transmission of inherited traits. Depo Provera Birth control in the form of an injection given every 3 months. For more information, visit the Women’s Hospital Website on Depo Provera. Diaphragmatic Hernia A defect in the muscle under the lungs (diaphragm) causing the intestines and stomach to be found in the lung cavity, which can prevent the lungs from forming or expanding. For more information see the Factsheet on Diaphragmatic Hernia. Doppler A form of ultrasound that can be used to hear a fetus’s heartbeat. This test can tell the amount of blood flow through blood vessels. Down Syndrome (Trisomy 21) A chromosomal or genetic disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. For more information see the Factsheet on Down Syndrome. You may also visit the National Down Syndrome Society Website or the Down Syndrome Title Page Website. Duodenal Atresia/Stenosis A defect in the first part of the intestine (duodenum) where the opening is absent or too small to allow partially digested food to pass. For more information see the Factsheet on Duodenal Atresia/Stenosis.
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E
Echocardiogram A test that uses sound waves to produce a picture of the baby's heart. Edema Swelling caused by extra fluid in the tissues of the body. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) A record of the electrical activity of the heart. Electroencephalogram (EEG) A record of the electrical activity in the brain. Electrode A small patch placed on the skin that conducts electrical signals from the heart to a monitor. Electrolytes Certain body salts (such as sodium, potassium and chloride) that must be present in normal amounts for cells to function correctly. Encephalocele A birth defect where the brain and protective covering are found outside the baby’s skull. For more information see the Factsheet on Encephalocele. Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube) A tube placed through the nose or mouth that goes down into the trachea (windpipe). It is used to provide a passageway for air through the trachea to the lungs. Epidural Anesthesia Pain medicine given through the spine. For more information on this as a choice during the delivery of your baby see the Women’s Hospital Website on Epidural Analgesia. Esophageal Atresia A narrowing or blockage of the esophagus (food tube) in the baby’s neck preventing food or fluid from getting to the baby’s stomach. For more information see the Factsheet on Esophageal Atresia. Exchange Transfusion A blood transfusion that may be necessary when a baby has a high level of bilirubin [see definition above]. Some of the baby's blood is removed and replaced with blood containing normal levels of bilirubin. At the end of the procedure, the bilirubin level is lower.
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F
Folic Acid A vitamin supplement for women that is important for the formation of the baby’s brain and spinal cord. Full-term A baby born between 38-42 weeks gestation.
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G
Gastroschisis A birth defect in the belly wall causing the intestine to be found outside of the belly. For more information see the Factsheet on Gastroschisis. Gavage Feeding A way of feeding a baby with a soft tube that goes through the nose or mouth into the baby’s stomach. Gene The unit in the chromosome that contains the blueprint for making a protein. Genes are responsible for transmission of inherited characteristics. General Anesthesia The use of drugs that produce a sleeplike state to prevent pain during surgery. Genetic Counseling An educational process that seeks to assist affected and/or at risk individuals to understand the nature of the genetic disorder, its transmission and their options. Genetic Inheritance DNA that is passed on from parents to children. Genetic Screening Tests to determine possible inherited diseases, chromosomal abnormalities and birth defects. Geneticist Medical doctors who specialize in the care of individuals with genetic problems. Gestational Age The age of a fetus or newborn measured in weeks from the beginning of the pregnancy. Glucose The sugar that supplies energy to the body’s cells. Gram A unit of weight in the metric system; there are 28 grams in an ounce (a nickel weighs five grams). Group Beta Streptococcus (GBS) A bacteria found in the vagina which can cause bladder infections in women and can cause serious infection in your baby. For more information see the Women’s Hospital Website on Group B Strep.
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H
Hematocrit A test that measures the concentration of red blood cells in the blood. Hemoglobin The red pigment contained in red blood cells. Hemoglobin carries oxygen from the air sacs of the lungs to all the body tissues. Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn A severe type of anemia that can affect a fetus or baby. Heredity The transmission of traits from parents to offspring. Hydrocephalus Swelling in the brain due to increased cerebrospinal fluid (cushioning fluid of the brain and spinal cord.) For more information see the Factsheet on Hydrocephalus. Hydronephrosis Swelling in the kidneys of the baby usually caused by a blockage preventing urine from leaving the kidney. For more information see the Factsheet on Hydronephrosis. Hydrops Fetalis Swelling in the baby’s body due to too much fluid under the skin, around the heart or lungs and in the baby’s belly. For more information see the Factsheet on Hydrops Fetalis. Hyperemesis Gravidarum Severe morning sickness causing weight loss during pregnancy. For more information see the Factsheet on Hyperemesis Gravidarum. Hypoplastic Left Heart A heart defect where the largest left chamber of the baby’s heart (left ventricle) fails to form correctly and prevents the heart from pumping blood effectively. For more information see the Factsheet on Hypoplastic Left Heart. Hypocalcemia A low calcium level in the blood. Hypotension Low blood pressure.
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I
Induction of Labor Causing labor to start rather than waiting for it to start on its own. For more information on Induction at UNC, see the Women’s Hospital Website on Induction of Labor. Influenza (the Flu) A serious respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. For more information on Influenza in pregnancy see the Women’s Hospital Website on Influenza in and Around Pregnancy as well as the Website on Influenza and Your Baby. Intramuscular (IM) Into the muscle - a way to give medications. Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR) The medical term that means a fetus is growing poorly in the womb. Intubation Insertion of an ET (endotracheal) tube [see definition above] through the baby's mouth or nose into the trachea (windpipe). While the tube is in place, a baby will not make crying sounds. Isolette An enclosed bed (incubator) that keeps the baby's temperature under control. Intravenous (IV) Into the vein - giving fluids or medication into a vein, usually through a hollow needle or a catheter.
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J
Jaundice A yellowish color of the skin caused by the buildup of bilirubin in the body. For more information see the Women’s Hospital Website on Newborn Jaundice. Jejunoileal Atresia A defect of the middle part of the baby’s intestines preventing partially digested food from passing. For more information see the Factsheet on Jejunoilieal Atresia.
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K
Kangaroo Care A way to hold your baby skin-to-skin, against your bare chest, inside your shirt or covered by a blanket, like a baby kangaroo in his mother’s pouch. Kilogram (Kilo) A unit of weight in the metric system. One kilo is equal to 2.2 pounds.
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L
Labor The act and process of giving birth. For more information on labor at UNC, see the Women’s Hospital Website on The Stork Entrance, Laboring with Few or No Pain Medications, Epidural Analgesia, or Induction of Labor, and Videotaping and Still Photography in labor and Delivery. Lactation Consultant A professional who is trained to help with all areas of breastfeeding and providing breastmilk to infants Lactation Production of breast milk. Lanugo Soft, fine hair on the skin of a fetus or very premature newborn. Local Anesthesia The use of drugs that prevent pain in a part of the body. Low Birth Weight (LBW) An infant who weighs less than about 5 pounds at birth. Lumbar Puncture (spinal tap) Insertion of a small needle through the back to obtain a sample of spinal fluid.
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M
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) A test that uses computers and a magnet to get a 3 dimensional picture of the body. Meconium A dark, sticky substance that is a baby’s first bowel movement. Milligram A unit of weight in the metric system. There are 1,000 milligrams in one gram. Miscarriage A loss of a pregnancy before 5 months (20 wks). For more information on dealing with miscarriage, please see the Women’s Hospital Website on Miscarrige: The Silent Loss. Monitor A machine that measures the heart rate or breathing rate and alarms if the rate is too slow or too fast. Morning Sickness Nausea and vomiting early in pregnancy. For information on how to deal with morning sickness, see the Women’s Hospital Website on Morning Sickness.
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N
Nasal Cannula A set of soft plastic prongs and tubing that delivers extra oxygen into a baby’s nose. Newborn Critical Care Center (NCCC) A special place in the NC Children’ s Hospital for sick and premature infants. Neonatal Screening Tests A blood test done on a newborn to determine if they have certain inherited problems or metabolic disorders. Neonatal The first 4 weeks after birth. Neonatologist A pediatrician who specializes in the care of sick and premature newborn babies. Nervous System The brain and nerves of the body. Neural Tube Defect A defect in the formation of the spine (backbone) causing the nerves of the spinal cord to be exposed to the fluid in the uterus. For more information see the Factsheet on Neural Tube Defects. Neurologist A physician who specializes in treating and diagnosing disorders of the nervous system and brain. Neuromuscular Development The development of a child's control over movement. Neurosurgeon A doctor who specializes in surgery of the nervous system. Nasogastric Tube (NG) A soft tube that goes through a baby’s nose down into his stomach. It can be used for feeding, giving medicine or to empty the stomach of gas. NPO A medical term that means the baby cannot be fed anything.
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O
Omphalocele A defect in the baby’s belly where the belly wall fails to close around the umbilical cord (belly button.) For more information see the Factsheet on Omphalocele. Oscillating Ventilator A breathing machine that keeps a baby’s lungs open by giving little bursts of air at a very fast rate. It is also called high frequency ventilation.
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P
PCo2 A measurement of the carbon dioxide in the blood. Phototherapy See "bili-lights". Placenta Previa When the placenta (afterbirth) is located near or over the birth canal which may cause vaginal bleeding. For more information see the Factsheet on Placenta Previa. Pneumothorax A condition in which air escapes from the lungs into the chest cavity and pushes on the lungs. PO2 A measurement of the amount of oxygen in the blood. Postdate A pregnancy that extends beyond 42 weeks. Postpartum Depression Depressed or anxious mood lasting longer than 2 weeks after the birth of your baby. For more information on this condition see the Women’s Hospital Website on Postpartum Depression. There is also a class on Moms and Emotions at the Women’s Health Information Center to help new parents deal with normal emotional changes in and around pregnancy. Potassium One of the body's salts (see Electrolytes). Premature Baby (Preterm Baby, Preemie) A baby born before the end of the 37th week of pregnancy. For more information see the Factsheet on Premature Infants as well as Problems in Prematurity. Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes (PPROM) When the bag of waters (amniotic fluid sac) breaks before labor starts and 3 weeks before your baby’s due date. For more information on this see the Factsheet on Preterm Labor and the Factsheet on Premature Rupture of the Membranes. Public Health Nurse A specially trained nurse who visits parents and their baby at home after the baby is discharged from the hospital. Pulmonary Atresia A heart defect where the vessel leaving the heart to go to the lungs (Pulmonary Artery) is too small to channel blood effectively. For more information see the Factsheet on Pulmonary Atresia. Pyelonephritis Infection of the kidneys causing fever, chills, back pain and pain with urination. For more information see the Factsheet on Pyelonephritis.
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R
Radiant Warmer An open bed with an overhead heater that keeps a baby warm. Red Blood Cells The cells in the blood that contain hemoglobin (the blood’s red pigment) and carry oxygen. Respirator (Ventilator) A machine used to help breathing problems. It works by pushing air or oxygen into the lungs. This air or oxygen is given through an ET tube. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) A condition most often seen in premature infants. The tiny air sacs of the lungs collapse as the baby breathes out. The baby is not able to breathe well without medical support. Retractions The pulling in of a baby's chest when the baby takes a breath; a common symptom of respiratory distress. Rh Factor A group of antigens in the blood. Persons who have the Rh factor are called Rh positive, and those who do not have the factor are Rh negative. Rh Incompatibility A condition in which a baby inherits a blood type from his father that is different from and incompatible with his mother's. Room Air The normal air we all breathe. It has an oxygen concentration of 21 percent. The most oxygen that a baby can be given is 100 percent. Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) A disease of the eye that some premature babies develop. Rounds The gathering of doctors, nurses and other hospital staff to discuss the condition and treatment of the babies. back to top
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Sacrococcygeal Teratoma A growth (tumor) on the baby’s tailbone that is benign (has no cancer cells.) For more information see the Factsheet on Sacrococcygeal Teratoma. Saturation Monitor A small cuff wrapped around the baby's foot or hand that measures the oxygen level in the blood. Screening Test A test that looks for possible signs of disease in people who do not have symptoms. Sepsis An infection in the blood or other tissues. Small for Gestational Age (SGA) A medical term that refers to a premature or full term infant who is small because of slow growth before birth and is below the 10th percentile on the standard growth curve for his/her age. Social Worker A licensed professional who gives families emotional support, help in adjusting to hospitalization, help planning for hospital discharge, and referral to community resources. Social work services are available to all families with babies in the Neonatal Critical Care Center. Sodium One of the body's salts (see Electrolytes) Spina Bifida (See Neural Tube Defect) Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture) Insertion of a small needle through the back to obtain a sample of spinal fluid. Suctioning Removing mucus from the nose and throat or from the ET tube (see Endotracheal Tube) using a plastic tube attached to a suction device. Surfactant A natural substance in the lungs that helps keeps the small air sacs of the lung open. It can be given to babies who don’t produce enough of their own, such as preterm infants. Surgeon A doctor trained to perform surgery.
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T
Tachycardia Very fast heartbeat. Transcutaneous Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide Monitor (CPO2/CO2) A small probe attached to the baby's skin that monitors the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. Transposition of the Great Arteries A heart defect where the main vessels (Aorta and Pulmonary Artery) which carry blood from the heart to the rest of the baby’s body are reversed causing blood to flow in two isolated loops, rather than from the lungs to the rest of the body. For more information see the Factsheet on Transposition of the Great Arteries. Tetrology of Fallot A series of 4 heart defects that prevent enough blood from reaching the baby’s lungs. For more information see the Factsheet on Tetrology of Fallot. Temperature Patch A small wire taped to the baby's skin that sends a message about the baby's temperature to a sensor in the bed. The sensor keeps the bed at a proper temperature so the baby will not get too warm or too cold. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN) Liquid nutrition containing protein, sugar, fat, vitamins, and minerals that is given to a baby intravenously. Trachea (Windpipe) The body part that air passes through on its way to the lungs. Tracheoesophageal Fistula An opening in the baby’s neck between the food tube and the air tube. For more information see the Factsheet on Esophageal Atresia/ Tracheoesophageal Fistula. Transducer A small microphone that sends and receives sound waves and sends them to a computer, resulting in an ultrasound image or a graph of a baby’s heartbeat. Transfusion Giving blood to a baby who is anemic through an IV. Trisomy 13 (Edward’s Syndrome) A chromosomal (genetic) disorder where there is and extra copy of all or part of Chromosome 13 leading to a series of birth defects. For more information see the Factsheet on Trisomy 13. Trisomy 18 (Patau’s Syndrome) A chromosomal (genetic) disorder where there is an extra copy of Chromosome 18 leading to a series of birth defects. For more information see the Factsheet on Trisomy 18. Trisomy 21 (see Down Syndrome) Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) A problem in twin pregnancies where the twins share blood unevenly. For more information see the Factsheet on Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
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U
Umbilical Artery Catheter (UAC) A small plastic tube put in one of the arteries of the baby’s umbilical cord, or belly button. It can be used to give fluids, medicine and nutrition, take blood samples and monitor a baby’s blood pressure. Umbilical Cord The structure that connects a fetus to the placenta inside a mother’s uterus. It carries oxygen and nourishment and removes waste. The cord usually has 2 arteries and one vein. Umbilical Venous Catheter (UVC) A small plastic tube put in the vein of the baby’s umbilical cord, or belly button. It can be used to give fluids, medicine and nutrition. Umbilicus The navel ("belly button") where the umbilical cord is attached to the fetus. Urinalysis A laboratory examination of the urine. Urologist A doctor who is specializes in the care of problems with the kidneys and bladder.
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V
Ventilator (Respirator) A machine used to help breathing problems. It works by pushing air or oxygen into the lungs. This air or oxygen is given through an ET tube [see Endotracheal Tube). Ventricular Sonogram A test that uses sound waves to produce a picture of the ventricles (fluid filled spaces) in the brain. Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) A hole in the middle of the heart between the two largest chambers (ventricles.) For more information see the Factsheet on VSD. Vernix Protective, white substance that covers a fetus in utero to keep the skin moist. Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) A baby weighing less than 3.3 pounds at birth. Viable An infant capable of living outside of the womb, often with medical support in the beginning.
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W
Warmer A special open bed with an overhead heating device to keep the baby warm.
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