Glossary of Terms on Premature Infants
Ad Lib Feeds
Definition of ad lib feeds, or an ad lib feeding schedule, as it relates to premature babies.
Amblyopia
Definition of amblyopia, or lazy eye, in infants and children.
Anemia
Definition, symptoms, and treatment of anemia in premature babies.
Anemia of Prematurity
Definition and symptoms of anemia of prematurity
Apnea Monitor
Definition of and information about a home apnea monitor.
Apnea of Prematurity
A definition of apnea in premature infants.
What is Bilirubin?
Answers the question "What is bilirubin?" as it relates to babies, especially premature or sick babies.
Bradycardia in Premature Infants
Defines bradycardia as it relates to premature infants.
Catch Up Growth
Definition of and pros and cons for catch up growth in infants.
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Definition and functions of cerebrospinal fluid.
Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) In Premature Babies
Defines chronic lung disease, or CLD, in premature babies
Cobedding
Definition of cobedding of twins and multiples.
Colic
Definition, symptoms, and treatment of colic in infants.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)
A definition of continous positive airway pressure, or CPAP, as used in premature infants and pediatric patients.
Definition of Amniotic Sac
Definition of amniotic sac or bag of waters.
Dehydration
Definition and symptoms of infant dehydration in premature babies.
Detached Retina
Definition of a detached retina in premature babies with retinopathy of prematurity.
Developmental Care
Defines developmental care as it's used for premature infants in the NICU.
Developmental Delay
Definition of developmental delay and help deciding if your preemie should be evaluated for developmental delay.
Directed Blood Donation
Defines directed donation of blood and explains who may want to use directed donation when loved ones need a blood transfusion.
Early Intervention
Definition of early intervention and list of services commonly provided
Edema
Definition, causes, and treatments for this common condition.
Gastric Residuals
Definition of and information about gastric residuals.
Gastrostomy Tube
Definition and indications for a gastrostomy tube, or G-tube.
Gestational Age
A definition of gestational age and information on how parents can measure the gestational age of their premature babies.
Heat Exhaustion
Definition, symptoms, and treatment of heat exhaustion.
High Frequency Ventilator
High frequency ventilators, including jet ventilators and oscillators, are defined.
Human Milk Fortifier
Defines human milk fortifier and explains when it is used.
Hydrocephalus
Definition and treatment for hydrocpehalus.
Hypoglycemia
Definition, causes, and symptoms of hypoglycemia in the newborn.
Incompetent Cervix
Defines incompetent cervix and lists treatments for this condition.
Incubator
Definition and uses of infant incubators.
Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR)
Definition and causes for intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)
Kangaroo Care
Definition and benefits of kangaroo care for premature babies.
Lactation Consultant
Definition of a board certified lactation consultant.
Late Preterm Infant
Defines the late preterm infant and lists health problems common to late preterm babies.
Micropreemie
Defines micropreemie and explains a micropreemie's chances of survival.
Milk Allergy
Definition and symptoms of milk allergies in infants.
Nasal Cannula
A definition of nasal cannulas as used for premature babies.
Nasogastric Tube and Orogastric Tube
Definition and uses of infant nasogastric and orogastric tubes.
Neonatal Tachypnea
Definition, causes, and treatment for this common condition in full term and premature babies.
Neonatologist
A definition of what a neonatologist is and what this sort of doctor does.
What is a Newborn Nursery?
Definition of a newborn nursery and level of care it can provide for preemies and full term babies.
NICU - What is a NICU
A simple and quick definition of what a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is and what types of patients are treated in NICUs.
Occupational Therapy in the NICU
Definition of occupational therapy as it is used in the NICU.
Oral Aversion in the Premature Baby
A definition of oral aversions in premature babies.
Oxygen Saturation
Definition of oxygen saturation and desaturation.
Patent Ductus Arteriosis - PDA
Definition, symptoms, and treatment of this heart disorder common in premature babies.
Peripheral IV - Definition of a Peripheral IV
Definition of an IV line, also called a peripheral IV or PIV.
PICC Line - Definition of a PICC Line
Definition of a percutaneously inserted central catheter, also called a PICC line.
Plus Disease in Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Definition of plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity.
Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes (PPROM)
Definition of preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM)
Pulse Oximeter
Defines pulse oximeter and describes how a pulse oximeter works.
Retina
Defines the retina of the eye.
Strabismus
Definition of strabismus in infants and children.
Surfactant
Defines surfactant in the lungs of premature babies.
Thermoregulation
Definition of thermoregulation and explanation of how NICUs keep babies warm, as well as how parents can keep preemies warm after they go home.
Tocolytics
Definition of tocolytics and list of the best candidates for tocolytic therapy.
TPN
Definition of TPN, or total parenteral nutrition, as it relates to premature babies.
Tracheostomy
Definition and indications for a tracheostomy in premature babies.
Umbilical Catheters - Definition of Umbilical Catheters
Definition of umbilical catheters, including umbilical artery catheters (UACs) and umbilical vein catheters (UVCs).
Definition of Ventilator
Answers the question, "What is a ventilator?" and defines ventilator and endotracheal (ET) tube.
Ventricles of the Brain
Definition and illustration of ventricles in the brain.
Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt
Definition of and indications for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.
Adjusted Age
Definition of adjusted age and how to determine a preemie's adjusted age.
Galactogogue
Definition of galactagogue and list of herbs and medications commonly used to increase breast milk supply.
