• NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit): This is a specialized hospital unit where newborns, especially premature ones or those with health issues, receive intensive medical care.

 

• Preemie: A preemie is a baby who is born prematurely, before reaching 37 weeks of pregnancy.

 

• Low Birth Weight: Low birth weight describes babies born weighing less than 5 pounds 8 ounces.

 

• Incubator/ Isolette: An incubator (aka isolette) is a controlled environment, like a warm bed, used to maintain the temperature and protect premature babies.

 

• RDS (Respiratory Distress Syndrome): RDS is a condition marked by breathing difficulties due to underdeveloped lungs, often seen in preemies.

 

• Ventilator: A ventilator is a machine that assists babies in breathing by delivering oxygen and helping them get enough air.

 

• CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure): CPAP is a device that helps babies breathe more easily by providing continuous air pressure.

 

• Feeding Tube: This is a tube used to directly provide nutrition to a baby's stomach when they can't feed by mouth.

 

• NPO (Nothing by Mouth): This term indicates that a baby should not be fed orally for a specific period.

 

• Vital Signs: These are essential physiological measures, including heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and temperature.

 

• Apnea: Apnea is a condition in which a baby briefly stops breathing, which can be concerning.

 

• Bradycardia: Bradycardia refers to an abnormally slow heart rate in a baby, which requires medical attention.

 

• Desaturation: Desaturation refers to a drop in oxygen levels in the baby's blood, which is closely monitored.

 

• A&B: This term is sometimes used as shorthand for apnea and bradycardia, two common NICU issues.

 

• Jaundice: Jaundice is a condition characterized by the yellowing of a baby's skin and eyes, often caused by elevated bilirubin levels.

 

• Bilirubin: Bilirubin is a substance that, when elevated, can cause jaundice; monitoring levels is important in NICU care.

 

• Phototherapy: Phototherapy involves using special lights to treat jaundice and reduce bilirubin levels.

 

• Kangaroo Care: Kangaroo care involves holding your baby skin-to-skin for bonding and comfort.

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• EEG (Electroencephalogram): An EEG is a test that measures brain activity.

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• IVH (Intraventricular Hemorrhage): IVH is bleeding in the brain's ventricles, which can be a concern in premature infants.

 

• PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosus): PDA is a heart condition that may require medical treatment.

 

• ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity): ROP is an eye condition affecting premature babies' vision.

 

• NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis): NEC is a severe gastrointestinal disease that occurs in some preterm infants.

 

• Neonatologist: A neonatologist is a doctor who specialized in caring for newborns, particularly those in the NICU

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Feel free to ask if you'd like more information about any of these terms or have further questions!

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