Understanding neonatal words and abbreviations
If your baby is on the neonatal unit, you may hear lots of new words and abbreviations. This can feel confusing and overwhelming, especially in the first few days.
This glossary explains common neonatal terms in simple language to help you understand what they mean and why you might hear them. Every baby’s journey is different, so not every baby will experience every treatment, intervention, event or condition mentioned here.
If you are unsure about anything relating to your baby’s neonatal care, your neonatal team will always be happy to answer your questions and explain what it means for your baby.
A
Anaemia
Anaemia is a condition where your baby has fewer red blood cells than normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body.
Some premature babies develop anaemia and may need treatment or, occasionally, a blood transfusion.
Apgar score
The Apgar score is a quick check carried out at one and five minutes after birth. It looks at your baby’s breathing, heart rate, muscle tone, reflexes and colour to see how well they are adapting to life outside the womb.
Apnoea monitor
An apnoea monitor checks your baby’s breathing, heart rate and oxygen levels. It alerts the neonatal team if there are any changes that need attention.
Apnoea
An apnoea is a short pause in your baby’s breathing. This is common in premature babies because the part of the brain that controls breathing is still developing.
The monitors usually detect apnoeas quickly and the neonatal team will respond if needed. Most apnoeas are short and many babies grow out of them as they become stronger.
B
BIPAP (Biphasic)
BIPAP is a type of breathing support that is similar to CPAP. It provides a gentle flow of air to help keep your baby’s lungs open while also giving regular breaths to provide extra support.
It can help babies who need a little more breathing support than CPAP alone can provide.
Bilirubin (Bili)
Bilirubin is a substance made when red blood cells break down. If bilirubin levels become too high, your baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes may look yellow. This is called jaundice.
Jaundice is very common in newborn babies, especially those born prematurely.
Blood gas
A blood gas is a small blood test, usually taken from your baby’s heel or foot. It shows how well your baby’s lungs are working by measuring oxygen and carbon dioxide levels.
The test can also check things such as blood sugar and the acidity (pH) of the blood. The results help the neonatal team decide whether any changes to your baby’s treatment or breathing support are needed.
Blood pressure cuff
A blood pressure cuff is a small band placed around your baby’s arm or leg to measure their blood pressure.
Bradycardia (Brady)
A bradycardia is when your baby’s heart rate slows down for a short time. This is common in premature babies and often happens alongside apnoeas.
Most bradycardias recover on their own or with gentle stimulation from the neonatal team. Although they can be worrying to see, they are a common part of many premature babies’ development.
C
Caffeine
Caffeine is a medicine often given to premature babies to help reduce apnoeas and support regular breathing.
Cares
Cares is the term neonatal staff use for your baby’s everyday care. This usually includes changing nappies, cleaning your baby’s mouth and eyes, checking their temperature and making sure they are comfortable.
Parents are encouraged to take part in cares whenever possible. Being involved helps you get to know your baby, build confidence and support your baby’s development.
Cannula
A cannula is a very small tube placed into a vein, usually in your baby’s hand or foot, although it can sometimes be inserted elsewhere. It allows medicines, fluids or nutrition to be given without repeated injections.
The neonatal team will check the cannula regularly to make sure it is working well and remains comfortable for your baby.
Cooling (Therapeutic Cooling)
Some babies who have experienced a difficult birth may receive therapeutic cooling to help protect their brain and reduce the risk of further injury.
During treatment, your baby will lie on a special cooling mattress for around 72 hours before being slowly warmed back to their normal body temperature.
Some babies may need to be transferred to another hospital to receive this treatment.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
CPAP is a type of breathing support that gently blows air, and sometimes extra oxygen, into your baby’s nose through small prongs or a soft mask.
The gentle pressure helps keep your baby’s lungs open, making it easier for them to breathe.
Corrected age
Corrected age is your baby’s age based on their due date rather than the date they were born.
For example, if your baby was born eight weeks early and is now six months old, their corrected age would be four months. Doctors and therapists often use corrected age when looking at your baby’s growth and development.
Cranial ultrasound scan
A cranial ultrasound scan uses sound waves to create pictures of your baby’s brain. It is commonly used for premature babies and can help doctors look for bleeding or other changes.
CRP
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a substance made by the liver when the body is responding to inflammation.
A raised CRP level can be a sign of infection, although other tests are also used to help the neonatal team decide whether treatment is needed.
Containment holding
Containment holding, sometimes called positive touch, involves placing one hand gently around your baby’s head and the other around their bottom while keeping your hands still rather than stroking.
Talking or singing softly while you do this can help your baby feel calm and secure. It is also a lovely way to bond when cuddles are not yet possible.
D
Desaturation (Desat)
A desaturation, often called a “desat”, is when your baby’s oxygen level temporarily drops.
Desaturations are common in premature babies and often happen alongside apnoeas or bradycardias. Most recover on their own or with a little support from the neonatal team.
Developmental care
Developmental care is an approach that supports your baby’s growth and development while they are on the neonatal unit.
This may include protecting sleep and rest times, reducing noise and bright lights, supporting comfortable positioning, encouraging skin to skin and involving parents in their baby’s care whenever possible.
Donor breast milk
Donor breast milk is breast milk donated by other mothers. It is carefully screened and pasteurised before being given to babies who need it. Different hospitals have different criteria when it comes to donor breastmilk so it is worth asking your baby’s Dr or nurse to explain this to you.
E
Expressed breast milk (EBM)
Expressed breast milk is milk that has been removed from the breast by hand expressing or with a breast pump.
It can then be stored and given to your baby through a feeding tube, bottle or other feeding method, depending on their needs.
Endotracheal tube (ET tube)
An endotracheal tube, often called an ET tube, is a thin tube placed through your baby’s mouth into their windpipe.
The ET tube is connected to a ventilator, which helps your baby breathe when they need a little more support.
F
Family integrated care (FiCare)
Family integrated care (FiCare), supports parents to become active members of their baby’s care team.
With support from neonatal staff, parents can learn skills such as taking temperatures, changing nappies, tube feeding, giving some medications and taking part in ward rounds. Spending time with your baby, talking, singing, reading and providing skin to skin care all help support your baby’s development and wellbeing.
Many neonatal units are now moving towards Neuroprotective FiCare, which encourages parents to spend time with their baby, provide skin to skin care, and take part in their everyday care. It also recognises the important role parents play in their baby’s neuro development and wellbeing.
FBC (full blood count)
A full blood count (FBC) is a blood test that measures your baby’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
It helps the neonatal team look for conditions such as anaemia, infection and problems with blood clotting.
Feeding cues
Feeding cues are signs that your baby may be ready to feed. These can include waking up, moving their hands towards their mouth or showing sucking movements.
Follow up
Some babies are invited to follow-up clinics after leaving hospital so their growth and development can be checked.
Fortifier
Fortifier is a powdered supplement that can be added to expressed breast milk.
It provides extra protein, vitamins and minerals to help meet the higher nutritional needs of some premature babies.
G
Gestational age
Gestational age is the number of weeks of pregnancy when your baby was born.
Glucose
Glucose is a type of sugar that provides the body with energy.
Babies on the neonatal unit may have their glucose levels checked regularly to make sure they remain within a healthy range.
H
Heel prick test
The heel prick test is a routine newborn screening test. A few drops of blood are taken from your baby’s heel to check for rare but serious conditions.
High flow
High flow is a type of breathing support that delivers warmed, humidified air and oxygen through small tubes in your baby’s nose to help them breathe more easily.
High frequency oscillation (HFO)
High frequency oscillation, often called HFO, is a special ventilator setting that gives very small, rapid breaths.
Your baby may appear to “wobble” while on this treatment. Although this can look unusual, it is completely normal.
Human milk bank
A human milk bank collects, screens and stores donated breast milk for babies who need extra support with feeding.
Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia is when your baby’s blood sugar level is lower than normal.
Babies on the neonatal unit are regularly monitored and treated if needed to make sure their blood sugar remains within a healthy range.
Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE)
Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, often called HIE, is a type of brain injury caused when a baby’s brain does not receive enough oxygen and blood at or around the time of birth.
Some babies with HIE may receive therapeutic cooling to help protect the brain. HIE can be mild, moderate or severe.
I
In air
If your baby is “in air”, it means they are breathing normal room air and do not need any extra oxygen.
Your baby may still need some breathing support, such as CPAP or high flow, even if they are in air.
Incubator
An incubator is a heated, enclosed cot that helps keep your baby warm and protected while they grow and develop.
Humidity and oxygen can also be provided through the incubator if needed.
Infusion
An infusion is a continuous supply of medicines, fluids or nutrition given through a cannula, a tube into the umbilicus or a long line.
Intra-ventricular haemorrhage (IVH)
An intra-ventricular haemorrhage, often called an IVH, is a bleed into the fluid-filled spaces of the brain. IVH is more common in babies born prematurely.
There are different grades of IVH. Some can be serious, but lots of babies recover without long-term problems.
Intravenous
Intravenous, often shortened to IV, means “into a vein” this is a way of giving your baby medicine or nutrition.
J
Jaundice
Jaundice is a common condition that makes your baby’s skin and the whites of their eyes look yellow. It is caused by high levels of a substance called bilirubin in the blood.
Jaundice is very common in newborn babies, especially those born prematurely.
K
Kangaroo care
Kangaroo care is skin-to-skin contact between your baby.
It has many benefits, including helping to regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing and heart rate. It is also a lovely way for parents and babies to bond.
L
Long line (central line)
A long line, sometimes called a central line, is a thin tube inserted into one of your baby’s veins.
Unlike a cannula, a long line can stay in place for a longer period of time to give medicines, fluids or nutrition.
Local Neonatal Unit (LNU)
LNU stands for Local Neonatal Unit. These units provide specialist care for babies who need more support than Special Care but do not require intensive care.
Local Neonatal Units are often referred to as level 2 units.
Lumbar puncture (LP)
A lumbar puncture, often called an LP, is a procedure used to collect a small sample of spinal fluid.
The sample is tested to help doctors look for infections, such as meningitis.
M
Meconium
Meconium is your baby’s first poo. It is usually dark green and sticky.
Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS)
Meconium aspiration syndrome, often called MAS, happens when a baby breathes meconium from the amniotic fluid into their lungs before or during birth.
This can make it harder for your baby to breathe after they are born.
MRI scan
An MRI scan uses magnets and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. Some babies may have an MRI scan to help doctors learn more about their brain or other organs.
N
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)
Necrotising enterocolitis, often called NEC, is a serious bowel condition that mainly affects premature babies.
NEC happens when part of the bowel becomes swollen or damaged. Treatment usually involves stopping milk feeds and giving antibiotics to allow the bowel to rest and heal.
In some cases, surgery may be needed if the bowel becomes badly damaged.
NG tube
An NG tube, or nasogastric tube, is a thin tube passed through your baby’s nose and into their stomach.
It is used to give milk, medicines or, sometimes, to remove air from the stomach.
Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
NICU stands for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
The NICU provides the highest level of care for babies who are very premature or very poorly and need specialist care.
Nitric oxide
Nitric oxide is a gas that helps relax the blood vessels in the lungs and improve blood flow.
It is given with air and oxygen to babies whose lungs need extra support.
O
Oedema
Oedema is swelling caused by extra fluid collecting in the tissues under the skin.
OG (orogastric) tube
An OG tube, or orogastric tube, is a thin tube passed through your baby’s mouth and into their stomach, to give milk or medicine.
Optiflow
Optiflow is a type of breathing support that delivers warmed, humidified air and oxygen to help your baby breathe more easily.
P
Parent accommodation
Many hospitals have accommodation where parents can stay close to their baby while they are receiving neonatal care.
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that helps blood flow around the body while a baby is in the womb.
After birth, this blood vessel usually closes. Sometimes it stays open, causing a condition called patent ductus arteriosus, or PDA.
Your baby’s neonatal team will monitor a PDA and decide whether any treatment is needed.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy uses special blue lights to treat jaundice.
The light helps your baby’s body break down excess bilirubin. This treatment is safe and commonly used on neonatal units.
Positive touch
Positive touch helps babies feel safe and secure and supports bonding between babies and their families.
It includes containment holding, kangaroo care and cuddles.
Q
Quiet time
Quiet time is a period during the day that supports your baby’s development.
Noise and lighting are reduced, and only urgent procedures are carried out. Skin-to-skin is encouraged during this time.
R
Reflux
Reflux is when milk or stomach contents come back up into the food pipe or mouth.
Reflux is very common in newborn babies and many babies grow out of it as they get older.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
Respiratory distress syndrome, often called RDS, happens when a baby’s lungs are not fully developed and cannot provide enough oxygen.
Premature babies are more likely to develop RDS because they do not yet have enough surfactant to help keep their lungs open.
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
Retinopathy of prematurity, often called ROP, affects the retina, the part of the eye that is sensitive to light.
ROP is more common in very premature babies, especially those born before 28 weeks. Babies at risk are routinely screened and treatment is available if needed.
Rooming in
As your baby gets closer to going home, you may be invited to stay with them in the parents’ accommodation.
This gives you the chance to care for your baby more independently and build confidence before discharge.
S
Saturation probe (Sats probe)
A saturation probe or sats probe is used to measure the oxygen levels in your baby’s blood, known as saturations.
The probe is attached to your baby’s hand or foot and sends information to a monitor called a pulse oximeter. The light from the probe does not hurt your baby.
SBR (serum bilirubin)
An SBR, or serum bilirubin test, is a blood test used to measure the amount of bilirubin in your baby’s blood.
The results help the neonatal team decide whether treatment for jaundice is needed.
SCU or SCBU
SCU stands for Special Care Unit, some hospitals use the term SCBU Special Care Baby Unit.
These units provide care for babies who still need hospital support but do not require intensive care. Special Care Units are often referred to as level 1 units.
Self-ventilating
If your baby is self-ventilating, it means they are breathing for themselves rather than relying completely on a ventilator.
Your baby may still need some support, such as oxygen, CPAP or high flow, but they are doing some or all of the work of breathing on their own.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a serious infection that can affect the blood or other parts of the body.
Babies with suspected sepsis are treated quickly, usually with antibiotics.
Skin-to-skin
Skin-to-skin means holding your baby against your bare chest.
It helps support bonding and can help regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing and heart rate.
Steroids
Steroids may be given to mothers before birth if their baby is expected to arrive early. The medicine crosses the placenta and helps the baby’s lungs mature.
After birth, some babies with ongoing breathing problems may be given low doses of steroids to help reduce the amount of breathing support they need.
Surfactant
Surfactant is a natural substance that helps keep the lungs open when a baby breathes out.
Premature babies may not produce enough surfactant, which can lead to breathing difficulties such as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Replacement surfactant can be given directly into the lungs to help support breathing.
Suction
Suction is the gentle removal of mucus from your baby’s nose, throat or breathing tube.
This helps keep the airway clear and makes breathing easier.
T
Tachypnoea
Tachypnoea means breathing faster than normal.
Tachycardia
Tachycardia means a heart rate that is faster than normal.
Total parenteral nutrition (TPN)
Total parenteral nutrition, often called TPN, is a special type of nutrition given directly into a vein.
It contains sugars, vitamins, proteins and other nutrients that your baby needs when they are not yet able to have milk.
Transfer
Some babies need to be transferred to another hospital to receive specialist care or to move closer to home as they become stronger.
Transfusion
A transfusion is when donated blood or blood products are given through a vein.
Blood transfusions are common on neonatal units and may be needed if your baby has conditions such as anaemia.
U
Umbilical catheter (UVC and UAC)
An umbilical catheter is a small tube placed into the blood vessels of the umbilical cord shortly after birth.
It can be used to give medicines, fluids and nutrition, or to take blood samples without repeated needle tests.
V
Vapotherm
Vapotherm is a type of breathing support that delivers warmed, humidified air and oxygen to help your baby breathe more easily.
Ventilator
A ventilator is a machine that helps your baby breathe when they need more support than CPAP or other non-invasive breathing treatments can provide.
It delivers air and oxygen through a breathing tube at a rate to suit your baby.
W
Ward round
A ward round is when the neonatal team meets to discuss your baby’s progress and plan their care. Parents are encouraged to ask questions and be involved.
Wean
To wean means to reduce something gradually.
On the neonatal unit, weaning usually refers to slowly reducing breathing support or treatment as your baby becomes stronger.
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