A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 100
Glossary
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA):
A ‘typical’ situation in premature
babies where the foetal blood
vessel, which links the aorta and the
pulmonary artery, does not close
following birth.
Pathologist: A specialist doctor who
focuses on laboratory testing and
the examination of body tissues.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension:
Babies with persistent pulmonary
hypertension (PPHN) cannot
breathe properly due to the high
blood pressure in their lungs. At
birth, in response to the first minutes
of breathing air, the blood vessels in
the lungs normally relax and allow
blood to flow through them. This is
how the blood picks up oxygen. In
babies with PPHN, this response
does not occur. This leads to a
lack of oxygen in the blood and
sometimes to other complications,
including brain damage. Babies
with PPHN often have birth defects
(such as heart defects) or have
suffered from birth complications.
Phototherapy light treatment for
jaundice: Special lights are used to
help break down bilirubin. Babies
will usually be naked, except for a
nappy, to maximize the amount of
skin exposed to the light. They will
also wear a special mask to protect
their eyes.
Physiotherapist (PT): A health
professional who helps evaluate
how a baby moves and how any
movement problems may affect
milestones like sitting, rolling over or
walking. The physiotherapist aims
to improve muscle strength and
coordination.
Placenta previa: A pregnancy
complication, usually signalled by
bleeding, in which the placenta
partly or completely covers the
cervix, so when the cervix dilates
during labour it can tear and bleed.
Preterm delivery may be necessary
to prevent a serious maternal
haemorrhage.
Placental abruption: A pregnancy
complication, sometimes signalled
by vaginal bleeding, abdominal
and back pain, in which part of the
placenta detaches from the wall of
the uterus which affects the blood
and oxygen supply to the baby. This
can lead to preterm delivery.
Pneumothorax: A leak of air out of
baby’s lungs but still within the chest
cavity. This can press on the lungs
and will usually require draining
away outside the body through a
tube.
Pre-eclampsia: A medical condition
in pregnancy signalled by high
blood pressure, protein in the urine
and fluid retention which can limit
the blood flow to the baby and to
the mother’s vital organs. In severe
cases, pre-term delivery may be
necessary as this is the
only cure for this condition.
Prone: Describes the position of the
baby when lying on his stomach.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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