A Guiding Hand for Families in NICU and Special Care Nurseries - Digital - Book - Page 96
Glossary
F
Geneticist: A specialist doctor
trained in the diagnosis and
treatment of infants with congenital
(inherited) conditions including
chromosomal problems or
syndromes.
Fontanelle: The large soft spot on
the top and the smaller one on
the back of the baby’s head. These
close within 12 - 18 months.
Gestational age: The time (in weeks)
from the last menstrual period
determining the age of the baby. A
full-term pregnancy is 40 weeks.
Formula milk: Special preparations
usually based on cow’s milk,
modified to closely resemble the
chemical composition in human
breast milk.
Glucose: A natural sugar. A main
source of energy for the body.
Extubate: Removal of a tube
from the trachea (airway) which is
attached to a ventilator.
G
Gastroenterologist: A specialist
doctor trained in the diagnosis
and treatment of infants with
problems of the digestive system
(stomach and intestines) and liver.
This type of doctor might be asked
to see a baby who has digestive
or liver problems.
Gastrostomy: An opening in the
abdominal wall, created through
surgery, to provide nutrition
straight to the stomach when the
oesophagus is injured or blocked or
to provide proper drainage after
abdominal surgery is performed to
maximise nutrition.
Gavage feedings: Feedings through
a tube inserted through the mouth
or nose that goes straight to the
stomach.
Group B Streptococcus: Bacterial
infection that a baby can contract
as he passes through an infected
birth canal, sometimes resulting
in further illness. Many cases can
be prevented by screening and/
or treating infected women with
antibiotics during labour and
delivery.
H
Haemoglobin (Hb): The colouring
of red blood cells, carrying oxygen
from the lungs to body tissues.
Haemorrhage: A medical term to
describe bleeding, either inside or
outside the body.
Headbox (oxy hood): A clear
plastic box that is placed over the
baby’s head to provide additional
humidified oxygen.
Head circumference: Measurement
of the maximum distance around
the baby’s head.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation | Supporting Families of Premature & Sick Babies
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