Glossary

Reprinted with permission from "Your Premature Baby and Child" by Amy E. Tracy and Dianne I. Maroney (Berkley, 1999)

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T | V | W | X

Toy block

Bacteria

 Microorganisms that can cause infections

Baseline weight

 A first weight measurement that serves as a reference point for monitoring weight gain over time

Bilirubin

 A substance released into the body when red blood cells are broken down; an excess can cause a yellowing of the skin

Blood pressure

 The pressure the blood exerts against the walls of the blood vessels. The pressure causes the blood to flow through the arteries and veins

Bradycardia

 A slower-than-normal heart rate

Brain bleed

 See Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)

 A chronic lung disease typically caused by long-term ventilation and high levels of oxygen

 

† Top Of Page