Bacterial vaginosis
A common vaginal infection caused by an imbalance of bacteria.

Bag-and-mask resuscitation device
A device used to support breathing in a baby breathe by delivering air to their lungs.

Bassinet
A small, cosy bed for newborns, often used next to a parent’s bed.

Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID)
Tests used to check how a baby’s brain and body are developing.

Bilirubin
A yellow substance in the blood made when red blood cells break down (normal process); too much can cause jaundice.

Bladder
The organ in your body that holds urine until it is ready to be passed out.

Blood gas analysis
A test that measures oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other levels in the blood to check how well the baby is breathing.

Blood pressure
The force of blood pushing against the walls of the blood vessels.

Blood sample
A small amount of blood taken for testing to check health.

Blood sugar
The amount of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood, used as the body’s main energy source, especially for the brain.

Blue light therapy
A treatment for jaundice where special light helps break down bilirubin in the baby’s body.

Bottle feeding
Feeding a baby using a bottle with expressed milk or formula.

Bradycardia
A slow heart rate, which is quite common in preterm babies and may need monitoring or sometimes support.

Brain haemorrhage
Bleeding in or around the brain, which can happen in preterm or very sick babies.

Braxton Hicks contractions
Mild, irregular tightening of the uterus during pregnancy, often called “practice contractions”.

Breast pump
A device used to express milk from the breasts for bottle feeding or storage.

Breech delivery
When a baby is born bottom or feet first instead of head first.

Bronchiolitis
A lung infection that causes swelling in the small airways, making it hard to breathe.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
A chronic lung condition in preterm babies caused by long-term oxygen use or ventilators or other conditions.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
A life-saving technique used when someone’s heart stops beating. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths to help keep blood flowing and provide oxygen to organs such as the brain.

Cardiovascular health
Refers to the health of the heart and blood vessels.

Caesarean section (C-section)
A surgical procedure to deliver a baby through the mother’s abdomen.

Cerclage
A stitch placed in the cervix during pregnancy to help prevent preterm birth.

Cerebral palsy
A condition affecting movement and muscle control caused by brain injury before, during, or after birth.

Cervix
The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Chaplain
A spiritual advisor who provides emotional and spiritual support to families.

Chickenpox
A common childhood illness that causes an itchy rash and fever, caused by a virus.

Children’s hospice
A place or service that provides care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

Chronic lung disease (CLD)
A long-term lung condition common in preterm babies who needed breathing support.

Colostomy bag
A pouch that collects waste from the body through an opening in the abdomen.

Colostrum
The first milk produced by the mother, rich in important nutrients and antibodies.

Comfort holding
A way to calm and support a baby by gently holding them during medical procedures or stressful moments.

Community nurse
A nurse who provides care and support at home or in the community for families and babies.

Congenital
A condition or feature present at birth.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
A machine that helps keep a baby’s airways open by gently blowing air into their nose.

Contraction
The tightening of the uterus during pregnancy or labour and delivery.

CTG (Cardiotocography)
A test that monitors the baby’s heart rate and the mother’s contractions during pregnancy or labour.

CT scan
A special imaging test that uses X-rays to take pictures of the inside of the body.

Cup feeding
A method of feeding a baby using a small cup, often used as an alternative to a bottle.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
A common virus that usually causes mild or no symptoms but can lead to serious complications in newborns if passed from mother to baby during pregnancy, affecting hearing, vision, brain development, and other organs.

Dehydration
When the body does not have enough water to work properly.

Depression
A condition that causes feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of energy.

Desaturation
A drop in the level of oxygen in the blood.

Diabetes

A condition where the body cannot properly control blood sugar levels (levels are too high).

Diabetes type 1

A condition where the body cannot produce enough insulin. Usually this condition requires lifelong treatment with insulin injections or an insulin pump.

Diabetes type 2

A type of diabetes where the body cannot use insulin well, often linked to being overweight and/or inactive.

Diarrhoea
Loose or watery stools that happen more often than usual. May result in dehydration.

Dietitian
A healthcare professional who helps create healthy eating plans.

Digestion
The process of breaking down food in the stomach and intestines to give the body energy and nutrients.

Disability
A physical, mental, or developmental condition that makes certain activities harder.

Discharge manager
A healthcare worker who helps families prepare to take their baby home from the hospital.

Ductus arteriosus
A blood vessel in a baby’s heart that normally closes after birth but may stay open in some babies, causing problems.

Due date
The estimated day when a baby is expected to be born.

Dust mite
Very small insect found in dust that can trigger allergies.

Dyscalculia
A learning difficulty that makes understanding maths and numbers harder.

Dysgraphia
A learning difficulty that affects writing skills, such as handwriting and spelling.

Dyslexia
A learning difficulty that makes reading and understanding written words harder.

Dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder)
A condition that affects movement and coordination, making everyday tasks harder.

Echocardiogram
A test that uses ultrasound waves to create pictures of the heart, helping doctors check its health.

E. coli
A type of bacteria that can sometimes cause infections, especially in the stomach or intestines.

Eclampsia
A serious condition during pregnancy that causes seizures, high blood pressure, and risks for both mother and baby.

Electrocardiogram (ECG)
A test that measures the heart's electrical activity to check its rhythm and function.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)
A test that measures the brain's electrical activity to check for seizures or other conditions.

Endotracheal intubation
A procedure where a tube is placed in the windpipe (trachea) to help a baby breathe.

Endotracheal tube (ETT)
A small tube inserted into the windpipe (trachea) windpipe to deliver oxygen or medication.

Enterovirus
A group of viruses that can cause mild illnesses, like colds, or more serious infections in rare cases.

Epilepsy
A condition where someone has repeated seizures due to unusual electrical activity in the brain.

Ethics consultant
A professional who helps families and healthcare teams make difficult medical decisions.

Expert patient
A parent or patient who shares their experience to help others understand and navigate healthcare challenges.

Expressing
Removing breast milk using hands or a pump to feed the baby later.

Extremely preterm
Babies born before 28 weeks of pregnancy.

Family-centred care (FCC) or family integrated care

An approach that supports a baby’s development by focusing on both medical care and family involvement. It includes techniques like skin-to-skin care, specific positioning, and ensures that parents are actively involved in decisions about their baby’s care. The goal is to promote the baby’s growth and support the family’s role in their care.

Fatigue
Extreme tiredness that does not go away with rest and may affect daily activities.

Feeding tube through the tummy (PEG tube)
A small tube placed directly into the stomach through the wall of the tummy to provide food when a baby cannot eat by mouth.

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD)
A condition in a baby caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, affecting growth, learning, and behaviour.

Fetal fibronectin
A protein found in pregnancy in the membranes. It may also be found in vaginal fluid and may indicate a higher risk for early labour.

First aid training
Learning basic skills to help someone in a medical emergency, like CPR or dressing a wound.

Flu
A contagious illness caused by a virus, with symptoms like fever, cough, and tiredness.

Forceps
A tool used during some births to help guide the baby out of the birth canal.

Formula
Industrially produced milk, usually made from cow’s milk that has been specially treated, designed to provide the nutrients babies need when they are not fed mother’s own milk or donor human milk.

Fortifier
A nutrient supplement added to breast milk or formula to help very small or sick babies grow better.

Fourth trimester
The first three months after birth.

Fungal pneumonia
A lung infection caused by a fungus, more common in people with weaker immune systems.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
A condition where stomach acid flows back into the food pipe, causing discomfort or vomiting.

Germ
A tiny organism, like a bacterium or virus, that can cause illness.

Gestational diabetes
A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and affects how the body processes sugar.

Gestation
The time a baby spends developing in the womb during pregnancy.

Glucose
A type of sugar that provides energy for the body’s cells, especially the brain.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency
A genetic condition where red blood cells break down more easily, sometimes leading to anaemia and jaundice.

GP (General Practitioner)
A doctor who treats general health problems and refers patients to specialists if needed.

Group A strep infections (GAS)
Infections caused by a type of bacteria called Group A streptococcus. These infections can lead to conditions such as throat infections (like strep throat), skin infections, or more severe illnesses like pneumonia, sepsis, or toxic shock syndrome. In newborns, it can cause serious complications, including meningitis or bloodstream infections, requiring immediate medical treatment.

Group B strep infections (GBS)
Infections caused by a common bacterium called Group B streptococcus. While it is often harmless in adults, it can cause serious infections in newborns during delivery, leading to conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis, or blood infections (sepsis), which can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Gynaecologist
A doctor who specialises in women’s reproductive health.

Haemoglobin
A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen with the bloodstream around the body.

Haemophilia
A rare condition where blood does not clot properly, leading to excessive bleeding.

Health visitor
A nurse or midwife who supports families with young children, offering advice on health and development.

Heart disease
A range of conditions affecting the heart’s structure or function, such as coronary artery disease or heart failure.

HELLP syndrome
A rare but serious pregnancy complication causing liver and blood problems.

Hepatitis B
A virus that infects the liver and can be passed from mother to baby during birth.

Herpes simplex virus (HSV)/Neonatal herpes
A virus that can cause serious infections in newborns if transmitted during birth.

HSV-1
A type of herpes virus causing cold sores, rarely transmitted to newborns.

HSV-2
A type of herpes virus that usually causes genital sores and can be passed to babies during delivery.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)

A special type of breathing support for sick babies.

High-risk pregnancy
A pregnancy with a higher chance of complications for the baby or mother.

High blood pressure
When the force of blood against the walls of arteries is too high. During pregnancy, it can cause complications like preeclampsia, premature birth, or placental problems. After birth, high blood pressure can increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, or kidney damage for the mother, and may require ongoing treatment.

Hippotherapy
A therapy using horse riding to improve balance, strength, and coordination.

Hydration
Fluid status in the body.

Hydrocephalus
A condition where excess fluid builds up in and around the brain, causing pressure that can affect brain development and function. It may require treatment like a procedure to drain the fluid.

Hypersensitive
Extremely sensitive to stimuli like touch, sound, or light.

Hyperthermia
When the body temperature is too high, which can be dangerous for a baby.

Hypoallergenic
Designed to reduce the chance of causing allergic reactions.

Hypoglycaemia
Low blood sugar levels that can cause the baby to be less active, or jittery, or even may result in seizures.

Hyposensitive
Less sensitive to stimuli, requiring stronger sensations to notice them.

Hypothermia
When the body temperature becomes too low, which can be harmful for babies.

Hypoxia
A lack of oxygen in the body, which can damage organs.

Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE)
Brain damage caused by lack of oxygen and blood flow before, during or after birth.

Ibuprofen
A medicine used to reduce pain, fever, or swelling. It is also used to close an open ductus arteriosus in preterm babies.

Immunisation
A way to protect against diseases by giving vaccines to help the body build up immunity.

Incubator
A special bed that keeps babies warm and safe while they grow and recover.

Indomethacin
A medicine used to treat inflammation or to close an open ductus arteriosus in preterm babies.

Infant- and family-centred developmental care (IFCDC)
An approach that supports a baby’s development by focusing on both medical care and family involvement. It includes techniques like skin-to-skin care, specific positioning, and ensures that parents are actively involved in decisions about their baby’s care. The goal is to promote the baby’s growth, positively influence brain development, and support the family’s role in their care.

Infection
When germs enter the body and cause illness or inflammation.

Infusion pump
A medical piece of equipment that delivers fluids or medicines slowly and precisely through a tube.

Insulin 

A hormone that helps control blood sugar levels.

Insurance
A contract with an insurance company that helps cover medical and other costs.

Interoception
Awareness of internal body signals like hunger, thirst, or the need to breathe.

Intercostal drain insertion
A procedure where a small tube is placed between the ribs to remove air or fluid from the space around the lungs.

Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI)
A fertility treatment where a single sperm is injected directly into an egg.

Intrauterine device (IUD)
A small device placed in the uterus to prevent pregnancy.

Intravenous
Delivering fluids or medicines directly into a vein through a small tube.

Intraventricular haemorrhage (intracranial haemorrhage or brain bleed)
Bleeding in or around the brain, more common in preterm babies.

In-vitro fertilisation (IVF)
A fertility treatment where eggs are fertilised with sperm outside the body, then placed in the womb.

Ischaemia
Reduced blood flow to a part of the body, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrition.

Jaundice
A condition causing yellow skin and eyes due to higher than normal levels of a substance called bilirubin.

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)
A care practice for preterm or low birth-weight babies, focusing on three key pillars: continuous skin-to-skin contact, exclusive breastfeeding or breastmilk feeding, and timely discharge from the NICU with close monitoring.

Kidney disease
A condition where the kidneys do not work properly to filter water and waste from the blood.

Lactation consultant/specialist
A trained professional who helps parents with breastfeeding.

Late preterm
Babies born between 34 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.

Let-down reflex
The natural release of milk from the breast during breastfeeding, triggered by a baby’s sucking or thinking about feeding.

Low platelets
A condition where the blood has fewer cells that help with clotting, which can cause bleeding or bruising.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
A scan that uses a rotating magnetic field to create detailed pictures of the body.

Maternity ward
A hospital area where mothers and babies are cared for after birth.

Measles
A highly contagious viral illness that causes a severe infection including fever, rash, and cold-like symptoms, preventable by vaccines.

Meconium
A baby’s first poop, which is kind of thick, sticky, and dark green.

Medically Assisted Reproduction (MAR)
Treatments like IVF that help people become pregnant.

Membrane
A thin but quite strong layer of tissue that covers or protects organs.

Meningitis
An infection of the protective layers around the brain and spinal cord.

Midwife
A trained professional who cares for mothers during pregnancy, birth, and after delivery, as well as for newborn babies.

Miscarriage
The loss of a baby during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Moderate to late preterm
Babies born between 32 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Motor skills
Movements that involve the muscles, like crawling, walking, or grasping objects.

Music therapist
A professional who uses music to help improve emotional well-being and development.

Nasal oxygen
Oxygen given through small tubes placed at the opening of the nose to help a baby breathe better.

Nasogastric tube feeding (NG tube)
A tube passed through the nose to deliver food and fluids directly into a baby’s stomach. Sometimes they are passed through the mouth – called OG tube.

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)
A serious condition where part of a baby’s intestines becomes damaged and infected.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
A condition where a baby has withdrawal symptoms from drugs the mother used during pregnancy.

Neonatal nurse (practitioner)
A nurse with special training to care for sick or preterm newborns, often working in a NICU.

Neonatologist
A doctor who specialises in the care of newborns, particularly those who are sick or born preterm.

Neurobehavioural development
The growth of a baby’s brain and nervous system, affecting behaviour, learning, and emotions.

Neurologist
A doctor who diagnoses and treats conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Newborn screening test
A test done shortly after birth to check for certain conditions that may need early treatment to improve the baby’s outcome.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

A special hospital unit for babies who need extra care, especially preterm or sick babies.

Nitric oxide
A gas used to help treat lung problems in preterm babies by relaxing blood vessels in the lungs to improve gas exchange.

Norovirus
A virus that causes stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhoea, highly contagious and often spreads quickly in hospitals.

Obstetrician
A doctor who specialises in caring for women during pregnancy, birth, and after delivery.

Occupational therapist
A professional who helps people to improve their ability to perform daily tasks or activities like getting dressed, eat, or being productive (going to school, participating in the community etc.), or doing leisure or social activities (playing, sports etc.).

Oedema
Swelling caused by fluid buildup in the body, often in the feet, ankles, or hands.

Ophthalmologist
A doctor who specialises in eye health and treats conditions affecting vision.

Orogastric tube feeding (OG Tube)
A tube inserted into a baby’s mouth to deliver food and fluids directly into the stomach. Often they are passed through the nose – called NG-tube.

Oxidative stress
A condition where harmful substances build up in the body, possibly affecting organs and causing damage.

Oxygen therapy
The use of extra oxygen to help babies or adults who have trouble breathing and to get enough oxygen.

Pacifier
A rubber or silicone device that babies suck on to calm themselves, also called a dummy or soother.

Paediatrician
A doctor who specialises in caring for newborns, infants, toddlers and older children.

Paediatric feeding disorder
A condition where babies or children have trouble eating, swallowing, or digesting food.

Palliative care
Care that focuses on relieving pain, other symptoms, and suffering in serious or terminal conditions, not meant to cure the illness.

Parenteral nutrition
Nutrition provided through a vein when a baby cannot eat or drink enough food.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
A heart condition where a blood vessel that should close after birth remains open, which can affect blood flow.

Patient representative
A person who helps patients and their families understand hospital services and their rights.

Pelvic floor muscle
The muscles at the bottom of the pelvis that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel.

Pelvic pressure
A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the lower abdomen, often felt during pregnancy.

Pelvis
The bony structure at the base of the spine to which the legs are attached and which also supports the organs in the lower abdomen.

Perinatal bereavement association
Provides support for families who lose a baby during pregnancy or shortly after birth.

Perinatal palliative care (PPC)
A specialised care approach for families facing a severe diagnosis before or after birth. PPC focuses on maximising quality of life and comfort for newborns with life-limiting conditions, while also supporting parents and healthcare providers. It aims to ease suffering, honour family values, and can be provided alongside life-prolonging treatments.

Perineal massage
A technique to gently stretch the perineum (skin and tissues around the opening of the vagina, or “birth canal”) to reduce the risk of tears during childbirth.

Perineal tears
Tears that happen in the perineum (area between the vagina and anus) during birth, ranging from mild to more severe.

Perineum

The skin and tissues between and including the area of vagina and anus.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)

A type of long-term IV used for giving fluids, nutrition, or medicine.

Pharmacist
A healthcare professional who prepares and gives medicines, and advises on their safe use (including dosing).

Phototherapy
A treatment using light to help treat conditions like jaundice in newborns.

Physiotherapist
A healthcare professional who helps improve movement and physical function through exercise, therapy and education.

Placenta
An organ that develops during pregnancy to provide nutrients and oxygen to the baby and remove waste.

Placental abruption
A serious condition where the placenta separates from the wall of the womb before birth, which can cause heavy bleeding and threatens the baby.

Pneumonia
A lung infection that causes difficulty breathing, coughing, and fever.

Pneumothorax
A condition where air leaks into the space between the lung and chest wall, causing the lung to collapse.

Pollen
Tiny particles from plants that can cause allergies, especially in spring.

Pollution
Harmful substances in the air, water, or land that can affect health and the environment.

Postnatal depression (PND)
A type of depression that some mothers experience after giving birth, affecting their mood and sometimes the ability to care for their baby.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
A mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, anxiety, and distress.

Pre-eclampsia
A pregnancy-related condition that causes high blood pressure and possible organ damage, potentially harming the baby and threatening the mother’s life.

Prenatal/ In-utero transfer
The process of transferring a baby from one hospital to another before birth if more specialised care is needed.

Premature infant oral motor intervention (PIOMI)
A therapy that helps preterm babies develop the skills needed for feeding, like sucking or swallowing. It aims to shorten length of NICU stay.

Prenatal care (Antenatal care)
Healthcare provided to mothers during pregnancy to ensure the health of both mother and baby.

Prenatal screening
Tests and scans done during pregnancy to check for potential health issues in the baby.

Preterm (premature)
Babies born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Preterm labour
Labour starting before 37 weeks of pregnancy, leading to the birth of a preterm baby.

Progesterone
A hormone that helps maintain pregnancy and prepare the body for childbirth.

Proprioception
The sense that tells you where your body is in space, helping with balance and movement.

Psychiatrist
A doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental and often neurological disorders.

Psychologist
A professional who helps people process their experience and learn techniques to help them cope with their difficulties in life.

Psychotherapist
A professional who has a specialised training in psychotherapy and helps people to change behaviour, manage feelings like anxiety by working through them with them.

Pulmonary artery
A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the lungs to get oxygen.

Pulmonary hypertension
High blood pressure in the lungs, which can make breathing difficult and strain the heart.

Radiographer
A professional who takes medical images, such as X-rays or scans, to help diagnose conditions.

Radiological examination
A medical test that uses images (like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs) to check for health problems.

Rash
A change in the skin’s appearance, often red, itchy, or inflamed, often caused by an illness or allergic reaction.

Reflux
When stomach contents flow back into the food pipe, causing discomfort, often seen in babies.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
A condition where a baby has trouble breathing due to underdeveloped lungs, common in preterm babies.

Respiratory infection
An infection that affects the airways or lungs, causing symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
A viral infection that can cause severe respiratory problems, especially in preterm babies or those with lung issues.

Retina
The light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye that helps send images to the brain.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
An eye condition that can affect preterm babies, potentially leading to vision problems.

Rotavirus
A virus that causes severe diarrhoea and vomiting, especially in babies and young children.

Rupture of membranes
When the sac holding the baby and fluid in the womb breaks, releasing the fluid. This can happen naturally before or during labour or early (pre-labour rupture) before labour starts.

Scarlet fever
An infectious illness caused by bacteria, leading to a red rash, sore throat, and fever.

School counsellor
A professional who helps students with emotional or behavioural issues, providing support and guidance.

Seizures
Sudden, uncontrolled movements or behaviour caused by abnormal brain activity.

Sensory processing
How the brain receives and responds to information from the senses, like touch, sight, and sound.

Sepsis
A life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body, causing widespread inflammation and organ damage.

Skin-to-skin care/contact
Holding a baby against the parent’s bare chest to provide warmth, comfort, and promote bonding.

Social workers
Professionals who provide support and guidance to families, helping with practical needs and emotional challenges.

Sociodemographic
Relating to social and demographic factors, like age, gender, education, income, and occupation.

Sonogram
An image produced by ultrasound, often used to check the health of a baby during pregnancy.

Speculum examination
A medical procedure where a tool is used to open the body for examination, often during a gynaecological check-up.

Speech and language therapist
A professional who helps children and adults improve communication, speech, language skills, or with swallowing (eating/drinking).

Spinal cord
The bundle of nerves running down the back, responsible for transmitting messages between the brain and body.

Spinal tap
A procedure where a small needle is used to collect fluid from around the spinal cord to test for infection or other conditions.

Stillbirth
The death of a baby before or during birth, after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Stroller
A wheeled chair used to transport babies and young children.

Stroke
A serious medical condition where blood flow to part of the brain has stopped, causing brain damage.

Subarachnoid haemorrhages
Bleeding in the space around the brain, often caused by a ruptured blood vessel or trauma, which can lead to serious health issues like stroke or brain damage.

Subdural haemorrhages
Bleeding between the brain and its protective covering, usually caused by injury or trauma, which can increase pressure on the brain and cause neurological problems.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
The unexplained death of a baby under 1 year old, often during sleep. It is unexplained and cannot be predicted or prevented. This diagnosis is only given after all other possible causes of sudden unexplained death have been ruled out.

Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI)
The unexpected death of an infant, when there is no apparent cause of death (SUDI includes SIDS and sleep-related deaths from asphyxia or suffocation).

Surgeon
A doctor who performs operations to treat injuries or medical conditions.

Therapeutic hypothermia
A treatment that cools a baby’s body temperature to protect the brain after a difficult birth or injury.

Tocolytic medication
Medicines used to stop or slow down early labour, to help prevent preterm birth.

Toxin/pesticides
Harmful chemicals that can poison the body, often found in certain environments or foods.

Transducer
A device used in medical imaging, such as ultrasound, to send and receive sound waves that create images of the inside of the body. It helps doctors check the health of organs or monitor a baby during pregnancy.

Tremor
Involuntary shaking or trembling, often caused by a medical condition or nervous system issue.

Trimester
A three-month period of pregnancy, divided into three stages: first, second, and third trimester.

Tube fed
When a baby is fed through a tube, often due to difficulty sucking or swallowing.

Tummy bug
A common term for stomach infections that cause symptoms like diarrhoea and vomiting.

Umbilical catheters
Small tubes inserted into the baby’s umbilical cord to deliver fluids, medicines, or take blood samples.

Umbilical cord
The cord that connects the baby to the placenta, providing oxygen and nutrients during pregnancy.

Umbilical line
A small tube inserted into the umbilical cord, often used to give medicines or fluids to a baby.

Ultrasound
A scan that uses inaudible sound waves to create pictures of the inside of the body, often used to check the baby during pregnancy or after birth.

Urinary tract infection (UTI)
An infection in the urinary system, causing symptoms like painful urination, cloudy urine, and/or fever.

Uterine wall
The thick lining of the womb (uterus), where the baby grows during pregnancy.

Uterus
The organ in a woman's body where the baby grows during pregnancy.

Vaccination
A medicine given to protect against specific diseases by strengthening the immune system.

Vaginal delivery
The process of giving birth through the birth canal, as opposed to a Caesarean section.

Vaginal examination
A check carried out by a doctor or midwife, where they feel the cervix through the vagina to check for signs of labour.

Ventilation
Air moving in an out of the lung. Spontaneous ventilation refers to ventilation done by the patient, whereas mechanical ventilation is helping someone breathe by using a machine or device, used when they have difficulty breathing on their own.

Ventilator
A machine that helps a person breathe by providing air to the lungs, often used in critical care.

Very preterm
Babies born between 28 and 32 weeks of pregnancy.

Vestibular
Relating to the sense of balance and movement, which is needed to stay upright and coordinated.

Vomiting
Throwing up; when the stomach contents are forcefully emptied through the mouth.

Whooping cough
A contagious illness that causes severe coughing fits, which can be dangerous for small babies.

Womb
Another term for the uterus, where a baby grows during pregnancy.

World Health Organisation (WHO)
An international organisation that works to improve global health and fight diseases across the world.

X-ray
A medical scan that uses radiation to create images of the inside of the body, commonly used to check bones and different organs.