Glossary of terms

congenital heart disease

a heart problem present at birth, caused by improper development of the heart during fetal development. Fetal diagnosis of heart disease can be made before birth by ultrasound examination.

See also Atrial septal defectCardiologyCardiovascular-thoracic surgeryCoarctation of the aortaFetal omphaloceleHeart transplant programHypoplastic left heart syndromeInstitute for Fetal HealthPatent ductus arteriosusVentricular septal defect

diaphragmatic hernia

the intestines and/or liver extend into the lung and heart cavity through a hole in the diaphragm. The fetal condition is diagnosed with ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before birth so that special preparations can be made for optimum care at delivery.

See also Fetal diaphragmatic herniaInstitute for Fetal HealthSurgery (general)

intraventricular hemorrhage

bleeding in the brain; the most common neurologic complication of premature infants

necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

a serious intestinal illness in babies

See also Gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition (digestive disorders)Necrotizing enterocolitis

persistent pulmonary hypertension

a life-threatening respiratory condition that affects full term infants. It occurs when the lung and its blood vessels do not successfully allow the proper transition to air breathing following delivery.

See also Sydney strong after persistent pulmonary hypertension

prematurity

defined in 1974 by the World Health Organization as live-born infants delivered before 37 weeks gestation from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period. Most fetuses born at 23 weeks or less are considered nonviable.

See also Pulmonary habilitation programChanel prevails over prematurityHealth disparities affect health of newbornsNicholas overcomes prematurityPremature birth brings battle to baby Colton