Throughout your new motherhood journey, you'll encounter many new terms that may seem overwhelming. To help, here are some of the key terms explained:
Jaundice
Jaundice in newborn babies is common and usually harmless. It causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/
Phototherapy
Phototherapy is treatment with a special type of light (not sunlight) aiming to expose your baby's skin to as much light as possible. It's sometimes used to treat newborn jaundice by making it easier for your baby's liver to break down and remove the bilirubin from your baby's blood. Your baby will be placed under a light either in a cot or incubator with their eyes covered. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-newborn/treatment/
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
Unexplained deaths of the newborn. We do not know what causes SIDS. For many babies it is likely that a combination of factors affect them at a vulnerable stage of their development, which leads them to die suddenly and unexpectedly. However, we do know you can significantly reduce the chance of SIDS occurring by following safer sleep advice. See the lullaby trust for further information https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/what-is-sids/ or seek advice from your midwife or consultant.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps blood to clot, which stops bleeding. When babies are born they have very little vitamin K in their bodies and a small number of babies may bleed because of this. This is called vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). It’s rare, but can be very serious. Vitamin K options will be discussed with you so you can choose whether you would like your baby to have it once born.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) or Special Care Baby Unit
When babies are born early, have health problems, or a difficult birth they go to the hospital's NICU. There, babies get around-the-clock care from a team of experts.
Reflux
Reflux is when a baby brings up milk, or is sick, during or shortly after feeding. It's very common and usually gets better on its own. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/reflux-in-babies/
Umbilical Hernia
Hernias occur when a weak area of muscle allows the internal organs to push outwards to form a bulge. Umbilical hernias form when the opening for the umbilical cord does not close properly, which allows the abdominal lining and bowel to bulge out to form a lump. The opening for the umbilical cord continues to close after a baby is born, so may not need treatment however always seek medical advice.
Colic
Colic is when a baby cries a lot but there's no obvious cause. It's a common problem. Always seek medical advice if you are worried. For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/colic/
Milia
Very small spots, called milia, often appear on a baby's face when they're a few days old. Milia may appear white or yellow, depending on your baby's skin colour. They usually go away within a few weeks and do not need treatment. Always seek advice from your Midwife, GP or Health Visitor if you are worried.
Newborn Blood Spot Test or “Heel Prick Test”
Every baby is offered a newborn blood spot screening, also known as the heel prick test, ideally when they are 5 days old. Newborn blood spot screenings involves taking a small blood sample to find out if your baby has 1 of 9 rare but serious health conditions. Most babies won't have any of these conditions but, for the few who do, the benefits of screening are enormous. Early treatment can improve their health, and prevent severe disability or even death.
For more information see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/newborn-screening/blood-spot-test/ or Page 33 of your red book.
Observations (Obs)
Neonatal observations seek to identify any abnormal physiological findings and may be used to monitor baby’s health and wellbeing. The tests involved may include checking the baby’s heart rate, temperature, saturation rate (O2) and respiration rate. Your midwife will explain these tests to you if they are required.
Co-Sleeping
Some parents choose to share a bed or other sleep surface (also known as co-sleeping) with their babies. For more information about co-sleeping and how to make the shared space safe see https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/co-sleeping/ or speak to your midwife or health visitor.
Tongue Tie
Tongue-tie is where the piece of skin connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is shorter or tighter than usual. It may not cause any problems, but if it does treatment is available.
For more information ask your midwife or see https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tongue-tie/
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