NICU & Newborn Care Glossary

Plain-language definitions for families.

A

Amniocentesis — A procedure in which a small amount of amniotic fluid is withdrawn from the uterus using a thin needle, guided by ultrasound. The fluid contains fetal cells that can be analyzed for genetic conditions, chromosomal problems, and lung maturity before birth.

Amniotic fluid — The liquid that surrounds and cushions the baby inside the uterus throughout pregnancy. It keeps the baby warm, allows movement, and supports healthy lung and limb development.

Anemia — A condition in which the blood has too few red blood cells or too little hemoglobin to carry adequate oxygen to the body’s tissues. Premature babies are especially prone to anemia because their red cells have a shorter lifespan and blood drawn for lab tests can represent a significant portion of their tiny blood volume.

Antibiotics — Medicines used to treat bacterial infections. In the NICU, broad-spectrum antibiotics are often started before lab results are back when infection is suspected, then adjusted or stopped once culture results are available.

Apnea — A pause in breathing lasting 15–20 seconds or longer. Apnea is very common in premature babies because the brain’s breathing center is not yet fully mature; it usually resolves as the baby grows and can be treated with caffeine medication.

Apnea of prematurity — Repeated episodes of stopped breathing that occur in premature infants due to an immature brainstem, not illness. It typically resolves on its own as the baby matures and is commonly treated with caffeine, which stimulates the breathing drive.

Arterial catheter — A thin, flexible tube placed inside an artery — often at the wrist or in the umbilical cord — that allows continuous blood pressure monitoring and painless blood draws without repeated needle sticks. It is one of the most valuable tools for managing critically ill newborns.

Atelectasis — A condition where all or part of the lung collapses, leaving air sacs deflated and unable to participate in breathing. In premature babies with low surfactant levels, atelectasis occurs with each breath out and makes breathing very labored.

B

Bili lights — Special blue-wavelength lights (also called phototherapy lights) shone on a jaundiced baby’s skin to convert bilirubin into a harmless form that can be excreted. The baby’s eyes are covered during treatment to protect them.

Bilirubin — A yellow pigment produced when red blood cells break down, normally processed and removed by the liver. In newborns — especially premature ones — bilirubin can build up faster than the immature liver can clear it, causing jaundice.

Blood gas — A laboratory test performed on a small sample of blood that measures the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide, as well as the blood’s acidity (pH). Results are used to guide ventilator settings and oxygen delivery.

Bradycardia — An abnormally slow heart rate — in newborns, typically defined as a heart rate falling below about 100 beats per minute. It often accompanies apnea in premature infants as oxygen levels drop, and triggers an alarm that prompts nursing staff to stimulate the baby.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) — A chronic lung condition that can develop in premature babies who have needed mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen for an extended period. It means the lungs have been damaged and their normal development disrupted, requiring continued respiratory support; most affected babies gradually improve as the lungs grow and mature.

C

Caffeine citrate — A medication given to premature babies to reduce apnea (breathing pauses) by stimulating the brain’s respiratory center. It has become one of the most widely used and well-proven drugs in neonatal medicine, with benefits that extend beyond just preventing apnea.

Capillary blood sample — A blood sample obtained by pricking the baby’s heel with a tiny lancet to draw a few drops of blood from the small vessels just beneath the skin. This “heel stick” is used for many routine tests and is less invasive than drawing blood from an artery or vein.

Cardiorespiratory monitor — A bedside device that displays the baby’s heart rate and breathing rate in real time by reading signals from small sticky electrodes on the chest. Alarms are set to alert nurses if either measurement goes outside safe limits.

Central line (central venous catheter) — A catheter threaded so that its tip sits in one of the large veins near the heart, allowing delivery of concentrated nutritional solutions and medications that would damage smaller veins. The most common type in the NICU is a PICC line.

Chromosome — One of the 46 thread-like structures inside almost every human cell that carries the genetic blueprint for development. Abnormalities in chromosome number or structure — such as an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Down Syndrome) — can affect development in many ways and may first become apparent in the NICU.

Congenital — Present at birth. A congenital condition may be inherited (genetic) or may result from something that happened during fetal development; not all congenital conditions are genetic.

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) — A form of breathing support in which a steady, gentle air pressure is delivered through small prongs that sit just inside the baby’s nostrils, keeping the tiny air sacs from fully collapsing between breaths. It allows many premature babies to breathe on their own without needing a ventilator.

Corrected age — The age a premature baby would be if calculated from the original due date rather than the actual birth date, used when assessing developmental milestones. For example, a baby born 3 months early who is now 6 months old has a corrected age of 3 months and is expected to reach milestones accordingly.

CT scan (computed tomography) — An imaging test that uses X-rays taken from many angles and processed by a computer to create detailed cross-sectional pictures of internal structures. In the NICU it provides more detail than a plain X-ray for evaluating the brain, chest, or abdomen, but involves radiation and requires transporting the baby.

D

Defibrillator — A device that delivers an electrical shock to the heart to restore a normal rhythm when the heart is beating in a dangerously abnormal pattern. Defibrillators are present in every NICU but are rarely needed, as dangerous heart rhythm disturbances are uncommon in newborns.

Diaphragmatic hernia — A birth defect in which an opening in the diaphragm (the muscle separating the chest from the abdomen) allows abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity during fetal development, compressing the lungs. It is a serious condition requiring surgery and intensive respiratory support.

Diuretic — A medication that increases urine output, helping the kidneys remove excess fluid from the body. In the NICU, diuretics are used when fluid accumulation is worsening lung function, but must be monitored carefully because they also cause loss of important minerals.

Down Syndrome — A genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21, resulting in characteristic physical features and varying degrees of intellectual disability. It is one of the most common chromosomal conditions and can be identified before birth or confirmed by chromosome analysis after birth. Also referred to as Trisomy 21.

Ductus arteriosus — A blood vessel present in all fetuses that connects the main artery to the lungs to the main artery from the heart, allowing blood to bypass the fluid-filled lungs before birth. It normally closes within a day or two after birth; when it stays open in premature babies (called a PDA, or patent ductus arteriosus), it can cause problems requiring treatment.

E

Echocardiogram — An ultrasound examination of the heart that produces real-time images of its chambers, valves, and blood flow. In the NICU it is used to diagnose heart defects, check for an open ductus arteriosus, and assess how well the heart is pumping.

ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) — The most intensive form of life support available in the NICU, used when the lungs and/or heart have failed so completely that ventilation alone cannot sustain life. Blood is pumped out of the baby’s body, oxygenated by an artificial membrane outside the body, and returned — essentially performing the work of the lungs externally while the baby’s own lungs recover.

EEG (electroencephalogram) — A test that records the brain’s electrical activity through small electrodes placed on the scalp. In the NICU it is used to detect seizures, which in newborns are often very subtle or have no visible signs, and to assess the overall health of brain activity after injury.

Electrolytes — Minerals dissolved in body fluids — most importantly sodium, potassium, calcium, and chloride — that are essential for nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and countless cellular processes. Their levels are closely monitored and adjusted in NICU patients.

Endotracheal tube (ET tube) — A soft plastic tube inserted through the mouth or nose, past the vocal cords, and into the windpipe (trachea) to establish a secure airway for mechanical ventilation or surfactant delivery. Sizes are very small in newborns, matched to the baby’s weight and gestational age.

Enteral feeding — Delivering nutrition through a tube that goes directly into the stomach or intestine, used when a baby cannot yet coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing well enough to feed by breast or bottle. Even very small amounts given early help the immature gut mature and prepare for full feeding.

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) — A birth weight of less than 1,000 grams (about 2 pounds 3 ounces), a category that includes some of the most medically fragile NICU patients. These infants face a higher risk of complications related to extreme prematurity and require highly specialized care.

F

Fetal monitoring — Tracking the baby’s heart rate before or during labor to detect signs of stress or oxygen deprivation. Changes in heart rate patterns can prompt interventions to protect the baby.

Fontanelle — The soft spots on a newborn’s skull where the bones have not yet fused together. The fontanelles allow the skull to be flexible during delivery and brain growth; the largest one on top of the head is used as a window for cranial ultrasound imaging in premature babies.

Formula (preterm) — Specially designed infant formula for premature babies that contains higher amounts of protein, calories, calcium, and phosphorus than standard infant formula, reflecting the greater nutritional needs and small stomach capacity of premature infants.

Fortifier (breast milk fortifier) — A powdered or liquid supplement added to expressed breast milk before it is given to a premature baby, boosting the milk’s levels of protein, calories, calcium, and phosphorus. It allows the baby to receive the immune and developmental benefits of human milk while also getting the extra nutrients premature growth requires.

Full-term — Describes a baby born between 39 and 40 weeks of pregnancy, which is the period of lowest risk for complications related to prematurity. Many sources use the term broadly for births from 37 weeks onward, though 37–38 weeks is now called “early term.”

G

Gastroschisis — A birth defect in which part of the intestines and sometimes other abdominal organs develop outside the body through a small opening in the abdominal wall, without a covering membrane. It is corrected surgically, often requiring careful management over days to weeks.

Gestational age — How far along a pregnancy is, measured in weeks from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period. It is the primary measure used to describe a baby’s maturity at birth — a baby born at 28 weeks, for instance, has had 12 fewer weeks of development than a full-term baby.

Glucose — The body’s primary fuel, especially for the brain. Newborns — particularly premature babies, small babies, and infants of diabetic mothers — are at risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in the first hours and days of life, which is why blood glucose is checked routinely after birth.

Granulocytes — White blood cells that are the body’s first line of defense against bacterial infections. Premature babies often have low numbers of these cells, which contributes to their vulnerability to serious infections.

H

Heelstick — A routine method of collecting a small blood sample from a premature or sick newborn by pricking the heel with a tiny lancet. It is used for many tests, including newborn screening, blood glucose, and bilirubin measurement.

Hemoglobin — The protein inside red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Low hemoglobin defines anemia; its level is one of the most frequently measured values in the NICU.

Heparin — A blood-thinning medication used in very low doses to keep IV lines and catheters from clotting, and in higher doses to treat or prevent blood clots that can occur as a complication of central catheters. It acts quickly and can be reversed rapidly.

High-frequency ventilator (HFOV) — A specialized type of ventilator that delivers hundreds of tiny puffs of air per minute rather than the slower, larger breaths of conventional ventilation. It keeps the lungs at a steady, open volume while moving oxygen and carbon dioxide in and out with minimal pressure swings, which may reduce the risk of lung injury.

Humidification — Adding water vapor to the air inside an incubator to slow the excessive water loss through the very thin, immature skin of extremely premature babies. Without adequate humidity, these infants can lose dangerous amounts of water and minerals very rapidly.

Hyperbilirubinemia — An elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, which causes the yellow skin and eye color known as jaundice. Some degree is normal in newborns, but high levels can cause injury to the brain. When bilirubin levels are increasing faster than normal, they are typically treated with phototherapy to keep them from reaching dangerous levels.

Hypoglycemia — Abnormally low blood sugar, which can impair brain function and, if severe or prolonged, cause permanent neurological injury. It is screened for routinely in at-risk newborns using bedside glucose tests in the first hours of life.

Hypotension — Low blood pressure, meaning the heart and blood vessels are not generating enough force to adequately deliver blood to vital organs. It is treated with IV fluids and medications called vasopressors that support the heart and blood vessel tone.

Hypothermia (therapeutic) — A controlled cooling treatment used for full-term or near-term babies who experienced oxygen deprivation (asphyxia) during birth. By lowering the baby’s core body temperature to about 33–34°C for 72 hours, it slows the cascade of brain cell injury and has been shown to significantly improve survival and reduce disability.

Hypoxia — An insufficient supply of oxygen to the body or a specific organ. In newborns, hypoxia can result from breathing difficulties, heart problems, or complications during delivery, and must be corrected quickly to protect the brain and other organs.

I

Incubator — An enclosed, transparent plastic box that surrounds a premature or sick newborn to maintain a warm, stable, protected environment. It controls temperature and humidity, shields the baby from drafts, germs, and excessive handling, and allows caregivers to observe the infant continuously through its clear walls.

Indomethacin — A medication (similar to ibuprofen) used to help close the ductus arteriosus — a blood vessel that normally closes after birth but often remains open in premature babies (PDA). Closing it with medication avoids the need for surgery in many cases.

Intubation — The process of placing an endotracheal tube through the mouth or nose and into the windpipe so that a mechanical ventilator can breathe for the baby. It is performed quickly when a baby cannot breathe adequately on their own.

Isolette — A brand name for a type of incubator that has become commonly used as a general term for any incubator in the NICU. It functions the same as any other incubator, maintaining warmth and a protected environment for the baby.

IV pump (infusion pump) — An electronic device that delivers fluids, nutrition, and medications through an IV or central line at very precisely controlled rates — sometimes as little as a fraction of a teaspoon per hour. Precise control is essential in newborns because even small errors in fluid delivery can have significant consequences.

J

Jaundice — The yellow color of skin and eyes caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the blood. It is very common in newborns and usually harmless, but in premature or sick babies, or when levels rise very high, treatment with phototherapy (bili lights) is needed to prevent brain damage.

K

Kangaroo care — A practice in which a parent holds their diapered baby directly against their bare chest, skin-to-skin. It stabilizes the baby’s temperature, heart rate, and breathing; reduces pain responses; supports breastfeeding; and improves long-term developmental outcomes — and can be practiced even with babies on ventilators and monitors.

Karyotype — A laboratory picture of a person’s chromosomes, arranged in pairs and analyzed for abnormalities in number or structure. It is used to diagnose conditions like Down Syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.

Kernicterus — A form of permanent brain damage caused by very high bilirubin levels that cross into the brain. It is preventable with timely phototherapy or exchange transfusion, and is the main reason jaundice in newborns requires careful monitoring and treatment.

L

L/S ratio (lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio) — A test on amniotic fluid that estimates how mature the fetal lungs are before birth, based on the ratio of two components of surfactant. A favorable ratio suggests the lungs are developed enough to handle breathing after delivery.

Lanugo — The fine, soft hair that covers the body of a fetus and is often still present on premature babies at birth. It typically falls out within the first few weeks after birth.

Low birth weight (LBW) — A birth weight of less than 2,500 grams (about 5 pounds 8 ounces). Low birth weight can result from premature birth, poor fetal growth, or both, and is associated with higher health risks in the newborn period.

M

Meconium — The dark green, tar-like first bowel movement a baby passes, made up of materials the fetus ingested in the womb. When a baby passes meconium before birth and it mixes with the amniotic fluid, there is a risk the baby may breathe it in during delivery, potentially causing a serious lung condition.

Metabolic screening (newborn screening) — A public health program in which a few drops of blood from every newborn’s heel are tested for dozens of rare but serious inherited conditions. Early identification allows treatment to begin before symptoms appear, often preventing severe disability entirely.

Microbiology culture — A laboratory test in which a sample of blood, urine, or spinal fluid is placed in conditions that allow bacteria or fungi to grow over 24–72 hours. It identifies the specific organism causing an infection and which antibiotics will work against it.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — An imaging technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce highly detailed pictures of soft tissues, especially the brain, without radiation. It is the best available tool for evaluating brain injury in newborns and predicting long-term neurological outcomes.

N

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) — A serious intestinal disease that primarily affects premature babies, in which portions of the bowel become inflamed and can die. It is one of the most feared complications of prematurity and may require surgery to remove affected intestine; breast milk feeding appears to reduce the risk.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) — A specialized hospital unit dedicated to the care of premature, critically ill, and medically fragile newborns, staffed by teams with advanced training in newborn medicine. It is equipped with the technology needed to support babies whose organ systems are too immature or too sick to function independently.

Neonatologist — A physician who has completed medical school, a pediatric residency, and a specialized fellowship in the care of newborn infants — particularly premature and critically ill babies. Neonatologists lead the medical team in the NICU.

Neonatology — The medical specialty focused on the care of newborn infants, particularly those who are premature, ill, or have complex medical needs. The word combines Greek roots meaning “new,” “birth,” and “science of.”

Newborn screening — See Metabolic screening.

NNP – See Nurse practitioner (neonatal).

Non-nutritive sucking — The use of a pacifier — without food delivery — to comfort a newborn and reduce the perception of pain during procedures. It also helps premature babies develop and strengthen the oral motor skills needed for eventual breast or bottle feeding.

Nurse practitioner (neonatal) (NNP) — An advanced-practice registered nurse with specialized training in neonatal care who can diagnose conditions, order tests, and manage treatment in the NICU within a defined scope of practice, working alongside and under the supervision of neonatologists. NNPs play an essential role in many NICUs.

O

Occupational therapist (neonatal) — A therapist who works with NICU babies on feeding skills, sensory development, and movement, and helps parents learn how to interact with their baby in ways that support brain and behavioral development.

Oxygen saturation — The percentage of hemoglobin in the blood that is carrying oxygen, measured non-invasively by a pulse oximeter. It is one of the most continuously watched values in the NICU; both too little and too much oxygen are harmful to premature babies.

P

Parenteral nutrition (TPN) — Complete nutrition — including sugar, protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals — delivered directly into the bloodstream through a central IV line, bypassing the digestive system. It is essential for premature infants who are too immature to absorb adequate nutrition through the gut.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) — A condition in which the ductus arteriosus (a blood vessel that connects two major arteries and normally closes after birth) remains open in a premature baby. This causes abnormal circulation that can worsen lung disease and other problems, and may be treated with medication or surgery.

Perinatal — Relating to the period around the time of birth, generally defined as the weeks immediately before and after delivery. Perinatal medicine encompasses the care of both the mother and newborn during this transition.

Perinatologist — A physician (also called a maternal-fetal medicine specialist) who specializes in the care of high-risk pregnancies and the health of the fetus before birth. Perinatologists often work closely with neonatologists when a complicated delivery is anticipated.

Phototherapy — Treatment for jaundice in which special blue-green wavelength lights are shone on the baby’s skin to convert bilirubin into a water-soluble form the body can excrete without liver processing. It is one of the most common treatments in newborn care.

Physical therapist (neonatal) — A therapist who helps NICU babies with positioning, muscle tone, movement, and early developmental exercises, and teaches parents how to handle and position their baby safely and beneficially.

PICC line — A “peripherally inserted central catheter” — a very fine, flexible tube threaded from a surface vein in the arm or leg all the way into a large vein near the heart. It allows safe delivery of concentrated nutrition and medications over an extended period without the need for repeated needle sticks.

Placenta — The organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy to supply the fetus with oxygen and nutrients from the mother’s blood and remove waste products. It is delivered after the baby and is sometimes examined for signs of infection or other problems.

Platelets — Tiny blood elements responsible for initiating clotting when a blood vessel is damaged. Premature babies frequently have low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) that may require a transfusion if the risk of spontaneous bleeding — especially into the brain — becomes significant.

Pneumothorax — A condition in which air escapes from the lung into the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to partially or fully collapse. It is an emergency requiring immediate treatment, usually by placing a needle or tube to drain the escaped air.

Premature infant (preemie) — A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. The earlier the birth, the more immature the baby’s organ systems and the greater the medical challenges. Babies born before 28 weeks are described as extremely premature.

Pulse oximeter — A small sensor wrapped around a hand or foot that shines light through the skin to measure the oxygen saturation of the blood without any needle sticks. It provides a continuous, real-time readout and is one of the most important monitoring tools in the NICU.

R

Radiant warmer — An open, flat bed with an overhead heat lamp that keeps a newborn warm while leaving the baby fully accessible for procedures and hands-on care. It is preferred over an incubator in the first hours of life when frequent access is needed, and is a standard piece of equipment in every delivery room.

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) — A breathing disorder of premature babies caused by insufficient surfactant in the lungs, making the air sacs collapse with each breath and requiring tremendous effort to re-inflate. It is treated with supplemental oxygen, CPAP or ventilation, and surfactant replacement therapy.

Respiratory therapist (neonatal) — A specialist trained in the management of breathing equipment, including ventilators, CPAP systems, and oxygen delivery, who works at the NICU bedside adjusting respiratory support based on the baby’s needs.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) — An eye condition that can develop in premature babies in which abnormal blood vessels grow in the retina, sometimes causing scarring and potentially vision loss or blindness. Regular eye exams by an ophthalmologist are performed for at-risk babies, and treatment is available for severe cases.

S

Sepsis — A serious, potentially life-threatening infection that has spread into the bloodstream and throughout the body. Premature babies are especially vulnerable because of their immature immune systems, and sepsis is treated aggressively with antibiotics and supportive care.

Servo-control — An automatic feedback system in an incubator or radiant warmer that continuously adjusts the heat output based on a sensor reading the baby’s actual skin temperature. It prevents dangerous swings between overheating and chilling without requiring manual adjustments.

Skin-to-skin care — See Kangaroo care.

Social worker (neonatal) — A professional who supports NICU families with emotional counseling, discharge planning, connecting families to community resources, and navigating the practical challenges of having a baby in the NICU.

Surfactant — A natural mixture of fats and proteins produced in the lungs that coats the inner surfaces of the air sacs and prevents them from collapsing with each breath out. Premature babies produce too little surfactant, causing respiratory distress syndrome; artificial surfactant given through the breathing tube (endotracheal tube) can dramatically improve lung function within hours.

T

Term infant — A baby born between 37 and 42 weeks of pregnancy. Term babies generally have fully developed organ systems and are less likely to need intensive care, though they may still be admitted to the NICU for various conditions.

Thermoregulation — The body’s ability to maintain a stable internal temperature regardless of the environment. Premature babies have very poor thermoregulation because of their large surface area, lack of insulating body fat, and immature nervous systems, making warmth from incubators or radiant warmers essential.

Thrombocytopenia — An abnormally low platelet count in the blood, which increases the risk of bleeding. It is common in sick and premature newborns and is monitored closely; treatment with a platelet transfusion is given when levels fall to a threshold associated with significant bleeding risk.

Total parenteral nutrition (TPN) — See Parenteral nutrition.

Transport incubator — A self-contained, battery-powered unit that functions as a miniature portable NICU, used to safely transfer a critically ill or premature newborn from one hospital to another. It includes warming, monitoring, ventilation capability, and IV access so intensive care is uninterrupted during transit.

Trisomy 21. See Down Syndrome.

Trophic feeds — Very small amounts of breast milk or formula given through a feeding tube — not enough to meet nutritional needs — that serve mainly to stimulate the gut and help it mature. Also called “gut priming,” trophic feeds help the intestines develop the capacity to absorb larger volumes of nutrition over time.

U

Ultrasound (cranial) — An imaging technique that uses harmless sound waves to create real-time pictures of the baby’s brain through the soft spot (fontanelle) on top of the head. It is routinely used to screen premature babies for bleeding in or around the brain, which is a common complication of very early birth.

Umbilical catheter — A thin, flexible tube placed through one of the blood vessels in the umbilical cord stump in the first days after birth. Umbilical vein catheters deliver fluids and medications; umbilical artery catheters allow continuous blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling.

V

Vasopressor — A medication that raises blood pressure by strengthening heart contractions and/or narrowing blood vessels. Dopamine, dobutamine, and epinephrine are the most commonly used vasopressors in the NICU for babies with dangerously low blood pressure.

Ventilator (mechanical) — A machine that breathes for a baby — or assists the baby’s own breathing — by delivering precisely controlled breaths through a tube in the windpipe. Modern neonatal ventilators can synchronize with the baby’s own efforts and deliver the tiny breath volumes appropriate for premature lungs.

Very low birth weight (VLBW) — A birth weight of less than 1,500 grams (about 3 pounds 5 ounces). Babies in this category face significantly higher risks of complications compared to larger newborns, including respiratory distress, infection, brain hemorrhage, and feeding difficulties.

Vitamin K — A vitamin essential for normal blood clotting that newborns have in short supply at birth. A small injection of vitamin K is given to all newborns shortly after delivery to prevent a rare but serious bleeding disorder called hemorrhagic disease of the newborn.

X

X-ray (neonatal) — A standard imaging test performed frequently in the NICU to evaluate the lungs, check the position of tubes and catheters, and look for intestinal problems. Portable X-ray machines allow the image to be taken at the baby’s bedside without moving the infant.

© neonatology.net — This glossary is intended for educational purposes and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of your baby’s medical team.

Last Updated on 04/06/26