Glossary
It's hard enough trying to adjust to being a new parent without being confronted by the language and acronyms that you'll come across whilst you're in hospital with your prem. Central Coast Prems has compiled a list of commonly used terms and their definitions. Giving a copy of this list can also help your family and friends to understand a little more of what is going on with you and your prem baby. If there are any terms that you think we've missed or would like to find out about please click here to contact us.
Acronyms and Definitions
- ARM - Artificial Rupture of Membranes - method of inducing labour when the membranes are ruptured artificially with a thin hook.
- Bradycardia - slowed heart rate.
- BPD - Bronchopulmonary dysplasia - damage to the lungs common with babies who have been on mechanical ventilation for an extended period of time.
- CHN - Child Health Nurse
- CLD - Chronic Lung Disease - see Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
- CPAP - Continuous Positive Air Pressure
- GD - Gestational Diabetes
- HELLP Syndrome - Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzyme levels and Low Platelet count
- HFO - high frequency oscillator
- HG - Hyperemesis Gravidarum - excessive vomiting during pregnancy often resulting in loss of body weight, dehydration and nutritional deficiency.
- IUGR - IntraUterine Growth Restriction
- Jaundice - characterised by yellow skin - common in premature babies whose livers are not developed enough to process excess bilirubin.
- NEC - Necrotizing EnteroColitis
- NICU - Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
- PDA - Patent Ductus Arteriosus
- PE - Pre Eclampsia
- PPH - Post Partum Haemorrhage
- PROM - Premature Rupture Of Membranes (after 37 wks)
- PPROM - Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes (before 37 wks)
- PTL - PreTerm Labor
- ROP - Retinopathy Of Prematurity
- SCN - Special Care Nursery
- SGA - Smaller than Gestation Age
- TPN - Total Parenteral Nutrition