NICU Terms
The NICU can feel overwhelming for families, especially when faced with unfamiliar medical terms and procedures. Understanding the language used by your baby’s care team can help you feel more informed, empowered, and involved in your baby’s care. This list of common NICU terms provides simple explanations for words you may hear from doctors and nurses, helping to reduce confusion and ease some of the stress of this journey. While the medical team is always available to answer questions, having a basic understanding of these terms can help you better advocate for your baby and navigate their NICU stay with more confidence.
Apnea
A temporary pause in breathing that lasts more than 20 seconds, common in premature babies.
Bilirubin
A yellow substance in the blood; high levels can cause jaundice, a common condition in newborns.
Bradycardia (Brady)
A slower-than-normal heart rate, often seen in premature infants.
CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure)
A machine that helps keep a baby's lungs open by delivering gentle air pressure through a mask or nasal prongs.
Desaturation (Desat)
A drop in the oxygen level in the baby’s blood, often monitored closely in the NICU.
Gavage Feeding
A method of feeding where milk or formula is delivered through a small tube placed in the baby’s nose or mouth and into the stomach.
Gestational Age
The number of weeks a baby has been in the womb, measured from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period.
Hyperbilirubinemia
A condition in which there is too much bilirubin in the blood, leading to jaundice.
Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar levels, which can be dangerous if untreated.
Hypothermia
A condition where the baby’s body temperature is too low, requiring warmth from an incubator or warmer.
Incubator or Isolette
A temperature-controlled bed that helps keep a baby warm and protected in the NICU.
Intubation
The process of inserting a breathing tube into the baby’s airway to help with breathing.
IV (Intravenous) Line
A thin tube inserted into a baby’s vein to deliver fluids, medication, or nutrition.
Jaundice
A common condition in newborns caused by high bilirubin levels, leading to yellowing of the skin and eyes.
Kangaroo Care
Skin-to-skin contact between a parent and their baby, which helps with bonding and stabilizing the baby's vital signs.
Meconium
A newborn’s first stool, which is thick, sticky, and dark green.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
A serious condition where portions of the intestine become inflamed and may be damaged.
NIPPV (Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation)
A type of breathing support that delivers small bursts of air to help babies breathe.
NPO (Nil Per Os)
A medical term meaning that a baby is not allowed to have anything by mouth.
Oxygen Hood
A clear plastic hood placed over a baby’s head to provide extra oxygen.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
A heart condition where a vessel that should close after birth remains open, sometimes requiring treatment.
Phototherapy
Light treatment used to help break down excess bilirubin in babies with jaundice.
PICC Line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)
A long, thin tube placed in a vein to deliver nutrients, fluids, or medications over a long period.
Premature (Preemie)
A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Pulse Oximeter
A device that measures oxygen levels in the blood using a small sensor attached to the baby’s skin.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
A condition in premature babies where the lungs are underdeveloped and struggle to expand properly.
Sepsis
A serious infection in the blood that can be life-threatening for newborns.
Surfactant
A substance given to premature babies to help keep their lungs open and make breathing easier.
Umbilical Catheter
A tube placed in the umbilical cord to give medications, fluids, or take blood samples without repeated needle sticks.