Pregnancy

When Baby Needs Special Care See All The NICU See All Problems and Conditions See All Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders See All  Newborn Warning Signs in The NICU Most newborns adjust well to the outside world. But it's helpful to know about these warning signs that could indicate a possible problem. ...more  When a Baby Has Difficulty After Birth in The NICU Some babies may have difficulty at birth. These include babies who are born prematurely, have a difficult delivery, or have birth defects. Here's what you need to know. ...more  Prematurity in Weight and Growth Problems A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. The number of premature births in the U.S. is rising. Twins and other multiples are more likely to be premature than single birth babies. ...more  Very Low Birth Weight in Weight and Growth Problems Very low birth weight is a term used to describe babies who are born weighing less than 3 pounds, 4 ounces. It is very rare that babies are born this tiny. Only about 1 in 100 babies born in the U.S. are very low birth weight. ...more  Sex During Pregnancy in Respiratory Disorders In most cases, sex during pregnancy is safe. In fact, with your healthcare provider's approval, sexual relations can continue until delivery. ...more  Chronic Lung Disease in Premature Babies in Respiratory Disorders Chronic lung disease is the general term for long-term breathing problems in premature babies. It’s also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Here's what you need ot know about this condition. ...more  Blood Types in Pregnancy in Blood Disorders A baby may have the blood type and Rh factor of either parent, or a combination of both parents. ...more  Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN) in Blood Disorders Hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a blood problem in newborns. It occurs when your baby's red blood cells break down at a fast rate.  It’s also called erythroblastosis fetalis. ...more  Blood Circulation in the Fetus and Newborn in Heart Disorders During pregnancy, the fetal lungs are not used for breathing - the placenta does the work of exchanging oxygen and carbon dioxide through the mother's circulation. With the first breaths of air the baby takes at birth, the fetal circulation changes. ...more  Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) in Heart Disorders Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a heart defect found in the days or weeks after birth. Read on to learn about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. ...more  Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in Newborns in Fever and Infections CMV (cytomegalovirus) is a herpes virus. It is very common. It affects people of all ages and in all parts of the U.S. In most cases CMV causes mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all. But it can cause serious problems in an unborn baby or newborn. ...more  Group B Streptococcus Infection in Babies in Fever and Infections Group B streptococcus (strep) is a type of bacteria. It can be found in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and genital area of adults. About 1 in 4 pregnant women carry GBS in their rectum or vagina. During pregnancy, the mother can pass the infection to the baby. The fetus can get GBS during pregnancy. Newborns can get it from the mother's genital tract during delivery. ...more  Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) in Other Conditions Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexplained death of a baby younger than 1 year old. SIDS is sometimes called crib death because the death may happen when a baby is sleeping in a crib. It’s one of the leading causes of death in babies from ages 1 month to 1 year. Read on to learn more. ...more  Birth Injuries in Other Conditions Some babies have a more difficult trip through the birth canal than others, resulting in physical injuries. These injuries usually are not serious and clear up or improve within a few days or weeks after the birth. ...more  Hypoglycemia in a Newborn Baby in Blood Disorders, Blood Sugar Disorders Hypoglycemia is when the level of sugar (glucose) in the blood is too low. Glucose is the main source of fuel for the brain and the body. In a newborn baby, low blood sugar can happen for many reasons. It can cause problems such as shakiness, blue color to the skin, and breathing and feeding problems. Read on to learn more. ...more  Diabetes During Pregnancy: Risks to the Baby in Blood Sugar Disorders When a mother has diabetes, her baby is at risk for problems. Read on to learn more....more  Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn in Digestive Disorders Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and sometimes kills the tissue in your baby’s colon. ...more  Gastroesophageal Reflux in Children in Digestive Disorders Gastroesophageal reflux is a digestive disorder. With this condition, acidic stomach juices, food, and fluids flow back up into your child’s esophagus. Read on to learn about causes, symptoms, and treatment. ...more  Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome in Babies, Drugs, and Alcohol Neonatal abstinence syndrome is what happens when babies are exposed to drugs in the uterus before birth. Babies can then go through drug withdrawal after birth. ...more  Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in Babies, Drugs, and Alcohol A baby born to a mother who drinks alcohol during pregnancy can have many problems. This is called fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). ...more  Retinopathy of Prematurity in Vision and Hearing Disorders Retinopathy of prematurity is an eye problem that happens to premature babies. The retina lines the back of the eye. It receives light as it comes through the pupil. From there, the optic nerve sends signals to the brain. Retinopathy of prematurity is a problem of the blood vessels of the retina. ...more  Hearing Loss in Babies in Vision and Hearing Disorders Hearing loss in babies is rare in this country. But when it does happen, it's important to diagnose it early. Undetected hearing loss can delay speech and language development. ...more  Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Babies in Brain Disorders Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding inside or around the ventricles in the brain. The ventricles are the spaces in the brain that contain the cerebral spinal fluid. ...more  Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL) in Children in Brain Disorders Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a softening of white brain tissue near the ventricles. The ventricles are fluid-filled chambers in the brain. ...more  Anorectal Malformation in Children in Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders Anorectal malformations are birth defects, or problems that happen as an unborn baby is developing during pregnancy. With this defect, the anus and rectum don’t develop properly. They are the lower part of the digestive tract. ...more  Birth Defects in Children in Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders A birth defect is a health problem or abnormal physical change that is present when a baby is born. Birth defects can be very mild, where the baby looks and acts like any other baby. Or birth defects can be more severe. Read on to learn more. ...more