Preparing for Pregnancy See All Planning Ahead See All Difficulty Getting Pregnant See All Now that You're Pregnant See All  Folic Acid for a Healthy Baby in Preparing for Pregnancy Getting enough folic acid can reduce the risk for neural tube defects (NTDs) and may also reduce the risk for other serious birth defects of the brain and spinal cord. ...more

Birth Defects and Genetic Disorders See All  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.

The NICU 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  The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in The NICU NICUs provide specialized care for the tiniest patients.

Blood Disorders See All  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  Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding (VKDB) in a Newborn Baby in Blood Disorders Vitamin K deficiency bleeding is a problem that occurs in some newborns.

Heart Disorders See All  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.

Blood Sugar Disorders See All  Hypoglycemia in a Newborn Baby in 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

Brain Disorders See All  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

Digestive Disorders See All  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

Babies, Drugs, and Alcohol See All  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

Vision and Hearing Disorders See All  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.