A branch of pediatrics specializing in the medical care of newborns, especially those born prematurely or with health complications.

Neonatologist:

A medical doctor specializing in the field of neonatology, providing comprehensive care for newborns.

Preterm Birth:

Birth occurring before 37 weeks of gestation, a key focus in neonatology due to potential health risks for premature infants.

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU):

Specialized medical facility providing intensive care for newborns, particularly those requiring advanced medical attention.

Apnea of Prematurity:

Temporary pauses in breathing often seen in premature infants, a common concern addressed by neonatologists.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS):

Breathing difficulties in newborns, especially preterm infants, due to underdeveloped lungs.

Surfactant:

A substance that prevents the collapse of air sacs in the lungs, often administered to premature infants to improve breathing.

Neonatal Jaundice:

Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by elevated bilirubin levels, a common condition monitored by neonatologists.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH):

Bleeding into the brain’s ventricular system, a complication seen in some premature infants monitored by neonatologists.

Neonatal Sepsis:

Systemic infection in newborns, often stemming from bacteria, and requiring prompt intervention by neonatologists.

Perinatology:

The combined field of obstetrics and neonatology, focusing on the health of both mother and newborn during pregnancy, delivery, and the postnatal period.

Gavage Feeding:

Feeding method where a tube is passed through the nose or mouth to deliver nutrients directly to the stomach, commonly used in neonatology.