Common terms - H
Head scans
Babies who are born prematurely have brains, which are delicate and easily
damaged. For this reason, all babies born before 33 weeks gestation will have
an ultrasound scan of their head before they go home to check that everything
is normal. Babies who are born before 29 weeks gestation will have a head scan
1day, 7days, 28 days after birth and when they reach 36 weeks corrected age.
Other babies may require a head scan if the doctor feels it is necessary. In
these cases doctors will discuss the reasons for the head scan and keep parents
fully informed.
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Head scans are performed by the doctors on the unit
whenever they are needed. They are also done by specialist doctors (radiologists), usually on Tuesday and
Thursday afternoons on the unit. First some jelly like cream is placed onto the
fontanelle (the soft spot on the baby's head) and then a rounded probe is placed
on the skin and the inside of the head can be seen. If your baby needs a head
scan he can remain in his cot. The scan is painless and will take around 5 - 10
minutes.
Heart murmur
This is an extra swishing sound, which can be heard when listening to a
baby's heart with a stethoscope. It is common to hear murmurs in premature or
sick babies and often they will disappear on their own. If the doctor is
concerned he will perform an ultrasound scan of the baby's heart and may ask
for advice from a specialist heart doctor (cardiologist).
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Hernia
This is when an internal organ bulges through the wall which should contain
it. For example an umbilical hernia occurs when part of a baby's intestine
bulges through the hole where the cord was attached when he was born. Most
hernias will, eventually disappear on their own. However some may need to be
repaired: this involves making an incision, pushing the bulging gut back and
inserting some stitches into the weakened area so that the hernia does not
recur (happen again).
Hind milk
The milk, which is produced during the latter part of a breastfeed. It is
higher in fat and calories than the milk at the beginning of a feed (foremilk).
High frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV)
This is another type of ventilation where tiny breaths are given very fast
(around 600 per minute) and the baby's chest appears to 'wiggle'.
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Humidity
Babies born before 30 weeks gestation have thin, delicate skin through which
they can loose a lot of heat and moisture. Extra moisture (humidity) added to
the air inside the incubator will help to minimise this. This added humidity can make the
incubator look 'steamed up'. After a week we will gradually reduce the humidity as the baby's skin matures.
Hypoxia
A lack of oxygen to the tissues.
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