Page 81 - What to Expect

Glossary

H
Head circumference: Measurement of the maximum distance around the
baby’s head.

Head scan: See Ultrasound.
Hernia: (1) Umbilical - At the naval or umbilicus, a lump under the skin
caused by a part of the intestine that protrudes through a fragile area in
the abdominal wall. (2) Inguinal - A lump under the skin in the groin area
caused by a part of the intestine protruding through a fragile part of the
abdominal wall.
Heredity: Characteristics transmitted from one generation to another in
genes on the chromosomes.
Haemoglobin (HB): The colouring of red blood cells, carrying oxygen from
the lungs to body tissues.
Haemorrhage: A medical term to describe bleeding, either inside or
outside the body.
Heel prick: A small prick in the baby’s heel, made so that a blood sample
can be obtained for testing, usually for blood gases or blood glucose levels.
Hind milk: Breast milk of a much higher fat content that follows the let-
down reflex once baby has been suckling for a few moments.
Hypoglycemia: The condition of having a low level of sugar in the blood.

I
Incubator: Special enclosed bed for a newborn in which temperature,
oxygen, and humidity can be controlled.
Infection: The invasion of a person’s body either internally or externally
and the rapid multiplying growth of micro-organisms, in other words bugs.
A bacterial infection is usually fought with an antibiotic. Viral infections
cannot be treated with an antibiotic.
Intravenous (IV): The administration of fluids, or drugs through a hollow
needle inserted into a vein.

Intubation: The passing of a small plastic tube through the mouth into the
baby’s trachea as part of the ventilation process.

79