Page 83 - What to Expect

Glossary

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): MRI is a painless test used to view
the inside of the body without using x-rays. It uses a large magnet, safe low
energy radio waves and a computer, to produce two or three-dimensional
pictures.

Mucus: Slimy substance found in the nose and windpipe.
Multiple: One or more, usually referring to the number of babies born at
the same time to the one mother.
Murmur: Sound of turbulent blood flow in heart or blood vessel.
N

NAD: No abnormalities detected. Often seen in babies notes after tests.
Nasogastric tube: A very thin flexible tube that can be passed through a
nostril or by the mouth to the stomach via the throat. Babies can be either
tube-fed or have the contents of their stomach checked by aspirating.

Neonatal: Newborn, describing the first 28 days of life (although many
babies are in the Unit for longer than 28 days).
NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis): An inflammation of the gut wall and
lining that affects some premature babies.
Neonatologist: A doctor who is specially trained in the care of sick and
premature newborns.
NG Tube (nasogastric tube): Used for feeding babies too young to feed
by sucking milk from the breast or a bottle.
O

O/G tube: A tube passed through the mouth, via the oesophagus into the
baby’s stomach for feeding or suction purposes.

Open incubator: An incubator that is an open bed with an overhead
warmer (heater) to keep baby’s body temperature constant.

Oxygen: A gas that makes up about 21% of the air we breathe. Some
babies who have breathing difficulties may need more oxygen than that
supplied in the air. It is measured in percentages and in litres per minute.

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