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Cerebral Palsy in Children What is cerebral palsy in children? Cerebral palsy (CP) is a brain (neurological) disorder that causes problems with normal motor function. It's a lifelong condition that affects how the brain and muscles communicate. CP affects body movement, muscle

Prematurity What is prematurity? A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy is considered premature or born too early. Other terms used for prematurity are preterm and the nicknames "preemie" or "premie." About 1 in every 10 infants are born prematurely. Twins and other multiples

Aortic Stenosis in Children What is aortic stenosis in children? Aortic stenosis means that your child has a heart valve that is too narrow or is blocked. The aortic valve is one of four heart valves that keep blood flowing through the heart. The valves make sure blood flows in

Gestational Diabetes What is gestational diabetes? Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that happens during pregnancy. Unlike type 1 diabetes, gestational diabetes is not caused by having too little insulin. Instead, hormones made by your placenta keep your body from using

Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) What is tetralogy of Fallot? Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is a set of four congenital heart defects that happen together. Tetralogy refers to the number 4. Congenital means that a baby is born with them. The set of four defects are: Narrowing (stenosis) of

Anemia in Children What is anemia in children? Anemia is a common problem in children. About 20% of children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with anemia at some point. A child who has anemia doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a type of protein that

High Blood Pressure in Children and Teens What is high blood pressure in children? Blood pressure is the force of the blood pushing against the artery walls. Two numbers are recorded when measuring blood pressure: Systolic pressure. This is the higher number. It refers to the

Tracheoesophageal Fistula and Esophageal Atresia What are tracheoesophageal fistula and esophageal atresia? Tracheoesophageal fistula Tracheoesophageal fistula is a connection between the esophagus and the trachea. The esophagus is the tube that connects the throat to the stomach

Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn What is necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn? Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious, life-threatening illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the mucus lining of the intestines gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in Premature Babies What is bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature babies? Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is the general term for long-term breathing problems in premature babies. It is also called bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)chronic lung