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Hydrops Fetalis What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem. There are two types: immune and nonimmune. What causes hydrops fetalis? There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The type that

Hyperbilirubinemia in the Newborn What is hyperbilirubinemia in a newborn? Hyperbilirubinemia happens when there is too much bilirubin in your baby’s blood. Bilirubin is made by the breakdown of red blood cells. It’s hard for babies to get rid of bilirubin at first. It can build

Meconium Aspiration What is meconium aspiration? Meconium aspiration is when a newborn breathes in a mixture of meconium and amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is the liquid that surrounds the baby in the womb. Meconium is the baby's first stool, or poop. It is sticky, thick, and

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome What is neonatal abstinence syndrome? Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a set of signs and symptoms that may occur after babies are exposed to medicines or other substances in the uterus before birth. Babies can then experience withdrawal after

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 large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and kills

Microcephaly in Children What is microcephaly in children? Microcephaly is a condition where a baby's head is much smaller than normal. It is most often present at birth (congenital). Most children with microcephaly also have a small brain and an intellectual disability. Some